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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Giving Less Than 100%
If I can get some summer salary from a grant, that's great. If I can't or if I need to spend my summer salary on another grant-related research activity, that's fine. No matter what my summer salary situation is during the 3 months when the university does not pay my salary, I advise my graduate students, I advise my undergrad researchers, I write new grant proposals, I go to conferences, I read, I think, I write papers, I discuss Science with various colleagues, and I even occasionally think about what I will teach in the fall. I basically do whatever I think is best for my researchers and our research program and my overall job as a professor. I adore having this flexibility. For me, one of the excellent things about being a professor is that there is an extended interlude in the year when I have a lot of freedom to set my own schedule and priorities.
Here is how my university thinks the summer salary (from grants) thing should work:
If faculty get summer salary from a grant and are paid at their usual salary rate for a specified time period, they can do nothing other than activities related to that grant: no writing of papers unrelated to that grant, no research activities unrelated to that grant, no travel to conferences unrelated to that grant, and certainly not any writing of proposals for a new grant.
During that time, we aren't even supposed to spend significant time with graduate students who are not supported on the same grant that pays our summer salary for that time block. We are supposed to say "Xavier, I'm sorry, but I can't help you with that until next month when I am no longer being paid summer salary" or "Benita, we should discuss that before July 7 because after that I can't talk to you about your research until August 12", but "Omar, yes of course we can meet this afternoon. You and I are being paid on the same grant right now."
And what about graduate students who want to defend their thesis in the summer? They'd better find out the summer funding situations of all their committee members or they are out of luck entirely. It would be better to have a committee comprised entirely of faculty with no summer salary from sponsored grants because these faculty can do whatever they want.
Although one might think it is in the best interests of the university that faculty write grant proposals and give papers at conferences, woe betide faculty with proposal deadlines or conference abstract deadlines in the summer.
And what are we supposed to do about reviewing or editing manuscripts and proposals during this time?
I can see the reasoning behind not paying someone from a particular grant while they are working on another project. I don't like it if the policy is going to be interpreted so strictly as to prohibit legitimate professional activities, but I can understand the principle. What really bothers me, however, is when the definition of the working day is not confined to standard hours and faculty are not even supposed to do other work, including write proposals, in their free time -- nights and weekends, for example. Apparently whatever time we work, whether it is 40 hours or 168 hours a week, that time belongs to the grant that is paying us, and we can work on no other projects, not even in the wee hours of the morning while sitting on the porch with a laptop and some friendly cats. The grant owns all our working time, however much that is.
And in fact, if we are working, we should be working in an "approved site", which does not include homes, cafes, or the various nooks we find to work while our offspring are engaged in enriching structured activities (sports, music etc.).
I don't get that either. Is the assumption that if we are not sitting at our desks, we are likely to be lying on a beach somewhere? If we were allowed to work at home, do the ethicsmeisters fear that faculty would interpret this as permission to do "research" in posh night clubs and resorts (and charge the expenses to our grants)?
A widely held view among physical scientists is that our biomed colleagues would do just that, and, in fact, that without these strict policies, they would all be paying themselves double so that they could support their cocaine habits, even though they force their grad students and underpaid postdocs to manufacture most of their own personal drug supplies in their research labs. {<-- attempt at joke}.
The good news is that we are allowed to attend a conference in the summer if the theme of the conference is related to the grant that is paying our salary at that time. I am confused about this, though. If we attend a conference to present a paper on the topic of the grant that is paying our salary, are we allowed to attend other talks, even if they are off-topic? Can we chat with colleagues about other research? Will we be banned from the poster sessions because they are rife with unethical possibilities for viewing graphic depictions of unrelated research?
The people who tally effort have run amok.
The solution, of course, is to claim effort at <100% during any time period that requires working on multiple projects, advising various students, writing new proposals, or attending a conference.
That's doable. Instead of being paid x weeks of summer salary at 100% effort on a grant, I can be paid at a lower % effort for longer. And then I can have the kind of summer that I want to have, and everyone benefits: my research group, my university, my cats, and me.
Problem solved? Maybe in practice, but the policy that necessitates these accounting games makes me want to gnash my ears.
29 comments:
It would be better to have a committee comprised entirely of faculty with no summer salary from sponsored grants because these faculty can do whatever they want.
At my university, a handful of professors without summer salary regularly refuse to attend thesis defenses during the summer on the grounds that they are not being paid. This has cost more than one student a post-graduation job that they otherwise would have gotten.
If I tried to design an evil person from scratch, I could not achieve such exquisite perfection.
- DrDoyenne said...
That's pretty crazy--limiting professor's summer activities to those related to the grant funding summer salary. Such institutional restrictions often lead to bizarre collateral effects....as described.
That reminds me...way back when I was a graduate student, I tried to schedule a meeting with my committee during the summer. One of the professors on my committee gleefully informed me that because he was not paid a summer salary, he would not be attending any student committee meetings.
He then smirked and said, "So now what are you going to do?"
I dropped him from my committee.
I had no idea it was this Byzantine. I am so glad we get paid for our summers by our universities. Of course, we are also still advising grad students (both Masters and PhD), preparing classes, and doing general research.
When we get salary support from grants it is usually a small percentage - if we had research leave for a specific grant, I can't see anyone even noticing that a conference outside the named area was attended.
Is the assumption that if we are not sitting at our desks, we are likely to be lying on a beach somewhere?
Possibly relevant NYT musings on the life of a telecommuter:
As the author of this piece points out, many people do not seem to grasp that there is not a one-to-one correspondence between "being in an office" and "working".
As a grad student with a very *flexible* schedule I have had to learn to set firm boundaries so that people around me (e.g. in-laws) don't assume that "flexible" means "you can take as much time off as you want".
but you don't claim 100% time or effort to a single grant, do you? Usually you would claim say, 10% on one grant at a time. so how does taking a portion of summer salary from that one grant stop you from working on other projects or your other funded grants in the other 90% of your work week?
I also never understood the very concept of professors taking summer salary from their grants because the university pays your salary for "only" 9 months out of the year. why not just take whatever the university pays you and divide that by 12 so you can feel as if you do have a complete 12-monthh salary and thereby be relieved of the feeling of having to get some of your salary from your grants? (or is the implication that whatever the university pays you per year, is "not enonugh" to be considered an annual income by any measure?)
dumb rules should be ignored whenever possible imo.
Ive been with my grad PI for over 6 years and I believe he has gotten at least 2 months paid salary every summer.
he also does whatever he pleases (mainly research and lots of research-related travel) and lies to the appropriate people if they try to play some sort of BS rules games.
i like that policy.
Oh, the joys of effort reporting. Unfortunately, at my university, I have to deal with it year-round and not just in the summer. That is because in order to support/supervise a grad student on a grant, I have to "prove" that I am actually working on the grant. The only way to "prove" that I am working on a grant is to charge to it, a minimum of 1% of my time. So, that means, even in the academic year, I have to charge at least 1% of my time to a grant, if it is supporting a grad student. During the academic year, this can be done as cost share, so no salary is actually charged to the grant. But, it really ticks me off because the university HIRED me to supervise grants and graduate students as part of my job. That whole "spend 30% (or whatever this week's percentage is) of your time on research" should have those duties covered as part of my academic appointment. In the summer, even if I'm not collecting summer salary, I do have to charge a minimum of 1% of my time to the grant if I have a grad student on the grant.
There are always problems with both the cost share account and the effort reporting. There is usually a cost share overrun (which seems ridiculous because I am not getting paid any more than my regular 9 month salary...1% of it is just associated with a different account number) and the percentages of my effort are often incorrect. I know faculty (not me) who have refused to certify their effort report because of the hours in a week and where/when do you work issues. I'm convinced these policies were created simply to give paper pushers and bean counters something to do.
Our OSP loves to give very condescending presentations about why these rules are in place. Typically stories about faculty at big schools (usually medical) charging their time to grants that they didn't actually work on. OSP also loves to remind us that if we screw up, we will be held personally responsible and could go to jail. As you can tell, they are a real service-oriented unit at my university.
To cut the university some slack, it is actually the auditors who are responsible for verifying how our tax dollars are being spent by researchers that are driving this issue.
