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I'm pope's childhood sweetheart, woman claims
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina An Argentine woman who grew up as the neighbor of the future Pope Francis says she was very briefly the object of his affections when they were just 12 years old.
Amalia Damonte is now 76, just like the pope, and she still lives in a house just four doors down from where Jorge Mario Bergoglio grew up in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
And she says it was clear from the start that he was thinking about dedicating his life to God.}
Damonte especially remembers a handwritten letter he left for her, because it got her into a lot of trouble at the time.
"I remember perfectly that he had drawn me a little white house, which had a red roof, and it said "this is what I'll buy when we marry."
She said he also told her "If I don't marry you, I'm going to be a priest."
"These were childish things, nothing more," she said.
But her parents were furious -- her father spanked her, and her mother confronted her.
"My mom broke it off. Good Lord. She came to get me at the school and she said 'So, you're getting letters from a boy?!' "
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"My parents pulled me away completely. From that point on they did everything possible to separate us," she said. "What I wanted is for him to disappear from the map!"
They did talk one more time however, she said. "I told him, please, don't approach me again, get as far away as possible, because if you get close to my father, he'll kill you!"}
In the end, she said, "it was nothing important because we couldn't have much with the parents we had."
The Bergoglio family moved away from Membrillar Street decades ago. Damonte said she moved away as well, married and raised a family, and only returned to her parents' home years later. She followed her former neighbor's rise through the church, naturally, but never tried to speak with him again.}
"I think he's really very down-to-earth, and that's how I am, too. I'm very humble. You all will notice. I'm always the same. Perhaps in that sense we might be soulmates. Because we're very humble, we love the poor. The trouble is that today there's no love for the poor. People love fancy clothes and nothing more," she said, tugging at her collar.
Argentine papers and television have been calling Damonte the "Pope's Girlfriend," and wondering whether she'll try to see him again. She says that's ridiculous.
"He's in a very high position, and I'm still very humble," she said. "I'm the past. A past that's lovely, clean, humble. They say that you never escape your origins."


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Are you creatively satisfied? Is it even possible to feel creativity satisfied, or is creative satisfaction an unattainable myth? Is it perfectly normal to sometimes feel it, and sometimes not? Like feeling happy or content or sad or thrilled?
What about hard work and putting in time and effort? Does feeling unsatisfied creatively drive you to work harder and become better? Is it actually a healthy driving force and motivation to improve? Or is it even possible to feel pure joy in the midst of fierce competition? Can we be both ambitious and happy? Or does ambition with its constant hunger for more put a damper on our ability to feel satisfied?
Or as Kevin Richardson writes, "many of us feel this way [unsatisfied] due to a constant comparison to others. ... It's this daunting feeling that pushes us to measure ourselves against our peers and covet their talents and project opportunities. Surely nothing good can come from that."
The internet provides us with lots of ways to connect, to gather inspiration, to participate in creative communities, but it also gives us the tools for round-the-clock comparison. Our lives becomes more global, but at the same time, more people are being inspired by the same things and sharing the same dreams. The world both opens up to possibilities and narrows down into sameness.
What is creative satisfaction anyway? Is it when we achieve? When we feel we do our best work? When we sell our work or creative services? Does it happen when we allow ourselves to get lost in flow? Is it a state of bliss and spontaneity? Or a feeling of accomplishment? A pay cheque? When do you feel creatively satisfied?

subset: commoncrawl


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BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- Sophomore quarterback Jimmy Lahue connected on a 44-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Will McLaughlin with seven seconds remaining in the first half to cap a frantic final two and a half minutes before the intermission and give the Moravian College football team a 21-7 victory over McDaniel College in the 2012 Centennial Conference opener for both schools at Rocco Calvo Field Saturday.
Moravian received the opening kickoff but would punt after three plays. The Green Terror started from their own 38-yard line. Junior running back Joe Rollins carried the ball on four of the first five plays for McDaniel; however, he was ejected from the game after a personal foul on the fifth play. The Green Terror continued the drive and had a third-and-goal at the four yard line when sophomore quarterback Nick Valori was intercepted in the end zone by Greyhounds' sophomore linebacker Kevin Bracken. Bracken would return the ball seven yards to set up Moravian's second drive of the game.
The Greyhounds, now 1-1 overall and 1-0 in conference action, would cap that 93-yard drive and take a 7-0 lead with 6:28 left in the first quarter when senior running back Joe Tegan went through the middle on a first-and-20 play and ran 76 yards down the far side line for a touchdown and Moravian's first points of the season. Senior Tyler Thompson added the extra point with 6:28 left in the first quarter.
After the teams traded punts, McDaniel would start on its own 12-yard line with 12:39 before halftime. The Green Terror put together an 18-play, 88-yard drive that included a fourth down conversion before senior Matt Emerson scored on an 18-yard run with 2:32 before the intermission. Junior Bill Castor would add the extra-point to knot the score at 7-7.
Junior tight end Chase Zimnik returned the ensuing kickoff to the Moravian 43-yard line where he was hit out-of-bounds and the penalty started the Moravian drive at the McDaniel 42-yard line. Lahue completed five straight passes to move the Greyhounds into the red zone before senior running back C.J. Billera scored on a seven-yard run to put the Greyhounds back in front. A bad snap on the extra-point attempt had freshman wide receiver/holder Jimmy McCarthy attempt a pass that was short, leaving the score at 13-7 with 1:06 until halftime.
Valori would throw his second of three interceptions on the first play of the Green Terror's next drive with Moravian senior linebacker Luke Trexler intercepting the pass at the McDaniel 46-yard line.
Lahue picked up nine yards on a rush on first down before being sacked on second down. Lahue then heaved a pass from near midfield to the near corner of the end zone where McLaughlin out-jumped the defense and pulled in his first career touchdown reception. Lahue then connected with McCarthy for a two-point conversion to push Moravian's advantage to 21-7 with just seven seconds before halftime.
McDaniel started the second half with the ball and moved from its own 10-yard line to near midfield before Valori was intercepted by Greyhounds junior defensive back Brandon Lesko at the Moravian 27-yard line.
The Greyhounds picked up a first down and moved to the McDaniel 48-yard line after four plays. At that point, lightning was detected within eight miles of the stadium and the game went into a delay that lasted one hour for lightning and heavy rain. After the delay, Moravian continued its drive and moved into the red zone before Tegan was stripped of the ball by senior defensive lineman Roger McGuinn at the McDaniel 12-yard line. Junior defensive lineman Pat Tighe covered the ball for the Green Terror.
After the teams traded punts again, McDaniel began a drive at its own 16-yard line. Three plays into the possession, sophomore quarterback Seth McFall had a pass intercepted by Moravian sophomore defensive back Rick Sinnig.
The Greyhounds would move from the McDaniel 34-yard line down to the 20 before Thompson came on to attempt a 37-yard field goal with 8:20 left in the fourth quarter. The attempt sailed wide left to keep the score 21-7 Moravian.
Each team would punt one more time before McDaniel turned the ball over on downs and Moravian took three knees to run out the clock.
The Greyhounds had 339 yards of offense on 64 plays including 161 yards in the first quarter, which was 15 more yards than Moravian had in its season opening game. Lahue led the offense going 14-for-22 for 178 yards and a touchdown while Tegan added 129 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Billera finished with 38 yards on nine attempts, and he caught two passes for 12 yards. McCarthy grabbed a game high five passes for 72 yards while sophomore Terry Rodriguez had two catches for 25 yards. Senior Albie Moran also had two receptions for eight yards while McLaughlin made his one catch count with the 44-yard touchdown.
Emerson led McDaniel with a career high 153 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries while junior running back Patrick Steele had 45 yards on eight attempts. Rollins had 15 yards on four carries before leaving the game. Valori completed seven-of-11 passes for 36 yards but was intercepted three times while McFall was four-for-nine for 28 yards and an interception. Senior tight end Shane Edmond and senior wide receiver Casey Briggs each had three receptions for the Green Terror with Edmond adding 26 yards and Briggs gaining 20 yards.
Senior defensive back Travis King led the Moravian defense with eight tackles while freshman linebacker Brendan Downey had seven tackles in his first collegiate start. Bracken was one of three Greyhounds with six tackles to go with his interception while sophomore defensive lineman Nick Melillo and junior defensive lineman Fran Corbett each had six stops. Freshman defensive lineman Ryan Pysher had one and a half sacks to lead the Greyhounds.
Junior linebacker Mike Cousar led the McDaniel defense with 14 tackles including a sack while McGuinn had nine stops with two for loss and a forced fumble. Senior defensive back Tim McLister had eight tackles for the Green Terror, and he added a pass breakup.
Moravian will make its first road trip of the season next Saturday when the Greyhounds travel to Baltimore to battle Johns Hopkins University in a 2:00 p.m. Centennial Conference game at Homewood Field.


