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My 7-step solution to labor dispute
1) The CEO should resign.
2) The current board of directors should step down.
3) The Minnesota Orchestra musicians should select a new board, composed of smart, legally and financially astute individuals, who love classical music and care about the welfare of the musicians.
4) The new board should then select a new CEO.
5) The new management should have access to the endowment, and make very careful selections of the companies that will manage it.
6) A new organization called "The Minnesota Orchestral Society" could absorb many former board members. Its sole purpose would be to raise funds for the orchestra.
7) The conductor, together with the musicians, should decide the programs for the season. They should also define the mission of the orchestra as it was intended to be.
If some of the above can happen, many guarantors will return to supporting the orchestra with even larger contributions than in the past, as well as the thousands of people who have attended the sold-out concerts the orchestra and conductors have given us. We have been starved for classical music, and will do all we can to help this world-class orchestra survive.
Margaret Chipman, Minneapolis
• • •
Watching the ongoing Minnesota Orchestra disaster is like watching a divorce. While you hope they both forgive and get back together, you also know which spouse has more to atone for. In this case, the board and management are the errant spouse.
Their regular letters assure the public that they want the orchestra to survive, and for the musicians to look to the future, accept reality and stop talking about the past — all the while reinforcing that the musicians are overpaid and ungrateful.
However, it is past board actions that make negotiating so difficult for the musicians. This looks more and more like a strategically timed crisis engineered to extract maximum concessions from the artists while the hall was out of commission. This follows years of apparent deficit manipulation that supported fundraising when needed.
Musicians have deep reservations about the many changes to their working conditions, deep salary cuts and the general strategy for the orchestra, and understandably, little faith in their leadership.
It's time for the wayward spouse to apologize, stop pretending to have all the answers and bring in some impartial expertise to help ensure that the orchestra is sustainable, but not just as measured by a balance sheet.
Mike Hess, Minneapolis
* * *
Here, police shouldn't be voice of authority
Why would Gov. Mark Dayton listen to the police over the medical community when considering the value of medical marijuana? ("Medical marijuana supporters push for legalization," May 3.)
A front-page story the same day noted that suicide deaths have risen sharply among baby boomers because we have such easy access to prescription pain killers, drugs that are easy to take in a large enough amount to kill us.
Are we outlawing them because they kill people? Heck, no, even though they are widely abused by all age groups, including young people.
But medical marijuana for pain relief (a drug that no one dies from) is unacceptable to the governor because the cops say it is a "gateway drug." And the loudest voice here seems to be a police officer, Dennis Flaherty — who is not a medical professional — telling us that the police are not really convinced marijuana works for pain relief.
What's next? Will the governor appoint a cop to lead the state's health care agency?
Alice Tibbetts, St. Paul
* * *
Fulfillment aside, all of us need a greater guide
The May 6 Letter of the Day ("What we risk when we don't offer paths to fulfillment") notes that the elder Boston bomber was denied a boxing dream, leading to frustration and openness to violence. But many people who face obstacles persist and overcome them.
Further, can we really shelter the entire young population from adverse experiences? Where do people go when life is not fair? They go to their most deeply held value.
If that is the conviction that they are beloved children of a creator who cares for them and has a plan in the midst of chaos, and further if they hold to the teaching of Jesus that we should love even our enemies, they will rise above the circumstances.
On the other hand, if they believe in a culture of honor through revenge and especially if other people are seen as somehow unimportant as individuals, violence may result regardless of all other factors.
Eliminate poverty, promote education, provide employment, develop avenues for participation in public policy and build self-esteem in every individual, but if the human heart is not transformed, the solution will not be found.
Ross Olson, Minneapolis
* * *
Topics: Chris Kluwe, College in the Schools
Note to Chris Kluwe: Cash check, shut mouth.
C.J. Peterson, Big Lake, Minn.
• • •
An important point being missed in the College in the Schools curriculum debate ("An error of omission," May 1): Why should Dostoyevsky have a monopoly on the classics? The contemporary books read and loved by students today will be the classics of tomorrow.
Katie Seltz, Afton
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text:
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Los Angeles County inspectors have cited 16 "maternity hotels" serving pregnant Asian women who stay until they give birth so their babies will be U.S. citizens.
The Los Angeles Times cites (
http://lat.ms/10XW5mm) a report released Thursday that found the facilities didn't have major health violations, but said one in Rowland Heights and another in Hacienda Heights were cited for building and fire code violations.
The inspections were ordered by the county's Board of Supervisors in February after numerous public complaints following media reports of a busy maternity hotel in Chino Hills.
Birth tourism is permitted under immigration law as long as the mother has a valid tourist or business visa. But maternity hotels in the San Gabriel Valley east of LA typically operate out of single-family homes, in violation of zoning laws.
Information from: Los Angeles Times,
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

subset: commoncrawl


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^Jacques Dindonneau^ [Guillaume le Morve], charcoal-burner and poacher, hunting a stag by night in the forest of Averoigne, stumbles inadvertently upon a Shabbat held by local sorcerers and witches. The throned figure of a great ram presides over the gathering; and on the right of the ram, naked, is seated the young girl, Nicole Morin, of whom Jacques is enamored. On the left is the girl's mother, long suspected of being a witch. The Shabbat has reached the climax with the celebration of the Black Mass, and certain of the celebrants are abandoning themselves to the debaucheries in which such meetings always terminated. The ram-like figure of the Master begins to paw the girl Nicole, and Jacques, mad with fury and horror, leaps forward into the whirling mob. He is overpowered and knocked unconscious. He awakes in pitch darkness, in a dank, noisome oubliette, his clothing in rags, his flesh sore and bleeding from the claws of the coven. Anon, the trap-door of the oubliette is opened, and the face of ^Guillaume^ [Raoul], Comte de la Frênaie, peers sneeringly down by torchlight. Guillaume, who reveals himself as the Master of the Shabbat, taunts Jacques with his plight and then closes the trap, leaving the young poacher to die. After many hours, as it seems, Jacques lapses into slumber, and awakes to find the girl Nicole beside him. She had brought food and drink, and a rope by which they climb from the dungeon. Through dismal vaults, they emerge at night from the chateau. Nicole, in spite of Jacques' pleadings, leaves him in the forest. Later, armed with his crossbow and clad in the skin of a stag, he spies on another meeting of the coven, and shoots a bolt through the heart of the Master. Then, his antlered head lowered, he charges into the confused and fleeing coven. He overtakes Nicole, who has fled like the others. She accompanies him later when he quits the province.
Printed from: www.eldritchdark.com/writings/short-stories/176
Printed on: January 21, 2019


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As SOPA/PIPA Becomes Toxic, Frantic Congress Test Runs Dropping DNS Blocking Provisions
from the scurry-scurry dept
Of course, while taking out DNS blocking fixes one problem with these bills, it still leaves in place a ton of other problems. Of course, supporters of the bill will falsely claim that taking out DNS/site blocking "fixes all the complaints!" That ignores that this is exactly what they said about the last "manager's amendment" version as well. They figure if they just keep claiming that they responded to all the complaints, maybe people will believe them. But that's ridiculous. The bills still have the super broad immunity provisions that will encourage all sorts of content/site takedowns to avoid liability. On top of that, many of the definitions in both bills remain ridiculously vague and would likely lead to overblocking in other ways -- that is, things like "information location tools" having to block links to sites deemed rogue under the legislation would remain. Also, the anti-circumvention measures remain in the bill (and are not limited to just foreign sites), which is going to continue to create a huge headache for the State Department, which is funding the creation of many such circumvention tools for foreign regimes... even though offering them in the US would be a violation under the bill! On top of that, both bills still include the private right to action, which will lead to numerous unnecessary lawsuits.
The takeaway here: the growing momentum against these bills is having a big, big impact in DC, and it's forced the bills' main backers to go back to the well to see if they can find at least something to compromise on. Taking out the DNS stuff will piss off Hollywood... no doubt, but it hardly solves many of the bigger problems in the bill. Don't be fooled. No one's fixing the bill (hell, it's not clear there's anything that will fix this bill, because no one's shown why this particular bill is needed!). They're simply taking out one provision that is especially bad... while leaving in a ton of other stuff.


