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Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution
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Topic: Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution (Read 29613 times)
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Active Member
Posts: 232
Re: Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution
Reply #30 on:
Jul 10, 2009, 12:38 PM »
Quote from: stephen on Jul 10, 2009, 09:42 AM
[WARNING: No EA Delineations below. Just words from a Heart.]
That simple fact should be shouted, for I know myself to be so small and insignificant: I called...
So beautifully said Stephen...threw me into tears. God bless you.
Hi Chuck,
I also recommend very highly for you to read the article on the nature of evil and its influence in the horoscope. This is a transcript from a workshop Jeffrey did with a focus on the asteroid Lucifer. This symbol is exactly conjunctly your sun, the sun being the ruler of your pluto. One influence we can see right away is that evil is trying to convince you that you do not have the depth of self-determination that you ACTUALLY have.
The core strategy of evil is to create the opposite reality the soul is intending, and to maintain delusions which keep up from directly knowing and living in alignment with the natural god. Evil does this by focusing upon the weakest area in the soul structure, and by magnifying and distorting that content in ways that make the issues seem insurmountable and/or unchangeable. This magnification and distortion is also done with the specific intent of inducing negative emotion, such as fear, futility, victimization, and a myriad of other self-defeating emotional states, which can UTTERLY DOMINATE OUR ATTENTION, even though our paramount desire is to utterly root our attention in god. When we can't see this influence for what it actually is, i.e. the work of evil to prevent us from evolving back to god, we tend to anticipate worst case scenarios and relate to those scenarios as actual reality, when it's actually NOT. When we relate to these anticipations as an actual reality, we then tend to act according to a sense of imminent threat, which will have nothing to do with what our soul has incarnated to actually do. It sets in motion a chain reaction that reinforces the very pattern evil is trying to keep us chained to...this is the opposite of what god actually wants for us, and it's exactly how evil lengthens, delays, or detours us in our returning journey back to god.
The gift in this symbol is that it can also be the bearer of light, i.e., the means by which we recognize and expose evil's tactics, and the means by which we can snatch that influence away from evil and give it back to god. Thus it has the equal potential to manifest as a god symbol. That is all within our god-given power of will. While the forces of God and Evil are ALMOST equal, God is in fact stronger: 49% evil, 51% god...we get to choose and say who gets the upper hand in the theatrical drama playing out in our lives. The natural god is quiet, unussuming, and humble. It will never impose that upper hand. It wants us to CHOOSE this and to make that request. Evil on the other hand is all too happy to impose itself on the upper hand. It banks on our sense of weariness and futility which makes us feel we have no power or say in how our struggle plays out. The closer a soul gets to god, the more intense evil's desperation becomes to win back its influence over that soul, so it becomes paramount to develop the awareness of how evil tries to operate within us. The article I mentioned is a great resource for deepening and expanding that awareness. So if you feel inclined, read it. Read it very deeply and you will find that knowledge being osmosed into your own interior consciousness.
As for advancing your understanding of the EA paradigm and archetypes within it, believe me, most of us have encountered a major sense of intimidation relative to EA's depth in the beginning...I know I did! As Steve and Chuck have said, the ACTUAL teacher of this work is SPIRIT. Believe me when I say that..I know the truth of this firsthand. I know you know it too.
As an aside, I was raised in a mormon family and have lived in Utah for most of my life. My extended family is devoutly mormon. I currently live and work in the Salt Lake City area. I was a member of the church up until about 5 years ago...not a gung ho member..never really identified with it..but embraced it to the extent that I did because of it's masochistic appeal
(I have quite a religous-masochistic history in my soul)..also hadn't been exposed to anything else..very sheltered religously. Ironically I somehow managed to remain impervious to the actual church doctrine, but DID internalize some of the emotional garbage and readily sucked up all the masochistic content. But always knew my relationship with god had nothing to do with the men claiming to be the only authorized gateway. This is just a knowing I've always had, and it's the reason I was able to maintain a degree of inner spiritual fulfillment in spite of the external environment providing none of that. Meeting Jeffrey in this life was indescribably pivotal. I'll just say he proved some things that I had not been finding in the world, which I always knew inwardly was the reality I was striving for. That of itself brought an incredible acceleration to my own self-actualization. I finally found that I could not tolerate the inner/outer discrepancy of actual knowledge I had in my soul relative to what others were led to believe by relating to me as a member of that church. I wanted my life to be a true reflection of who I ACTUALLY am, and I wanted the true nature of my relationship with god to been seen without any false constructs implying credit for that relationship. I've heard the whole 'you are under the influence of satan' business...'astrology is the work of satan', and the like..I've been through the religious projections where people viewed my process of personal liberation as satan winning over my soul...people trying to impose intervention on my behalf...people crying and feeling attacked/betrayed because of what I knew I needed to do for myself and finally determined to act upon. I did not waiver in my choice and those very people, over time, have come to see that my core devotion remains with god...my most intense critic in fact has totally come to embrace my astrological work...she actually solicits my astrological insight now, and I'm clear that's because I allowed her the initial space to reject it..and when she DID initially reject it, I understood her
to reject it, thus there was no projection of discord or reactionary judgment on my part..I simply gave her the space to do and feel what was necessary for her, and I honored that exact same space for myself, thus absolutely no guilt. I know this outcome is a product of having 100% OWNED my choice: i.e., "this is just who I naturally am..take it or leave it", and I was prepared to accept whatever outcome that choice would result in relative to other people choosing to stay or pass out of my life. This was done in a true spirit of unconditional love..love for them, love for myself, love for god.
God Bless you Chuck. Your doubt is merely a passing distortion of perspective being induced by evil. I feel the material JWG has provided on the natural of evil will provide you with some new access to exposing this pattern of futility, etc when it tries to manifest in the inner work you are doing. Also just wanted to say: You know deep within yourself what is right for you to do. Honor that. Don't allow evil to distort and mess with that knowledge.
chuck h
Posts: 30
Re: Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution
Reply #31 on:
Jul 10, 2009, 05:40 PM »
Hi Stephen!
I think we would become instant friends if we met. You have expressed the answer...to let go, to release at the deepest level all resistance to change. I have the same self-worth issues., and this IS the biggest resistence, for we create in our worlds, from within. What is within? Is it dark and cold? or is the 'MOTHER' dwelling there in perfect acceptaance.
You have described the difference between anguish and bliss with a passion and reverance that can only be a product of direct spiritual communication. Yes, you have touched the Source and found her to be gentle and loving. That is a feeling, a sense that can never be erased...only covered over by our little strivings and obsessions.
If we are lucky, this feeling becomes the predominate motivating factor in our lives. All else is secondary...no, all else is meaningless. That feeling which you express so beautifully, Stephen...is Love.
Thank you so much,
Most Active Member
Posts: 1251
Re: Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution
Reply #32 on:
Jul 10, 2009, 06:34 PM »
Quote from: Stacie on Jul 10, 2009, 12:38 PM
You know deep within yourself what is right for you to do.
Honor that.
Don't allow evil to distort and mess with that knowledge.
Your words above are the very conclusion I came to this morning.
chuck h
Posts: 30
Re: Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution
Reply #33 on:
Jul 10, 2009, 10:45 PM »
Hi Stacie.
Thank you for taking the time to respond, and also for looking at my chart.