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Pepsi Enlists Kelly Clarkson, Kid Rock, Ice Cube, Wal-Mart To Fast-Track NFL Alliance
By Barry Janoff
August 14, 2012: Pepsi, which recently took title sponsorship of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, is turning up the volume in its alliance with the NFL.
The beverage giant today unveiled "Pepsi NFL Anthems," a national campaign that will feature musical artists and NFL teams and players. The program is anchored by four original "anthems" created, respectively, by Kid Rock, Kelly Clarkson, Ice Cube and Travie McCoy. In addition there will be a remixed version of Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow," which was released last season.
According to Pepsi, the anthems were "inspired by the artists' passion for their cities and hometown NFL teams." Each of the songs will be available for free download as they are released at a dedicated Web site.
The activation, an extension of Pepsi's "Live for Now" campaign, comes with marketing support that includes online, social media, POP and a sweepstakes offering a trip to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans in February. The company is also working with Wal-Mart to bring Pepsi NFL Anthems to fans and consumers.
Among the players included in marketing are DeMarco Murray (Dallas Cowboys), Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions), Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders), Victor Cruz (New York Giants) and LaMarr Woodley (Pittsburgh Steelers).
"The synergy of music and sports has never been more prevalent, and the effect that music has on sports culture is never more present than in the NFL," Todd Kaplan, director of sports marketing for Pepsi, said in a statement. "The Pepsi NFL Anthems program will help bring the NFL's passionate fan base closer to their teams through an authentic musical experience – whether it's listening to the anthem on your way to the game, or hearing it blast throughout the stadium after a big play."
The first song released was from Kelly Clarkson, a Dallas Cowboys-themed anthem, "Get Up." Travie McCoy's New York Giants anthem, titled 'All In,' is being made available exclusively at retail stores, including Wal-Mart, via a redemption code on specially marked 24-packs of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and Pepsi MAX.
Upcoming team anthems include an Ice Cube song for the Oakland Raiders and a Kid Rock song for the Detroit Lions.
According to Clarkson, "Everyone knows that I am a huge Cowboys fan, and having the chance to be a part of the Pepsi NFL Anthems program and create a custom song for the team and city of Dallas overall was an honor."
McCoy let fans know about his participation with this message: "I just put out a track through Pepsi NFL Anthems for my homies, the Super Bowl champs the New York Giants!!! Check it out."
"Music and football are inextricably linked and Pepsi has consistently worked with us to integrate music into our fans' experience in unique and exciting ways."
PepsiCo recently enhanced its marketing alliance with the NFL by signing a four-year deal to become title sponsor of the Super Bowl Halftime Show (replacing Bridgestone). That includes Super Bowl XLVII this February at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Super Bowl XLVIII in February 2014 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Super Bowl XLIX in February 2015 at the University of Phoenix Stadium and the historic Super Bowl L in February 2016 at a site to be determined.
"Music and football are inextricably linked and Pepsi has consistently worked with us to integrate music into our fans' experience in unique and exciting ways," Keith Turner, the NFL's svp for sponsorship and media sales, said in a statement. "The Pepsi NFL Anthems program is a testament to that tradition, and we are pleased to be working together on this groundbreaking campaign."


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Astros break out early, stave off D-backs' rally
PHOENIX -- The Astros' first game in a National League ballpark since last July was full of National League-style baseball, featuring solid pitching and managerial moves that would make American League fans wonder if they were actually watching the same game they're accustomed to.
Despite the culture shock, the Astros pulled out a series-opening 4-3 win against the D-backs on Monday at Chase Field.View Full Game Coverage
PHOENIX -- The Astros' first game in a National League ballpark since last July was full of National League-style baseball, featuring solid pitching and managerial moves that would make American League fans wonder if they were actually watching the same game they're accustomed to.
Despite the culture shock, the Astros pulled out a series-opening 4-3 win against the D-backs on Monday at Chase Field.View Full Game Coverage
"I think [the team] did a great job," manager Bo Porter said. "We were kind of up against it with a short bullpen, so coming into that situation, as a staff, we kind of knew that once [starting pitcher Jarred Cosart] came out of the game, we were going to have to be creative."
That creativity may have saved the Astros' victory.
Relief pitcher Tony Sipp came in to start the seventh inning and didn't allow a hit, but in the eighth inning, he did something he had never done in any of his six years in the Major Leagues.
After he faced one batter -- D-backs right fielder Gerardo Parra -- to open the eighth, Porter took the ball from Sipp. But instead of heading to the clubhouse and taking a shower, Sipp headed out to right field, taking an outfielder's glove with him.
Sipp, who played some outfield in college, played right field for one batter while Jerome Williams walked D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Porter then went back out to the mound and brought Sipp back in to pitch.
"I've been out there before, but it's just been a long time since I've been out there," said Sipp, a former D-back. "I think I was more focused out there on that one out than the rest … [Goldschmidt] likes to go that way. I've seen him go that way plenty of times."
Sipp proceeded to come back into the game and, without missing a beat, struck out D-backs catcher Miguel Montero.
"Never lose focus," Sipp said. "It's one of those things I don't think you can prepare for."
Sipp, Williams and closer Chad Qualls secured the lead given to them by their offense early in the game.
The Astros scored four runs in the first two innings thanks to the strength of their top-of-the-order hitters.
Center fielder Dexter Fowler and second baseman Jose Altuve combined to go 4-for-4 in the first two innings, scoring three of the Astros' four runs on Monday. The only run they weren't a part of was when first baseman Jon Singleton scored on an error by D-backs second baseman Aaron Hill.
Altuve, who has hit safely in 22 of 24 games, went 3-for-5 and didn't only set the table -- he drove in Fowler with an RBI double in the second inning.
The Astros feasted off of D-backs starter Josh Collmenter (4-3) early in the game. Collmenter struggled to locate the ball, and the Astros' lineup took advantage, knocking five hits, drawing a walk and getting a hit by pitch in the first two innings.
But Collmenter settled down after the first two frames, putting zeroes on the scoreboard from the third inning through the seventh.
"He had a tough inning. They led off with a couple of hits on him," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said. "We made a mistake that extended the inning, gave them another run. Colly did a heck of a job, all things considered, with our bullpen the way it was. For him to give us seven innings and 100 pitches in that situation the way he started, that was excellent. He did his job."
Unlike Collmenter, Cosart started the game strong but struggled toward the end. Cosart (5-5) pitched three perfect innings to begin the game, but the D-backs began chipping away their second and third times through the order.
In the fourth, Goldschmidt doubled in a run and Montero singled him to third before Cosart forced an inning-ending double play. In the sixth, the D-backs added a pair of runs off of an error by Fowler on a single by Parra and another Montero single. Cosart, however, again worked out of the jam.
"[I am] more frustrated now for what happened late in the game," Cosart said.
"I just didn't execute pitches in the sixth, which led to the runs. But for the most part, early in the game, really, I had a fastball, curveball, had a changeup working, and I was able to hit my spots pretty well."
Adam Lichtenstein is an associate reporter for MLB.com.


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Frank Reiser
Service Engineer - Andor
Frank Reiser graduated in precision engineering from the University of Applied Sciences in Frankfurt. Following his graduation he was responsible for the distribution of optical and precision components and line spectrometers.
He has been a member of the LOT-Oriel, now LOT-QuantumDesign, service team since April 2009.
Seeking a distributor?
If you are looking to partner with an experienced sales and service company to distribute your systems or components please contact Jürgen Schlütter.


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|About CCHHH & PH
Crawford County Home Health, Hospice & Public Health meets the community's needs through providing public health, home health, hospice and homemaker services. Crawford County Home Health, Hospice & Public Health has been Medicare certified since May of 1974 and Hospice certified since May of 1999. Public Health services have been provided to the citizens of Crawford County since 1951. The agency is a non-profit organization serving under the direction of the Crawford County Board of Health and receives financial support from the Crawford County Board of Supervisors.
Crawford County Home Health, Hospice & Public Health believes in the human rights of each individual, the value of life and the goal of achieving the highest standard of health possible for each individual served. The agency believes that these services provided are an important part of the health care delivery system. It is also believed that a home environment in many cases can enhance and encourage individuals to strive for optimal health. To achieve this goal, coordination and planning must involve the physician, other service providers, and educating the client and/or family. Optimum quality care is important to meet the community health needs.
2015-2016 Annual Report (this is a very large file please allow time for the file to download)
Main ~ Public Health
Home Health ~ Hospice
Waiver Programs ~ F.A.Q.
~ Documents ~
Staff ~ Employment
~ Contact
Copyright © 2004 - 2019 Crawford County Home Health, Hospice & Public Health. All rights reserved.
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Our household savings expert, Jeanette Pavini, always says one of the best ways to significantly cut household spending is to skip lunches out and start brown bagging it.
This week, she hit the road with Sacramento's KOVR TV reporter Melissa Cabral to show viewers just how much can be saved by simply packing a lunch. Here are some examples:
- The average deli price of a turkey and cheese sandwich is $7.13. We took that same sandwich, used a multi-grain bread, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and mustard. Homemade, it cost $2.68. But when we applied store sales and clipped coupons, we got that price down to $1.93 per sandwich. That's a 73% savings from the deli.
- For tuna with cheese, we saved 78% and on a veggie sandwich with all the fixings, 81%.
- No sandwich is easier to make than a classic PB&J and it's also one of the cheapest to make at home. Peanut butter goes on sale like clockwork around back to school season, so might as well stock up for the whole year. If unopened and stored in a cool, dry area, it can last for about two years. After opening, expect a three-month shelf life.
Pro tip: One of the best things about this kid favorite is you can actually make a loaf's worth of PB&J sandwiches at a time, then bag and freeze them for the week. The trick to non-soggy sandwiches is to slather each slice with a thin layer of peanut butter and then add the jelly after.
Now you're probably thinking, I don't want to eat sandwiches every day. No worries, there are several other brown bag options.
- Salads: A trip to the salad bar can quickly add up, but you can get creative at home. To get the most nutritional bang for your back, pack your salads with low fat, protein-rich foods. Beans, roasted chicken and water-packed tuna are all great ways to bulk up your salad and keep you feeling full. Avoid filler foods that drive up the price of your salad but don't provide nutritional benefits.
Pro tip: Pouring dressing on top can create a soggy salad at lunch. Instead, add it first to the bottom of the container and when you're ready to eat, just shake it up.
- Wraps: Wraps are trendy, especially for people trying to cut back on their carbs. The trick is to choose a flavor profile, like Mediterranean—then load your wrap up with healthy stuff. Think hummus, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and roasted chicken. Or you could go Caribbean with mango, black beans, cilantro, roasted red peppers and mixed greens.
- Leftovers: Many foods simply taste better the next day. And even if you just eat leftovers once a week, you're saving a significant amount of time and money. Plus, there are ways you can give leftovers new life, like using last night's roasted chicken in today's salad and wraps or tossing leftover vegetables with a bag of microwaveable rice.
Pro tip: Have a back-up plan. Keep a few Lunchables type meals in the fridge (they make them for adults now). If you don't have time to pack a lunch, this gives you a quick grab-and-go option. The savings are still going to be significant compared to going to a deli or restaurant.