- Comrade PhysioProf said...
Whoever at your institution who is telling you these things is misunderstanding OMB Circular A-21.
What I love is that even though we are all probably getting money from the same agencies (NSF, NIH, DoD, DoE..) - each university seems to have it's own interpretation of the rules.
I'm with Anon at 6:18. Apparently ethics isn't my strong point, but I still sleep at night because I know that I'm working on ALL of my projects as much as they need me, w/o keeping a freaking timecard.
Oh, and I choose to pay myself summer salary because w/o it, I earn less than I would in industry where I would work far fewer hours. I see no problem with compensating myself when I have the grants to do it (which isn't always the case)
- a physicist said...
Can you write blog entries during a month you're paid from a grant?
Of course, the obvious answer is yes, if blogging is one of your Broad Impacts for your NSF grant. I can just see the description in your grant proposal: "I'm an anonymous blogger who writes about science and career issues. Since I'm anonymous, you have to trust me that I do this and have tons of readers, I can't tell you the name of my blog without breaking my anonymity. But I really really do have a broad impact!"
- Kevin said...
I have always crossed out "work expended" and put "work paid for" on the activity reports. That way I can honestly sign them, even though I've worked far more hours on research than grants have ever paid for.
(I usually end up spending money budgeted for my summer salary supporting grad students instead.)
As for the idea that one can piece together enough grants to charge 10% of summer salary to each---someone is dreaming.
Off topic: The secret word pointed at Russian yesterday, and they are pointing at Spanish today!
I can't wait to see what language gets chosen tomorrow!!!
Well done FSP!
I can just imagine what life in the scientific community would be like if every professor and post-doc and grad student followed the rules to a 'T'.
At my former institution, we were paid a 9-month salary and I had a colleague who refused to do any university-related work during the summer. I found this appalling and am even more appalled to see that it is more common than I suspected!
At my current institution, we are expected to bring in part of our salary year-round. (i.e. instead of getting 9 months and paying our own summer, we get 75% and have to pay the other 25% ourselves) It doesn't keep the bean-counters from coming up with arcane ways to drive us crazy, but it does solve the "I'm being paid 100% off grant A this month, so I can't talk to you until next month" madness.
- Ms.PhD said...
Wow, that is supremely stupid.
And yet, the joke about biomed postdocs not entirely off-base. Maybe my advisors refused to return my emails or meet with me for months at a time and chose instead to help Guy(s) because they were paid off approved grants? Never once crossed my mind that it could be legitimate or justified. Why didn't they just say so?? Sheesh.
Maybe the solution for conferences is to have all the good ones in the winter?
Other than that, I think you're screwed. Time to leave. At least, that's what everyone tells me when I complain legitimately. Get out! Academia is overwhelmed by its own insanity! Nevermind if you actually like science! If you actually care about this, you must not be any good!
At least, that's what they say to me.
That's crazy. I can understand the granting organization wanting to be sure that people are doing the work they're being paid for, but what business is it of the university? Furthermore, the uni is being completely inconsistent in this matter. If they really meant that you should only work when paid to do so, and you should only work on what you're paid to do, then they should insist that none of us on 9 month salaries work during the summer at all, unless we happen to have a grant. Yet, in my case at least, they've set up the teaching load and research expectations in such a way that it would be impossible for me to get tenure if I did not work on research during the summer (and I'm in a field with virtually no grants available). I guess I could do it by working 80 hours a week during the school year, but wouldn't that also violate their ridiculous rules? The truth is, they want us to work without pay during the summer, and they want us to work more than 40 hours a week during the school year, but they're forced to be more cautious about grant pay because there's a third party involved. The whole thing is a scam.
- Ann said...
That's interesting. Other than requiring that I fill out and sign effort certification forms, my university doesn't monitor how I spend my time or what conferences I go to.
So you mean that apart from the biomed part, the rest of this post... isn't a joke? Could have fooled me.
I've never talked to a prof about how this is handled at my institution but I doubt it's anything like this - or I assume I would have heard something.
I've always been bothered by the use of a percentage of our time as the effort measure. If I work more hours on one grant in a particular period, I'm automatically not putting in enough effort on my other grants, if measured as a percentage of my time.
Of course, there's also the laughable number on my paystubs that states that I work only 37.5 hours per week....
Look, A-21 governs effort on federal awards. Universities interpret what it means but it boils down to - if you're 100% paid on a sponsored project during a summer month, you're supposed to be working 100% on that award and that award only. Some universities will not permit their researchers to charge 100% on a sponsored project because they know that faculty are still working with grad students, doing compliance related work, writing proposals, etc. Note that the university would be pleased as punch to have faculty doing all this work and having it paid for by various sponsors - however, federal rules prohibit such charging and Inspectors General regularly audit, disallow and fine universities that permit such things to occur. Just ask Yale or Duke. Some universities haven't been caught but with the current emphasis on transparency and ever more regulatory burden, I think it would be wise if universities started doing some risk management, identifying areas of risk and work with administration and the academic side of the university to address training, needs, and oversight and monitoring.
Oh, and I choose to pay myself summer salary because w/o it, I earn less than I would in industry where I would work far fewer hours. I see no problem with compensating myself when I have the grants to do it (which isn't always the case)
I'll probably be met with a lot of defensiveness for saying this but here goes anyway. could you, instead of compensating yourself just so that you can make what you would in industry (but bear in mind that in industry you wouldn't enjoy as much flexibility or have the security of tenure as you do now), instead give your trainees a salary raise or fund them to attend more conference or something else that benefits the trainees more? I'm not intending to criticize your ethics, just honestly asking why not.
Another fact about effort reporting that surprised me when I became a TT prof (and that might surprise some students and postdocs) is that many grants require faculty to charge a specific minimum percentage of their effort on a funded grant. For example, the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine and NIH both have grants that require a certain amount of salary support. Supposedly, this is to ensure that the faculty member will truly be putting "effort" into the work they are proposing to do. In cases like these, a faculty member is limited as to how they budget a grant. I have also sat on grant review panels where I heard comments like, "The PI didn't budget enough salary effort for this grant; so I don't think this grant is a priority for him/her."
- steph said...
"I can see the reasoning behind not paying someone from a particular grant while they are working on another project. I don't like it if the policy is going to be interpreted so strictly as to prohibit legitimate professional activities, but I can understand the principle. What really bothers me, however, is when the definition of the working day is not confined to standard hours and faculty are not even supposed to do other work, including write proposals, in their free time -- nights and weekends, for example. Apparently whatever time we work, whether it is 40 hours or 168 hours a week, that time belongs to the grant that is paying us, and we can work on no other projects, not even in the wee hours of the morning while sitting on the porch with a laptop and some friendly cats. The grant owns all our working time, however much that is."
THAT IS INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, are you still allowed to have science-related hobbies or take your daughter to a science museum during the summer? This is so big brother sounding.
- David Stern said...
I've never heard of such a thing. I spent the last year on a grant. Admittedly it only covered 65% of my time officially. All anyone cared about were deliverables. The mode additional stuff I got done the more happy the university would be. Same story when I was on summer salary in the US as a tenured prof.
That's as ridiculous as expecting you to pay no attention to that grant for the rest of the year. No papers could ever come from that. I always think of how much 'free' time the granting agency is getting from me for only paying me 2 weeks/year. What a deal!
For those who say that our institutions are mis-understanding OMB A-21:
Can you explain what is the proper interpretation of A-21? Can you give me a quick primer/tutorial, so that I can be informed when dealing with my own institution?
(I don't doubt what you say; I'm just wondering if you can elaborate and teach me about what the correct interpretation is.)
- Gabe Fife said...
Hello. I am an MS degree student studying sport science. I was VERY fortunate to have the opportunity to work with my current adviser as he has supported me in my own research question that he has only indirect experience with. Over the course of 6 months we have submitted four grant applications ( three university wide and one national) one of the university wide grants were awarded to us in full ( a small 6k$) and my advisor was listed as PI since it is a faculty specific award. My project includes collecting data in three European countries and will be quite spendy. One of the conditions of the grant is that the PI( in this case my adviser) is allowed to apply up to 2,500$ of this grant to his summer salary. He will not be collecting any data his summer with me but will obviously be involved in completing the final manuscript to be submitted to a journal. Is there something I am missing due to my lack of research experience, or is he using this grant money in the wrong way?