I just found out about Lucifer six months ago. And it makes sense. The battle has always raged within. Funny, back in the 80's, when Pluto squared my Sun (and now I find out, Lucifer), a three page essay came to consciousness and spilled all over my tablet. The title of the essay came out, 'The Beast Within'. I'm glad you mentioned the light-bearer possibility. That is the way I hope the story ends.
I will certainly read the information you cited carefully. I'm sure it will make perfect sense to me.
like you, I was never 'into' the mormon teachings. I joined because wife was mormon and to keep peace in the home. I never liked religion (was catholic as a child) couldn't stand the stuffiness and controls. Never thought or cared about the condition of my soul, and found church meetings totally boring. Never once stood up and 'bore my testimony' because I didn't have one. Then, after 17 years of this, Astrology appeared by chance...and everything changed. Something happened inside me and I was drawn into metaphysics with the urgency of an over-active moth. That was 28 years ago, and the search for meaning has not ebbed in the slightest...In fact it intensifies. But always the opposition...the mystifying 'resistance'. These answers to my longing soul's questions may have increased the odds to 48/52.
Thank you again, Stacie.
Active Member
Posts: 155
Re: Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution
Reply #34 on:
Sep 04, 2009, 12:11 PM »
I have a general question about the retrograde archetype, in terms of a retrograde planet 'pointing away' from itself.
In this Message Board, Rad wrote:
With Saturn retrograde it's like pointing an arrow towards Uranus.
When Neptune is retrograde it points to Pluto itself: our Soul.
And, in the Archived Message Board, JWG wrote:
Saturn retrograde points to Uranus, Uranus retrograde points to Neptune, and Neptune retrograde points to Pluto. When an outer planet is retrograde, as with Neptune, the intention is to deepen the consciousness, to create a new center of gravity within consciousness relative to it's evolutionary expansion.
Do the other planets figure into this concept?
Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury...pointing away from themselves to another planet, in a way?
Thanks to anyone who might answer...
Very Active Member
Posts: 296
Re: Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution
Reply #35 on:
Sep 05, 2009, 09:31 AM »
Hi Stephen, it seems to me the best thing to do when encountering all of this info. is to keep fundamental "bottom lines" in lines or else it can seem overwhelming. I thought I would write what I have learned about retrogrades in this context.
I have learned that Mars RX creates an internalization of the Mars function in general (i.e-slows down the process of initiation of actions in general). This is because, prior to the life, the Soul has acted upon many desires very that were not relevant to his or her evolutionary intentions for the life, and may have had negative consequences, and so in this life the intent is for the individual to fully "think through" the desires that he or she acts upon in order to create an alignment with the current evolutionary intentions for this life. (There is a section on Mars RX written in the Pluto vol 2 book that more thoroughly describes this process/what it symbolizes from an evolutionary point of view). Mars RX creates an awareness of the nature of the Soul's desire nature in this way.
Mercury RX actually points to the Jupiter function (right brain leading the left brain), and Venus RX indicates that the Soul is defines through the Taurus side of Venus (establishing a primary relationship within him or herself first) instead of the Libra side as most folks are (initiation of relationships with others which is the externalized side of Venus).
The best thing to do is to remember that RX planets symbolize that the Soul must internalize and establish a personal meaning for the planetary function that is RX independent from the mainstream society. In other words, a liberation and individuated process is described with any planet that is RX because it reflects that the Soul is giving a personal meaning and definition of that planet that is free from the culturally accepted ways of behavior. (Pluto vol 2 describes the nature of RX planets in detail as well). However, this process has typically not been completed prior to the current life, so it sets up the three R'S- Repeat, Re-live-Resolve. It indicates that specific life circumstances are recreated in order for this evolutionary intention symbolized by the RX planet to be completed and resolved.
Hope this helps, and thanks for your posts!
Active Member
Posts: 155
Re: Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution
Reply #36 on:
Sep 06, 2009, 03:21 AM »
Quote from: Deva on Sep 05, 2009, 09:31 AM
Hi Stephen, it seems to me the best thing to do when encountering all of this info. is to keep fundamental "bottom lines" in lines or else it can seem overwhelming.
Hi Deva,
Very Good Advice! I have been taking notes, and organizing this volumous information for myself so that I can better understand it and build a solid foundation for further study. I enjoy that process, actually ('overdeveloped' self-ruled Mercury in Gemini in the Third, Ruling Pluto in Virgo in the Sixth?), and have found that I learn best (and retain information longer) by repetitively broadening/narrowing my focus...moving over the largest possible information base, seeking larger patterns, and then lasering in on a detail within a pattern (possibly uncovering another pattern). I have found (for myself) that the more often various ways of stating a fact are reviewed (diverse authors), eventually one way will 'boing' against one's personal orientation, and awaken an understanding.
So, I really appreciate your help steering me back on course, and providing me further information. Your entire post is extremely helpful to me. I will review the further information as you have kindly suggested.
By the way, speaking of "self-ruled Mercury in Gemini in the Third, Ruling Pluto in Virgo in the Sixth", would you be able to state the effect of Pluto's Planetary Ruler upon that archetype with which the natal Pluto correlates?
Also, I just thought of this while typing, does a House have a Ruler? So that, for example, Pluto in Gemini in the Tenth House would have Mercury as its Planetary Ruler and Saturn as its 'House Ruler'?
Thanks very very much Deva.
God'dess Bless,
Very Active Member
Posts: 323
Re: Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution
Reply #37 on:
Sep 06, 2009, 11:51 PM »
Also, I just thought of this while typing, does a House have a Ruler? So that, for example, Pluto in Gemini in the Tenth House would have Mercury as its Planetary Ruler and Saturn as its 'House Ruler'?
yes, and yes
Perhaps a better way to phrase it is tenth house has the same flavor as Saturn and Capricorn. Thus a Moon in Libra in the tenth house and a Moon in Capricorn in the 7th house will have similar flavors.
In EA we are taught to start with the house, this representing the deepest expression of the energies in that part of the chart. Tenth house is inherently Saturnian - so anything in the 10th house will operate in a Saturnian way. Gemini, in your example - the sign on the house cusp - represents the next level up. The art of EA is to synthesize what Capricorn energy filtered through a layer of Gemini operates like. If Pluto is in that house, add in another layer - what does Capricorn energy filtered through a layer of Gemini expressing itself in a Scorpionic (Pluto) way operate like?
Starting with the evolutionary state, the social conditioning patterns, and the evolutionary signature (Pluto, nodes, nodal rulers), you quickly have a detailed picture of how that Soul/ego are structured, from the core out.
Active Member
Posts: 155
Re: Retrograde Planets and Stages of Evolution
Reply #38 on:
Sep 08, 2009, 07:45 AM »
As always,
Thank You very much Steve
for the responses, and for the taking the time to help clarify the EA Paradigm for those of us coming here to this Board...
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Almost any restaurant is better than, say, Alan Greenspan at analyzing the economy. After the 1987 crash, eateries in New York and elsewhere began a process that I, as Village Voice restaurant critic, named "bistroization," by which I meant a dumbing down of the astonishing menu invention of the previous decade to a more affordable steak frites yawn that would keep customers coming into the same expensive space. Prices did begin to crawl upward as business improved, but the kitchen creativity that made the '80s the most thrilling culinary … [Read more...]