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text:
"Pick your battles" is an old axiom, and one the health care crowd in Montezuma County is taking to heart.
Local nutritionists, clinicians and public health officials gathered at Axis Health System on Friday to assess how the county stacks up and diagnose recurring trouble areas.
Rebecca Larson, a consultant with the Omni Institute, rattled off statistics on obesity, exercise, accidental injury, food safety, pregnancy and smoking, among others. The data, covering 2008-10, was collected by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and highlighted how localities compare to the state average. Over her one-hour presentation, Larson said she only "scratched the surface" of data available.
The meeting was meant to help Lori Cooper, county health director, hone in on the most pressing health concerns facing Montezuma County, to make combating them manageable. Trying to tackle them all at once dilutes the effect, she said.
Like other health directors in Colorado, Cooper is tasked with creating a "public health improvement plan" centered around one or two of CDPHE's 10 "Winnable Battles." She will use it to drive a targeted community campaign over the next few years.
If feedback from the health professionals was any indication, obesity is the top concern. It received twice the number of votes as any other issue.
"By far, obesity. It's a common enemy for all age groups," said Kelly Proctor, a health advocate with the Piñon Project Family Resource Center. "You see more obesity at younger ages now, with Type 2 diabetes in the elementary schools. It didn't used to develop until later in life."
Indeed, Type 2 - where the body does not produce enough insulin to metabolize sugar and it builds up in the bloodstream - was formerly known as "adult-onset" diabetes because it was almost unheard of in children.
One preconception that needs to be broken, Proctor added, is that healthy food is unaffordable for low-income families. Only 8 percent of children in Region 9 (Southwest Colorado) consumed the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, according to CDPHE.
"I've heard people argue it's cheaper to eat at McDonalds than buy fresh, whole foods from the grocery store," Proctor said. "I don't think that's true, especially when you (consider) long-term health costs and bills."
Kent Helwig, CEO of Southwest Memorial Hospital, agreed.
"Obesity leads to other chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and respiratory (malfunction). If we can work on promoting healthy lifestyles, with diet and exercise, it can go a long way toward easing the demand for expensive health services," he said.
Obesity was deemed a top scourge despite Colorado retaining its title as leanest state in the country, with an obesity rate of 20.7 percent. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 30 or above.
Even so, the health experts were not impressed. That number is still unacceptably high, they said, and continues to rise. When overweight people (25-30 BMI) are added, the rate rises in Montezuma County from two adults in ten to six in ten. A general consensus emerged: why settle for being the best of the worst?
Unintended pregnancy and poor oral health tied for second place.
In 2008-10, nearly half of all pregnancies in Montezuma County were not intended, meaning they came sooner than desired or were not desired at all. Statewide, Colorado's unintended rate was 38 percent.
Meanwhile, teen pregnancy (among girls 15-17 years old) was more common here than the state and regional averages.
Larson noted that teenage mothers are less likely to earn a high school diploma or GED certificate, and their children are more prone to behavioral, mental health and academic growth problems.
For strategies to bring the rate down, the panel mentioned filling gaps in sex ed curriculum, boosting self-esteem among teenage girls and finding positive role models for them. Too often teen pregnancy, like poverty, becomes a repeating generation-to-generation cycle, they said.
Oral health can be a struggle for many adults here, Cooper said, because in most cases Medicaid does not cover dental care. The health department can provide basic teeth cleaning for pregnant women, but nothing further.
Susan Ciccia, health services director for Montezuma-Cortez School District Re-1, said the schools periodically offer free dental screenings to students, but their parents are often left with few options.
"Some parents can barely make ends meet, so they neglect their own dental health to feed the family," she said. "If they're going to spend $500 a month on rent and food, or their mouth, it's not even a choice."
Most municipalities in the Unites States fluoridate their tap water to prevent tooth decay, but neither Cortez or Montezuma County are among them, the panelists noted.
Some of those assembled were influenced by the demographic they serve: infants and toddlers, teens, senior citizens.
Ciccia, for example, worried about access to infectious disease vaccines and tobacco consumption by youth.
While teenage smoking has declined since the 1990s, Ciccia believes rates are still too high, especially when chewing tobacco is included. She tries to intervene when a student comes to her with prolonged cold-like symptoms.
"If their cough just isn't going away, I ask if they use cigarettes," she said. "I use it as a teachable moment, explaining that the lining of their lungs is struggling to handle the smoke. That's why the cough (lingers)."
Warning of eventual lung cancer that could strike someday make the consequences of smoking seem far-off, making the student less open to quitting. So Ciccia tries to point out the present, immediate signals.
"You give them a graphic example of how smoking is negatively affecting their health here and now," she said.
Much of the data was bleak, but Larson finished on a chipper note. More than nine in 10 county residents self-reported being "satisfied" with their daily lives. She said the optimism was impressive considering that responses came during the height of the Great Recession.
And lots of people are doing just fine, physically.
"It's easy to (conclude) that our community is falling apart. But most people are healthy. Healthy people are the norm," she said. "We just have concerns about (the minority) who aren't."
Cooper said Monday that, after listening to all the input, she opted to keep it simple and concentrate efforts solely on obesity. The county plan should be released by late June.


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Brent crude oil consolidated below $118 per barrel on Monday, underpinned by expectations of improving global growth and continuing tensions in the Middle East.
Continue Reading Below
Trading volume was limited as the U.S. market was closed due to the President Day's holiday and as the International Petroleum (IP) Week, a gathering of industry professionals, kicked off in London, analysts said.
"With the U.S. holiday and the start of the IP Week, a lot of people will be away from their desks," Olivier Jakob, analyst at Geneva-based Petromatrix, said.
U.S. economic data last week suggested the world's largest oil consumer hit a bump on its road to recovery with industrial output falling off to a weak start in 2013.
But a rebound in factory activity in New York state in February suggested any setback may be temporary.
"We continue to see a mixed picture out of the United States. Industry output was lower than expected but that shouldn't affect the general upward direction," Jakob said.
Brent crude was flat at $117.66 a barrel by 1313 GMT after posting its first weekly loss since the first half of January. U.S. crude slipped 19 cents to $95.67.
In the Middle East, tensions over Iran's disputed nuclear programme continue to stoke supply concerns in the key oil producing region.
Talks between Iran and major world powers remain deadlocked as investors look ahead to another meeting on Feb. 26 for any signs of progress.
"At the end of this week you might start seeing positions being reviewed in view of next week's talks," Jakob said.
Major powers plan to offer an easing of sanctions on trading gold and other precious metals with Iran in return for steps to shut down Iran's newly expanded Fordow uranium enrichment plant, Western officials told Reuters.
Iran criticised the proposal on Monday.
A senior Iranian lawmaker rebuffed the idea.
A sharp cut in Saudi Arabia's crude output and exports has also supported Brent.
"Demand optimism has been met with supply concerns as early OPEC supply surveys suggest Saudi Arabia cut back production potentially by too much and too quickly," Soozhana Choi, analyst at Deutsche Bank, said in a note.
The euro and the dollar gained against the yen on Monday after financial leaders of the world's biggest 20 economies vowed not to devalue their currencies to boost exports, in a bid to defuse currency wars.
Investors will focus later this week on the euro area's Purchasing Managers' Indexes for February and German sentiment indices due later in the week.
Analysts expect the euro area flash PMIs, which point to economic activity around six months out, to show growth stabilising rather than a clear end to the recession across the region. (Additional reporting by Florence Tan in Singapore; Editing by Helen Massy-Beresford)


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Barack_Obama Today, we're filing papers to launch our 2012 campaign. Say that you're in: http://OFA.BO/bWjHd7 - April 04, 2011 add/view comments (4)
recent blog posts
"Our 2012 Campaign"
This morning, President Obama announced the start of his 2012 campaign in an e-mail to supporters. Take a look—and let us know if you're in too.
President Obama traveled across the Potomac River to Arlington, Virginia, yesterday to speak about how America can win the future by out-educating the rest of the world. He explained:
"The best economic policy is one that produces more college graduates. And that's why, for the sake of our children and our economy and America's future, we¹re going to have to do a better job educating every single one of our sons and... (continue reading)
Advise the Advisors
Do you have a great idea you want to share with the President? Is there an initiative making a difference in your community that could help other folks around the country?
Now you have the chance to share these great ideas with President Obama and his staff. Starting this week, senior advisors from the White House will be asking for your thoughts and feedback on the big issues of the day.
David Plouffe kicks off the series in the video above, asking for your ideas on... (continue reading)
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As the 2012 campaign gets underway, watch some Americans from across the country talk about why they're in for 2012. Then please take a moment to visit the new barackobama.com
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text:
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Donovan McNabb is right. Jimmie Johnson is not an athlete.
He is much more than that.
He is one of the most dominant competitors in sports over the last decade. He's in hoity-toity company with Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Lance Armstrong.* (Sorry, Lance just got DQ'd.)
Johnson is the King of the Asphalt Jungle, an alpha dog to the puppies barking at his heels.
Johnson very likely will make it a "Six Pack" on Sunday by winning his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup title in less than a decade. After a five-year run from 2006 through 2010, Johnson is in front of the pack again and not likely to give up his position barring...