- jdavis said...
I don't believe you. Does your university really track your activities like this in the summer? I doubt it.


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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless aid touched a six-month high last week as a computer-related backlog of claims was processed and a partial U.S. government shutdown began to hit some non-federal workers.
But stripping out these two factors, which economists viewed as temporary, Thursday's report from the Labor Department suggested the labor market continued to improve moderately.
"As the temporary negative factors unwind, the claims data should remain on a downward trajectory, continuing to suggest a gradually improving picture on the layoff side of the labor market equation," said Gennadiy Goldberg, an economist at TD Securities in New York.
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 66,000 to a seasonally adjusted 374,000, the highest level since the end of March, the Labor Department said.
California, which is still dealing with technical problems from the upgrading of its computers, accounted for about half of the increase in claims, a Labor Department analyst said.
Troubles converting to the new system had resulted in a backlog of claims, which were now being pushed through, he said.
In addition, 15,000 of the claims were from non-federal workers affected by the partial U.S. government shutdown, which is now in its second week, the analyst said.
Removing these distortions, claims rose to about 325,000 last week.
"This level of claims is still consistent with very low layoff levels and, therefore, solid nonfarm payroll growth," said John Ryding, chief economist at RDQ Economics in New York.
Economists had expected first-time applications to rise to 310,000 last week. The four-week average for new claims, which irons out week-to-week volatility, increased 20,000 to 325,000.
U.S. financial markets were little moved by the report as traders kept a wary eye on developments surrounding the budget deadlock in Washington.
The claims data is collected by states and is the only government report being published during the shutdown and so is being closely watched for clues on the health of the job market.
While last week's report showed the shutdown is starting to affect non-federal workers, there has been no sign of furloughed workers filing for unemployment benefits. Claims by federal workers are reported separately and with a one-week lag.
The number of federal employees filing for jobless benefits rose only 359 in the week ending September 28.
White House Council of Economic Advisers Jason Furman said the increase in overall claims last week suggested the government shutdown and worries about a debt default were already hurting the economy.
"It's one week's number, the numbers are noisy, but it's yet another signal about how employers are reacting to the fiscal deadlock in Washington," Furman said at a breakfast sponsored by the Center for American Progress.
Separate reports suggested the fiscal stalemate was dampening consumer spending, with a group of nine U.S. retailers expected to report a 3.1 percent rise in September same-store sales, according to Thomson Reuters. That is below the 5.5 percent gain for the same period last year.
The budget impasse and signs of tepid consumer spending could see the Federal Reserve not in a hurry to cut back its massive bond-buying program for a while.
Minutes of the U.S. central bank's September policy meeting showed a decision to maintain the monthly $85 billion in bond purchases that the Fed is making to keep borrowing costs low was a close call.
"The impasse in Washington needs to be resolved soon," said Jim O'Sullivan, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics in Valhalla, New York.
The claims report showed the number of people still receiving benefits under regular state programs after an initial week of aid fell 16,000 to 2.91 million in the week ended September 28.
Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Additional reporting by Mark Felsenthal; Editing by James Dalgleish

subset: commoncrawl


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Baby & Me Storytime
|Mill Creek Library
|15429 Bothell Everett Hwy, Mill Creek, WA 98012
|Nov 30, 2017
9 a.m. Wiggle and giggle with your baby through silly stories, happy songs, rhymes and activities that inspire a love of reading at the Mill Creek Library for newborns through 18 months followed by Playtime. Storytime will be weekly through Dec. 14. Caregiver required. Supported by Friends of the Mill Creek Library, 15429 Bothell Everett Hwy, Mill Creek, WA 98012. For more info: 425-337-4822 or www.sno-isle.org


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HIV and Gay Men: A Global Concern
The passage of health care reform (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) on March 23, 2010 is a major historic achievement. In the grand discussion of who needs comprehensive health care, however, gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) were conspicuously absent. The health of gay men has historically been ignored, even during times of major public health crisis. This was especially true during the onset of the AIDS epidemic. Policies and prevention efforts to date have failed to address the needs of this population with necessary funding and prevention services.
In the early 1980s, gay men's health first caught mainstream attention with the rise of AIDS, albeit with stigma and discrimination. During this time, political leaders dragged their feet as the country was gripped with fear stemming from false beliefs about becoming infected through a sneeze or a hug. The failure of policy makers and public health experts to demystify the virus in the early stages of the AIDS crisis has largely influenced the current state of HIV across the nation, specifically among MSM.
In March 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released staggering new data on the prevalence of HIV and syphilis among MSM in the U.S. The analysis of a number of national data sets on sexual behavior, which defined MSM as men who have had sex with another man within the last five years, revealed that MSM are at least 44 times more likely than other men to contract HIV, and at least 40 times more likely than women to contract HIV. Further, MSM were at least 46 times more likely than other men, and at least 71 times more likely than women, to contract syphilis.
In 2006, MSM comprised 57% of people newly infected with HIV in the U.S., even though the CDC states that MSM are only about 2% of the adult population. MSM are the only group among which HIV rates are increasing in the U.S. However, most gay men practice safer sex and gay men are twice as likely as heterosexuals to practice safer sex.
The impact of HIV among MSM is even more troubling among gay and bisexual men of color. A staggering 20% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. occur among black MSM even though black MSM represent only 0.25% of the adult population. New infections have jumped sharply among black and Latino MSM aged 13 to 29.
On a brighter note, President Obama's proposed fiscal year 2010 budget calls for $28 million to increase the reach of HIV testing by expanding HIV prevention targeted at MSM.
Internationally, HIV among MSM is also of great concern. UNAIDS reports that 5 to 10% of all HIV infections worldwide occur among MSM. Though heterosexual sex accounts for the majority of HIV infections worldwide, in some parts of the world men having sex with men is the primary mode of HIV transmission. In fact, the difference in HIV rates between MSM and the general population in many countries is often extreme -- in Mexico the rate of HIV among MSM is 109 times greater than among all adults. But the full scope of the global HIV pandemic is unclear, since most countries lack surveillance systems or prevention efforts for MSM due to high levels of stigma and homophobia.
Because HIV prevention messaging in Africa has been exclusively heterosexual, many MSM believe they are not at risk for HIV. Yet several studies show disproportionately high rates of infection among African MSM. Thankfully, the 2008 reauthorization of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) calls for prevention and research targeting MSM. An end to criminalization, which drives homosexuality underground, is also key to fighting HIV among MSM.
The health of gay and bisexual men and other MSM is a global concern that deserves greater attention, commitment, and allocation of resources. Despite strides in HIV treatment, AIDS continues to take the lives of many people, including MSM. Accurate surveillance systems and innovative preventive measures that target MSM are vital to a comprehensive strategy both domestically and abroad.


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You are here:
Videos from 2012 showcasing the work of the Vaccine Alliance and its partners.
18 December 2012
Hans Rosling on GAVI's targeted fight against poverty and disease
Professor Hans Rosling is a doctor and a professor of international health at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. At the GAVI Partners' Forum, he showed how GAVI's mission to increase access to immunisation fits into a new way of looking at global poverty and population trends.
03 December 2012
DPR Korea introduces pentavalent vaccine
In July 2012, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) introduced pentavalent vaccine with support from the GAVI Alliance. Children in DPR Korea will benefit from protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease in addition to continuing protection from four other childhood killers as the country introduces the five-in-one pentavalent vaccine into its routine immunisation programme.
Pakistan tackles top child killer - Pneumonia
Pakistan was the first county in South Asia to launch a vaccine against one of the leading cause of pneumonia among children under five.
The introduction of pneumococcal vaccines is an important milestone in the fight to reduce the burden caused by pneumonia in Pakistan. The partnership between the Government of Pakistan and the GAVI Alliance – which includes UNICEF, WHO and civil society, among many other partners - to deliver this life-saving vaccine to Pakistan's children, as well as a renewed commitment to strengthening the current routine immunisation system, provides a solid foundation for a stronger, healthier nation.