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Beginning in the 1820s, through a series of treaties between individual Native American tribes and the federal government, Native Americans ceded their claim to territory in Missouri and settled in present-day Oklahoma and Kansas. After their removal, Native Americans were not permitted to live in the state, making it extremely difficult for genealogists to trace Native American ancestry in Missouri.
The SHSMO reference library has a splendid Native American collection for the historian, but our published sources are incomplete for tracing Native American genealogy. SHSMO does not have lists of rolls of Native Americans in Missouri.
Some agencies you might find helpful in your research:
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is responsible for the management and administration of Native American land held in trust by the federal government and for administering services to Native Americans. The BIA website features a useful Native American genealogy guide.
Valuable records of federal government agencies, including records from various field offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, have been deposited throughout the United States. National Archives records, 1830-1940, deal chiefly with Native Americans who maintained their tribal status. These records include lists relating to Native American removal, annuity pay rolls, and annual tribal census rolls of Native Americans who were living on reservations. The Bureau of Indian Affairs census rolls are separate from and unrelated to the federal decennial census schedules.
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COSTA MESA — The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa on Saturday was filled for "Stephen Sondheim: In Conversation." There was only one problem — Sondheim wasn't there.
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"We are working on a new date for the conversation with Mr. Sondheim, and we will notify ticket holders as soon as details are confirmed," Segerstrom Center for the Arts officials said in a released statement.
But, in the true theater spirit, the show went on.
Minutes ran by after the 8 p.m. start time passed. Meanwhile, the audience sat patiently in their chairs, uncertain of what the evening would hold in Sondheim's absence.
Soon enough, host Michael Kerker, director of musical theater at ASCAP, appeared with Musical Director Tedd Firth.
Kerker regretfully gave his sincerest apologies and informed the audience that he and his colleagues had been planning the evening for almost a year.
Then "like the voice of god," as many in theater circles call it, Sondheim's voice penetrated through the loudspeakers, filling the auditorium for all to hear. The overwhelming sound was comparable to his legendary reputation as the master of musical theater.
A formerly forlorn audience then erupted with thunderous applause and gasps, like little children discovering a surprise at Christmas.
"I'm sorry I can't be there," Sondheim said.
I gathered from the beaming smiles and dropped jaws that his audience forgave him unconditionally .
Kerker then conducted an engaging public phone interview with Sondheim, who enlightened audiences with his golden responses.
Kerker asked him about what makes him sit up and take notice of somebody's craft.
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"This is not the way we planned it, but that's the exciting thing about the theater. And since Stephen Sondheim couldn't be here tonight, we wanted to hold a place for him, like Elijah," Ebersole said, pointing to an empty chair where Sondheim would have sat. "And know that even though he's not here, like Elijah, he's here in spirit."
HEATHER YOUMANS reviews arts events for the Daily Pilot.


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Ibidem was a science fiction fanzine by P. Howard Lyons and Pat Lyons.
Ibidem was published in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during the 1950s. P. Howard Lyons was a member of "The Derelicts", a group of science fiction fans associated with the fanzine Canadian Fandom.
Pat Lyons is also known as the artist Pat Patterson, whose artwork can be seen in many of the fanzines of this period of the 1950s, including A Bas, Canadian Fandom and Inside and Science Fiction Advertiser.
Ibidem was distributed by the Canadian Amateur Fan Publishers, and issue 3 by the Offtrails Magazine Publishers Association. Six issues were published.
Ibidem was also the title of a fanzine by P. Howard Lyons that he began publishing at the same time, but that ran for much longer, having to do with stage magic.


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Kids can get their hands on big ideas and green activities in the new Kids Gallery at the Surrey Museum. Families are invited to attend the Grand Opening on Saturday, October 10 from 10am to 5pm (all ages, free). Celebrations include clown Zox of the Forest, The Re-enactors, a puppet show and refreshments.
The new gallery helps children learn about challenging concepts like sustainability, climate change, carbon footprint and energy conservation. Illustrated characters Alisha, Blaze and Stella the Jay explain how to play with the interactive elements. "It's like nothing else in the Lower Mainland," says Greg Yellenik, Curator of Exhibits for the museum. "Kids can do safe experiments about electricity and even discover how many chocolate bars equal the energy in a bucket of coal. There's a huge tree fort for climbing, an energy bike for riding and lots more."
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Culture & traditions
Attractive, seducing, intriguing sometimes, Japanese culture unveils at Japan Expo, with its traditions, customs, and artists. Let's start the journey!
From its debut, Japan Expo has always been striving to unveil for you the beauty of Japanese culture and traditions, by featuring exhibits, artists and craftspeople, and enchanting shows!
You've always dreamed of making an origami crane? attending a tea ceremony? learning how to play shôgi? You're wondering what ikebana, yukata, or furoshiki mean? The area dedicated to culture and traditions at Japan Expo is the place for you: many participants are sharing their passion, knowledge, and know-how while proposing demonstrations, initiations, and discovery sessions.
The WABI SABI area has been attending Japan Expo for several years and invites you to discover the wonders of Japanese arts and crafts, with many artists and craftsmen coming all the way from Japan to show their creations.
During the previous editions, Japan Expo has invited you to experience the quiet of a tea ceremony, to meet geisha, to relax with a shiatsu session, or to discover Japanese cities through exhibits.
On stage
Along your journey, don't forget to stop at the Sakura stage to attend its many representations: enjoy traditional music and instruments, such as taiko, koto, or shakuhachi, discover the world of geisha, or watch folk shows like awa odori or yosakoi.
Japan Expo is the opportunity to share your passions and discover a culture so rich it will keep on surprising you for a long time!


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The hurricane on the east coast is tragic on numerous levels. But this is a kiteboarding forum, so I'm not here to dwell on that.
What I'm wondering is: Will this be a rare opportunity for kiteboarders? Naturally, no one should be out in 80 mph winds but will there be a window of time where things calm down but are still windy enough for an epic extended session? Or will the wind just be too gusty/unpredictable from start to finish?
And does anything like that ever happen out there?


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Opening Comment: We've got big time respect for what the Giants are capable of in the fourth so hopefully this is a big step for us in terms of trying to be the football team we desire to be. We'll enjoy it tonight. Tomorrow we will get back to business and move forward to next week's challenges. We had a few injuries. I don't have the complete list. Adrian Robinson had a quad, Chris Rainey has rib or rib cartilage of some kind. Will Allen had a stinger and he was able to go back. Antonio Brown has a mild high ankle sprain. We'll take a look at that. We don't know what that means for him next week. The guys put their hands in the pile and delivered plays that came from a variety of places. We were down to our third string kick returner there. Emmanuel Sanders sparked them with a big return. I can't say enough about the efforts of the players and coaches. Nice team win for us. We'll pack it up and get out of here.
What did you tell your guys coming into this game about the emotions that would be going on today?
We didn't talk too much about it. This is a game. What has happened here in this region this past week is life and reality. It was a little bit of an adjustment for both teams. I am sure it was more of an adjustment for the Giants. We just wanted to focus on the things we could control, which was our preparation and ultimately our play. The guys did a nice job of focusing on that.
Ben (Roethlisberger's) fumble for a touchdown. How was that explained to you?