text:
's efforts to keep the Kings from moving to Seattle.
Speaking at his weekly City Hall news conference, Johnson said Tuesday that the joint committee that will decide whether the Kings leave might want to discuss his city's proposal before the NBA Board of Governors meetings April 18-19.
Owners can vote on the pending sale and relocation of the Kings at any time, but the annual gathering in New York is typically when decisions about moving a franchise are made.
NBA Commissioner David Stern said last week he combined the two committees that oversee sales and relocations and told them, "You guys figure it out."
"I'm under the assumption that the joint committee may want to hear from us sooner," Johnson said. "We're going to have all the agreements and all the actions and all the documents squared by March 1, as well as if there's an opportunity to present to the joint committee prior to mid-April, then I feel very confident. We're going to have all our ducks in order. We're going to be ready before mid-April if that's what it takes."
Johnson plans to be in Houston this weekend during All-Star festivities to lobby league owners and update Stern on Sacramento's latest efforts.
The Seattle group led by hedge-fund manager Chris Hansen and Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer, which has a pending purchase agreement for the Kings, already has filed for relocation.
The relocation of a franchise requires a majority approval of the Board of Governors — which consists of league owners — and the sale of the franchise would require a three-fourths majority. So Stern appointed the joint committee to work through the complex deal.
Johnson, a former NBA All-Star, has been promised a chance to present a bid to NBA owners to keep the team in California's capital city — with a plan to help finance a new downtown arena.
The mayor has introduced more than 20 local investors who have pledged at least $1 million each to be minority owners in the team, but he has yet to announce the major equity partners he hopes will anchor a "fair and competitive offer."
Billionaire Ron Burkle, co-owner of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, and 24 Hour Fitness founder Mark Mastrov are among those who have had serious discussions with the mayor. Burkle also met with Stern at league headquarters last month.
In the days left before traveling to Houston, Johnson plans to talk with Sacramento's corporate community about pledging sponsorship and season-ticket purchases to show "the viability of the market." That includes working with the grass-roots effort "Here We Buy," which helped boost attendance to 16,193 in Sacramento's win over Utah on Saturday night.
"You just cannot tell me that when Sacramento presents a comparable, fair, competitive deal to what Seattle's done and makes good on this arena that this team is going to be plopped and relocated somewhere else," Johnson said. "At the end of the day, you just can't tell me that's going to happen."
If nothing else, All-Star weekend has produced major developments about the Kings' future the past two years.
In 2011, Stern said in Los Angeles that the Kings were exploring a move to Anaheim. Johnson ultimately convinced owners at their April meeting to give his city a chance to help finance a new arena.
In 2012, Johnson traveled to Orlando, Fla., where he reached a tentative agreement — signed off on by Stern — for a new downtown Sacramento arena with Kings owners Joe, Gavin and George Maloof. That agreement collapsed a few weeks later when the Maloofs said the deal didn't make financial sense for the franchise.
"2013 is kind of the final act," Johnson said. "It's act three. So we're going to Houston knowing what's at stake. The Seattle people would like you to believe that the deal is done. And the deal is not done in Seattle. We're going to make sure we get that message out loud and clear."


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Words by Mr Chris Elvidge
The English summer seems to have saved its final flourish for this unlikely September weekend, and this photoshoot - pitched as a rather autumnal affair - is now taking place on the second-warmest day of the year. It's a good thing Mr Sebastian Meyer is cool in the heat.
"Man, I got the short straw," he jokes, pulling on a heavy waxed-cotton field jacket and bounding out into the sunlit street. The novelty of being simultaneously the coolest and the most overdressed guy on set appears not to have dawned on him, but that's perhaps to be expected of a man who lives in Iraq, where summer temperatures can soar to nearly 50°C.
As a photojournalist with a history of covering conflict, Mr Meyer's job might seem as extreme as the conditions in which he works, but he is keen to avoid the label of "war photographer".
I was curious about conflict - it's why men go to war. They want to know: what kind of man am I going to be in this environment?
"I've covered conflict in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya," he says, "but I would never categorise myself as that. It's really a minority of what I do."
Mr Meyer lives in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, a semi-autonomous region in the north of the country often touted as the Other Iraq (it's hard not to agree with such a statement when you consider that not a single foreign national has died or been kidnapped in the area since March 2003).
"I have a great quality of life there," says Mr Meyer. "It's not like living in the West - I don't have 24-hour electricity, it's hot in the summer, freezing in the winter - but it's nothing like the blinkered view of Iraq as seen from the West."
Having moved there permanently in 2009, his day-to-day life now revolves around running Metrography, Iraq's first photography agency, which he helped to set up. Only a few years old, it now represents more than 60 photographers.
"Metrography is really important to me," Mr Meyer explains. "It's about empowering an entire nation of photographers with not just the necessary skills, but also an understanding of journalistic ethics, the impartiality required to build up a level of trust.
"And this," he continues, "is particularly important now. When anyone with a phone can go out and report on the news, the question of a picture's source is even more vital. You have to have faith in the storytelling."
As Iraq tentatively moves towards a more peaceful future, it's hard not to admire Mr Meyer's work at Metrography, and the noble aims of the agency he has helped to create. He is rightly proud, describing it as "hands down the greatest contribution I'll ever make to photography" - but what attracted him to the profession in the first place?
"It's all about curiosity," he says. "Covering conflict, I was curious not just to see what it looked like, but to see how I'd respond. I think many men will understand. It's why they go to war. They want to know: am I going to be a hero? Am I going to be brave? What kind of man am I going to be in this environment?"
This curiosity has taken Mr Meyer a long way from his native New York. After dabbling with photography in school, his "epiphany moment" came while in Paris on a term away from college; unable to find a studio to develop his black and white film, he began visiting the apartment of an American photographer he had met.
the work
Mr Meyer walks away from a gas flare in the oil rich Iraqi city of Kirkuk, March 2010. (Photo: Ayman Oghanna)
Mr Meyer on top of a boat traveling from Misrata to Benghazi, Libya, April 2011. (Photo: Sarah Lynch)
Mr Meyer accompanies anti-terror police on patrol in Kirkuk, March 2010. (Photo: Kamaran Najm)
"One day, she was looking at my photos and said, 'OK, I think you'd like this', handing me a Magnum photography book. I took one look at it and said, 'This is what I want to do.' From that moment on, my whole focus changed."
Back in New York, internships with Magnum and lauded documentary photographer Ms Mary Ellen Mark followed, and in 2004 a major upheaval came when Mr Meyer relocated to Manchester in the north of England.
"It was great," he explains, "and it served as a good introduction to English culture." It doesn't take long to determine the true reason behind this seemingly incongruous move, however: his ex-girlfriend, who had plans to return to the UK.
"She wanted to study here, and my mother is English so I've got dual nationality and could move," he says. "I was in Manchester for a year and a half, then moved to London and worked there until 2008 or 2009. Around that time I got two consecutive assignments in Kurdistan, and after the second one, well, I just stayed."
It seems that the fairer sex has played more than a small part in the decisions that have shaped Mr Meyer's rather unconventional path through life, but this should come as no surprise. From New York to Iraqi Kurdistan via Paris, Manchester and London, from French lit major to professional photographer: surely only two things could fuel such a narrative. On the one hand, curiosity, and on the other, its less prosaic cousin: romance.
We are, as we speak, accompanied by Mr Meyer's girlfriend, the delightful Ms Rebecca Bradshaw, an archaeologist, who has been present throughout the day. As she takes a moment's leave I take the opportunity to put this to him.
"Sure," he laughs, "I see what you mean. But moving to Kurdistan wasn't motivated by that at all. Back then I thought I was going to be single for the rest of my life. The fact that I met Rebecca out there was unbelievable."
Ms Bradshaw returns, and the two head off for farewell drinks. In the morning Mr Meyer will be leaving London for the more testing climes of Northern Iraq where, in a matter of months, the temperature will have dropped to near freezing. I'm left wondering if he'll be wishing he had kept that field jacket after all.


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How To Make State Fair Nachos At Home
Fair food nachos aren't like any nachos we've had anywhere else. No fancy sauces or piles of extra toppings. No impressive presentation or attempts to win us over. We're simply handed a paper tray of corn chips that have been drizzled with the creamiest, saltiest, and most strangely addictive cheese sauce imaginable.
Wandering between booths with the sun on our faces, this is heaven.
The secret ingredient to that extra-oozy, gooey sauce is our old frenemy, American Cheese. More specifically Velveeta. Love it or hate it, this cheese melts beautifully. It never separates or gets oily, and it coats food like nothing else.
You won't win any gourmet food challenges with these nachos, but we guarantee you'll make a lot of friends. Just try serving up a big bowl of them at your next cook-out or movie night, and see how fast they disappear. Like we said, "strangely addictive" is definitely an accurate description.
Fair Food Nachos
makes enough to use one large bag of chips and feed several salt-craving adults
1 16-ounce block of Velveeta cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped tomato
1-2 green onions, sliced into thin rounds
1-2 hot peppers, finely chopped (optional)
1 16-ounce bag corn tortilla chips
Cut the block of Velveeta into cubes and put them into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the cheese is completely melted. This should take about 3 minutes total.
Chop all of the vegetables as finely as possible. Stir them into the melted cheese, and microwave the sauce for another 30 seconds. If the sauce seems too thick to you, stir in a little milk, sour cream, or mayonnaise.
Arrange the a layer of chips in the bottom of your serving bowl. Spoon on some cheese sauce. Add another layer of chips and cheese sauce, and continue until your bowl is full. You can serve nachos in a communal bowl, individual bowls, or set the cheese sauce out for dipping.
Even Shorter Shortcut Variation: Combine the cubed Velveeta with a jar of salsa and microwave in 30 second intervals until the cheese has completely melted.
(Images: Emma Christensen for the Kitchn)


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Heyy everyone
Sorry I kinda went missing in action but lifes been hectic and I just haven't gotten round to posting!!! Well remember when I said that Gracie hadn't arrived well she did about a month ago, but she's not what we were expecting, she's a bossy little brat, and she HATES everything Historical! WOW, is she a pain! Anyway Mum has been talking to her and Gracie has decided that she would rather go somewhere and be spoilt rotten than stay here and have to share things with 6 others! In other news I'M SO EXCITED BECAUSE THIS FRIDAY MUM AND I ARE GOING TO THE HARRY POTTER EXIBITION!!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! I'm really looking forward to it, I cant wait, but sadly I cant take pictures in there but I will make sure that I take a picture outside!
Well thats all really!
P.S. Mum started another doll related blog!! http://dollydrafts.blogspot.com/