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| Evolving Strategies!
First broadcast
English themes
Japanese themes
Evolving Strategies! (Japanese: フルバトル!シンジVSサトシ!!-後編- Full Battle! Shinji VS Satoshi!! -Part 2-) is the 132nd episode of the Diamond & Pearl series, and the 598th episode of the Pokémon anime. It first aired in Japan on June 18, 2009 and in the United States on November 14, 2009.
|Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
The Lake Acuity showdown between Ash and Paul continues with a face-off between Pikachu and Magmortar! Pikachu lands the first attack, only to be burned by Magmortar's Flame Body Ability. The longer the battle lasts, the worse it will be for Pikachu. Ash soon switches Pikachu out for Buizel, but Paul switches in Ursaring before Buizel can use its type advantage against Magmortar. Even after Ursaring powers up with Bulk Up, Ash isn't worried; he's confident in Buizel's fighting ability and countershield technique. Ash changes his mind after seeing Ursaring in action, but Buizel wants to keep battling. Ash agrees, which is a mistake: Ursaring's next hit knocks Buizel out of the match!
Staraptor is up next for Ash but when it gets into close combat with Ursaring, Ursaring hammers it to the ground. Paul switches to Electabuzz so Ash sends in Chimchar, but it's another decoy move: Electabuzz sets up Light Screen to protect Paul's next Pokémon, Torterra. Thanks to Light Screen, Torterra has less to fear from Chimchar's Fire-type attacks, so Ash figures Gliscor should finish the job. Alas, Torterra simply uses Frenzy Plant to defeat Gliscor. Pikachu volunteers to battle next and this triggers another switch by Paul, who brings back Ursaring. Although Pikachu's Static Ability paralyzes Ursaring, it uses the Guts Ability to power through the paralysis and smash Pikachu into Lake Acuity. Now Ash only has Chimchar left!
Ash's Chimchar is eager to show its stuff. After its Flamethrower knocks out Ursaring, Chimchar is so psyched that it evolves into Monferno and picks up a new move: Mach Punch! Paul brings in Electabuzz, who has the defensive moves to keep Monferno's attacks at bay. Monferno burns with the will to win, but it all comes down to Monferno's Mach Punch versus Electabuzz's Thunder Punch. When the smoke clears, Monferno faints, so Paul wins the match. Ash is quietly devastated; what can he do now, after being crushed by his rival...?
Ash and Paul are still in the middle of their Full Battle, both sides down one Pokémon. Ash's Pikachu faces off against Paul's powerful Magmortar. Ash warns Pikachu not to let its guard down. Dawn, who is on the sidelines with Brock, Reggie and her Piplup (as well as Jessie, James and Meowth in disguise manning the scoreboard), looks up Magmortar in her Pokédex. Dawn wonders why Paul did not counter with a Ground-type Pokémon, but Brock suggests that it wouldn't have mattered because Ash could simply switch with Buizel at any time. Reggie adds that Paul is not only thinking about type, and as the battle continues they would find out why Magmortar's up.
Ash orders Pikachu to use Quick Attack, which successfully connects and knocks Magmortar backwards, but Magmortar quickly recovers. Worsening matters, once Pikachu lands, he is immediately hurt by fire that surrounds his body. Dawn wonders how Pikachu was hurt when Magmortar did not do a thing, and Brock explains that Magmortar has the Flame Body Ability, which has a chance of burning an opponent if it makes physical contact, as a result of Pikachu's Quick Attack. Paul smiles, and Ash asks Pikachu if he wants to continue, and Pikachu, desperate to help defeat Paul, agrees. Ash thanks Pikachu and commands a Thunderbolt, and Paul responds by ordering a Flamethrower. Magmortar fires Flamethrower from its massive bazooka-like arms and it connects with Thunderbolt, causing a massive explosion. Ash then has Pikachu use Volt Tackle, and Pikachu powers up and heads straight towards Magmortar. Paul commands Magmortar to use Rock Tomb, and Magmortar starts to fire purple energy which turns into rocks when they hit the ground. Pikachu, forced to run straight due to the Volt Tackle, smashes head-first into the rocks which causes Volt Tackle to fail and throws Pikachu back, where he continues to suffer from his burn. Paul then commands Magmortar to use Smog and Magmortar releasing a poisonous cloud which heads straight towards Pikachu. Ash commands Pikachu to use the Counter Shield technique which they developed for the Gym battle against Fantina, and Pikachu rolls on his back while releasing electricity, successfully countering the Smog, to which Paul is shocked and Team Rocket amazed. Reggie is impressed by the move and Brock explains that Ash developed it as a means to both attack and defend at the same time. Pikachu is then hurt by his burn again. Reggie knows that this is bad and that the longer that Pikachu carries on the greater the disadvantage for him. Paul orders Magmortar to use Flamethrower. Ash tells Pikachu to jump and use Iron Tail from above. Pikachu jumps out of the Flamethrower's path and successfully strikes Magmortar across the head with Iron Tail, but Magmortar takes the hit and Pikachu takes more burn damage. Ash then recalls Pikachu for some rest after battling so hard.
Ash decides to use type advantage against Magmortar and sends out Buizel who is ready to battle. Ash starts by ordering an Aqua Jet and Buizel speeds towards Magmortar and hits it directly on the chest, sending Magmortar reeling back, but despite the super-effective hit is still able to carry on. Ash then follows up with Water Pulse and Buizel sends a wave of water towards his opponent, however Paul orders another Rock Tomb, and Magmortar creates a shield of rocks which protects itself from the Water Pulse. However, Ash knows that it will stand no chance against a Water-type-type attack and orders Aqua Jet. Buizel smashes through the rocks, only to find Magmortar gone. Ash and Buizel don't know where Magmortar is, and Buizel looks up to see a now aerial Magmortar release another Smog, which hits Buizel and poisons the Pokémon, causing Buizel to reel in pain. Brock realizes that Rock Tomb was used to keep Buizel from seeing what Magmortar was up to. As Buizel tries to recover from his damage, Magmortar lands and Paul recalls it.
Paul then sends out Ursaring and Ash orders Water Gun. Paul is prepared for this and orders a Hammer Arm, which successfully counters the attack making Ash wondering how it managed to counter Water Gun. Paul then orders Bulk Up which increases Ursaring's strength and defense. Ash knows what Bulk Up does, but foolishly believes Buizel can handle it and has him use Aqua Jet while Paul orders Ursaring to use Slash. Ursaring, after resisting Aqua Jet, hits Buizel with its sharp claws, sending Buizel to the ground. Ursaring uses Focus Blast, and Ash responds by having Buizel use an Aqua Jet Counter Shield which creates a typhoon of water upon which Focus Blast backfires onto Ursaring. Ash asks Paul if he likes the taste of the Counter Shield and that Pikachu isn't the only one who can use it, to which Paul says nothing. Ash then orders a Sonic Boom, and Paul tells Ursaring to use Hammer Arm. Ursaring runs through the Sonic Boom and lands a direct hit on Buizel, smashing him to the ground. At this point, Ash is ready to recall Buizel, but Buizel wants to stay in the battle so Ash allows him to stay. This turns out to be a mistake, because when Buizel is ordered to use Aqua Jet, the attack is countered by a dead on Focus Blast which takes Buizel out of the battle. Dawn feels very sorry for Buizel, but Reggie says that Buizel was eliminated because of Ash's poor judgment. Again, Brock concurs, saying that Ash should have recalled Buizel before the Focus Blast like he had been planning to.
Ash then sends out Staraptor, launching Aerial Ace. Paul orders another Hammer Arm, but Staraptor dodges it and scores a clean hit with Aerial Ace. Paul orders Focus Blast, which hits Staraptor in mid-air, but not critically damaging it. Ash orders Staraptor to use Close Combat, but Ursaring's Slash attack halts Staraptor before it can get close enough to attack. Ursaring then Hammer Arms Staraptor into the ground, taking it out of the match. Ash returns it to its Poké Ball and thanks it for a good battle. Paul recalls Ursaring and sends out Electabuzz, and Ash sends out Chimchar for its first appearance in the battle. Team Rocket are excited to see Chimchar battle, and Chimchar shows a mean look at its former Trainer.
Chimchar uses Flamethrower, but Electabuzz uses Protect to block. Paul has Electabuzz put up a Light Screen before immediately returning it to its Poké Ball. While Jessie, James and Meowth complain about the constant switching of Pokémon, meaning more work for them, Brock is surprised at how Paul got Electabuzz to use Protect and then Light Screen. Reggie believes that Paul used Protect to cover Electabuzz then Light Screen to cover his next Pokémon. Paul sends out Torterra, which confuses Ash as Torterra, being a partial Grass-type, has a disadvantage to Chimchar, but he carries on.
Ash orders Chimchar to use Flame Wheel, but Torterra counters with Stone Edge. Ash has Chimchar immediately dodge the Stone Edge by changing the direction of the Flame Wheel, but it is revealed that Paul has trained Torterra to change the direction of the stones, allowing them to follow Chimchar, amazing Brock and Dawn. Chimchar cannot outrun the stones and therefore suffers a super-effective hit. Ash has Chimchar use Flamethrower which hits successfully, but the Light Screen protects Torterra and Flamethrower only does half the damage. Brock knows it is getting really hard for Ash and Reggie adds that Chimchar is in a difficult position. If it uses attacks from far away they won't cause much damage due to the Light Screen while if Chimchar goes in close it risks taking a hit from Stone Edge. Realizing that Chimchar won't be able to defeat Torterra like this, Ash recalls it, making Jessie complain loudly about the extra work that Ash was giving them by switching Pokémon.