I didn't ask for an explanation. I can't figure out some of this stuff now. I just try to move on the best that I can because that's what our guys need to do.
Can you talk about the fake field goal and how it paid off on the defensive stop?
I took a shot and the guys backed my play like I knew they would. I appreciate that. They overcome bad coaching sometimes. That's on me. The Giants did a nice job. I tip my hat to Tom Quinn and that group over there on the special teams unit. They were ready for it. They did a nice job.
With the way Isaac (Redman) was playing did you think about going for it on fourth down?
It was a long one. You worry about penetration down there when you are working off a silent count. I thought we were winning the line of scrimmage for the majority of the game, in that situation specifically when you are working with a silent count I was concerned about false starts, I was concerned about penetration. I didn't want to do it.
Except for the penalties your defense held a pretty good Giants offense under 200 yards. Can you talk about that?
And some of the penalties were suspect.
Your evaluation of the running game and Isaac Redman?
Next man up. He did a nice job of answering the bell and delivering for us. It starts up front. I like the personality that is developing within that group, led by guys like Maurkice Pouncey and Willie Colon. They set the pace for us. The young guy Mike Adams is doing a great job. It's a collective effort. They are winning the line of scrimmage. It was a nice contribution by all parties involved tonight.
Can you talk about the adversity of flying on game day?
We don't want to bring focus to that. There are a lot of people that have a lot more adversity than what we had to deal with this morning. The bottom line is we were here when they kicked the ball off. That was going to be enough. We focused on those things. We had a nice morning. I thought our guys did a nice job of handling it. We talked openly about it and we showed up at the stadium to play the game.
Can you talk about the year Ben Roethlisberger is having?
He is doing the job for us. He is 5-3 like the rest of us and we are searching for 6-3.


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2013 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX was a three-day action packed thrillfest and there was a Grand Prix race there as well! There was a blistering pace of yacht parties, receptions, and high adrenaline clubbing specially designed for the uber-sexy and ulta-hip F1 crowd.
Formula 1 is first and foremost about the race and those 25 drivers who put their lives on the line to compete for the Grand Prix title while thrilling their fans along the way. See our write-up on the race and more at 2013 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX.
Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has hosted the Grand Prix event for only five years. The founding fathers of Yas Island made the F1 an integral part of their plan for developing the island. With that Yas Island Marina, the awe-inspiring Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi and even Ferrari World are all integrated into the the Yas Circuit and F1 racetrack and plan.
In its fifth year, the party scene has now matured to shine at the levels of other Formula 1 events around the world. The yacht parties, events and receptions, and the exclusive velvet roped clubs and lounges made the three-day race weekend and unforgettable series of extravaganzas.
When the roar of the engines was silenced at the end of the day, our first stop in our nightlife hopping was the Iris Restaurant and Lounge. The newly opened Iris is part lounge and a restaurant so one can get what ever they are looking for from dinner to drinks and a healthy dose of entertainment. It was the perfect setting to take in the sunset as live music played while we enjoyed some of their specialty cocktails. The proprietors know how to provide a great experience for their patrons with their track record of successful lounges in Beirut and other locations.
The Iris Restaurant and Lounge has a fantastic ambience and a huge terrace with panoramic views of the marina's dazzling yachts and the lights of the iconic Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. The wooden bar is a great space to watch their international bartenders muddle up pitchers of creative cocktails made with fresh fruits. Iris Abu Dhabi's restaurant is a fine spot to dine on contemporary cuisine that combines elements of different culinary traditions. It was the perfect place to cool down after the races for drinks, dinner, and to get the night started.
After Iris the festivities began to kick into high gear when we met up with friends dockside at one of the endless megayacht parties. These Soirees at Sea run from the low key networking events to the over the top club at the dock variety. Our first stop was the fete put on by The Crystal Group. The Crystal Group is known for creating exciting and original concepts in nightlife and entertainment to the Middle East. Their hot venue in Dubai is People by Crystal at the top of the Raffles Hotel and has been voted "Best Club in Dubai" by Time Out for the second year in a row. They know how to throw a great party and this was an awesome yacht party with the libations flowing and a bevy of beauties dancing to the clubs resident DJ. It was extremely exclusive and attended by the clubs regular patrons, VIPs, and Celebs. We were the guest of Dubai concierge extraordinaire and event promoter Andreas of the Dubaze Group ; a company famous for taking care of the night time needs of the rich and famous.
From there our next yacht hop was to the largest ship in the Marina, the MoonLight. This 280ft superacht is one of the world's very largest and most impressive yachts and was the host location for several parties through out the four day weekend. We attended the Global Citizen Party where there was bubbly and canapés at every turn along with the VIPs and F1 jetsetter crowd. The top deck was reserved for the VVIPs and was the first velvet rope behind the velvet rope of the weekend. The top deck was reserved for the Fashion TV party where models mixed with mega moguls. The DJ mixed the hottest tunes in a full on club set up with lights, sound, and copious amount Patron and Cristal. Celebrity footballer Maradona was in the house along side the other super vips.
After the yacht hop we decided to hit the concert. All of the F1 ticket holders received complimentary access for the F1 After Race concerts at the du Arena, with the impressive line-up including JAY Z, Muse,Depeche Mode, Amr Diab, Hussain Al Jassmi and Elissa.
Jay Z thrilled the crowd performing his new hits from Magna Carta album to some of his older hits such as Dirt off your Shoulder, Empire State of Mind, and Hard Knock Life. For good measure he performed withTimbaLand who worked the frenzy of the packed du Arena with his book of hits. The amphitheater was full of preteens who were not even born when Jay Z hit the scene in 1996 to graying fans rapping along with each line and verse from all of Jay Z's many hits.
After the concerts, with only a half tank of gas in our energy reserve, we hit the Podium Lounge & Boujis - Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. The Podium Lounge made its debut at this year's F1 Abu Dhabi in style and provided a fabulous option for the racing community's A-list party elite.
The Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is among the most beautiful hotels in the world and its architecture is absolutely stunning. The Podium Lounge was on the top floor with views around Yas Island of the marina, racetrack and surrounding area. This is the pool deck was transformedinto an exclusive respite for models and millionaires in a chic lounge setting.
The star-studded party had only a capacity of 500 party goers to ensure its exclusivity and offered guests an opportunity to rub shoulders with personalities and the Who's Who in the racing community while listening to international DJ's including Sander Kleinenberg, Seb Fontaine, Hugo Heathcote, Miles Slater and Hollaphonic.
There was also a fashion show with the Arab infused designs of Zaeem Jamal. Zaeem Jamal is an innovative, unique and progressive luxury eveningwear brand and self defined Design Alchemy in Motion. The fashion show added the perfect touch to the night with sexy models styling Zaeem Jamal's dresses made of the finest silks and semi-precious gemstones in vibrant, mood enhancing colours.
This year, Cirque Le Soir rolled into Abu Dhabi over the Formula 1 weekend and pitched up its big top at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi . Cirque Le Soir was a circus spectacular and the most hedonistic party to take place over the race weekend. The weekend included performances by Nelly and Akon and many surprises along the way.