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Review WCM11 2-Cup Coffee Maker Black Finish
650 W – 2 Cup(s) – Multi-serve – Matte Black
- Auto Shutoff
- Dishwasher Safe Component
- Fingerprints-free
Share this
Best Coffee Machines
SaleBestseller No. 1
De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM 4200.S Bean to Cup, Silver
- Stylish bean-to-cup espresso/cappuccino machine with professional 15-bar pump pressure
- Suitable for fresh coffee beans, ground coffee
- Traditional stainless steel milk frothing arm and built-in burr grinder
- Advanced dual boiler system, removable brewing unit and drip tray, active cup warmer and adjustable height dispenser
- Bean-to-cup quality with simple 1-touch operation
SaleBestseller No. 2
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Jovia by De'Longhi - EDG250B Coffee Machine - Black
- Maximum 15 bar pump pressure for coffee shop quality
- 40 varieties of hold and cold drinks
- Easy to use and clean
- Pods available in supermarkets and online
- Two year guarantee
Bestseller No. 3
Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS1402GB Coffee Machine, 1300 Watt, 0.7 Litre - Black
- Auto cleaning and descaling. Note: It is suggested to wait for 24 hours for the machine to unlock
- Height adjustable and removable cup stand with stainless steel drip tray: can be fully removed for tall latte glasses or travel mugs
- Easy to use, one button operation with Tassimo T-Discs
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Nespresso EN550.BM Lattissima Touch Automatic Coffee Machine, Matt Black
- DeLonghi patented 'automatic cappuccino system' to achieve real Cappuccino and lattes automatically into a glass
- 8 tactile beverage buttons to choose you favourite coffee drink; ristretto, Cappuccino, Latte, espresso, long, hot milk
- Reduced heating up time; 25 seconds
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- Sliding drip tray to allow use of both coffee cups and Latte glasses
SaleBestseller No. 5
De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685M Traditional Pump Espresso Machine - Silver
- Create all your coffee shop favorites with a real barista experience at home
- Prepare and deliver your perfect espresso with fresh ground coffee
- Adjustable milk frothing steam device for frothy cappuccino and silky smooth latte
- Hot water delivery for Americanos or herbal tea
- Three filters including a single, double and ESE compatible filter
SaleBestseller No. 6
De'Longhi Caffe' Corso ESAM2800.SB Bean to Cup, Silver and Black
- 15 bar pressure, removable 1.8 L water tank
- Electronic steam and coffee thermostat for accurate steam control
- Suitable for fresh coffee beans. Beans container capacity- 200 gram
- Integrated professional burr grinder with 7 adjustable coarseness settings, advanced boiler system (thermoblock)
- Removable brewing unit for easy cleaning. Removable drip tray with water level indicator
SaleBestseller No. 7
Sage BES875UK The Barista Express with Temp Control Milk Jug, Brushed Stainless Steel
- Inbuilt grinder takes you from whole beans to espresso in under a minute
- Automatic hands free dosing, delivers a consistent volume of consistently ground coffee into your filter with one-touch
- Low pressure pre-infusion gently soaks the coffee allowing it to expand prior to its high pressure extraction for a balanced taste
- High pressure steam output for Barista quality milk texturing.Water Tank Capacity - 2 Litre. Voltage - 220-240 volts. Power - 1850 Watts
- Separate hot water wand for pre-heating cups or making a long black or an Americano
SaleBestseller No. 8
Russell Hobbs 20680 Buckingham Filter Coffee Machine, 1.25 Litre, Black/Silver
- The advanced showerhead technology ensures flavour is fully extracted from your coffee grains, dissolving the maximum amount of coffee and giving you great taste every time
- Eliminate the need to buy costly paper filters as this coffee machine has a permanent filter that can be removed and washed, however filter paper can still be used if you prefer
- Make up to ten cups of coffee at once with a 1.25 Litre capacity glass carafe or choose to set your coffee maker to brew only one, two or three cups
- The blue illuminated light ring will light-up when brewing and when the coffee is using the keep-warm feature, this also matches all other products in the Buckingham range
- Designed to be much quicker when heating, the Buckingham coffee maker is 50 Percent faster in reaching optimum temperature, meaning less time waiting for that ideal cuppa
SaleBestseller No. 9
NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Oblo Coffee Machine by Krups - Black
- Maximum 15 bar pump pressure for coffee shop quality
- Over 30 varieties of hot and cold drinks
- Easy to use and clean, 2 Year Guarantee
- Pods available in supermarkets and online
- Note: Do not leave the capsule in after use. This can bloke the nozzle and cause not liquid to be pump. Dolce Gusto products are fitted with a nozzle cleaning pin to help consumers remove the blockage.To prime the machine please follow the initial setup guide and run just water through without a pod
SaleBestseller No. 10
Nespresso Citiz and Milk Coffee Machine, Black by Magimix
- Includes a selection of 16 different Nespresso capsules
- Fast 25 seconds heat up time
- Removable 1 L water tank
- Integrated Aeroccino3 for hot or cold milk froth
- Programmable, one-touch buttons
SaleBestseller No. 11
Bosch Tassimo My Way TAS6002GB Coffee Machine, 1500 watts, 1.2 Litres - Black
- Your Personal Touch. Set the intensity, size and strength as you like it. Chrome trim brew head
- Deliciously easy! Your coffee shop favorites at the touch of a button.
- INTELLIBREW system - simply pop in a T DISC, made with real ground coffee, press start and each drink's unique barcode will give your machine all the information it needs to create the perfect cup.
- Ability to make over 40 big-brand hot drinks, including: Costa, L'Or, Kenco, Twinings, Cadburys
SaleBestseller No. 12
De'Longhi Scultura ECZ351BG Traditional Pump Espresso Machine - Champagne
- High glossy finishing with chrome details
- Auto off function after 20 minutes, ECO button to modify the auto off time
- 2 separate thermostats to control water and steam temperatures
- Transparent and removable water reservoir (capacity: 1.4 L)
- Self-priming system means machine is always ready for use
SaleBestseller No. 13
Nescafé Dolce Gusto by De'Longhi Eclipse Touch EDG736S Pod Coffee Machine - Silver
- Multi-beverage maker, including espresso, cappuccinos, caff latte and deeply indulgent chococinos
- Automatic opening - press On/Off icon
- Machine automatically opens to beverage preparation position
- Intuitive touch screen interface to easily set beverage quantities
- Adjustable drip tray height- 3 positions, removable water tank (1l) with level indication window
SaleBestseller No. 14
De'Longhi Eletta ECAM 44.660.B Bean to Cup, Black
- Memory function - makes your favourite drink by choosing the amount of milk and coffee. Long Coffee button with extra brewing cycle for intense aroma and flavour
- Easy to clean and practical - automatic rinse and descaling programmes. The machine can be used with either coffee beans or ground coffee
- Automatic cappuccino and caffe latte function to build a creamy milk texture. Pump pressure (bar): 15
- One touch cappuccino, caff latte, lattemaccchiato, espresso macchiato and flat white drink choices
- Long life grinder with 13 adjustable settings;Rated voltage/Frequency (V~Hz): 220/240~50/60
SaleBestseller No. 15
Melitta Look IV Therm Timer, 1011-16, Filter Coffee Machine with Insulated Jug, Timer Feature, Aroma Selector, Black/Brushed Steel
- Wake up with a mild or strong cup of coffee rich in flavour, Indicator on water tank for 10 large cups (125ml) or 15 small cups (85 ml)
- Exceptional taste: Optimal temperature preparation, Adjustable coffee intensity thanks to Aroma Selector, Keeps coffee hot for 2 hours thanks to robust insulated Jug with reinforced double wall interior
- Have your coffee ready at the right time thanks to the Timer Feature, Easily handle Jug with one hand, Lid and detachable anti-drip filter, Compatible with 1 x 4 filters, Time display, Cable storage compartment, Stainless steel panels. VDE-tested for safety
- Preserve your machine and the taste of coffee: Descaling program, Calcification display, Programmable water hardness level, Machine washable detachable filter, Auto-off feature, 1000 W, Designed in Germany
- Contents: 1 Melitta Look IV Therm Timer Filter Coffee Machine, Black/Brushed Steel, 1011-16, 5 Original Melitta White Coffee Filters, Weight: 5.4 lbs, Dimensions (LxHxD) : 9 x 13.7 x 8.2 inches, Cable length: 2.9 ft
Bestseller No. 16
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Mini Me Coffee Machine Starter Kit, 1500 W, Black and Grey
- Easy to Use - all you need is the machine, some water and pods
- Easy to Clean - as all the coffee grounds stay in the pods there is no mess, no fuss
- Compact design - 16.5 x 25.7 x 29.6 x cm (WxDxH)
- Easy to Buy pods - available in supermarkets and full range on the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto web shop
- Hot & Cold Drink capability with wide range of over 40 pods available
SaleBestseller No. 17
JURA 15079 E6 Coffee Machine, Platinum
- Fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine elegantly combines convenience, reliability and style
- Introducing a world first - P.E.P. for outstanding barista quality espresso and ristretto
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SaleBestseller No. 18
Nescafé Dolce Gusto by De'Longhi Mini Me EDG305WB Pod Coffee Machine - White & Black
- Automatic play and select coffee machine
- Maximum 15 bar pump pressure for coffee shop quality
- 40 varieties of hold and cold drinks
- Pods available in supermarkets and online
- Features 2 years guarantee
SaleBestseller No. 19
Morphy Richards 162009 Pour Over Filter Coffee Maker, 1.8 Litre, 900 W, Red, Morphy Richards Coffee Machine
- Programmable timer that allows you to wake up to a fresh coffee
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- Reusable permanent cupcake filter to create a smoother flavour
- 1.8 L capacity for up to 12 cups (Product Dimensions: 23 x 18.8 x 33.5 cm)
- Adjustable coffee strength selectors
Bestseller No. 20
Nespresso Inissia Coffee Machine, Black by Magimix
- Compact machine taking up minimum space on your work counter
- User friendly capsule insertion with removable container for emptying
- Fast heating using Thermoblock, 25 seconds
- Automatic quantity control for the coffee of your choice from espresso to cappuccino
- Enhanced Nespresso capsules containing the ideal amount of freshly roasted and ground coffee with 16 different blends to suit all tastes
bestcoffeemakerreviews2014.com is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk. --- Last update on 2019-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