Ash sends out Gliscor against Torterra again and orders X-Scissor. However, Paul isn't messing around with Gliscor this time, and has Torterra use Frenzy Plant which this time is able to score a direct hit and knocks out Gliscor immediately. Ash returns Gliscor to its Poké Ball, and begins to consider his remaining options. He knows that Torterra was Paul's first Pokémon and as a result is the strongest member of his team. Suddenly Pikachu requests to go up against Torterra, but Ash is hesitant and reminds Pikachu of the type-disadvantage. Pikachu insists on going in and Ash agrees, planning to use speed and Iron Tail to gain the advantage, only for Paul to immediately return Torterra.
Paul sends out Ursaring again, leaving Ash unsure of what to do, as he knows that Ursaring is very powerful, having taken out two of his Pokémon. Pikachu reminds Ash that he has the first move, and Ash orders Quick Attack, while Paul orders yet another Hammer Arm. Pikachu hits with Quick Attack, but Ursaring's Hammer Arm knocks the wind out of Pikachu and sends him flying back. Pikachu recovers and Ash orders Pikachu to use Iron Tail. Paul orders Ursaring to counter, but Ursaring suffers from paralysis from Pikachu's Static, and Iron Tail scores a clean hit, although Pikachu still suffers damage from the burn it received from Magmortar earlier. Just then, Ursaring's eyes begin to glow red, pleasing Paul. Reggie notes that Ursaring's Guts Ability has been activated by its paralysis. Pikachu looks up to see Ursaring glowing red and screaming with rage, having suddenly just gained a lot of power. Paul commands Hammer Arm, while Ash orders Pikachu to counter, and Pikachu responds with a massive Thunderbolt, but it does not stop Ursaring. Ash wonders where the power is coming from, and Dawn points out that Ursaring hasn't even used Bulk up. Pikachu is Hammer Armed, and heaved into Lake Acuity, where after disappearing under the water, it lets out a final burst of electricity. Ash runs into the lake looking for his partner, while Reggie explains that Guts works by using the fact that Ursaring was suffering from a status condition to raise its attack power. Dawn and Piplup are very worried about Pikachu, and even Paul casts a glance towards the lake where Ash is looking. Pikachu emerges from the water, seemingly okay, but he quickly faints in Ash's arms, not only exhausted but injured from Ursaring's attacks. Team Rocket are shocked that not even Pikachu could manage to take down any of Paul's Pokémon. Ash carries Pikachu to the sidelines and promises to get it to a Pokémon Center after the battle. Ash knows that Paul still has five Pokémon while Ash is down to only Chimchar, but he also knows that all of Paul's Pokémon have taken damage and he is still determined to continue, which concerns Pikachu.
Ash sends out Chimchar while Paul leaves Ursaring in. Chimchar uses Flame Wheel, but Ursaring knocks it back with Slash. Ash then tells Chimchar to use Flamethrower, which scores a direct hit, and Ash then has Chimchar use Dig. Paul commands Ursaring to use Hammer Arm on the ground like before, but this time Chimchar emerges from the ground before Ursaring can pull off the attack and causes even more damage to it. Chimchar is then commanded to use another Flamethrower, which hits Ursaring dead-on finally bringing it down. Ash congratulates Chimchar on doing a great job which makes the Chimp Pokémon dance with joy. Jessie, James and Meowth cry with joy at seeing Chimchar do so well.
Ash approaches Chimchar and praises his Pokémon before asking if it is okay to continue. Chimchar nods its head in agreement and then starts to glow... as Chimchar has started to evolve! Everyone watches in amazement as Chimchar undergoes the transformation and evolves into Monferno. Ash is overjoyed over having a new Pokémon, and Dawn looks up Monferno in the Pokédex. Reggie notes that while Chimchar didn't fit Paul's training style, it was a perfect match for Ash's, and this has been displayed in Chimchar rising to Ash's call and evolving into Monferno, and as a result now has new abilities and techniques at its disposal. Monferno demonstrates this by swinging its fists quickly and effortlessly which causes them to glow. Monferno then swings at the ground which sends a gust of wind at Paul, who stands unflinching. Ash realizes that, as well as evolving, Monferno has also learned Mach Punch, which Monferno confirms by somersaulting on the spot. Reggie continues that Ash and Monferno are the perfect example of how compatibility between Trainer and Pokémon can mean everything. Also as they both have pride on the line all this will have a massive effect in the long run... this is why Reggie asked for the Full Battle; to give both Ash and Paul the chance to grow stronger as well as their Pokémon.
Paul sends out Electabuzz, who is initially surprised to see Chimchar has evolved but is still more than ready to battle its former teammate, a sentiment Monferno agrees with. Reggie notes the two are now on equal terms, and Ash commands Monferno to use Mach Punch. Monferno speeds towards Electabuzz and chokes it square on the chest, sending an astounded Electabuzz flying back and smashing into a rock. Paul orders Electabuzz to use Thunder, which hits Monferno and makes it scream in pain. Ash responds to this by having Monferno use Flame Wheel, however Paul has Electabuzz use Protect, sending Monferno flying back. Monferno tries Flamethrower, but Electabuzz dodges and executes Thunder Punch. Monferno dodges it in mid-air, and Ash tells it to use Dig. Monferno tunnels underground, and when Electabuzz lands it suffers a direct strike as Monferno emerges. Ash commands another Flame Wheel, and Electabuzz responds with Thunder which heads straight towards Monferno. Ash has Monferno use Counter Shield with Flamethrower, and as a result, the Thunder is deflected allowing Flame Wheel to score a direct hit. Reggie is impressed by how Ash is using the momentum to turn the battle around. Ash orders another Mach Punch, but this time Monferno's move was blocked by Electabuzz's Protect then got hit by Electabuzz's Thunder, sending it back towards Ash and forcing it to its knees from both the damage and paralysis. Ash senses something bad and tells Monferno to use Flamethrower, but as he sees Monferno can't launch the attack, he then realizes that Monferno had been paralyzed. Just then, Monferno's tail flame starts to burn more fiercely. Dawn asks if Monferno has activated Blaze, however Reggie explains that the increase in Monferno's flame isn't Blaze, but is actually due to its determination not to be beaten manifesting in its flames. Ash is delighted that Monferno is not giving up no matter what and tells it to use Mach Punch while Paul commands his Electabuzz to use Thunder Punch. The two Pokémon head towards each other full of fury, and both attacks connect at the same time, which causes a massive explosion in the middle of the battlefield. When the smoke clears, Monferno and Electabuzz continue to stare each other down. While Electabuzz is very weak, Monferno has taken far more damage and collapses to the ground, badly injured, to Ash's horror. Olivier rules Monferno as being unable to battle, which means Paul has won the match while Ash, having only managed to knock out two of Paul's Pokémon, has suffered his worst defeat ever.
The sun starts to set on Lake Acuity, as Paul returns Electabuzz to its Poké Ball and Ash cradles Monferno in his arms, telling it that it did a great job. Reggie congratulates Paul on his win, and Paul actually smiles, acknowledging that it was indeed a spectacular battle. Paul promises to send Reggie his Pokémon and bids farewell to him and Olivier before leaving. As for Ash, he is left devastated by this total defeat, almost crying, knowing he was completely outclassed by his rival. And so, the episode ends with Ash holding his badly injured Monferno, with his future in the Sinnoh League and as a Pokémon Trainer left in serious doubt.
Major events
- Ash's Chimchar evolves into Monferno and learns Mach Punch.
- Paul wins the Full Battle.
- For a list of all major events in the anime, please see the timeline of events.
Pokémon debuts
- This is the 600th episode of the anime, if Holiday Hi-Jynx and Snow Way Out! are counted.
- All three of the Pokémon Ash used in his battle against Fantina in Shield with a Twist! used Counter Shield in this episode.
- Music from Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias, Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, and The Rise of Darkrai is used in this episode.
- Dawn narrates the preview for the next episode.
- This is the first episode where Ash loses a Full Battle and his opponent has more than one Pokémon remaining on their team. In this case, Paul had four Pokémon remaining at the end of the battle.
- This is the first time Ash had two evolved forms of starter Pokémon from the same region in the same stage of evolution on hand. They would both reach their final forms later on.
- In fact, it also became the first time he ever had two starters from the same region evolve.
- The same thing will happen 50 episodes later, with his Johto region starters.
- In fact, it also became the first time he ever had two starters from the same region evolve.
- This is the third time that one of Ash's Pokémon has evolved against Paul, with Chimchar evolving into Monferno. The first two were Turtwig evolving into Grotle, and Staravia evolving into Staraptor.
- Team Rocket doesn't blast off or recite their motto in this episode.
- In this episode, Ursaring's Guts activates after being paralyzed. However, in A Pyramiding Rage, just four episodes prior, Ursaring was paralyzed by Brandon's Regice's Zap Cannon, and Guts didn't activate.
- When Ursaring is defeated, its icon on the scoreboard shows its mouth being slightly open, although its mouth is closed in every other scene in which the icon is shown.
- For a split-second, after Chimchar evolves into Monferno, its eyes are blue, then revert to their normal black coloration.
- In the Polish dub, when Ursaring battles Staraptor, Paul orders Ursaring to use Hammer Arm for a second time instead of Focus Blast.
Dub edits
In other languages
|Mandarin Chinese
|Vyvíjející se strategie
|Evolueer de strategieën!
|Kehittyvät strategiat!
|Ein Strategisches Feuerwerk!
|Εξελισσόμενες στρατηγικές!
|Strategie in Evoluzione!
|Ewolucja strategii
|Evoluindo Estratégias!
|Estratégias de Evolução!
|Strategii Evoluate
|Latin America
|Estrategias evolucionadas
|Evolucionando estrategias
|This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.