Akon is not only a great singing talent, he is a mesmerizing musical magician with the ability casts a spell over his audience. I've seen Akon perform in mega concerts several times but to see him in this intimate setting was truly a treat for me and the 750 fortunates in the Cirque Le Soir when he performed. Opening his bag of tricks to take out his top hits including Right Now, Smack That, and personal favorite, Beautiful. The party went on to the wee hours of the night/morning as party goers left exhilarated albeit in search of the nearest shower and slumber.
The pièce de résistance of the 2013 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX party buffet was the Amber Lounge. It was the F1 Drivers After Party' of choice on and the perfect end to an incredible weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.. We had the chance to experience the glitz and glamour of Amber lounge in Cannes, Monte Carlo and various places around the world over since they began 10 years ago. The Amber Lounge is a club that pops up on Yas Island and other F1s around the world and caters to a select mix of motor-racing drivers, celebrities, royals and the very, very rich. This was our first event in Abu Dhabi and it was beyond description.
During this year's F1 weekend, The Amber lounge brought in international performers, djs, and acts and a Methousalah of high energy entertainment to the party scene. For those who needed a break from the action, there was spacious terrace outside that provided the perfect place for conversation and decompression. There was also a shisha tent and other venues outside to chill.
Back inside, the libation flowed freely with ubiquitous Jeroboams of Cristal at every turn. The sexy international crowd was whipped into a frenzy by the International DJs from the UK and St. Tropez, who dropped beats to keep the party going all night. Just when we thought the frantic pace of the evening was about to ebb, we were riled by the heart-pumping live performance by English DJ and DrummerMckNasty who, in short, killed it.
LA-based group Far East Movement gave a dynamic performance including their hits Party like a G6, Rocketeer, and Live My Life. F1 drivers including Nico Rosberg, Felipe Massa, Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo, Esteban Gutierrez, Jules Bianchi, Giedo van der Garde joined Sir Christopher and Lady Sara Hoy, Ben Aislie, David Haye, Jessica Kahawaty and celebrated the end of the race at the Amber Lounge, enjoying the club's exclusive entertainment and popping bottles until dawn.
The Amber Lounge has been impressing those lucky to get beyond its red carpet for 10 years. They consistently throw events that are the talk of the nightlife scene during F1. Amber Lounge was founded by Sonia Irvine, sister of Ferrari F1 star Eddie Irvine and launched at the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2003. The premise was simple: to create a truly VIP party that reflected the glamour and exclusivity of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. Over the years, Amber Lounge has carved a reputation as a unique venue where F1 drivers, celebrities, royalty and regular race fans can come together to enjoy a stylish, fun night out. Amber Lounge parties have been hosted throughout the world including Shanghai, Valencia and Barcelona. One thing is for sure, is that a night at the Amber Lounge will NEVER fail to impress.
The 2013 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX was a hectic paced partyfest with as much drama and action away from the track as in the race. It was an enjoyable three days of fun with fabulous parties and a glamorous and uber-sexy crowd.
Published on Dec 11, 2013


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2 oz Low Gap Clear Whiskey
1 tsp Caster Sugar
1 tsp Water
3 dash Miracle Mile Forbidden Bitters
Lemon Peel
Add sugar, water and bitters to the bottom of a heavy glass. Muddle until sugar is dissolved. Add cracked ice and pour in whiskey. Stir until well chilled. Squeeze lemon peel over glass and drop in.
A friend sent me this sample from a line of bitters he is working on, the Forbidden Bitters are designed to be an Old Fashioned style bitters in the vicinity of Abbott's Bitters.
Well, what better to do with Old Fashioned style bitters than make an Old-Fashioned?
And a delicious Old-Fashioned it is!


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Views: 671
A religious 'out' here, is that these flesh cuttings, (by tattooist needles), and the markings, are for Jesus, and to Christians, Jesus is alive not dead.
I know. I live in South Texas and about half the population is named Jesus.
Lol. You sir, just made me laugh about as hard as I could with that remark. Thanks!
You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
-- Leviticus 19:28
In view of the graphic above, do I REALLY have to comment on this one?
Why does he have to keep reminding us that he is "the Lord"? Seems to me he must have been addressing this to an agnostic.
Insecurity issues - obviously!
The "atheist-thing" includes speaking truth, especially as it comes to deities who act like spoiled brats, which Yahweh does and more often than I care to think.
Next time you talk to her, use our bud the Skeptic's Annotated Bible and quote her chapter and verse (literally!) and see what she thinks of THEM apples!
Loren, I do not have to tell YOU that recent surveys show that atheists know more about the Booble than the average Judeo-Christian. (Well, presumably, Jews know the Torah fairly well, but what do they do, they ignore the inconsistences and so forth.) If they know little about their holy books, why do they keep believing in its god? If they knew that their books proscribe same-sex relationships but condone father-daughter incest (as in the story of Lot), why do they believe in such a capricious, arbitrary deity? If they knew that the deity proscribes the eating of pork and shellfish, why do they eat these things weekly or even now and then? There is just no explaining these people, and I, for one, tire of beating my head against the wall when confronting the truth that an overwhelming number of citizens follow the delusion? (At least they are not beating their heads against the wailing wall, but it is a terrifying proposition that two of the the three monotheisms would be willing to destroy not only the structure but the world itself in bickering about who should own and occupy the Dome of the Rock.) As Crowley said, There is no god but Man. BTW, Loren, thanks for the link to the Annotated Bible. I knew such a site existed, but I did not have the url.
Yay. Or, oy vay?
But since they've committed these sins unknowingly, they could offer a bull to the Lord at the temple and their sins will be forgiven.
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Most Popular Non Alcoholic Drink Recipes
Blueberry Kiwi Smoothie Recipe
I've tried shedding a few pounds since our return from Florence, Rome and Paris. Almost every year, the girls join me during the summer in my workout and diet routine. Mimi, Lulu's 14-year-old little sister, surprised me this morning and prepared the fruitiest, packed-with-energy smoothie. She didn't use any additional sweeteners, except for the natural sweetness from bananas, blueberries and golden kiwis.
Mimi used our powerful Vitamix blender. For a smoother flow, she also added almond milk. When I first met her, Mimi used to have awful allergies with almonds, but since her teenage years, she has overcome this specific allergy. Unfortunately, we've discovered new ones, especially during our trip to Florence. She's allergic to truffle mushrooms now; go figure!
Full Recipe...
Natural Protein Shake Recipe (Smoothie)
This drink is made with mango purée, orange juice and a banana. The banana gives a smooth texture to the drink; cooked mung beans add protein and tie the flavors together.
I've read that eating breakfast is one of the keys to successfully losing weight. Since I've been waking up at the wee hours of the morning to work out for 45 minutes before starting the day, I want to stack the deck in my favor. A protein shake is the perfect choice for me because I'm not very big on breakfast (unless it's crêpes!).
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Mango Lemonade Recipe
I love Kesar mangoes. The fruit is so soft and juicy that we usually just cut them in halves and scoop the flesh out. Unfortunately, I think my eyes were bigger than my stomach at the Asian market this week, when I bought two cases of mangoes. To put a dent in my stockpile, I made mango purée, cooked it in sugar to enhance the flavor, then mixed it with regular lemonade.
I added cardamom to give a more exotic twist to this already tropical drink. If you're looking for something special to serve for your Memorial Day weekend barbeque, mango lemonade could be it. And to satisfy the adult palate, you could always spike it with rum!
Full Recipe...
Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe
A strawberry banana smoothie is perfect when you need breakfast on the go. I whip up the drink with frozen strawberries and a banana whenever Lulu is running late. Strawberries aren't quite in season yet, so frozen is your best bet. When you can get them fresh, this drink is even more delicious.
Besides being a vegetarian, Lulu is also lactose-intolerant, so it's a challenge to make him calcium-rich food. I used almond milk and yogurt to deliver calcium without adding too much lactose. I also added a scoop of whey protein to fortify the drink with a little protein. I placed the smoothie in a cup that I sealed with a lid and added a straw.
Lulu left for work with a strawberry banana smoothie in his hand and a kiss on his cheek. I think that's a pretty good way to start the day!
Full Recipe...
Mango Lassi (Indian Yogurt Drink)
Every mango lassi recipe you'll find always has the same list of ingredients. Milk, yogurt, mango (fresh or canned), sugar and some crushed ice are always present, though the proportions may differ. To these, I added cardamom extract, saffron (for color) and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the mango.
There's something magical about mango lassi (Indian-style smoothie). It has the richness of a milkshake without the calories. On top of that, it's ultra easy to make at home. You don't have to wait for your next trip to the local Indian restaurant to enjoy a tall glass of mango-ey goodness.
Full Recipe...


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Rev Run losing weight to keep up with granddaughter
Rap pioneer REV RUN is close to losing 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) after hiring a conditioning coach to get him fit.
The 49-year-old former Run-D.M.C. star felt the need to get healthier when his first grandchild was born in February (14), and his serious slim-down is really paying off.
The rapper and TV personality, real name Joseph Simmons, tells the Los Angeles Times, "I have a gym in my house, and I've been doing a lot with a lady named Angelica who comes and trains with me, so I've been lifting weights and push-ups and all types of exercises that she comes up with.
"My wife and I have been walking lots together, which is something I'm proud of. It's nice to get out in nature and just walk. This is a change for me, but it makes me happy. I'm a grandfather now, and I want to be able to keep up with my granddaughter when she starts running around.
"I have someone who weighs me every week. It creates responsibility for me. I've lost (over) 20 pounds, but I feel like I need to pick up speed with my weight loss. I want to be able to say I've lost 30 pounds soon."


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18 . March , 2019 - Monday
Check todays hot topics or new products
DrugindexOnline2nd edition
All about: Hydrap-ES
Generic Name: hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine (hye DRAL a zeen/hye droe klor oh THYE a zide/re SER peen)
Brand Names: Diuretic Ap-Es, Hydrap-ES, Ser-Ap-Es, Serpazide, Tri-Hydroserpine, Uni Serp
What is Hydrap-ES (hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine)?
Hydralazine is a vasodilator. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing (widening) blood vessels (veins and arteries) and making it easier for your heart to pump.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It helps to lower your blood pressure and decrease edema (swelling or water retention) by increasing the amount of salt and water you lose in your urine.
Reserpine lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and your heart to beat more slowly and easily.
The combination, hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine, is used to lower high blood pressure.
Hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Hydrap-ES (hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine)?Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine may make you feel dizzy. Do not stop taking hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine suddenly. Even if you feel better, you need this medication to control your condition. Stopping suddenly could cause severely high blood pressure, anxiety, and other dangerous side effects. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking this medication.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Hydrap-ES (hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine)?Do not take hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine without first talking to your doctor if you
have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics;
have coronary heart disease or mitral valvular rheumatic heart disease;
have peptic ulcer disease (stomach ulcers);
have ulcerative colitis;
are suffering from depression (especially if you have suicidal thoughts);
are receiving electroconvulsive shock therapy; or
have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
You may not be able to take hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
have gallstones,
- have kidney or liver disease,
have diabetes,
have gout,
have a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus,
have pancreatitis,
have asthma,
have any type of heart disease,
have had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke),
have high cholesterol or high levels of fat in your blood, or
have pulmonary hypertension (a type of lung disease).
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy with hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine if you have any of the conditions listed above.Hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine therapy. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take Hydrap-ES (hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine)?
Take the medication exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take the medication with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
Do not suddenly stop taking hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine. Stopping suddenly could make your condition much worse or cause very serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an overdose include low blood pressure (fainting, dizziness, weakness), slow pulse or an irregular heartbeat, low body temperature, diarrhea, increased urination, vomiting, headache, flushing of the skin, and slow breathing.
What should I avoid while taking Hydrap-ES (hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine)?Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. This medicine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Avoid alcohol while taking hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine. Alcohol may increase the drowsiness caused by this medication and may increase dizziness. Use caution even with small amounts of alcohol. Use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position, especially first thing in the morning. You may become dizzy while taking hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine, and you may fall and injure yourself.
Do not let yourself become overheated in hot weather or during exercise, and use caution if you have a fever. Dehydration may increase the effects of hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine, and you may become very dizzy.Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
What are the possible side effects of Hydrap-ES (hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine)?If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine and seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, tongue or face, hives);
irregular or fast heartbeats or a fluttering feeling in your chest;
new or worsening chest pain;
heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling of ankles or legs, sudden weight gain of 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week);
unusual fatigue or confusion;
abnormal bleeding or bruising;
yellow skin or eyes;
blood in your urine or stools;
little or no urine;
numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness of your arms or legs; or
Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine and talk to your doctor if you experience
mild fatigue, drowsiness, or dizziness;
water retention (swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles);
anxiety, depression, or nightmares;
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting , abdominal pain;
stuffy nose or a dry mouth;
muscle weakness or cramps;
increased hunger, thirst, or urination;
a rash;
sensitivity to sunlight; or
- impotence or difficulty ejaculating.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Hydrap-ES (hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine)?
Do not take this medication if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate), in the last 14 days.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
quinidine (Cardioquin, others);
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);
- a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), and others;
- a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), and others;
an antidiabetic medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), and others; or
a steroid medicine such as prednisone (Orasone, Deltasone), prednisolone (Delta Cortef, Prelone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and others.
You may not be able to take hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Also, before taking hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine, tell your doctor if you are taking any medicine to treat high blood pressure, water retention, heart problems, prostate problems, or another condition. Some medicines used to treat these conditions may interact with hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine, and the interaction may increase the effects on your heart.
Hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine is available with a prescription under the brand name Ser-Ap-Es. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide/reserpine strengths are as follows:
Ser-Ap-Es (25 mg/15 mg/0.1mg)--round, salmon-pink, dry-coated tablets
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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Article By: Jason ChaimovitchVideo goal review to be instituted in 2012-13
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.- The American Hockey League's Board of Governors has concluded its 2012 Annual Meeting, held this week at Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Chaired by AHL President and CEO David Andrews, the four days of meetings, which concluded on Thursday, resulted in the following:
2012-13 Alignment/Playoff Format
The Board has approved the following division alignment for the 2012-13 AHL season (NHL affiliates in parentheses):
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Manchester Monarchs (LA)
Portland Pirates (PHX)
Providence Bruins (BOS)
St. John's IceCaps (WPG)
Worcester Sharks (SJ)
Northeast Division
Adirondack Phantoms (PHI)
Albany Devils (NJ)
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI)
Connecticut Whale (NYR)
Springfield Falcons (CBJ)
East Division
Binghamton Senators (OTT)
Hershey Bears (WSH)
Norfolk Admirals (ANA)
Syracuse Crunch (TB)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)
Western Conference
North Division
Abbotsford Heat (CGY)
Hamilton Bulldogs (MTL)
Lake Erie Monsters (COL)
Rochester Americans (BUF)
Toronto Marlies (TOR)
Midwest Division
Chicago Wolves (VAN)
Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)
Milwaukee Admirals (NSH)
Peoria Rivermen (STL)
Rockford IceHogs (CHI)
South Division
Charlotte Checkers (CAR)
Houston Aeros (MIN)
Oklahoma City Barons (EDM)
San Antonio Rampage (FLA)
Texas Stars (DAL)
Changes from last year's alignment include Abbotsford moving to the North Division, Grand Rapids moving to the Midwest Division and Charlotte moving to the renamed South Division.