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I'll be watching this season. the whole ethic tribe will be over by week 2 or 3 anyways. :whisper:lucky duck on the wireless. i have a wireless network at my house that i use my laptop for but I'd like to have my laptop so I could go anywhere with the verizon broadband network.
I think Jessica was just REALLY stupid for lifting the box up to the point where they could escape.
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Superior Foes Of Spider-Man #3 (Also, weirdly racist Spoiler
Hey you! Reader! Want to be a part of the GREATEST COMIC BOOK AND GEEK COMMUNITY on the web?! Well, they're not accepting new members, but we'll take anyone here, so why not sign up for a free acount? It's fast and it's easy, like your mom! Sign up today! Membership spots are limited!*
*Membership spots not really limited!
Hey you! Reader! Want to be a part of the GREATEST COMIC BOOK AND GEEK COMMUNITY on the web?! Well, they're not accepting new members, but we'll take anyone here, so why not sign up for a free acount? It's fast and it's easy, like your mom! Sign up today! Membership spots are limited!*
*Membership spots not really limited!
by Punchy » Wed Sep 04, 2013 12:33 pmJust like Avengers A.I. this is a book that has dove straight into my heart and become one of my favourite comics already. This book is such a unique delight, and Nick Spencer's writing of Boomerang is so perfect, I could read him rambling on about nonsense all day. This issue was full of great fun moments, off-beat takes on the Marvel Universe, and also a few surprising twists. Since Hawkeye is taking it's sweet, sweet time releasing new issues, this should be your go-to for street-level awesomeness.
This issue opens with Boomerang giving us a recap on the history of Silvermane and his missing head, as I said, Boomerang's inner voice is amazing, and Spencer manages to make all of this exposition enormously entertaining, especially when Boomerang deviates to tell an underground myth where the head was found by a young boy and he and Silvermane become friends, a la The Iron Giant, but of course, that's bullshit, The Owl has Silvermane's head under lock and key. I just love how cynical this title is.
We then see Boomerang in a meeting with his new parole officer, Mach VII, the former Beetle. I loved this scene, the dialogue between these two former buddies was brilliantly written, and Spencer once again makes recapping fun, as we get filled in onto the back-story between these two and their history in the Thunderbolts. I loved how Boomerang saw what Abe did as the ultimate betrayal, and how he saw his involvement with the Tbolts as completely different, he's a complex character is Fred Myers. I would have liked to see Spencer tackle the fact that Mach VII changed his skin colour in some humorous way, but I expect that's coming.
Also brilliantly written was the scene where the rest of the Sinister Six kick him out because of his new association with Mach VII, I'm loving the banter between these losers, and how they comment on the wider Marvel Universe, such as their reactions to the Defenders all being women now. It was also great to see how Boomerang fucked up and the Sinister Four were able to take over his plan, it's great to see how small-time and stupid these criminals are, really reminiscent of the late Elmore Leonard.
The scene with the 'Supervillains Anonymous' meeting was equally hilarious, and also tragic, as Spencer once again uses Marvel History in unexpected ways, and of course combines it with Hippo man-boobs.
This book is just amazing, Steve Lieber's art is perfect for the book's tone, the humour is there, the pathos is there, and the ending sets up some exciting stuff for the future, as Boomerang sets up his former friends for a fall.
If you're not reading this book, you really should be, it's something special, and in a month where the Distinguished Competition is all about their villains and how fucking dark and gritty they are, this black comedy is probably the best villain's comic of them all. Although it is only in 2D.
by TimDrake'sDumbWings » Wed Sep 04, 2013 1:38 pm
I saw it and knew it had to become my avatar.
by TimDrake'sDumbWings » Wed Sep 04, 2013 1:39 pmThis book is really turning out to be a great surprise. When I read the first issue, I enjoyed it because it was the closest thing to Thunderbolts we currently have. Now that actual Thunderbolts and Thunderbolts history are pretty integrally involved, I'm loving this even more!
by Punchy » Wed Sep 04, 2013 2:02 pm
Ha! I love it!
by Chicanery » Wed Sep 04, 2013 3:57 pmFun thing about this comic, I managed to make Erika Moen happy by tweeting the Oh Joy, Sex Toy cameo and piss off Cullen Bunn in the same tweet chain.
by Punchy » Wed Sep 04, 2013 4:58 pm
I forgot to mention the crack about Mach VII looking like a dildo, hilarious.
by Chicanery » Wed Sep 04, 2013 5:12 pmThe advertisement for OJST in the background was the best moment.
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I'm trying to finish up an installation on my Windows 7 64 bit machine of XAMPP-portable 1.8.1 that I downloaded today from here: http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html
It SEEMS to work okay other than when I run a test.php, I can't get the date to come up.
Today is <? print strftime("%m/%d/%Y"); ?>
only reads "Today is".
I'm kind of guessing the problem may be in my php.ini file but I haven't done anything with that file as it appeared okay.