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Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai 2 pulled from PSN, XBL & Steam, refunds given, publisher apologises
Afro Samurai 2 has been pulled from digital store fronts as the publisher apologises for the state it was released in and offers refunds.
Afro Samurai headlines
Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma - Volume 1 will release first on PS4 this month
Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma – Volume 1 will be released first on PlayStation 4 before other platforms, according to developer Versus Evil.
Atari hands out shots and an MP3 for Afro Samurai
Atari has released a bevy of new screenshots and an MP3 track from Afro Samurai. GamersHell has them. The Samuel L Jackson title will be released in Europe during Q1 2009.
Rumour: Namco moves Splatterhouse to Afro Samurai team
Following rumour yesterday that Splatterhouse developer BottleRocket had gone bust, Kotaku's fleshed the story out with talk that the horror reboot's been moved in-house at Namco. The game is to be completed by Namco's Afro Samurai team, according to that piece. Less than ideal if you're BottleRocket, obviously. Splatterhouse made an appearance at Comic Con […]
Namco heads west with new Surge label
Namco's announced Surge, a new label and studio designed to appeal specifically to western tastes. "Surge presents a significant milestone for Namco Bandai as it personifies our commitment to deliver compelling content for the discriminating player who is looking for games that are not only groundbreaking but also push the envelope," said Namco US marketing […]
New Afro Samurai shots hack out of Japan
On Gamespot. These were released as part of Namco's pre-TGS press conference in Japan yesterday. It's out next year in Europe.
TGS Namco press conference live-blogged - not much happened
With Tokyo Game Show kicking off in earnest tomorrow with Microsoft's keynote, Namco Bandai decided to get in on the act first yesterday and show off its ware's for the coming year in Japan. Basically: We Ski & Snowboard, Dragon Ball games, some Naruto stuff, a new Splatterhouse trailer, Tales of Symphonia, Afro Samurai and […]
Afro Samurai confirmed for Euro release
Atari will release Afro Samurai in Europe, the company confirmed today. The anime-inspired game will hit PS3 and 360 next year, but we don't have a date more specific than "2009" at the moment. Press release after the link.
Namco's 2008 Editor's Day - all the screens
Shacknews has posted all the media from Namco's 2008 Editor's Day on one handy page, which is a win-win for everyone, frankly. You'll find shots of Soul Calibur IV, Warhammer: Battle March, the newly announced PowerUp Forever, Tales of Vesperia, Afro Samurai and Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm through that link. Don't say we never do […]
Samuel L Jackson to star in Afro Samurai game
According to various reports, Samuel L Jackson is to appear in an game adaptation of Manga Afro Samurai on PS3 and 360 this autumn. It's being published by Namco, apparently, and will feature music from RZA and cel-shaded graphics. Bonanza.
Afro Samurai latest
Afro Samurai 2 pulled from PSN, XBL & Steam, refunds given, publisher apologises
Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma – Volume 1 will release first on PS4 this month