The regular-season schedule format and Calder Cup Playoffs format are still to be determined, and the complete playing schedule for the 2012-13 regular season, which begins Oct. 12, will be announced later this summer.
Video Review
The Board has approved the use of a video goal-review system for AHL games beginning with the 2012-13 season.
Rules Changes
The AHL has adopted the following rule changes recently approved for use in the National Hockey League:
• Rule 67.2 ("Handling the Puck") now calls for a minor penalty "any time a player places his hand over the puck while it is on the ice in order to conceal it from or prevent an opponent from playing the puck".
• Rule 76.4 ("Face-offs") states that "both players facing off are prohibited from batting the puck with their hand in an attempt to win the face-off." Violation of this rule will result in a minor penalty for delay of game.
• The Board has also approved a test of a variation on Rule 81 ("Icing") at the request of the National Hockey League, that will, in the event of a potential icing violation, complete the play should a defending player be the first to reach the end zone face-off dots and provided the puck has crossed the goal line at that point. This rule will be in effect until Nov. 19, 2012, at which time its continued use will be determined by the Board. This was the only rules test approved.
In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 88 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the 11th year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2011-12.


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Benjamin Franklin Parkway
This is the last of my Philadelphia posts. This actually represents the part of the trip I regret the most because I didn't spend near enough time here. It is a reason to go back. Not all of these photos are taken on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, but about 90% are.
{Sigh} I want to go back now.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway runs from City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It slices diagonally across the grid pattern of the city and runs through the cities museum district. The parkway is roughly a mile long and is lined with great art, buildings, museums, and fountains. It is the reason I will go back.
Some may "Heart" other cities, but I love Philadelphia...


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OK I am selling a complete X bow package
its a Horton Team real tree HD 175 X bow, with multi reticle scope, flip open scope caps, 14 bold several never shot, 7 have lighted nocks on them, and a few new never installed lighted nocks as well,
have 7 rage X bow broadheads (some still in pack and several never fired but on bolts)and about as many Rage target tips,
there are 4 Sonic broadheads, new never put together, 3 new tight point broadheads with extra O rings, and 3 Spitfire broadheads(also with extra O rings) several target tips, an arrow/bolt hard case that holds arrows or bolts and accessories, have an extra string, a double sling set up on X bow, so can carry without slipping off a shoulder while walking or climbing or ??
there is also a soft case for X bow, and a Cabela's block like target in very good condition
I am asking $450.00 for it all, nothing wrong with any of it, just don't use it any more, so no point in keeping it
It is located at Zip code 18237, I travel up and down PA rather often so Might be able to help meet up some where else , NOT looking to ship, and its a cash ONLY sale
can EMail pic's, just PM me
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


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by Hugh Gilmore
Felice and I had been going at it for a couple of weeks, I guess, when I first decided to share some things I'd learned from her with my wife, Janet. Felice, you may remember, is the name I'm giving la femme mystérieuse, the anonymous woman I'd met online who'd been such a boost to me. So generous with her time too. We really hit it off.
But when I decided to tell Janet what Felice had told me, I realized Janet would not know who I was talking about. I began blushing from"possible" guilt that very instant. Not real guilt, the marital kind: feeling you must explain something that seems innocent to yourself, but may be interpreted as a crime. The kind where you must find the proper casualness with which to drop into your 27-year, ongoing conversation a female "friend's"' name never mentioned before.
Hmm. This calls for a throat-clearing drink of water and some mental rehearsing. Ahem. It also called for wondering if it was worth it. Really, why serve up ten sentences in order to state the only one you wanted to say: "Felice says I should go on this website called technorati.com, and find some blogs I could guest on."
Even the dullest student in playwriting 101 could write the next page of dialogue from there, however, so I donated the 10 sentences ending with, "So, Janet, that's who Felice is, and she told me all about technorati.com. Sounds interesting, n'est-ce pas?"
I guess that was the right way to handle things because I've not had anything thrown back at me, like, "Why ask me? Why don't you ask Felice where you left the remote control?"If you've been reading along with me, you're probably wondering why Felice was so … secretive. Good question. Perhaps that's too strong a word, but we exchanged 32,759 words in 11 weeks, and I never learned her name, address, phone number, email address, age, marital status, physical or style type.
And you know what? I was curious, but after spending very little time trying to figure out those things – indeed, I have no proof Felice was even a woman – I really didn't care.
Once the correspondence was underway, we developed a relationship that was pure "mind." I had obtained no visual, tactile, olfactory, auditory or gustatory sensations of her as a human being living inside a corporeal body.
We communicated solely on the equivalent of her having scratched in the mud with a stick. I scratched back. She scratched again. Sorry if that metaphor seems strained. I mean to say, all I had to know her by were the black shapes on the white computer screen. But these were the outpourings of her mind. So that's what I got to know.
I liked it. If I hadn't, I could have refused to go along with it. The exchange would have ended or I might have persuaded her to reveal more. But I didn't. I asked two questions, both inane, though they were intended to be invitations to tell me more.
One: are you in the sciences? (I asked that because Felice struck me after a while as fairly strict in her sense of how things should be done. Also, fairly literal. She said, yes, she was a technology person. In fact: a software tester.) Two: Are you athletic? (asked to see if she'd talk about her tennis game or her days as a field hockey star). She said no. I was content to let it go at that.
It struck me, as a married man, that it wouldn't be right to start probing for more information than I was offered (like, What are you wearing right now?).
Why did Felice want to be anonymous? Without my asking, she volunteered one night that her Facebook name was not her true name. She'd joined FB for several reasons, none of them serious. There were certain online activities she enjoyed. But she had another presence on the Internet that was professional. She did not want fellow professionals to know that side of her, so she'd tricked FB into granting her another name, her fun name.
Once she'd begun living that shadow life, she also found she enjoyed joining forums and using her anonymity as a shield that allowed her to be honest and occasionally flippant. Thirdly, she liked going around to various sites and being helpful to people who were having technical problems, kind of like an Internet Robin Hood-meets-AAA-Roadside-Assistance. That's how she met me. I had posted a FB plea for help with maintaining the FB site I was trying to use to promote my new book, "Last Night on the Gorilla Tour."
Here the story gets another twist: the reason Felice confessed she'd been less than honest with me about her persona. She knew me through my column for this newspaper. She enjoyed my writing, both for its style and content. And, because I write about my personal life, she knew a lot about me.