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April 2008 4x4 Tech Questions - TechlinePosted in How To: Tech Qa on April 1, 2008
Address your correspondence to:
Four Wheeler
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048.
All letters become the property of Four Wheeler, and we reserve the right to edit them for length, accuracy, and clarity. The editorial department also can be reached through the Web site at www.fourwheeler. com. Due to the volume of mail, electronic and otherwise, we cannot respond to every reader, but we do read everything.
Question: I need some help with a discbrake conversion. I purchased a '71 Bronco, and I'm trying to turn it into a functional trail vehicle. One of the things I want to do is convert the brakes from drums to discs. It has a Ford 9-inch in the rear and a Dana 44 in the front.
Everyone and their mother wants to sell me a kit to do this for several hundred dollars, which is more than I want to spend. Do you know how I can do this on the cheap? Which over-the-counter rotors and parts could I get and make work with the appropriate brackets or with a little fab work? I know I can not be alone in this, as the Dana 44 and Ford 9-inch are way popular.
Brian Wensel
Fort Mohave, AZ
Answer: I will have to agree that those early Bronco brakes leave a lot to be desired. A disc-brake conversion is not cheap, no matter how good of a scrounger you are. Brakes are a pretty important item, especially when your life depends on them. However, with a bit of forethought and maybe some luck in finding the parts, you can do the conversion without too big of a dent in your wallet.
The easiest way would be to obtain the complete front end and/or brake system from a '76-'77 Bronco. The chances of finding such are slim to none, and if you do get lucky, it's going to be pricey. So let's settle for second best.
There are several ways you can do the front conversion, but this seems to be one of the better ways. Starting out, you can't use the original master cylinder, so you will have to obtain one from a '76-'77 Bronco that was originally equipped with disc brakes, along with hubs and rotors. Then you're going to need a bunch of parts from a '74-'75 1/2-ton Chevy pickup or Blazer. Yes,said Chevy-sorry about that, Ford purists. This will include the spindles, calipers, backing plates, and a bunch of small parts. Take a look at www.bronco.com/cms/ node/73 and it will outline just what is necessary to make this all come together.
For the rear, things are also pretty easy. Rock Equipment (916/434-7887, www.rockequipment.com) sells some brackets you can use, and then you come up with your own parts, or you can buy the parts and pieces directly from them. Having an emergency brake is not only a necessity but the law, so keep this in mind when doing the rear conversion.
Keep in mind before you start on this kind of a project it is going to set you back a considerable amount of money to do it right, but there is only one way to do brakes, and that is the right way.
Question: I just recently bought a '99 Jeep Wrangler Sport with the threespeed auto tranny. It has 31x10.50 BFGoodrich A/T tires on it. It's not a daily driver, but when I do drive it to and from work, it chugs the gas. The last time I filled it up, I got 12 mpg. I looked at the original window sticker and it said it should get 15-19 mpg.
I plan to put the K&N filter on it, but I really want to get the revs down at highway speeds to help reduce the wear and tear on the motor. It only has 48,000 miles on it. The traf-fic flows between 75 and 80 mph to and from work. Is there a bolt-on overdrive that I could put on it? If so, about how much do they cost, and what are the pros and cons?
Brandon Spell
Silsbee, TX
Answer: Yep, your Jeep probably should be getting a lot better fuel mileage than 12, but not at 80 mph. To start off with, just because others are driving at 80 mph doesn't mean you have to. Have you ever thought about leaving for work, say, 10 to 20 minutes earlier and driving at a steady 60 to 65 mph? My guess is that your fuel mileage would then be about 18 mpg.
Oh, and something to keep in mind is that you can't figure fuel mileage off of just one tank fill-up and be accurate. Different nozzles shut off at different percentages of tank fullness. Even the air temperature can affect when the nozzle shuts off. Just a gallon more, or less, than the last fill-up can make a big difference when figuring fuel mileage.
An overdrive would be a great improvement, but unfortunately there is not a bolt-on unit for your Jeep's three-speed automatic or behind the transfer case. Gear Vendors (www.gearvendors.com, 800/999-9555) lists one for the Dodge 203 transfer case (similar if not the same as the one in your Jeep), so you might want to contact them to see if your application would fit, which I am sure it would. The problem is that the overdrive unit is quite long, which would make for a very, very short and impractical-length driveshaft. Even so, you would have to drive a heck of a lot of miles to get any payback, as the price installed would most likely be in the $3,000 to $4,000 range.
I think that the best thing to do would be to swap in an AW-4 four-speed overdrive automatic from a Jeep Cherokee. This is a very doable swap, but how much it would cost depends on just how good of a deal you get on the AW-4 and how much of the work you plan to do yourself. My guess is when it's all said and done, if you do the work it would be under $1,000. Under Google, I typed in "TJ transmission swap" and found several Web sites that could lead you through the process.
Question: I've got a question about headers for an '06 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. I am thinking about replacing the stock exhaust manifolds on my Ram with headers. The only thing slowing me down is my lack of knowledge of the difference between shorty, mid-tube, and long-tube headers. What would be the best for a truck that is daily-driven?
The Ram already features an AEM intake and a Flowmaster Super 40 exhaust. In my mind the long-tube headers sound like they will hang too low, and the shorty headers might need some extra add-on pipe to get to the existing Y-tube. Is the mid-tube the answer for a direct replacement? What are the advantages of each type?
Nate Richmond
Huber Heights, OH
Answer: As a general rule for street and off-pavement performance, you want to go with small-diameter tubing, and the tubes should be as long as possible without interfering with any of the driveline components, as well as going into a long collector. The small diameter of the tubes keep the flow speed up, and the long tubes prevent the gases from a reverse flow under negative pressure waves. My opinion is that there is not a lot to be gained with short-tube headers. On a previous Dodge project vehicle, we put some very nice, and expensive, short-tube headers on the 360ci motor and in reality I felt that it was a waste of time, effort, and money for the little we gained in performance.
Naturally, long-tube headers will cost more because of the fact that there is more material, and a lot more time in the design. Long-tube headers sometimes can be a real pain to install, and in some instances it is even necessary to take off a motor mount and slightly lift the engine in order to gain installation clearance. The shorter the overall length of the header, the easier it is to install.
The Flowmaster 40-series muffl ers are an excellent choice. They will give some great sound and are great for a truck that sees off-pavement use as they are quite solidly built.
Question: I currently own a '97 Chevy Z71 and I have a set of older Rally rims off of an '86 fullsize Blazer. I was wondering if I will need a lift to clear a set of 32-inch tires.
I was hoping to go no higher than maybe a 3-inch body lift, if any at all, because this truck gets used a lot hauling trailers and also a slide-in camper.
Craig McKenzie
Carthage, NY
Answer: I know that the Z71 package carried a lot of options that were grouped together, and one was a higher ride height of about 2 inches. This should allow plenty of room for the 32-inch tires, and in fact most likely the tires on the truck in a metric size are pretty close to 32-inchers.
The wheels off the Blazer have a backspacing that was designed for a solid front axle. The IFS wheels have a lot more backspacing. In other words, the Blazer wheels will stick out past the fender opening and put more load on the suspension and steering components. There also may be a clearance issue around the front brake calipers, but perhaps not because of the backspacing. I asked Dennis Franklin of Franklin Tire and Suspension in Yuma, Arizona, for his opinion on such a wheel swap, and this is what he had to say:
"The old-style Rally has 4 inches of backspacing, and the 16-inch Z71 has almost 6 inches of backspacing. One must also keep in mind that the Z71 wheel is 7 inches wide and the 15-inch Rally wheel is 8 inches wide. Combine these, and it means that the center of the tire will stick out 21/2 inches beyond what the factory intended. To make matters worse, the scrub angle goes to pot, causing the tires to slide around a turn. Not good for long or smooth tire wear.
"The factory tire was a 32x10.50R16. You can put on a 32x11.50R15; just make sure that you trim the fenders both front and rear because the tire will now swing in an arc, taking up more room in the fenderwell.
"Oh yes, and your friendly frontend man will love you too. Whenever you tweak up the torsion bars a little, and add high-offset wheels and tires, this then causes the idler arms and pitman arms to go south before winter, and the upper ball joints and control-arm bushing will also be very unhappy. Not a very good idea to swap wheels, in my opinion."
If you should decide that you want more tire clearance, I wouldn't recommend a body lift if you plan to use a slide-in camper. Using body spacers under the bed would perhaps put more of a leverage load on the mounts than they were designed for.
Question: We have an '07 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited with 35s and several hundred pounds of racks, winch, and gear. We tow a 3,500-pound camping trailer, but even with 5.13:1 gears, there just isn't enough power-really not even enough for daily driving without the trailer. I don't need to race anyone, but I do want to make it up hills. I need torque. Is there a turbodiesel swap that wouldn't require me to rob Fort Knox? Or another suggestion- maybe a blower?
Brian Dunning
Laguna Niguel, CA
Answer: Yep, you're right, that is the biggest complaint with the new JKs. The V-6 just doesn't make enough power. There are some headers available and an air filter change, but together, these really aren't gong to make the power you're looking for. I am sure in time that the aftermarket will be supplying a blower for the V-6. I understand that Adventure Innovations (805/322-7001, www.adventure-innovations.com is in the process of developing a supercharger kit for the JK and may have it available by the time you read this.
The problem is that most of the diesels you could swap will not make the power you're looking for, or would not meet emissions standards. Burnsville Off Road (www.burnsvilleoffroad.com) has made some conversions using the '07 3.0L Mercedes engine. A really nice engine, but my guess is it's also really expensive.
You also might consider putting your Jeep on a "diet" if possible. You are towing the Unlimited's absolute maximum rated load (3,500 pounds) and with bigger tires, "several hundred pounds" of bolt-ons, a full tank of fuel, and a couple of full-grown adults and their gear riding inside, you may well be exceeding the vehicle's gross combined weight rating, which really hurts both power and fuel mileage.
Question: Regarding "Lower Gears for Durango Axles" (Techline, Jan. '08):
The front axle of the '05 Dodge Durango in question is the Corporate Chrysler 8.0 (205 mm), not a Dana 30. They have been using this axle beginning with the '00 model year in the first-generation Durangos, and it has continued in the second generation as well. The earliest Durangos ('97-'99) used a Dana 35. I've seen up to 4.56:1 gearing available for the Corporate 8.0 with no change to the carrier required. I've heard this is the same front axle that is used in late-model Ram 1500s. I don't have any input on the strength of this axle.
The 8.25 is used in the rear, which I find interesting, being that the first-generation models (which didn't offer Hemi power) were available with the larger 9.25 axles.
By the way, what is meant by a "floating" axle? I tested my 9.25 and it sunk.
Joel Smith
via fourwheeler.com
Answer: Yep, I blew it there with my answer. You're completely right. My only excuse is that I had some brain fade when I was in the process of answering three different letters on Chrysler axles and must have gotten my fingers on the wrong line of my gear chart.
Yes, there are some aftermarket 4.56:1 gears available from places like Randy's Ring & Pinion. The lowest factory gear is 3.92:1, and yes, the lower gears will bolt right up to the present carrier. And yes again, the Chrysler 8-inch is also used in the front of IFS Dodge 1500-series pickups starting in 2002.
As to the rear end, it could be either an 8.25 or the much stronger 9.25-inch with 31-spline C-clipstyle axles. Thanks for keeping me straight.
As to your question: A "full-floating axle" is one where the wheel is mounted to a hub with bearings on the inner and outer portions, which in turn rides on a hollow spindle that is either an integrated part of the axlehousing or bolted on. The spindle/hub carries all the weight, not the axleshaft. The axle is slid through the spindle and can be removed without taking the wheel off. In other words, the axle "floats" and carries no weight and just acts as a driver. This is common on 3/4- to 1-ton pickups.
On a "semi-floating" axle, the wheel is bolted directly to the axleshaft. The weight of the vehicle is carried on one bearing on the outer end of the shaft and by the differential assembly on the splined end of the axleshaft.
Question: I've been a loyal reader of your magazine since I was 14 years old when I became bitten with the 'wheeling bug. Probably the part of your magazine I have enjoyed the most over the years is "Techline." I have always found the advice given in your column to be quite informative.
In the April '06 issue someone with a Suzuki/Ford 302 had a question as to which transmission/transfer case combination would suit him best. I'm sorry to say that your response had a few errors in it. First, the low range of the NP207 transfer case is not 2.72:1, it is only 2.61:1. The 2.72:1 ratio was used in the NP231 and 241 transfer cases. Second, you stated that you would not use the C4 transmission but rather swap in an AOD because it offered a lower First gear and an overdrive. While the AOD does offer an overdrive, the First gear ratio is actu-ally slightly higher than a C4. The AOD uses a 2.40:1 first and a 1.47:1 second while the C4 uses a 2.46:1 first and 1.46:1 second gear. The only Ford automatic that uses substantially lower gearing than this was the 4R70W (for all purposes, an electronically controlled AOD that utilized a wide-ratio gearset), which used a 2.84:1 first and 1.55:1 second. The 4R70W's overdrive isn't nearly as steep either at 0.70:1 compared to the AOD's 0.67:1.
In my opinion, he should use the C4.While only being a three-speed auto, it is very light and saps very little torque from the engine. In fact, it is in the same class as the Powerglide in the amount of power it uses to operate. Durability shouldn't be a serious issue either, because the C4 can be seriously beefed up with better turbine (input) shafts, larger servo piston(s), and replacement steel six-pinion input planetaries to replace the failure-prone stock aluminum three-pinion planetary. The C4 doesn't require a computer to operate it, either (neither does an AOD, I guess).
Even if the AOD was geared lower, I wouldn't use it due to the power flow in Third and Fourth gears, non-selectable lockup feature, and the fact that its shift pattern uses a crappy three-quadrant setup which only offers Overdrive, Drive, and First, with no selection available for Second. While you can get a Second gear by manually shifting from First to Drive and then back into First before the transmission can make the shift into Third, this is not a good idea. It will quickly fry the OD band and direct clutch, as well as eliminate engine braking in second.
You also can't get away from the lockup feature due to its entirely mechanical nature. Plus the 60/40 (60 percent mechanical, 40 percent hydraulic) torque flow in Third gear isn't the best either, especially in high-load, low-speed situations when a vehicle would need all of the torque multiplication of the torque converter in these situations (or at least more multiplication than this setup will offer). There is an aftermarket turbine (input) shaft offered that will entirely eliminate the OD lockup feature and split torque flow in Third, but this can add a lot of heat to the transmission, especially during extended cruises in OD. All of these problems are addressed by certain aftermarket companies, but the cost of all of these modifications usually raises the cost of a rebuilt AOD to anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000. Ouch! You could use a later-model version of an AOD (an AODE is better, but the 4R70W is best), but it would necessitate the use of an aftermarket stand-alone computer or swapping in a new engine/transmission combo from a donor vehicle.
I think he should stick with the C4. It's lighter, just as strong, sucks less power, is simpler in design, doesn't need a computer, and costs much less to rebuild/modify. And if you want a lockup torque converter, get a C5. The C5 is nothing more then a C4 with a lockup torque converter.
S. Krein
via fourwheeler.com
Answer: Thanks for catching me on this. You seem to be very knowledgeable about Ford automatics. You're right, I did make two mistakes, though I should have gone into more detail in my answer. I say most AODs because there were actually some AODs that had the 2.84:1 ratio right from the factory. Even if they are hard to locate, the parts are not. I don't have a current SVO Ford Racing Catalog, but my old one lists an AOD wide-ratio upgrade kit that basically uses the 4R70W transmission gearset. Art Carr has a similar kit available.
Yes, you did point out some problems with the AOD transmission and how expensive it would be to rebuild to solve these problems, but you also made note of the modifications needed to beef up the C4. I don't think that $1,200 to $2,000 is out of the ballpark when it comes to a performance automatic transmission. The performance transmission guys tell me that the AOD can be made plenty stout and handle any amount of power that the 302 could put out.
Oh, I will agree with you as to the C4 being the better transmission to use for his conversion.