30 November 2012
Myanmar children to benefit from pentavalent vaccine and measles second dose
To celebrate the launch of the GAVI supported pentavalent vaccine and measles second dose in Myanmar GAVI Alliance Chairman Dagfinn Høybråten and Deputy CEO Helen Evans hosted a five-day visit to the country by six politicians from Australia and New Zealand, as well as officials from WHO, UNICEF. After decades of social and political isolation half a million children in the country will now receive protection from a range of deadly diseases including measles, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and Hib.
09 October 2012
Pakistan pneumococcal vaccine introduction
EPI officials, GAVI's Deputy CEO Helen Evans and Mir Hazar Khan Bijaroni, Minister of the Inter Provincial Committee, talk about the impact of Pakistan's rollout of the pneumococcal vaccine and the difficulties of ensuring all children are protected from pneumonia.
01 October 2012
AMC to Eliminate Pneumococcal Disease - CGI 2007 Commitment Progress
David Ferreira, GAVI's Managing Director for Innovative Finance, describes how GAVI has raised more than double the amount of money it promised to secure from the private sector under a 2007 Clinton Global Initiative commitment.
28 September 2012
Seth Berkley and Hugh Evans GAVI and Global Poverty Project talk vaccines at Global Citizen Festival
Global Poverty Project CEO Hugh Evans and GAVI's Seth Berkley talk about the power of vaccines ahead of the The Global Citizen Festival, an historic webcast and broadcast concert in Central Park, New York.
09 July 2012
Decade of Vaccines collaboration reception at World Health Assembly 2012
On the eve of the World Health Assembly's endorsement of the Global Vaccine Action Plan, officials from developing country health ministries, civil society organisations and multilateral agencies attended a Decade of Vaccines Collaboration reception in Geneva to welcome the Plan.
15 June 2012
Innovative Partnerships for Global Health
GAVI Matching Fund partner representatives Dr. Brian Brink, Chief Medical Officer for Anglo American, and Diane Whitty, co-head of J.P. Morgan's Private Bank's Philanthropy Centre, highlight a panel moderated by David Ferreira, GAVI Managing Director for Innovative Finance. The panelists describe the benefits corporations can receive from their involvement in global health, and the strong and innovative work GAVI is doing with public-private partnerships.
14 June 2012
Rosalynn Carter - Support Child Survival Call to Action
In June 2012, political and global health leaders gather in Washington DC for the landmark event, Child Survival: Call to Action. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a pioneer in vaccination US efforts, is speaking out to urge the public and political leaders to support this global health effort, enabling every child around the world to have a fifth birthday.
13 June 2012
Doing the Double - Ghana introduces two new vaccines at once
On 26 April 2012, Ghana became the first African country to introduce pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines at the same time, simultaneously tackling the leading causes of the world's two biggest childhood killers – pneumonia and diarrhoea. This film, produced for the GAVI Alliance, documents the preparations, the launch ceremony and the aftermath.
12 June 2012
Immunisation: a matter of justice - Dagfinn Høybråten
Dagfinn Høybråten, Chair of the GAVI Alliance Board, delivers his message from the 2011 Annual Progress Report
2011: A milestone year for GAVI - Seth Berkley
Seth Berkley, MD, Chief Executive Officer of the GAVI Alliance, delivers his message from the 2011 Annual Progress Report
08 June 2012
How IFFIm funds vaccines
Discover how IFFIm uses the bond markets to fund immunisation faster. [Japanese]
22 May 2012
Dr Seth Berkley's keynote speech at the John Ring LaMontagne Memorial Lecture
GAVI CEO Dr Seth Berkley describes the challenges and successes of bringing lifesaving vaccines to people in the poorest countries during the 2012 John Ring LaMontagne Memorial Lecture sponsored by NIAID.
26 April 2012
Highlights from Ghana's vaccines launch on 26 April 2012
On 26 April 2012, during World Immunization Week, mothers and
babies, doctors and nurses, tribal elders and supporters from all over
the world, came together in Independence Square, Accra, to celebrate the
launch of two new vaccines to help protect children against two of the
leading child killers – pneumonia and diarrhoea.
Ghana launches two vaccines at once
On 26 April 2012, Ghana launched two new vaccines, which will protect children against the primary cause of pneumonia and severe diarrhoea -- the two biggest killers of under-fives across the world.
19 April 2012
The strategic power of vaccines in Zambia
In November 2011, a team from CSIS traveled to Zambia to produce a
video on vaccination efforts - their value, their long-term
sustainability, and the challenges to their implementation. The video
aims to portray the complexities of immunization in Zambia and to make
broader points about global immunization efforts. Released on March 16,
2012, this eleven-minute video completes the five-minute trailer posted
in fall 2011.
30 March 2012
British comedian John Bishop visits Sierra Leone childrens hospital for Comic Relief
Comedian John Bishop witnessing the anguish preventable illnesses, like diarrhoea and pneumonia, can cause while visiting the only children's hospital in Sierra Leone. Bishop cycled, rowed and ran more than 295 miles from Paris to London in five days, raising funds for vaccines.
02 March 2012
Professor Ian Frazer talks about how he invented the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer
In this exclusive interview to mark International Women's Day 2012, Professor Ian Frazer discusses his invention of the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer.
20 February 2012
Voice of America interviews Dagfinn Høybråten
Interview with GAVI Alliance Board Chairman Dagfinn Høybråten on Voice of America.
Ethics hotline
Concerned about the misuse of Gavi resources? Report it now.
© Gavi 2019
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Suppose a disease is detected, can I get medical insurance for it before it gets severe? I'm talking about ankylosing spondylitis. I do not know if the full course of treatment will be required in the future, but I could end up needing surgery.
Not Sick Yet
Dear Not Sick Yet,
For the rest of 2013, if you do not currently have health insurance or you have a 63-day lapse in your health insurance, then you will not be able to get a health insurance plan that covers your illness. At least, it would not cover the illness for the first 12 months after you join.
This is true if you have been diagnosed and/or treated for the condition in the 6 months before you join the new plan. If you were diagnosed years ago and have had no symptoms or treatment, then it would not be considered a pre-existing condition. In that case, the illness would be covered as if it were new.
All of this goes away in 2014.
In 2014, health plans will have to cover all of your pre-existing conditions no matter what. Keep in mind, however, that you will not be able to buy health insurance when it is convenient for you (i.e. when your condition gets worse and you need care). You will only be able to buy a new plan at open enrollment, or when you have a family status change, like getting married or divorced.


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April 21, 2010
Complete Release in PDF Format
The Schedule
Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Matador Diamond, 12 & 2 pm
Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Matador Diamond, 12 pm
UC Santa Barbara (10-30, 1-8) vs. Northridge (21-20, 5-4)
All-time series record vs. Matadors: 22-44-1
Last win: April 11, 2009 (6-0)
Last loss: April 12, 2009 (4-2)
Games available on Gametracker
For The Record
UCSB enters this week with a 10-30 overall record, which is its slowest start to a season since 1991 when the team got out to an 8-33 start. The Gauchos were able to snap a 13-game losing streak with Sunday's win over UC Riverside. The skid was the longest since the 1984 team opened the season with 13 consecutive losses (Jan. 27 - Feb. 18).
Gauchos vs. The Big West
The Gauchos had a rough start to Big West play this season dropping their first eight straight after series sweeps by Cal State Fullerton and Cal Poly and dropping two of three to Riverside last weekend. UCSB was finally able to shake its skid with a 4-1 win in Sunday's series closer with the Highalnders and now stands at 1-8 in conference games.
Notes On Northridge
Cal State Northridge enters this weekend's series with a 21-20 overall record and a 5-4 mark in conference games. The Matadors most recently swept Pacific on the road last week by way of 2-1, 12-7 (8 innings) and 12-5 scores. The series victory was the first of the season for the Matadors and the team has won their last four straight. The Gauchos won their 2009 series with Northridge 2-1. Jennifer Mosier leads the Matadors with her .383 batting average and 28 runs. Hannah Fraijo leads the Northridge staff with a team-best 13-6 record and 3.11 ERA.