That being the case, she felt guilty for deceiving me. I began wondering if I knew her, or had met her. But I refused to ask. I enjoyed feeling noble. The whole affair was taking on the atmosphere of a masked ball. Although my own face was quite naked, I would not spoil the fun by asking the lady to remove her mask.
We danced on. The lady relaxed. Enough to move the conversation to another level of honesty. She leaned forward that night and whispered, in effect, "I love your columns, but I couldn't stand your first book and doubt I'll want to read the new one. I will buy it though."
Before long, I had cause to regret that she did.
See you next week.
The book Felice hated and couldn't finish, "Malcolm's Wine: A Noir Crime Novel of Rare Books, Vintage Wine and Sneaky People," is available exclusively through Amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle formats. Hugh Gilmore says it's the best bibliomystery out there.


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One of the repeated fan complaints about the Houston Texans offensive performance in 2012 was running on 3rd and long.
Rivers McCown of Football Outsiders and the Battle Red Blog discussed this in February in a post entitled, "Third-Down Give-Up Draws, Gary Kubiak and You." Certainly worth a read, and in key part:
The Texans faced 101 third-and-long situations. 23 of them were runs. That rate of 22% is nearly triple the league-average rate. A better way to say that? The Texans called nearly 9% of all third-and-long runs in the entire league last year.
Paul Kuharsky of the AFC South ESPN blog discussed this article some and concluded:
Great numbers here that really show Gary Kubiak's unwillingness not just to take chances on third downs, but simply to throw. He really needs to self-evaluate in this area.
I've been thinking on this subject some. Odd play-calling on 3rd and long is not something that has been a consistent theme of the Texans offense over the years.
So what is up with the 2012 numbers?
3rd and long, versus 3rd and VERY long.
As I noted in a recent post focusing on the Texans offensive scheme, the Texans offense very much focuses on keeping down and distance numbers sane. All teams want to do that, but the Texans pray at the altar of down and distance as they prioritize it. It is one reason why the one-cut running style is essential to the offense, because it usually gets positive yards, rarely gets negative yards. Keeping down and distance on schedule makes for fewer obvious passing downs and keeps defenses off balance.
What is peculiar about last year was how often a team that prioritizes down and distance got into 3rd and extra long, meaning 11 or greater yards.
Here's a chart I put together with data from the Pro-Football Reference, Game Play Finder (with things I think interesting highlighted). I picked the years 2009-2012 because by that point, Matt Schaub knew the offense. He had big 2009, 2010 seasons because the defense was bad so the offense had to pass a lot. In 2011, 2012, the defense was vastly improved which allowed for increased running because they weren't always playing from behind:
So for 3rd and less than 3 yards (sane distance), the Texans in 2012 had fine numbers.
But look at that peculiar percentage of 3rd and 11+ yards. That's a higher number than previous seasons, and a strange number for a team that values not getting into those situations. I'm guessing that reflects a lack of execution. To get into 3rd and 11+ usually means something really bad happened, like a penalty, sack, or other play loss.
In 2012, the Texans had their highest penalties per game totals since Gary Kubiak has been coach. In particular, the road penalties were particularly bad, averaging 7.4 on the road versus 5.7 at home. This is the worst road average for penalties since Kubiak has been coach. (I don't think a team wants to necessarily get the fewest penalties in the league because that can be a result of lack of aggression, but being 1 to 2 penalties more than traditional averages for Kubiak-coached teams is unusual).
For curiosity's sake, here's a comparison to the rest of the league on 3rd and 11+ in 2012 after a Game Play Finder search:
Texans are 4th in number of 11+ 3rd down plays, and 1st in the number of runs in that situation with six more runs than the 2nd most team. Unsurprisingly, they are tied for 31st in converting 3rd and extra long into 1st downs or TDs.
To show how skewed that is, compare those 2012 numbers, to the Texans in both 2009 and 2010 per a Game Play Finder search. Those were years where 1. Matt Schaub played every game. 2. The defense was horrible. 3. The Texans could not afford to punt the ball at all because they likely wouldn't get the ball back in a while and the other team was almost certain to score:
Over that two year period, the Texans were 30th in the number of 3rd and 11+ plays, somewhat middle of the pack with their 3rd down runs, were 8th at converting these into 1st downs or TDs.
So what caused the change in playcalling?
Perhaps a combination of things?
Risk taking, game situations. Rivers McCown suggests in this article, "And if we apply actual game theory and logic to this — shouldn't a better defense make you want to take more risks on offense?"
By observation, I think that Gary Kubiak has a mixed view of that. Sometimes against good quarterbacks, it appears as though he will take some additional risks. You saw that some against the Broncos on the road. I'm not sure that they had the personnel and proper execution to do that late in the season to the Patriots on the road.
But against bad to middling quarterbacks, he may not want to take risks because if the opponent's quarterback isn't going to beat you, so why let their defense do it?
Taking risks can result in pyrrhic victories. Matt Schaub was a big part of the win over the Broncos, but given the hits he took, he could have been knocked out for the season.
I'm not sure that the Texans staff ever got over how difficult it was to function at the end of 2011 after Matt Schaub was lost to injury, which may have contributed to overly-conservative play calling in 2012. That and he was coming back from a foot injury which saw him riding in a rascal for a while. The performance of T.J. Yates and Case Keenum in the preseason last year couldn't have provided much confidence.
Personnel and execution. The revolving door at offensive line, injuries at tight end, and the inexperience of wide-receivers 3-5 didn't make an obvious passing down look particularly appealing if you wanted to keep your quarterback upright. And then there was the unusual decline of Matt Schaub down the stretch, combined with the desire to keep him relatively healthy for playoffs. Ultimately, poor execution is a reason why the Texans got into 3rd and really long so many times.
Playcalling with Improved Defense. I'm not sure that Gary Kubiak has pegged how to call games since he's had a more-often-than-not improved defense. From 2006-2010, the Texans defense was completely unreliable, and the Texans offense often took risks that at the time looked odd. The most infamous was going for it on 4th and inches against the 2008 Steelers on the road, in the first five minutes of the game at midfield, not getting it, challenging the ruling on the spot, and then losing that.
Apologies for mentioning that eye bleach moment, but that's about as crazy aggressive of an offensive play call as can exist.
Last year, as the above shows, you couldn't get any more conservative on 3rd and long.
There has to be something in the middle between feeling like you can never punt during the pre-Wade era and packing in your tent when you get into bad down and distance and then hoping that J.J. Watt can do a J.J. Watt.
Every Texans team is different.
As my last post noted, every Texans team is different, has different strengths, has different challenges. That would seem like a no-duh statement, but sometimes we treat what has happened in the past (for better or worse) as a prediction for the future. And more often than not, the seasons surprise.
My prediction based on no evidence other than what happens every year:
1. The run on 3rd and long thing won't be a big deal in 2013.
2. That there will be some new irritating thing on offense and defense and special teams because there always is something new. You renovate your kitchen, then you get a roof leak. That is life.
3. I do not know for certain what The Thing(s) is right now. Have ideas. Sometimes you can get a better sense of potential issues as camp progresses. Sometimes they are in-season surprises.
Any other thoughts on 3rd and long, and 3rd and extra-long? I invite you to play around with the PFR Game Play Finder. You never know what sorts of things you can find, surprising and not so much.