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Bradshaw Tree Services has been working in tree management services for over 15 years. Our service area includes all of Sydney's northern suburbs including the Cammeray area. Bradshaws has an excellent reputation and knowledge of local tree laws. Our experience in the local area gives us an up-to-date awareness of conditions affecting our customers. Our company can guide you through the complex regulations regarding tree removal in the Cammeray in North Shore area.
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We assess and perform tree removal for a number of different reasons.
- All trees have a finite lifespan. Removal is the last option for when they cannot be pruned to reduce a hazard. Sometimes their root structure can overgrow and cause structural damage to a property, and a removal is often a cheaper and quicker option than re-stumping.
- A tree may need to be removed if it is dead, dying or diseased. A tree that is dropping limbs is also a major safety hazard and will need to be removed.
- Some species are also noxious or undesirable and may warrant removal.
- Some development applications also require the removal of trees.
- If you live in a rural area, you may want to utilise our professional tree removal or vegetation clearing services. We can help you to protect your property against bush fires, a very real threat in our hot Australian summers.
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Our experienced and qualified team are able to provide a variety of different tree solutions to you. All of our services are conducted in a safe, practical and efficient manner.


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So, here we go. We are coming out to the nation. Jenni and I have sex with other people. There, it's done.
But, lets wind back three decades and place this in context.
It is my first job after leaving school. I'm at the Sydney-based Spastic Centre's sheltered workshop. It seemed very large to a pimply faced 17-year-old fresh from one of the centre's two special schools. I found the morning tea and lunch breaks in the cafeteria particular daunting when I was one of about 300 wheelchair users trying to be served and assisted to eat before the bell rings to return to the factory floor.
I had seen Jenni at our hostel over the years and she carried an air of importance, with her father being on the board. I soon found her favourite table in the cafeteria. I would try to race to it each day hoping to sit next to her and, perhaps, share a support worker. The time spent together soon extended beyond the lunch table to include activities other than talking.
The mid-'80s in saw a change in the national disability policies from large residential facilities to much smaller group homes spread throughout communities. I was among the first to be de-institutionalised. While Jenni and I weren't housed together she frequently visited.
After a long courtship, mostly by correspondence, we married on 1 December 1990 in the small university chapel at Armidale NSW, where I was fortunate enough to be accepted to study. Our Byron Bay honeymoon was so delightful that we returned the following year.
We moved to Canberra in search of employment after my degree and to work towards a second qualification. Together, Jenni and I had to survive a number of 'homes' that were less than ideal. One was at an Australian National University residence where the bedroom was so small we had to leave our wheelchairs in the public access hallway. In a later house, the bedrooms were not even big enough to accommodate our bed, so we used the living room as a bedroom.
Notwithstanding these challenges, we were doing remarkably well with support from ACT government-funded home care services. That was until September 1, 2008 when Jenni over-balanced transferring from the bed to her wheelchair. She landed awkwardly and broke bones in her left foot, which weren't properly diagnosed or treated for several months.
This fall had long-lasting consequences on Jenni's health generally and on our sex lives. Her prolonged and mostly unsuccessful recovery resulted in Jen having further reduced mobility in and out of bed. It meant we had to take extreme care not to touch or bump her foot. We had been fully independent in bed but after the fall the effort involved became too much. We tried different toys and different positions without joy.
Two years after the fall we were at a point where we had to make a decision to either give up on enjoying sex or to investigate the possibility of allowing a third person into our bed.
We were way too young to stop having sex.
Sex is important in most long-term relationships because it increases the pair-bonding by releasing the 'love hormone' oxytocin. There is also scientific evidence to suggest that sex has a range of health benefits associated with our immunity, heart, blood pressure, reduced risk of prostate cancer, pain and stress relief.
In early 2011 we arranged for sex worker, Joanne, to begin working with us. With each visit we had to remind ourselves that she wasn't there to make 'love' to us. Rather, in the same way that our support staff ensure that we remain in good physical health – by showering, feeding, and dressing us – Joanne helps us to maintain good sexual health.
Also in 2011 we successfully approached the ACT government to extend the funding of our disability care support to cover these conjugal support services. In December 2015, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) agreed that, in our situation, a modest allowance for conjugal support service would be reasonable and necessary.
Jenni and I still enjoy doing a lot of activities together. For instance, we work out at the Spastic Centre's (now the 'Cerebral Palsy Alliance') Canberra gym, challenge each other at online Yahtzee, visit our favourite local cafe for morning coffees, and cuddle up in front of our favourite television shows and movies.
Doubtlessly, sex is critical to all marriages. Our love for one another and shared history means sex is important for our marriage too. And, just as with other activities, we just need the right support to make this part of our life happen.
Complete Article HERE!


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Jump to navigation
This is a list of United States Code sections, Statutes at Large, Public Laws, and Presidential Documents, which provide rulemaking authority for this CFR Part.
This list is taken from the Parallel Table of Authorities and Rules provided by GPO [Government Printing Office].
It is not guaranteed to be accurate or up-to-date, though we do refresh the database weekly. More limitations on accuracy are described at the GPO site.
§ 1681 - Sex
§ 1682 - Federal administrative enforcement; report to Congressional committees
§ 1683 - Judicial review
§ 1685 - Authority under other laws unaffected
§ 1686 - Interpretation with respect to living facilities
§ 1687 - Interpretation of "program or activity"
§ 1688 - Neutrality with respect to abortion


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When it comes to politics, a pop star's tweet can go a long way.
As Congress considers a defense spending bill that includes a provision to end the military's don't ask, don't tell policy, Lady Gaga has tweeted the senators from her home state of New York as well as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., to show her support for a repeal of the ban on gays openly serving in the military.
Gaga called on her followers Sept. 14 to contact Reid and ask him to schedule a vote for a repeal of the ban.
"He appreciates her raising the issue and hopes that she and her fans will focus their attention on the Republicans," said Jim Manley, a spokesman for Reid. "We need a couple Republicans to break ranks and vote on this as early as tomorrow."
New York's Democratic senators, Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, who strongly support repeal of the ban on gays serving openly in the military, both engaged in Twitter exchanges with the flamboyant singer, known for her outrageous costumes and outspoken views. Gillibrand and Gaga spoke by phone Monday, as the entertainer sought to increase pressure on three moderate Republicans — Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine and Scott Brown of Massachusetts.
Gaga also attended a rally in Maine on Monday to ramp up pressure on Snowe and Collins to vote against the vast majority of their GOP counterparts.
Looking to the opposition, Gaga also tweeted Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., to watch fan-made videos regarding don't ask, don't tell. Additionally, she wrote to fans about a possible filibuster when it comes time to overturn the 17-year-old ban. Congress could vote on it as soon as Tuesday.
McCain spoke about Gaga's tweets during a radio show in Phoenix during the weekend, saying it's nice to know people are paying attention to the debate, but it's a ploy by Democrats to keep control of Congress.
"They're politicizing national security. People like Lady Gaga need to understand that the military is a unique institution," he said during the show.