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Only one shooter likely in Kandahar killings, Afghan investigator says
KABUL, Afghanistan — The chief Afghan investigator in last month's slayings of 17 civilians says there's strong evidence that only one killer was involved, a view that puts him at odds with Afghanistan's president, Hamid Karzai.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales has been charged with premeditated murder in the killings of eight adults and nine children from the villages of Najiban and Alkozai in the southern province of Kandahar, and six counts of attempted murder and assault. U.S. authorities have said they think that Bales acted alone, but the suspicion that more than one person was responsible for the shooting spree is widespread in Afghanistan.
Afghan army chief Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi, whom Karzai sent to Kandahar to investigate the massacre, told McClatchy that two survivors he interviewed offered credible accounts that the killings were the act of a lone person.
"They told me the same thing," Karimi said. "They both said there was (only) one individual who came to their house."
The number of shooters in the March 11 incident has been a matter of rampant speculation in Afghanistan even though U.S. officials have said all along that Bales, who's in custody at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., is the only suspect. The "multiple attackers" claim, echoed by Karzai, played off public outrage at the killings and may have bolstered the Afghan president's standing at home, but it's caused confusion among his putative U.S. allies.
The dueling accounts also have raised questions about the viability of the U.S. military investigation against Bales, which is expected to rely on the testimony of villagers who are the only eyewitnesses. U.S. officials have said that some villagers will be taken to the United States to testify at Bales' military trial.
A U.S. defense official who only on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic said it was gratifying that Afghan investigators were confirming the U.S. account: "This is consistent with what we've believed from the beginning."
The official acknowledged that the shootings and subsequent rumors had damaged the United States' image in Afghanistan, but said such speculation was "commonplace, especially in small villages and especially about something as horrific as an event like this.
"The best way to move forward, to improve relationships in the area, is to take a strong lead role, to find whoever was responsible and hold that person accountable. That's what we're trying to do."
At a meeting at the presidential palace with relatives of the victims days after the massacre, Karzai openly questioned the U.S. account of a lone gunman. The president pointed to one relative and said: "In his family, in four rooms people were killed — children and women were killed — and then they were all brought together in one room and then set on fire. That, one man cannot do."
Karimi said he returned to Kabul to deliver his interim report but the villagers had spoken to Karzai before he did.
"And everybody said (to the president), 'Sir, it was not one person. ... How can one guy shoot people in four rooms, kill them, then lift them, bring them to one room and set them on fire?'"
Underscoring how the incident has become a political football, Karimi himself appeared to parrot Karzai's line in an interview with an Australian television program broadcast last week, in which he said, "I'm guessing — assumption — that (the killer was) helped by somebody. One person or two persons."
However, when McClatchy questioned him this week, Karimi said he believed that one person, especially a highly trained U.S. soldier, could have carried out the killings alone. Bales, a 38-year-old father of two, was a veteran of three previous tours in Iraq and had been deployed in Afghanistan since December.
Reporters who covered the killings said that most accounts of multiple attackers came from Afghan villagers who were relaying information secondhand. Those reports were given credence by Karzai, who hasn't backed away from his claim.
Karimi said that while there was strong evidence pointing to the "one shooter" theory, many questions about the killings remained unanswered. He added that U.S. authorities hadn't agreed to the Afghan investigators' requests to question Bales, which had contributed to the initial confusion.
"I just wanted to ask him: 'Why did you do it?'... so I had a proper report to the president," Karimi said. "But nobody helped, so I had to be ambiguous."
Karimi said a joint Afghan-U.S. team was continuing to investigate the killings and hoped to collect more forensic evidence.
"I hope it is proved that it is one guy," he said.
(Stephenson is a McClatchy special correspondent. Matthew Schofield contributed to this article from Washington.)
Suspect in Afghanistan killings had history of alcohol incidents
Many think Bales case reflects a military pushed to the limit
Family of Robert Bales seeks donations for defense fund
For more coverage visit McClatchy's Afghanistan and Pakistan page.


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HARTFORD -- Seven current and former female University of Connecticut students are claiming the state's largest university did little to protect them from rape and sexual assault while they attended classes or worked at the Storrs campus.
The women filed a complaint Monday with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, alleging that their Title IX rights of equal protection under the law had been violated.
"The complaint sets forth details of rapes, sexual assaults and sexual batteries that have occurred at UConn and details the manner in which UConn failed to abide by the federal law," said attorney Gloria Allred, who is nationally known for taking on sexual harassment and women's rights cases.
"We are hopeful the university will be forced to comply with federal law and create a safe environment for students," Allred said.
Kylie Angell, a May UConn graduate who grew up in Trumbull and is now a nurse at Norwalk Hospital, said at a news conference Monday that after she was raped by a classmate in her dorm, a campus police officer told her that "women need to stop spreading their legs like peanut butter or rape is going to keep on happening till the cows come home."
"I left feeling confused, violated, traumatized and vulnerable," said Angell, who along with three other women involved in the complaint told reporters their names could be published.
Angell said while the attacker who she claims raped her in her dorm was later expelled by the school, he was back on campus a few weeks later following a successful appeal. She said the university never informed her that her attacker had filed an appeal or that his punishment had been lowered.
"The only explanation I was given was that the vice president of student affairs felt that expulsion for having raped me was `too severe,' " she said.
One day, he "threateningly grazed my elbow" after sitting next to her in the dining hall, Angell said. "I was met by heckling from his friend, who shouted to me that the perpetrator was back."
Sexual misconduct is no stranger to UConn or other Connecticut colleges.
From 2009 to 2012, 42 reports of forcible sexual assault were listed on UConn's annual security and fire safety report. Earlier this month, state police investigated two reports of sexual assault according to the UConn Daily Campus, the university's student newspaper.
The reported assaults took place Oct. 11 in a forested area in Mansfield, near student housing.
At Yale University, six students were recently found guilty of "nonconsensual sex" during the first six months of 2013, and one was suspended from campus. Yale began reporting incidents after the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights began investigating Yale's handing of sexual assault cases in 2011 and fined the Ivy League campus $155,000.
At Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, the latest campus security report shows that from 2010 through 2012, nine sexual assaults were reported on or off campus, including four in 2012.
UConn officials said all cases of alleged rape or sexual assault are taken seriously by the university, which has a combined enrollment of more than 30,000 at its campuses.
"The health and well-being of our students is our top priority. Our response protocol for these and other alleged incidents of sexual assault is in line with or exceeds best practices," said UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz. "We always must be mindful of the rights of the accused and the accuser while upholding our commitment to protecting the safety of our campus community."
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy "is extremely concerned" about the complaint," said Andrew Doba, a spokesman for the governor's office. "The public at large, and especially young people at our universities, need to be able to trust that authorities will act quickly and appropriately when called upon," Doba said.
Reitz said university officials are confident the cases involving the women in the federal complaint were handled thoroughly, swiftly and appropriately, but added that federal privacy law prohibits the university from discussing the specifics of the cases.
Allred said the young women's stories are all too familiar and similar to cases across the country.
Allred has also represented clients against Arnold Schwarzenegger, Anthony Weiner, Sacha Baron Cohen and Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee.
"I am proud to stand here in support of these brave young women," Allred said. "The young women here today, like the many others on college campuses, feel that they have been betrayed by UConn, which failed to keep them safe and betrayed them once they reported what happened to them to college administrators."
The federal education department can sanction schools for violating Title IX laws, including issuing fines and withholding federal funding, Allred said. She did not rule out lawsuits against the university by the women.
Rose Richi, a Somers resident and UConn junior, said she was "sexually assaulted by a male student-athlete. I spent the following week in my bed crying, trying to understand what had happened to me."
Richi said at first she didn't report the assault because of the "overwhelming privilege of athletes on the campus."
But after joining a Violence Against Women Prevention Program, Richi told her story to a teacher and she reported it to the university's Office of Diversity and Equity.
"They never talked to me, never acknowledged my case's existence," Richi said. After reporting the assault to campus police, Richi said she was told by an officer that "he did not believe me. My criminal case ended due to the alleged lack of evidence."
"I wanted to come to UConn because of the incredible atmosphere it seemed to have. I want future students to get that experience, but that will never happen unless this broken system gets fixed," Richi said.
Carolyn Luby, a fifth-year UConn student from Glastonbury, said last spring she published an open letter to the college on the academic website The Feminist Wire to draw attention to the university's indifference to sexual violence. After the website Barstool Sports republished the letter, Luby said she began receiving rape and death threats on the Internet and on campus.
"The administration at UConn knew about the sexual harassment and hostile environment I experienced yet responded with resounding silence," Luby said.
Allred said UConn President Susan Herbst described Luby's open letter as "inappropriate" and said she would make no statement about the backlash in order to "protect the status of an open investigation."
UConn senior Erica Daniels, who is from South Windsor, said last spring she was "drugged and raped by a fellow student and co-worker" at UConn. She said she delayed reporting the rape, saying she was "extremely confused because I did not understand how someone I considered a friend could do this to me."
Daniels said when she approached her supervisor at her job in student management, she was told that "management was not going to take any action at work. I quit my job and never returned."
She said she then went to the school's Community Standards office. "The only action the university took was to issue a "no-contact order" which proved to be totally ineffective being that my perpetrator continued to stalk me at my residence and new job."
"I have been let down by a school I was once proud to be a part of and I feel betrayed. I was told reporting a rape would be hard but I never imagined that my university would turn its back on me," Daniels said.