Conference Update
After three weeks of conference play, defending Big West Champion Cal Poly tops the leaderboard with its 7-2 record while UC Riverside is a close second (6-3). UC Davis (5-3) and Cal State Northridge (5-4) are in third and fourth, respectively, while Long Beach and Fullerton are tied fifth (4-5). Pacific (3-5) and UCSB round out the standings.
Leading Lady
Despite the Gauchos' struggles this season, senior Jessica Ziegler is having a tremendous year. The leadoff hitter leads UCSB and the Big West with her 46 hits, is second for stolen bases (18) and ranks fourth in the conference with her career-best .343 batting average. Her 14 multi-hit games also lead the team. Not just an offensive standout, the first baseman also leads the conference in chances (303) and fielding double plays (14) and is second with her 279 putouts.
Making History
Speaking of Jessica Ziegler, she is currently solidifying her place in the UCSB record books. The senior is now fourth all-time for career stolen bases after bringing her total to 47. She is five stolen bags away from tying Christine Ramos (2006-09) for third. Additionally, she has cracked the career hits top-10 list as she now ranks 10th with 153, five away from tying Stacy Atwood (1993-96) for ninth.
Beristianos' Bat
Jessica Beristianos has started the Big West schedule in fine form, batting a team-leading .414 across the last eight games - ranking sixth among league players in conference games - and she has hit safely in all but two conference games. For the season, she is third on the team hitting a career-high .273 and is third for hits (31) and second for on-base percentage (.364). Additionally, she leads the Gauchos and is tied for first in the Big West with 10 doubles, which included two during last weekend's series at UCR.
While We Are On The Subject
Beristianos is another Gaucho climbing through the all-time top-10 lists. She recently cracked the RBI all-time list and after tallying two last weekend, she is just three away from tying ninth-ranked Lindsey Herrin's career output of 70 (2004-05). She has also tied Stacy Atwood (1993-96) for fifth all-time with 32 career doubles.
Get Off Our Bags
UCSB currently leads the conference in runners picked-off (6) and is second for double plays (18). In fact, the Gauchos are just one double play shy of tying the school record, which was set in 2004.
Among The Nation's Best
UCSB ranks tenth nationally for double plays per game (0.45). Meanwhile, Jessica Ziegler ranks 77th for stolen bases with an average of 0.45 per game and also ranks as the 69th toughest player to strikeout. Keilani Jennings also ranks in the national top-100 - 25th to be exact - for sacrifice flies with her three this year.
Finding Her Form
Sophomore Krista Cobb, who was the 2008 Big West Freshman Pitcher of the Year, has had a tough season in the circle, but a solid weekend against Riverside may just mark a return to form for the hurler. Despite suffering a loss in Saturday's second game, Cobb limited the Highlanders to four runs on four hits - just one of which went for extra bases - in her six innings of work. The following day, she tossed another complete game, this time limiting the Highlanders to just one run on five hits. She struck out six in the win, which are her most K's since she tallied eight in the season-opener against Northern Colorado (Feb. 11). The Sunday win snapped the pitcher's five-game skid.
End Of An Era
Prior to this year, UCSB had posted seven consecutive winning seasons, a program record. Unfortunately, that streak has ended. With just 12 games remaining on the schedule, the best record the Gauchos can now finish with is 22-30 (.423).
A Record Better Left Unbroken
Currently the UCSB pitching staff owns a collective 5.38 ERA, which is on pace to surpass the program record for highest season ERA set in 2008 at 3.82. They have tied the record for home runs allowed (38) and are three earned runs (196) away from tying the school record, both also set in 2008. The Gauchos have seen a steady improvement in their team ERA over the last couple of weeks, dropping from 5.60 after the Fullerton series to 5.38 currently. Last weekend's team ERA was 4.05, their best during a 2010 Big West series.
Coach's Corner
Head coach Brie Galicinao, who is now in her third season at the helm of the UCSB softball program, recorded her 60th win when the Gauchos defeated Utah Valley on Feb. 13. Galicinao has coached the Gauchos to a 66-79 cumulative record for a .455 winning percentage, the second best by a UCSB coach since the softball program went Division I in 1982. Galicinao has coached three players to All-Region honors, two players to Big West Field Player of the Year accolades, one Big West Freshman Pitcher of the Year and 12 All-Big West Conference selections. In 2008, Galicinao was named the Big West Co-Coach of the Year after her first season leading the Gauchos.
Tweet, Tweet
Head coach Brie Galicinao is on Twitter. To get her insights and updates throughout the season (and the rest of the year), follow her here.
The Gaucho softball team has entered the blogsphere. Several members of the team are contributing regularly to "Gauchos.360" filling in UCSB fans on their student-athlete experience. To check it out click, here.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets for all of the Gauchos' home contests this season are now available. To purchase tickets, please call (805) 893-UCSB, visit the Ticket Office located inside the Intercollegiate Athletics building on campus or click here.


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Peach with Oswald and Danny just getting suited up for the Fast Forward at 2pm. I would guess they check in at the Pit Stop between 2:45pm and 3:15pm.So I think Dustin & Kandice should be much closer to an hour behind them, I still think at least.With the Sunset being very near 5:40pm, I imagine the Dustin & Kandice checked in around 4pm to 4:30 pm. With no real shadows or sun to judge angel, it still looks fairly well lite with cloud cover.Change BQ's to sometime after 5:20-5:30pm.With Charla & Mirna who do the boat task after the sun has fully set, so I would guess they arrive at 6:30-7:00pm.Eric & Danielle I would guess by the even darker stages of their progress between 7:30-8:30pm.With a sunrise of 6:55 am for the next day (give or take a minhute or so.)
I don't think the yield will be at the top of the tower where only one team at a time can go, because what if a yielded team goes up and has to wait for the yield to finish, wouldn't the team at the bottom also have to wait?
After searching our forum for semi-documented Timeline facts--this is what I have so far.Last (HK) Pitstop arrivals (guess):D/O seen suiting up for the RB at 2:02 PM (by watch)--maybe to Pitstop between 3-4? Hi, Where does it show D/O suited up for RB? And why do most everyone think D/E come in first? Couldn't whoever comes in after them take more than 30 minutes?
I predict someone will be right about one of the scenarios posted in the 20 some pages in this thread.
I'm beginning to think that O/D Yield E/D and it's a TBC. Does that rhyme?
One thing to keep in mind is that although the "official hours of operation" may start at 11AM, TPTB have always managed to arrange their own "hours of operation" which are either before the venue opens officially or after the venue closes officially. TPTB want the venue for their own lonesome selves. (And all the production crew necessary!).Sorry, but I seemed to have missed any mention of T for Monday morning. But if they do not list "the lastest eliminated team" from TAR, then most likely we do have a NEL OR TBC. Has TAR ever had two NEL's back to back?
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Series 919 Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies began production in 2003 and are still manufactured. The devices are available from sizes 1/4 - 2" and are constructed of bronze. The 919 features two covers that thread into the body and a seperate relief valve cover that uses 4 bolts. The check assemblies are not self contained and the springs push pressure against the covers, caution should be taken when servicing. No special tools are required for service.
Lead Free Compliant
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PINK HILL � Honks, beeps and sirens sounded out noisily from a seemingly unending line of fire and rescue trucks from around the area at the beginning of the Pink Hill Christmas Parade Sunday.
PINK HILL � Honks, beeps and sirens sounded out noisily from a seemingly unending line of fire and rescue trucks from around the area at the beginning of the Pink Hill Christmas Parade Sunday.
Three-and-a-half-month-old Benny Stroud of Albertson made a terrible face and let a wail as the trucks went by as his mother tried to cover his ears.
�I like it, but it�s really noisy,� Kaylee Kennedy, 6, of La Grange, said.
Her father, Jeff Kennedy, said, �I think a parade in a small town is the best thing you can do.�
4th Infantry Division WWII veteran Sgt. John A. Worthington was selected to be the grand marshal shortly after receiving the French Legion of Honor Medal February in Raleigh.
�I thought it was a great honor to be recognized by your hometown,� he said.
Worthington, a resident of Pink Hill for 50 years and organizer of the town�s first parade in the early 1960s, said he believes this year�s parade is the largest one ever.