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Perez Hilton: The Bad Boy Gone Good
Once upon a time, the cyber realm was tyrannized by a wicked queen named Perez Hilton. He used his poisonous gossip blog to bully Disney princesses and force fairy princes out of their closets. Then, after years of profiting off the victimization of others, something melted Hilton's icy heart and inspired him to reform his catty ways.
In the fall of 2010, Perez participated in Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" project, which aimed to prevent suicide among bullied LGBT adolescents through positive celebrity testimonials. Critics quickly pointed out the hypocrisy of a professional cyber-sadist spearheading an anti-bullying cause. Khloe Kardashian, a regular target of Hilton's, even accused him of being her "personal bully."
"I was one of the first public figures to make an "It Gets Better" video," Hilton says, "and the negative backlash I got from it shook me to the core. In my eyes, I was doing something good. But so many people were calling me a 'hypocrite' and a 'bully.' It was a real wake up call! I knew I had to make a change and integrate my true self more with this character I had created. Continuing things as they were was not an option. I had to change!"
This change was announced in October 2010, when the Queen of Mean met with the Queen of Daytime Television. On an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Hilton claimed he no longer wished to be viewed negatively and vowed to stop his antagonistic tendencies.
"I really want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem," said Hilton on air. "I want to be the change that I want to see in others. I'm going to do things differently on my website than I have in the past."
That website, PerezHilton.com (née PageSixSixSix.com), not only showcased celebrity gossip but also tabloid photos, over which Hilton added snarky captions or doodles. The latter were usually sketches of phalluses aimed at a young starlet's mouth. Now, without these base gimmicks to fall back on, Hilton's site has evolved into something more intelligent, yet still satisfying.
"I don't consider myself a journalist. I'm an entertainer. I don't try to be objective. I have a clear point of view. I'm super subjective," he says with a laugh. "Having said that, I take what I do very seriously! And though my main priority is to entertain, I do strive to be as factually accurate as possible and apply journalistic ethics to what I do."
This new, improved Perez Hilton extends beyond the blogosphere. He has steadily evolved into a respectable role model for the LGBT community, meriting invitations to speak at this year's GLSEN leadership retreat and the GLAAD Youth Media Awards. He also served on the board of directors for VH1's Save The Music Foundation, which strives to restore music education programs in American public schools. To Perez, this is merely the tip of the iceberg.
"The best and proudest way I think I have served as a role model to the LGBT community this year is by living my life openly, honestly, admitting my mistakes, not striving for perfection and just trying to be better as a person and a personality and a new father."
Perhaps more than any other factor, Hilton's new attitude can be attributed to his son Mario, who was born via surrogate this past February. "Fatherhood has centered me and made me so much happier," Hilton says. "My son has brought so much pure joy into my life. Work is important, but my son is even more important."
While his little prince comes first, Perez still hopes to slay a major dragon threatening his queendom.
"The greatest problem currently affecting the LGBT community is the anti-gay violence still hurled at us, even in our largest cities," he says. "I will continue to do my part to share those stories and share my own. I will do everything I can to create a better tomorrow."
And hopefully, everyone in the community will live happily ever after.


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WOODSTOCK – District 200 has cleared its former retirement account administrator of liability for small errors the firm made before being dropped by the district after less than a year of service.
The district in December 2008 hired Gatekeeper Administration and Consulting LLC to ensure its 403(b) tax-deferred retirement savings accounts were in compliance with federal regulations. But Gatekeeper was unable to fulfill the terms of the contract, the district said, and was replaced in September 2009.
Several other districts – excluding District 200 – have since filed a class-action lawsuit against Gatekeeper alleging that the firm kept poor records and failed to send funds employees were entitled to. In District 200, Gatekeeper sent all appropriate funds to service providers but in some cases made payments late, costing district employees small amounts of interest, the district said.
"We found that all of them were sent but a few were held a few days longer than they should have been," said Risa Hanson, District 200 chief financial officer.
The board voted Tuesday to clear Gatekeeper of liability for the errors. The 16 affected employees also will receive their long overdue interest, although none of those checks top $10.
Hanson said the district having to address what had otherwise been a dead issue was a byproduct of the class-action suit.
Since the district replaced Gatekeeper with CPI Qualified Plan Consultants Inc. in 2009, the 403(b) plan has been administered without issue.
"Gatekeeper became overwhelmed with the volume of clients they had," Hanson said.
She said during the meeting that Gatekeeper sent letters to district employees who were owed money, leading to the district's decision to sign a settlement agreement.


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Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Expressions of Joy and Sadness
2 comments:
I completely agree with physical and mental being very closely linked. So many people don't seem to understand this.ReplyDelete
All through my teenage years I never managed to express my sadness as when I did it would only make others feel helpless and depressed. As I have got a bit older I have learnt to open up more and noticed that I wasn't hiding my sadness as well as I thought I was!
I first had arthritis when I was 10. It left my hip joints severely disfigured and I had the most embarressing limp until I was 17. I then had both of my hips replaced. I finally thought I was free of physical limitations (after a course of intense physiotherapy) until I developed RA again but this time in my knees and ankles.
I am 20 now and it felt very strange (but amazing) to find your blog, after years of feeling I was pretty much alone on the RA front! Everyone I meet who has it is over 50!
Love xxx
Dear Kerrie,ReplyDelete
Your blog post comes at the right time for me. I am 48, diagnosed with RA 10 years ago in the middle of my pregnancy with my 2nd daughter, in my profile picture. I am a moderate to severe case with no remission.
I have just come out of several weeks of on and off severe flares. I had to go off all my meds back in October due to gastric problems going back to April. I was told I could be bleeding internally when they discovered I am anemic, then they found I had an acute case of H.Pylori. I had to undergo dual antibiotic therapy, followed by an endoscopy and colonoscopy to find the source of the bleeding. They removed polyps from both my stomach and my colon, but found no actual source of bleeding, and no cancer, thank the Lord!
However, as soon as I was done with my gastric procedures, I became ill once again, with a sinus infection, and had to undergo another course of antibiotics. Another 10 days I had to stay off my RA meds, to keep the immuno-suppression from getting in the way of the antibiotic doing its job.
I have just suffered possibly the worst flares ever. The flaring joints covered me from head to toe, literally. I felt as if these would be the last. Days of inability to brush my teeth, shower, barely able to clean myself after going to the toilet. In short, I feel as if I have just come out of a coma!
I've gone from extreme agony, to extreme joy at the mere thought of walking without a cane, and regaining the function of my hands. However, my adalimumab injection has rendered me so immuno-suppressed, that I am once again ill with a terrible upper-respiratory infection.
While the relief in agonizing pain is sweet sweet delight for my body, mind and soul, I find myself horribly ill with this upper-respiratory. A tease before my day in the sun...
But then again, I find myself in tears at the tormenting thought, that tomorrow, as I begin to face people I have not seen in 2 months, they will see me looking and walking normal, and expect me to kick start right back where I was. I don't feel able to do that. Not just yet. That is my torment...
In the meantime, your blog has given me permission to cry. It has given me permission to believe, that perhaps no one will ever understand the pain of being crippled on and off again. I realize that I cannot lean on those closest to me for support, only on my Maker.
I am back to the reality of not being able to complete tasks on time because of my on and off illness patterns. I am back to the criticism of people who expect me to produce in a timely fashion, when I can't. I cry at the thought that once again I will be unable to explain my lateness. I cry at the thought that putting my family first from within a body that operates at half-mast in the mornings, will be seen as an excuse.
I find myself thankful, believe it or not, for the agonizing, crippling pain that forced me to stay in that haven called the bed, from where I could escape the world and the criticism and lack of acceptance of my crippled person. Ahhh, the torment of facing the "normal world"... or is it fear?
Your blog has made me realize, that I am suffering not just from the crippling pains that have afflicted me for a decade. Your blog has made me realize that I am also suffering from a myriad of emotions that ensue from the periods of great crippling pain, even though one of those emotions is great JOY! My hands are back! My feet are back! Halleluiah!
Now, is there a world out there ready to receive me? Is there a world out there ready to cradle me in my moments of re-entry into "normal life"? I know where to find my Lord's lap to cry on. Thank you for saying, that it's OK to do that. Thank you for being one of those first open arms as I re-enter my world.
Thank you Kerrie!
Your RA Buddy in the states,


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Skull and Shackles
Welcome to the High Seas!
There's adventure to be had on the high seas when a group of press-ganged strangers seizes a ship and becomes embroiled in the plots and politics of the Shackles—an infamous island chain dominated by pirate warlords. But as these new swashbucklers make names for themselves, rival scalawags, enemy navies, legendary sea monsters, and the infamous Hurricane King himself seek to see them walk the plank. Who will survive when there's glory to plunder?