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Salut, and a big welcome to our expat community here in Montpellier! InterNations is a network for expats around the world to meet up online and offline and share advice and tips on living and working abroad. If you're an expat in Montpellier or are considering becoming one, then don't hesitate to join InterNations and start interacting — we're always welcoming to newcomers! You may be wondering, "how well-connected is Montpellier for international transportation links?" or "will I be able to get by if I don't speak French?". Whatever your question, our members are sure to have the experience and knowledge to give you an answer.
With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you move to another city or go on a business trip somewhere — our communities are there to make you feel at home wherever you are in the world. Feel free to also check out our other vibrant InterNations Communities like the ones in Zurich or Prague.
Attend our monthly events and activities for Montpellier expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.
Get trustworthy advice and local insights from fellow members in our Montpellier expat forums.
The advantages of living in the south of France almost don't need to be mentioned — stunning weather, beautiful beaches, world-class cuisine, and one of the highest living standards in the world all add up to make it one of the most attractive destinations for people all over the world. As one of the largest cities in the region, a diverse economy brings expatriates to Montpellier for all sorts of other reasons, too, whether it's to study or to work in industries such as printing, manufacturing, and teaching English.
InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities across the globe. Get to know fellow internationals in your city, before you're moving, or when traveling somewhere and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Jakarta or Geneva, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
All of our members on InterNations have gone through a careful approval process so you can be assured of the best experience possible when interacting with our members. After you've become a member of InterNations, browsed our guide articles and had any questions you might have answered in our forums, you can also take things a step further by meeting up offline too. InterNations members organize a range of activities, from fine dining to golf, so you're sure to find some like-minded members. Our larger events held at classy venues around the city also attract huge interest, so make sure to come to make new friends!


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Luminor 1950
Radiomir 1940
Luminor Chrono
Luminor GMT Automatic
Luminor Marina
Radiomir Black Seal
Panerai watches combine Italian design with Swiss watchmaking art. The timepieces' distinctive look is famous worldwide. Models with a tourbillon and minute repeater are the highlights of these haute horlogerie watches.
Those who wear a Panerai on their wrist, calls attention to themselves with the watch's unique design. These impressive, large watches are descendants of models from the 1930s and 1950s. During this time, Panerai supplied the Italian Marines with their diving instruments. The crown protection on Luminor models is particularly striking. When closed, the frame around the crown presses down against it, securing it against the case and making it water resistant.
Actor Sylvester Stallone purchased a Slytech, a special Luminor series, for shooting the film Daylight. Arnold Schwarzenegger, action hero and the Terminator, is also a fan of this Italian brand. He wore a Luminor Marina in the film Eraser.
The Radiomir comes without any crown protection. The watch was Panerai's first and it has been part of their product palette since 1936. Officine Panerai – the company's full name – originally developed the watch for the Italian military. The 47-mm case brings the Rolex Oyster to mind, as the Panerai was based on this watch.
The 1940 and 1950 series pay homage to each respective decade and consist of retro watches with specific design characteristics. Panerai also offers chronographs, GMT watches, manual watches, and automatic watches, as well as complicated models with a tourbillon. One watchmaking highlight is the Radiomir 1940 Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon GMT Oro Rosso with a GMT function, tourbillon, and minute repeater.
Since 2005, Panerai has belonged to a select group of Swiss watch manufacturers that produce their own calibers. They had previously used calibers from other companies for their watches. Most were from the manufacturer ETA, part of the Swatch Group. The caliber Valjoux 7750 (without a chronograph function) and the manual caliber Unitas 6497 were frequently used. Today, Panerai produces a multitude of their own movements. Their repertoire includes simple manual calibers, chronograph calibers, and complicated movements with tourbillons and minute repeaters. Panerai's specialties are movements with long-lasting power reserves ; some lasting up to 10 days. Their first in-house caliber was the P.2002, which they presented in 2005. Their production facility has been located in the Swiss town of Neuchâtel since 2002.
Prices for Panerai watches range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of euros. One of the most expensive models is the 18-karat red gold Panerai Radiomir 1940 Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon GMT. Thanks to its skeletonized in-house caliber P.2005/MR, you can view the tourbillon from both the front and back sides. The highlight of this model is its minute repeater, which you start with a push-piece at 8 o'clock. Three tiny hammers chime the hours, 10-minute intervals, and the individual minutes. If you want to enjoy this melodious watch, be prepared to spend over 300,000 euros.
You can purchase the Lo Scienziato - Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT for around 115,000 euros. This skeletonized watch is available in titanium or ceramic (without a minute repeater). If you're looking for an affordable entry into the world of Panerai watches, then the Luminor Base Logo Acciaio or the Radiomir Black Seal Logo Acciaio are good choices. Both cost around 3,500 euros new.
|Price (approx.)
|Radiomir 1940 Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon GMT, Ref. PAM00600
|Minute repeater, tourbillon, GMT, 4-day power reserve
|300,000 euros
|Lo Scienziato - Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT, Ref. PAM00578
|Tourbillon, GMT, power reserve display, 6-day power reserve
|115,000 euros
|Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo, Ref. PAM00382
|Bronze case, rotatable bezel, small seconds, date, 3-day power reserve
|30,000 euros
|Luminor Marina 8 Days Oro Rosso, Ref. PAM00511
|Red gold case, small seconds, 8-day power reserve
|15,000 euros
|Radiomir 3 Days Automatic Oro Rosso, Ref. PAM00573
|Red gold case, small seconds, 3-day power reserve
|16,000 euros
|Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech 3 Days Automatic, Ref. PAM00616
|Carbon case, small seconds, rotatable bezel, date, 3-day power reserve
|15,000 euros
|Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio, Ref. PAM00526
|Flyback chronograph, regatta countdown, 3-day power reserve
|12,000 euros
|Radiomir 10 Days GMT Automatic Acciaio, Ref. PAM00323
|GMT, date, small seconds, power reserve display, 10-day power reserve
|8,500 euros
|Luminor 1950 3 Days Acciaio, Ref. PAM00372
|Hours, minutes, 3-day power reserve
|6,300 euros
|Luminor Submersible Automatic, Ref. PAM00024
|Automatic, small seconds, date, rotatable bezel
|5,500 euros
|Luminor Marina 8 Days Acciaio, Ref. PAM00510
|Small seconds, 8-day power reserve
|4,700 euros
|Luminor Marina Logo Acciaio, Ref. PAM01005
|Small seconds, 56-hour power reserve
|3,800 euros
|Radiomir Black Seal Logo Acciaio, Ref. PAM00380
|Small seconds, 56-hour power reserve
|3,500 euros
|Luminor Base Logo Acciaio, Ref. PAM00630
|Hours, minutes, 56-hour power reserve
|3,500 euros
The Luminor is, without a doubt, one of the most famous watches in the world. Its distinctive crown-protecting bridge is its main, distinctive feature. Most versions have a case diameter of 44 mm, making these diving watches the perfect fit for a larger wrist.
Standard versions are known as the Luminor Base Logo Acciaio and have only two hands to display the hour and minutes. New, they cost around 3,500 euros. Top Luminor Marina models made of 18-karat red gold with an 8-day power reserve (192 hours) cost around 15,000 euros new. You can purchase a new stainless steel Luminor Marina for much less, around 3,800 euros. If you want a model that runs for longer than a week before needing to be wound again, you should be prepared to spend around 4,700 euros for the 8-day version. The diving watch version is available new for around 5,500 euros.
You can purchase a pre-owned Luminor, such as a Base or Marina, for around 3,200 euros. Gold variants cost around 13,000 euros, while limited editions can cost over 20,000 euros. Panerai Luminors have the advantage that they maintain their value over the years.
Watches from the Panerai Luminor 1950 collection were inspired by vintage watches that Panerai made for the combat divers of the Italian Marines in the mid-20th century. The watch that most closely resembles the original version is reference number PAM00372. It features a 47-mm stainless steel case, crown-protecting bridge, and a so-called sandwich dial. A sandwich dial is made up of two discs set on top of each other. The bottom disc contains luminous material while the upper disc has corresponding cutouts for the numerals and indices. This large timepiece is most suitable for bigger wrists, and its aged, dark brown calf leather strap emphasizes its retro design.
You can purchase new models with reference number PAM00372 for around 6,300 euros, while the prices for pre-owned models start at around 5,300 euros. One of the introductory models in this collection is the 44-mm Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio (PAM00351). You can buy pre-owned models for less than 5,000 euros, while new versions cost about 5,700 euros.
Highlights of this series are intricate flyback or double chronographs. Regatta chronographs, which have a countdown function, are also available. The Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio (PAM00526) was made for yachtsmen and costs around 12,000 euros new. Pre-owned models are rare, seeing as the watch is still a relatively new model.
The Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo (PAM00382) is especially treasured by collectors. The bronze watch was introduced in 2011 as a limited edition with a run of 1,000 pieces. Within a very short time, the value of the watch had significantly increased. You should be prepared to spend around 30,000 euros on a pre-owned watch in good condition. This also applies to the watch's successor (PAM00507), which was introduced two years later. Panerai released the third version of this bronze watch in 2017, again limiting it to 1,000 pieces. Thus, it's quite likely that the value of this diving watch will increase quickly over the next few months.
Panerai introduced the first Radiomir watches to the market in 1936. The timepieces were originally meant for the Marines. The design of current models is heavily reminiscent of the originals; they both have large cases ranging between 45 and 47 mm.
Above all, the Radiomir California 3 Days Acciaio (PAM00424) is a homage to the 1930s timepieces. The "California" in its name refers to its so-called California dial, which uses Roman numerals as hour markers on the top half and Arabic numerals on the bottom half. It also features a cushion-shaped case, an unprotected cone-shaped crown, and thin wire loop strap attachments. The Radiomir California is available for 4,800 euros pre-owned in very good condition; new, this retro watch costs around 5,400 euros. The 45-mm Radiomir Black Seal is a bit more affordable, costing only 3,500 euros pre-owned and 4,000 euros new.
Panerai revised the Radiomir's case in the 1940s. Its predecessor's cushion-shaped case, as well as the thin wire loop strap attachments, were old news. The new version was 47 mm in diameter and had horn-shaped lugs for improved stability. The sandwich dial featured four Arabic numerals at 12, three, six, and nine o'clock. Panerai used stick indices for the remainder of the hour markers.
The current models in the Radiomir 1940 collection are reminiscent of diving watches from the 1940s. The case diameter ranges from 42 to 47 mm. The smallest versions are suitable as women's watches, especially those made of 18-karat red gold. One such model is the Radiomir 1940 Oro Rosso (PAM00513), which costs about 12,000 euros new. The 45-mm gold version (PAM00573), as well as the 47-mm gold version (PAM00515), are more suitable for men. Both cost around 16,000 euros.
One highlight of this collection is the Radiomir 1940 10 Days GMT Automatic Oro Rosso, which features a GMT function, automatic movement, power reserve, date display, and 24-hour display. Like its name suggests, the watch has enough energy to last 10 days after it's fully wound. You can purchase this timepiece for around 32,000 euros on Chrono24.
The history of Panerai began in 1860, when Giovanni Panerai opened a small watchmaking workshop and school in Florence, Italy. However, because all original documents from this time were destroyed in a flood in 1966, it's difficult to reconstruct the company's exact history. What is known for sure, however, is that the company's sign bore the words Orologeria Svizzera (Swiss watchmaking) at the beginning of the 20th century.
Initially, the company focused on importing and selling Swiss watches from companies such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, and Rolex. In order to keep import taxes as low as possible, the watches were delivered as individual pieces. Once the components reached the workshop, they were reassembled and adjusted by professionals who had trained at Panerai's watchmaking school. The brand's customers included prominent, rich Florentines as well as the Italian royal family.
The Italian military has belonged to Panerai's clientele since 1910, and initially, they delivered pocket chronographs. Between 1910 and 1914, Panerai worked on developing fluorescent devices together with Lieutenant Carlo Ronconi. Since the new luminous material was radium-based, it also glowed in the dark. The term Radiomir first appeared in 1916 on a French registered patent. The word is a combination of the Italian words radio (radium) and mira (sight). In the years following, Panerai delivered compasses, barometers, bathometers, underwater lamps, and other instruments to the Italian military.
Over the course of the 1940s, Panerai developed an unmistakable mark of their brand that remains iconic today: the half-moon crown-protecting bridge. This distinctive type of crown protection is still featured on today's Luminor models. The luminous material Luminor, made from tritium, was brand new at the end of the 1940s and replaced the radioactive material Radiomir.
Large and distinctive timepieces define the luxury watch manufacturer Panerai. Consistent designs and their crown-protecting bridge create a steadfast image that every watch enthusiast recognizes at first glance. The watches impress with their functionality and easy-to-read dials. They were inspired by the demands of the military and more recently, action stars such as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger have helped the watches achieve cult status. The company received new financial resources after joining the Richemont Group in 1997. Thanks to these funds, doors were opened to new marketing and technological development possibilities that led to Panerai's first in-house calibers. Today, the Radiomir and Luminor models are no longer pure military watches: They're beloved by city dwellers, creative minds, star cooks, and managers of all kinds.