The highway was crowded with onlookers, including one Spanish-speaking lady who was sitting on a car hood knitting while she watched the action go by.
�Awesome,� is how La Queshea Edwards, 10, described the parade. �I�ve never seen trucks like this.�
Alex Nethercutt, 9, of Kinston, said he likes watching the cars and tractors and candy flying.
Tanner Jones, 6, likes the cars and candy, as well as the hot rods.
�I like the part where the cars are going down in the parade cuz it�s just kinda fun,� he said. �� I like when they throw the candy and it goes wooooo.�
Ricardo Rodriguez, 10, said he liked getting free candy. Rodrigo Rodriguez, 10, had a different parade favorite.
�My favorite part was about the go-carts because they did all those cool turns,� Rodrigo said.
It wasn�t just children that were scooping up the sweet treats. A group of grown-ups were diving to get some, too.
�We got a kid on a fire truck,� Kenny McDonald of Deep Run, said. �We�re going to save it for him.�
Janet Jones of Dover has been attending for 15 years. She and her family bring a camper and make it a family event. This year, her friend Lillian Pridgen of La Grange attended for the first time and they both were enjoying the sights.
Guenevere McKinney of Kinston was cheering on the students from Woodington Middle School where she is a computer teacher. She said she likes the fellowshipping at the parade.
Jackie Holmes of Pink Hill made a similar statement.
�It gets a lot of people together for the afternoon,� he said. �This is one of the best parades.�
The parade ended with a herd of horses ridden by individual owners from around the area.
Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or email@example.com.
Breakout box
Parades and other holiday events:
n Downtown Christmas in Trenton and Christmas tree lighting, 5:30-8 p.m.; Photos with Santa Claus at the Town Hall, donations accepted
Friday, Dec. 7
n Snow Hill Holiday Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Elaney Wood Heritage Farmer�s Market, 470 U.S. 13 S., Snow Hill (Kingold Boulevard next to the Greene County Recreation Complex)
n Holiday Tour � Historic District, self-guided tour, 4-7 p.m.; for tickets ($10) call Snow Hill Town Hall, 252-747-3414, or Judy Davenport, 252-747-3439
n Snow Hill Holiday Extravaganza and Tree Lighting, 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8
n Kinston-Lenoir County Christmas Parade, 10 a.m.; lineup starting at 8:30 a.m. at Grainger Stadium
n Immediately following the Kinston parade, there will be cookies and punch with Santa at the Kinston Community Council for the Arts. There will also be a gingerbread house workshop for all ages. Pre-register by Thursday, Dec. 6 by calling 252-527-2517. Children must be supervised.
n Richlands Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m.; lineup 3:30 p.m. at Richlands Primary School
Sunday, Dec. 9
n Walstonburg Christmas Parade sponsored by the Walstonburg American Legion Post 332, 3 p.m.; lineup 2 p.m. at the Walstonburg Fire Station


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Expanding Your Photography Portfolio
This excerpt from Exposed: Inside the Life and Images of a Pro Photographer focuses on four images that Michael Clark created in an effort to expand his photography portfolio. He explains the genesis of each image, how the images were shot, the gear involved, and how they were worked up in Lightroom and Photoshop so you can see the entire process from start to finish. July 30, 2012


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Rainbow Overboard: Carnival's Faux Pas
A controversy broke out in queer social media yesterday — and just as quickly died down again.
A travel agency called Al and Chuck Travel chartered a cruise on a Carnival ship with special performances by some of the popular drag queen stars of the Reality TV program Ru-Paul's Drag Race. Six days before departure, ticket holders received a letter from Carnival Vice-President Vicky Rey informing them that passengers would not be permitted to dress in drag. Daily Kos was among the many popular outlets which began to report the story:
So, essentially, Carnival has decided they like collecting gay people's money by marketing to the community. But, if the gays' 'behavior affects the comfort and enjoyment of other [heterosexual, bigoted] guests,' they're kicked off the ship.
One passenger is understandably confused by the vague directive on what is appropriate behavior that will not disturb 'the comfort and enjoyment of other guests.' The gay experience is heterosexual people can be very easily disturbed by relatively minor things, he asks: 'I'm worried that holding my partner's hand could get a rise out of some parents… Will I be kicked off for that? What about a romantic kiss at dinner? This is awful!'
Perhaps worst of all, both of those perennial scapegoats — the need for security and the need to 'think of the children' — are cited in attempts to spin the situation.
I posted about this on my Facebook wall, where a former Carnival passenger cautioned against reacting hastily — she recalled a male partner of hers who routinely cross-dressed on goth subculture-themed cruises. Sure enough, by the end of the day Carnival caved to the intense social media pressure. Gay South Florida reports:
Carnival Cruise Lines of Miami has apologized to gay passengers on an upcoming drag cruise who were told Monday they would be kicked off the liner Glory if they cross-dressed in public.
"Anyone who wishes to dress in drag may do so," writes Carnival President and CEO Gerry Cahill, adding that any passengers who are still unhappy and choose not to travel will be given full refunds.
A mutual acquaintance brought Rogi Riverstone, the creator of the above video, to my attention because we were both talking about this story. Rogi makes the point that we need to hold Al and Chuck Travel responsible for how quickly they seemed willing to capitulate. Hours before the apology of Carnival's president, Al and Chuck Travel were boasting of their gay activist cred in public statements (they're strong supporters of Human Rights Campaign, those honored guests in Obama's veal pen) and insisting that a ban on drag is necessary for security reasons in a "post 9-11 world."
Riverstone retorts:
This has nothing to do with 9-11, it's a load of crap. Genderqueers did not blow up any buildings. You may be a gay man, but you are obviously a cisgendered gay man, and identify with hetero binaries. In other words, Mary, you pass as one of them and you're going to enforce an outdated, unhealthy and arbitrary dress code that requires people with penises to wear pants and people with vulvas to wear non-pants.
This is sick, this is toxic … Shove your Chick-Fil-A Cruise!
In the wake of the Chick-Fil-A controversy, there were calls to not just boycott that hateful brand but to organize days of appreciation for other corporate brands which were perceived as supportive. What began as Starbucks Appreciation Day ballooned into a day of support for other major corporations like Macy's. It's possible — even probable — that most of the employees and management of Carnival Cruise Lines are open-minded, queer-loving people but this incident reminds us that brand support is fragile. When corporations answer to their shareholders first and their ethics second, support for equality will only last as long as it is perceived to be profitable. After all, let's not forget the example of Walter Mack and Pepsi.
The other lesson one might take away from this incident is a reminder that a segment of the LGBT population is still all too happy to throw the rest of the rainbow overboard to protect themselves.
Photo by Phillip Pessar under a Creative Commons license


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Poetic Mozart from Leon Fleisher
Piano Concertos: No. 7 in F for two pianos, K242; No. 12 in A, K414; No. 23 in A, K488
Stuttgart CO/Leon Fleisher (piano); with Katherine Jacobson Fleisher (piano)
Sony 88697435052 77:30 mins
'Fleisher's eloquently poetic account of the melancholy Adagio from the A major Concerto, K488, is worth the price of admission on its own' Misha Donat
A full review plus star ratings will be published in our August 2009 issue
Audio clip: Mozart: Piano Concerto in A, K488 – Adagio
Related links:
Shostakovich's daring first opera
Original Mozart from René Jacobs
Matthias Goerne's compelling Schubert cycle
A rare opportunity to hear Argerich play solo
- Article Type: | New Release |


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2009 International Sculpture Symposium
Strategies for Success in Challenging Times
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Click here to view the New Jersey Symposium webpages.
The ISC's 2009 Symposium: Strategies for Success in Challenging Times brought together a mix of new and familiar faces for 1.5-day event at Grounds For Sculpture, in Hamilton, New Jersey, this past October. ISC members, artists, arts administrators, curators, , educators, and art supporters joined together to share advice, support, and ideas with 16 different panelists and speakers, including the keynote speaker, Ruby Lerner, President of Creative Capital.