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Vitamin D Update - The Support Continues
I was looking back over previous articles recently and realized it has been over two years since writing on the topic of vitamin D and its many actions in human health! (See Complementary Corner, March 2007). Since the 2007 article, more clinical research has supported vitamin D replacement for reducing depression, increasing magnesium levels, improving vessel function in people with diabetes, and improving kidney function - including for patients on dialysis. Results on the effects of vitamin D on insulin sensitivity are mixed. In addition, recent basic science research suggests a possible mechanism of action for vitamin D in protecting against heart disease. Also interesting are reports of increased vitamin D in patients given statins to lower cholesterol! As we approach the winter season, when vitamin D levels naturally decline, it is even more important to have your vitamin D measured and replaced. In the following article, I'll highlight some recent research findings supporting an important role for vitamin D for living in optimal health!
Vitamin D and Depression
As described in previous articles, vitamin D helps regulate neurotransmitter levels including serotonin. As vitamin D levels decline in the fall and winter, our bodies tell us it's time to hibernate by shifting away from serotonin production toward melatonin production. As increasing serotonin levels is one action of many antidepressant drugs, you might hypothesize that simply replacing vitamin D, instead of taking antidepressant drugs, may be an effective option for depression.
Two recent clinical trials support this notion. A very small open-label trial by Shipowick et al. replaced vitamin D in six women with established deficiency, resulting in 10-point improvements in standardized depression questionnaires.(1) Much stronger research support for a role of vitamin D in depression treatment is provided by Jorde et al. who randomized 441 overweight or obese participants to receive either 20,000 IU/day or 40,000 IU/day of vitamin D or placebo. After one year of vitamin D supplementation, participants in both vitamin D treatment groups had reductions in depressive symptoms.(2)
Vitamin D and Magnesium
Although we typically think of vitamin D related to calcium absorption, vitamin D is also known to help regulate magnesium absorption.(3) As magnesium is one of our primary electrolytes - helping to maintain blood pressure, cellular energy production, and insulin sensitivity - improving magnesium status may be very important for the treatment and prevention of numerous chronic disease, including diabetes. For example, although not demonstrated with supplements, diets high in magnesium-rich foods are associated with reduced risk for developing diabetes, high blood pressure and the metabolic syndrome. (4)
Although a relationship between vitamin D and magnesium has been suspected for some time, only recently has vitamin D replacement been shown to improve magnesium status. Specifically, Farhanghi et al. administered large doses of vitamin D (600,000 IU as D2) to 82 overweight and obese women and measured an improvement in blood magnesium status.(5) Although this evidence is preliminary due to its weak, uncontrolled design, the trial does support the concept that vitamin D replacement can improve magnesium status, independent of magnesium supplementation.
Vitamin D and Insulin Release and Sensitivity
Vitamin D is known to act in the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, and deficiencies of vitamin D have been associated with reduced sensitivity to insulin, and reduced insulin production.(6, 7) Recent research also supports the notion that vitamin D is involved in the maintenance of normal pancreatic function and insulin sensitivity. Although not in patients with diabetes, Kotsa et al. recently demonstrated improved insulin secretion and improved cholesterol profiles in 15 obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition of insulin resistance known to be a risk factor for developing diabetes.(8) Although the investigators used a synthetic version of vitamin D3, improvements in first phase insulin response (the rapid and early release of insulin following a meal) were observed.
Further support for a role for vitamin D in protecting pancreatic function comes from Li et al. who performed a six-month, randomized, controlled trial of synthetic vitamin D3 in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).(9) LADA is an autoimmune form of diabetes similar to type 1 diabetes in which the pancreatic beta cells are destroyed by an autoimmune process. Compared to insulin-treated patients alone, patients treated with insulin plus vitamin D3 had elevated levels of both fasting and meal stimulated c-peptide, a marker for longer-term insulin production.
Vitamin D and Heart Disease
Past research has demonstrated associations between low vitamin D status and more rapid progression of heart disease in people with diabetes.(10) Adding to this support is the prospective, observational study by Dobnig et al. in over 3,200 patients presenting for an angiogram (a test to measure the amount of blockage in the arteries of the heart). Their results demonstrated a two-fold increase in risk for death from any cause, and death from cardiovascular causes in the group with the lowest vs. highest vitamin D status. Two findings are worth consideration from this research. First, the "highest" vitamin D status group had average levels of 28.4 ng/ml, which is still considered deficient by most experts. And, in this study, vitamin D levels were associated with biomarkers of atherosclerosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress including adhesion molecules, C-reactive protein, measures of lipid oxidation, and antioxidant status.(11)
Further research suggests vitamin D improves endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sugden et al. completed a randomized, controlled trial measuring flow-mediated dilation in 34 patients with type 2 diabetes before and after a single dose of 100,000 IU of vitamin D2.(12) After eight weeks, flow-mediated dilation, (a test for vessel opening, or dilation), was significantly improved and blood pressure significantly lower (14 mmHg reduction) in patients who received vitamin D compared to placebo-treated patients.
Although highly suggestive that vitamin D has a protective role against the development of heart disease, not all recent evidence has been supportive. For example, evidence for vitamin D supplementation actually lowering C-reactive protein is not supported by the recent randomized trial by Bjorkman et al. in which over 200 bed-ridden adults were randomized to 400 IU/day or 1,200 IU/day of vitamin D for six months- and no reduction of C-reactive protein was found.(13) Also, despite trial results and observations that vitamin D repletion may reduce blood pressure, a sub-study in the large Women's Health Initiative trial of over 32,000 women does not support daily dosing of 400 IU vitamin D3 for reducing the development of high blood pressure.(14)
The role for vitamin D in heart disease deserves to continue as an active area of research investigation. Although the evidence related to vitamin D and heart disease is mixed with several observational studies showing associations, while clinical trials show mixed results, recent basic science research supports a mechanism for vitamin D in protecting against the development of vascular disease. Oh et al. collected immune cells (called macrophages) from patients with and without diabetes. Culture media was then supplemented with vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation prevented the formation of "foam" cells, or macrophages engorged with oxidized LDL cholesterol.(15) This finding is particularly interesting as it, for the first time, shows a particular mechanism by which vitamin D may be directly protective against the formation of vascular disease.
Ironically, vitamin D repletion may also be involved in the cardiovascular protection offered by statin medications. Yavuz et al. recently demonstrated a 1.5-fold increase in serum vitamin D concentration in a randomized trial of rosuvastatin in 91 patients with elevated cholesterol following just 8 weeks of treatment.(16) Although the significance of increases in vitamin D compared to the LDL-lowering properties of statins demands additional study, reductions in "foam" cell formation, and improvements in vascular function demonstrated from vitamin D supplementation alone suggest the possibility of interactions between statins and diet, as well as changes in vitamin D metabolism, which may contribute to observed benefits of these medications.
Vitamin D and Kidney Function
The effects of replacing vitamin D to normal levels in patients with kidney disease is gaining research support. In a registry-based, retrospective cohort study, Naves-Diaz reports that 7,200 patients with kidney disease requiring dialysis who received oral vitamin D supplements had increased survival overall, as well as lower death from infections, cardiovascular disease, and cancers, compared with the 8,800 patients who did not take vitamin D.(17) Although this is an observational finding, a recent randomized, controlled trial reported beneficial effects of synthetic vitamin D in patients with earlier stages of kidney disease. Fishbane et al. randomly assigned 61 participants with chronic kidney disease and elevated urinary protein losses to receive placebo or synthetic vitamin D.(18) After the 6-month intervention, urinary protein losses were significantly reduced compared to placebo-treated patients, with increases in protein loss measured in the placebo group and reductions in protein losses measured in the vitamin D treatment group. As changes in magnesium status have also been reported in chronic kidney failure, the direct action of vitamin D on renal function, versus a secondary role improving magnesium status, remains unknown.(19)
Getting Your Vitamin D Level Checked & Replaced
Having your vitamin D status measured and replaced as needed is important to your overall health, whether you have diabetes or not. If you have diabetes, the evidence supports an important role for vitamin D in pancreatic function, cholesterol metabolism, vascular function, kidney function and perhaps a slower progression of atherosclerotic disease. Measuring your vitamin D status requires a simple blood test. However, despite medical school, many doctors order the incorrect test. You should ask your doctor to measure the "storage" form of vitamin D, called "25-hydroxycholecalciferol" (25-OHD). Because the more active form, "1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol" has a very short half-life, i.e. it is cleared from circulation very quickly, testing for this concentration does not adequately provide information on long term vitamin D status or intake.
Replacing vitamin D can be accomplished in many ways, including daily dosing of small doses, or infrequent dosing of very high doses. Recently, Leventis et al. compared the safety and efficacy of administering 300,000 IU of either vitamin D2 or D3 to 69 patients with rheumatic conditions. (20) After 24 weeks, both D2 and D3 showed safety and efficacy, however vitamin D3 led to more sustained concentrations of 25-OHD in the blood. Similar results were reported by Holick, et al. who compared the effects of 1,000 IU vitamin D2/day, 1,000 IU of vitamin D3/day, or 500 IU/day or both vitamin D2 and D3 for eleven weeks.(21) At the end of the intervention, all groups had increased 25-OHD and there was no difference between groups, however 1,000 IU per day did not raise 25-OHD levels into the normal laboratory range. Although these findings suggest vitamin D2 and D3 are relatively equivalent in their actions to increased blood levels, more research testing differential actions of vitamin D2 vs. vitamin D3 on risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes is still needed.
The optimal daily dose of vitamin D is still debated, but clearly depends on your vitamin D status. Typical recommendations are for between 2,000 IU/day and 10,000 IU/day, depending on sun exposure and baseline status. Recent investigations suggest for patients with baseline status of 25-OHD< 25ng/ml the optimal daily dose is 5,000 IU/day, while the optimal dose drops to 3,800 IU/day if blood levels are above 25 ng/ml. (22)
Fortunately, thanks to the generous research support of Diabetes Action, we are going to learn more about the safety and effects of vitamin D3 nutritional supplements in the near future. Clinical researchers at Bastyr University, including myself, are beginning a randomized clinical trial, supported by Diabetes Action, to compare the effects of three different vitamin D3 supplements at a daily dose of 10,000 IU/day in 90 healthy, but vitamin D deficient, adults. This study will compare oil-emulsified, chewable, and dry, encapsulated supplements for their relative effects at replacing 25-OHD. In addition to changes in 25-OHD, the study will also measure changes in blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, and estimates of insulin sensitivity. Stay tuned for the results of this exciting study due in Fall of 2010, and please continue to support Diabetes Action in their efforts to improve your health!
In the last two years evidence for vitamin D having an active role in depression prevention, improved pancreatic and kidney function, and possible protection against developing heart disease continues to mount. Although the exact mechanisms for all of these actions are still under active investigation, getting your vitamin D levels measured, and then using appropriate doses to correct deficiency will dramatically reduce your risk for numerous chronic conditions, including cancer, and may improve function, despite diabetes or kidney disease. Ideally, vitamin D replacement should be monitored by an experienced health care provider who has knowledge of appropriate tests and optimal levels!
I will continue to keep you informed as we learn more about this important "vitamin"!
In Health- Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH
November, 2009
1. Shipowick CD, Moore CB, Corbett C, Bindler R. Vitamin D and depressive symptoms in women during the winter: a pilot study. Appl Nurs Res. Aug 2009;22(3):221-225.
2. Jorde R, Sneve M, Figenschau Y, Svartberg J, Waterloo K. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in overweight and obese subjects: randomized double blind trial. J Intern Med. Dec 2008;264(6):599-609.
3. Hardwick LL, Jones MR, Brautbar N, Lee DB. Magnesium absorption: mechanisms and the influence of vitamin D, calcium and phosphate. J Nutr. Jan 1991;121(1):13-23.
4. He K, Song Y, Belin RJ, Chen Y. Magnesium intake and the metabolic syndrome: epidemiologic evidence to date. J Cardiometab Syndr. Fall 2006;1(5):351-355.
5. Farhanghi MA, Mahboob S, Ostadrahimi A. Obesity induced magnesium deficiency can be treated by vitamin D supplementation. J Pak Med Assoc. Apr 2009;59(4):258-261.
6. Chiu KC, Chu A, Go VL, Saad MF. Hypovitaminosis D is associated with insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction. Am J Clin Nutr. May 2004;79(5):820-825.
7. Mathieu C, Gysemans C, Giulietti A, Bouillon R. Vitamin D and diabetes. Diabetologia. Jul 2005;48(7):1247-1257.
8. Kotsa K, Yavropoulou MP, Anastasiou O, Yovos JG. Role of vitamin D treatment in glucose metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. Sep 2009;92(3):1053-1058.
9. Li X, Liao L, Yan X, et al. Protective effects of 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 on residual beta-cell function in patients with adult-onset latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA). Diabetes Metab Res Rev. Jul 2009;25(5):411-416.
10. Targher G, Bertolini L, Padovani R, et al. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations and carotid artery intima-media thickness among type 2 diabetic patients. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). Nov 2006;65(5):593-597.
11. Dobnig H, Pilz S, Scharnagl H, et al. Independent association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin d levels with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Arch Intern Med. Jun 23 2008;168(12):1340-1349.
12. Sugden JA, Davies JI, Witham MD, Morris AD, Struthers AD. Vitamin D improves endothelial function in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and low vitamin D levels. Diabet Med. Mar 2008;25(3):320-325.
13. Bjorkman MP, Sorva AJ, Tilvis RS. C-reactive protein and fibrinogen of bedridden older patients in a six-month vitamin D supplementation trial. J Nutr Health Aging. May 2009;13(5):435-439.
14. Margolis KL, Ray RM, Van Horn L, et al. Effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure: the Women's Health Initiative Randomized Trial. Hypertension. Nov 2008;52(5):847-855.
15. Oh J, Weng S, Felton SK, et al. 1,25(OH)2 vitamin d inhibits foam cell formation and suppresses macrophage cholesterol uptake in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Circulation. Aug 25 2009;120(8):687-698.
16. Yavuz B, Ertugrul DT, Cil H, et al. Increased levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D after rosuvastatin treatment: a novel pleiotropic effect of statins? Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. Aug 2009;23(4):295-299.
17. Naves-Diaz M, Alvarez-Hernandez D, Passlick-Deetjen J, et al. Oral active vitamin D is associated with improved survival in hemodialysis patients. Kidney Int. Oct 2008;74(8):1070-1078.
18. Fishbane S, Chittineni H, Packman M, Dutka P, Ali N, Durie N. Oral paricalcitol in the treatment of patients with CKD and proteinuria: a randomized trial. Am J Kidney Dis. Oct 2009;54(4):647-652.
19. Mountokalakis TD. Magnesium metabolism in chronic renal failure. Magnes Res. Jun 1990;3(2):121-127.
20. Leventis P, Kiely PD. The tolerability and biochemical effects of high-dose bolus vitamin D2 and D3 supplementation in patients with vitamin D insufficiency. Scand J Rheumatol. Mar-Apr 2009;38(2):149-153.
21. Holick MF, Biancuzzo RM, Chen TC, et al. Vitamin D2 is as effective as vitamin D3 in maintaining circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Mar 2008;93(3):677-681.
22. Aloia JF, Patel M, Dimaano R, et al. Vitamin D intake to attain a desired serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Am J Clin Nutr. Jun 2008;87(6):1952-1958.


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Produced by Live Nation, the tour will kick off May 6 in Raleigh, NC, the beginning of a 36-city trek across the U.S. and Canada. Joe Cocker will open for the band at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on May 22, with a supporting act to be determined for the Heartbreakers' Madison Square Garden gig in New York on July 28.
Other guest artists along the way will include My Morning Jacket, Crosby, Stills and Nash, ZZ Top and Drive-By Truckers.
Organizers have encouraged online business by touting the inclusion with each electronic ticket of an MP3 download of every track on the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famers' new LP, slated for release in the spring. As part of the online package, a selection of tracks recorded during the live dates will be delivered at the end of the tour, which wraps in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. on Aug. 27.
Tickets go on sale March 8 at LiveNation.com.
This story appears courtesy of All About Jazz Publicity.
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