Grounds For Sculpture proved an excellent venue for this event, and attendees took advantage of the many opportunities to explore this unique, 35-acre sculpture park during lunch breaks, on docent tours, and between panel sessions. Other networking activities included a well-received pre-symposium reception at Sotto Ristorante, a guided tour and reception at Digital Stone Project, and a Welcome Reception at the Nassau Inn in Princeton. The symposium concluded with the Fall Opening at Grounds For Sculpture, which showcased the work of the ISC's 2009 Outstanding Student Award winners and the work of Albert Paley.
The attendance at the symposium proves just how diverse and broad the sculptural world has become. Over half of the participants had never attended an ISC conference before, and 90 percent of attendees came from out-of-state, representing 23 U.S. states and 5 countries. In a survey conducted after the event, 100 percent of all attendees who responded said that they would recommend an ISC conference to a friend or colleague.
We want to thank everyone who joined us in Hamilton and to give a special thanks to the many sponsors whose contributions enabled us to offer such an inclusive symposium during these challenging times.
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text: Susan Curran, 58, is a regular at her local Marks and Spencer, where she frequently meets friends in the cafe of the British chain's nearest outpost. But after Susan, who suffers from cerebral palsy, got stuck in a bathroom and was forced to pull the emergency bell, she was banned from the store. After being told by a manager that "staff were not trained to deal with her and workers were being put at risk," she received a letter stating that "You are not permitted to enter into any of our stores again. If you choose to ignore this notice you will be asked to leave." [Telegraph]


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Sleeperz to introduce new hotel concept to Newcastle
(Cardiff, October 5 – 2011) Sleeperz Hotels, the innovative budget hotel business, is set to open its second UK hotel in Newcastle in December.
The 98-bedroom, six storey hotel is situated on Westgate Road near Newcastle's Central Station and will be the city's first ever design-led budget hotel.
The construction of Sleeperz Newcastle signals the creation of a new niche in the hotel scene for leisure and business travellers visiting North East England.
David Myers, chief executive of Sleeperz Hotels, said:
"We are bringing something new and different to Newcastle and the North East. A stay at Sleeperz offers a stylish urban living experience in a city centre hotel environment at affordable prices."
Sleeperz Newcastle will offer quality, stylish compact rooms with fresh, colourful and contemporary interiors at room rates from £60, including free wi-fi access.
David Myers said:
"Newcastle is not just the capital of North East England; it's a thriving visitor destination and a great city for business and conferences.
The combination of a superb location and a distinctive new market niche means we are excited about our investment and the chance to create jobs and grow the North East economy."
According to the latest figures from destination marketing agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative and national tourist board Visit England, Newcastle's hotel sector is among the highest performing of any UK city.
Average room occupancy for hotels in Newcastle is 78 per cent compared to a national average of 65 per cent according to Visit England.
Sleeperz Newcastle will also create 25 full time jobs in the local economy.
Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination marketing agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said:
"Tourism is a growth sector in NewcastleGateshead and has shown resilience during the recent recession with hotel occupancy levels up on the national average.
We are thrilled that Sleeperz has chosen to bring its unique approach to budget accommodation to NewcastleGateshead as it significantly strengthens the hotel offer across the destination."
The development, on the site of the former Parcel Works in the heart of Newcastle, follows around £7m of investment in the Sleeperz brand and the opening of its first UK hotel in Cardiff in November 2008.
David Myers, said:
"Sleeperz Hotels was a business born in the recession and has consistently bucked the trend during our three years of trading. We are confident that even in these challenging economic times, our distinctive offer to consumers will prove as popular with people visiting Newcastle as it has in Cardiff."
The company has plans to expand and Sleeperz has earmarked major UK cities, including Liverpool, Manchester and London as potential venues for hotels in the next phase of development.
For more visit www.sleeperz.com and watch video of the Sleeperz Hotels experience at: www.youtube.com/sleeperzhotels


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31 Aug 2012
Before the Holidays
Just a simple and comfortable outfit I wore before leaving for my holidays...
I really love this blouse from Zara for its interesting texture and shape. You could have already seen it on me here. I think it makes me look like a light-blue polar bear, and, to my surprise, I really like it. :-D
29 Aug 2012
Delft Pottery Dress
One of my favourite dresses, it reminds me the Delft pottery... Or a dirndl. :-)
Very proper for informal meetings with potential mothers-in-law and grandmothers-in-law, believe me this dress has always worked in this respect... :-D
26 Aug 2012
Sparkling Spiked Ballerinas
The first outfit with the spiked golden ballerinas - black shorts and blazer.
Btw, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me! :-D
23 Aug 2012
Horses II
22 Aug 2012
Horses I
These photos are from the last weekend. The two horses, Fanny and Tanya were just so beautiful that I couldn´t stop taking pictures of them! I took about three hundred photos within one hour, crazy. I can´t put them all in one post, so tomorrow you will see the second half - more about the horses and less the outfit.
20 Aug 2012
Golden Sequin Skirt
This golden sequin skirt is one of my favourite pieces for evening. This time I´ve decided to wear it in a "day" combination. What are your thoughts about it?
17 Aug 2012
Today I don´t have many photos for you guys. I was wearing a yellow bangle and while taking pictures, a wasp got under it and twice stung me. That´s why I don´t look that excited on the photos.... Sacrifice for fashion... :-)
15 Aug 2012
Vlissingen, NL
On Sunday, I made a trip to Vlissingen in the Netherlands. Although the weather was quite cold and windy for August, I enjoyed sea and beach anyway (as you can se on my "jumping" pictures - AGAIN! :-D).
My outfit? Nothing complicated. Just a tank-top, denim shirt and shorts, and studded loafers.
13 Aug 2012
Sparkling New-In
Today I´ve decided to make a small post about some of my favourite sparkling accessories. Some of them I bought recently, some are older, and some you could have already seen on me.
And while taking pictures, my teddy-bears that I collect were around and wanted to be in the photo, too... :-D Sorry for such an infantile post guys, I promise to be more mature tomorrow. :-)
10 Aug 2012
Golden Belt + Pink Shoes
For a party outfit, I combined a black simple dress with a golden belt and pink shoes. I had also a matching golden-pink evening clutch but I forgot it in the car. :-D
I especially love these shoes, they are the most comfortable heels I have.
9 Aug 2012
Walking My Leopards
7 Aug 2012
Flower Shorts
After the slightly experimental yesterday post (which my readers actually liked, thank you guys!), I felt like going back to my casual style. So here they are - soft colours, flower print, lace and sequins.
6 Aug 2012
Strict Black
I was thinking of this black "victorian" outfit for some time but didn´t dare to wear it. On Sunday evening, I finally took it out to a theatre. Although this style is not something I do wear or would wear every day, I actually like it. Btw, my boyfriend said I look strict (might be true) and quite scary (really? :-D).
3 Aug 2012
Jimmy Choo´s Leopard
Do you remember when I was in Milan and proudly resisted Jimmy Choo´s loafers? Who was I trying to convince that I can live without them?!? :-D
After a fight with my boyfriend I went to "have a look" at the Jimmy Choo online store... And as I knew my size, I ordered these leopard beauties, before they get sold out. Do you also shop like crazy when you are depressed?
2 Aug 2012
Blue & White
Wearing blue and white, I´m matching with the house behind me... :-D It might be a new trend, match yourself with your house!
Yesterday evening it was raining heavily, so I was postponing going out until it stopped raining but then there was already a lack of light for taking photos...
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May is National Stroke Awareness Month
Sharon C.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
By: Sharon Cohen
According to the Stroke Recovery Association (SRA) the possible and normal sexual consequences of a stroke include:
** A diminished self-image and self-esteem, ** Fear of being rejected or no longer being loved, ** Emotional and relationship changes that may alter interest in sex, ** Fear of and anxiety about sexual failure, ** Social change (the way that the disabled are viewed by others - this particularly applies to single, widowed, divorced or separated stroke survivors).
Bruce and I had been seeing each other nearly every night for weeks and it was obvious to both of us that we were on a fast moving train to a lifetime commitment. One evening, after our nightly ritual of tending to his toes, I was still seated on the floor at his feet. We had been discussing life, limitations and survival. He became overwhelmed with emotion and began to pour his heart out.
"I didn't think," he said. "I didn't think anyone would want me."
The tears welled up in his eyes as he continued.
"Every day. I looked at myself. Every day I asked who would want this?"
He reached across his body and touched his paralyzed arm and crumbled hand. He stood and stooped over in an imitation of his stroke-effected stature. He emphasized his point by pulling his right hand up to his chest in a seized and clenched position.
"Who would want to touch this?" he had made his point and he sat again.
The SRA report further states "Fear, frustration, the need to adjust to a self-image which has been shattered, adapting to a new, often very different "self", disappointment in terms of performance in many life areas, and doubts about one's capability of dealing with these changes - all these are part of recovery from a stroke."
Bruce was always dressed in clean clothes that were tattered and worn. He had gained a significant amount of weight since quitting smoking six years after his stroke and his pants were noticeably tight around the waist. The neckline of nearly every T-shirt was ripped at the binding. He wore a slogan bearing T-shirt and conservative trousers nearly every day. His shirt was always tucked in and he cinched his pants with a belt. His shoes were Velcro closed tennis shoes and his socks were always pristine clean and white.
A National Stroke Association report states, "dressing oneself is a basic form of independence. The added value of being neatly and attractively dressed enhances a stroke survivor's self-image."
Bruce was living in a one-bedroom apartment with little modification for his disabilities. He walked across a common yard to the laundry room every Sunday morning to do his laundry. He had a closet full of clothes ranging from size 36 to 44. The styles covered an even wider range, dating from the 1970's to the late 1990's thrift store bargains. He wore the same pair of pants for three days straight and then they would go to the laundry basket. His shirts would last at least two days before laundering. That evening as I sat at his feet, Bruce continued sharing his self-assessment and wonderment at my presence.
"I thought no one would look at me. Well, not a woman." His statement caught my full attention again. Tears were now spilling down his face.
"And here you are. Right here. In my apartment! Talking to me, looking at me, smiling at me and fixing my toes." His voice was catching in his throat and I was feeling the strength of his words deep in my heart.
In a report entitled "Love, Sex and Disability: Maintaining Interest and Intimacy" co-authored by polio survivor, Harlan Hahn, Ph.D., he shares personal insights. "I can also offer some thoughts derived from my own experience. One suggestion concerns what I call the dysfunctionality of denial.
I found, for example, that when I was wrestling with the issue of my acceptability to the opposite sex, therapists and others gave me one of two messages. One message was, "There is nothing wrong. Disabled people can find suitable partners as easily as nondisabled persons. I don't see why you're troubled by this." The other was, "There's nothing that can be done. That's just the way things are. You can't possibly change them."
Neither message was true, and neither was particularly comforting. What no one gave me was a way to work within the gray area between these extremes. There was no value in denying that my disability reduced my chances of finding a mate, or that the situation was hopeless.
For seven years Bruce had dealt with shattered self-esteem, damaged self-image, bouts of depression and social rejection (events to which I'd been an occasional witness). Now, in total disregard for the odds against him, he continued to gaze deep into my eyes and bare his soul.
"I don't know why you're here. I've been by myself for seven years. I had two relationships. Then I was done. No more. But here you are." He was looking into my face with amazement.
Citing the previous report, Dr. Harlan continues, "Any disability has a strong effect on a relationship. It can bring out a couple's devotion to one another so that they build on their existing strong relationship; or it can pull a couple apart, intensifying existing conflicts. A disability is an added stress to any relationship. How you've handled stress in the past will affect how you'll handle this particular stress. It is important not to blame anybody; it's no one's fault."
So many things were weighing on Bruce's heart as he sat in the safety of his familiar surroundings with this very unfamiliar female at his feet. For ten minutes he poured out the years of fear and frustration at having been alone. He explained how he had decided to fix himself and make himself attractive to women.
"I taught myself to walk properly, " he said sitting straight up in the chair, "and to talk properly."
He didn't mention how he had learned to groom himself and to make himself attractive. But I had noticed. He had more bottles of mouthwash, tubes of deodorant, toothpaste, soap, variety of colognes and after-shaves than a corner drug store. He had a sewing kit beside his chair but couldn't thread the needle or mend the tears in his clothes with only one fully functioning hand. He had made every conceivable effort to improve his behavior, his speech and his appearance.
Dr. Hahn also stated, "My research and my own experience tell me that many adults with disabilities who seek an appropriate mate are not operating on a level playing field. Like most activities in modern society, the search for conjugal partners is a competitive process in which men and women who approximate cultural ideals of physical attractiveness enjoy a decided advantage.
Ever since the concept of romantic love replaced arranged marriage as the basis of family formation during the enlightenment, physical attraction has been considered an indispensable foundation for intimate relationships."
With stubborn determination, and though his words were catching in his throat, Bruce continued, "I decided to be ready. I never thought anyone would see. But you see. You see how I've changed. You see how I'm better."
Dr. Hahn's report continued. "Even persons who have difficulty in forming such relationships are usually advised to concentrate their attention on someone whom they find attractive. And yet, the perceptible signs of physical differences or disabilities are commonly regarded as unattractive. In fact, as the concept of asexual objectification indicates, conspicuous disabilities may be viewed as synonymous with unattractiveness. Obviously, this context poses mammoth obstacles for women and men with disabilities."
"You make me so happy. I love you." Bruce declared.
He sat there, emotionally exhausted and vulnerable. He had laid all of his hopes and fears, bare, before my feet. He had said words he never even hoped to speak to a woman again. I knew that he was even more afraid than he had been when he began his confession. Silently he waited for a response.
Without the slightest second of delay, I smiled back at him and replied "Oh, Bruce, I love you too."
A smile began to form across his face as he took a deep breath and relaxed. The twinkle returned to his eyes. He began to lean forward with his left arm outstretched to take me in a hug and I sat up, leaning forward, to meet his embrace.
I looked him in the eyes with all the softness and nurturing comfort I could portray.
"So?" I stopped the hug before it began.
"So, what's my name?"
"No!" he said. "Don't do that! I don't know!"
He slumped back in the chair, horrified at being caught in his ignorance and ashamed of himself.
I was laughing to the point of wetting myself. I took his face in my hands and kissed him strongly - full on the lips. Then I kissed the tears on his cheeks as I struggled to restrain the giggles. He was paralyzed from shock. I could hardly speak. The honesty of the moment was exhilarating.
"No worries! You've got plenty of time to learn," I whispered in his ear as my body melted against his.
Display of the Faces of Stroke stories does not imply National Stroke Association's endorsement of any product, treatment, service or entity. National Stroke Association strongly recommends that people ask a healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment questions before using any product, treatment or service. The views expressed through the stories reflect those of the authors and do not reflect the opinion of National Stroke Association.
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The Boy in Alfred Hitchcock's Shower from the CineManArt series by ArtGraeco
CineManArt is a series of photomontages, collages and digital art by ArtGraeco that recast characters of mainstream movies, change scenarios and subvert plots. These up-stagings add new dimensions – some solemn, others playful – to the stereotypes, the intolerance and homophobia cinema portrayed for over 100 years of filmmaking.
The CineManArt series by Artgraeco depicts what cinema could be and could have been more of: open, daring, defiant, fair, inclusive.
ArtGraeco expresses mainly gay aesthetics and homoerotic themes -narratives, photography, collage and digital photo art on homosexuality | politics | history | nostalgia | longings | masculinity | femininity | homophobia | stereotypes | …
More information on art by Graeco at www.artgraeco.com.
The images and all posts do not belong to the public domain. All copyright and reproduction rights are retained by the artist. Copyright © ArtGraeco. All rights reserved.


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Hong Kong - Tens of thousands of people, many wearing red as a sign of their patriotism to China, took part in a demonstration march in Hong Kong on Sunday to protest a planned civil disobedience campaign by pro-democracy activists in the city.
Demonstrators braved wilting heat to participate in the rally, which was organized by a pro-Beijing group. Many carried banners or shouted slogans saying they wanted to "oppose" the Occupy Central with Love and Peace pro-democracy movement, while others waved Chinese flags. Some, however, seemed to be not quite certain what they were protesting.
Occupy Central's organizers have sparked political turmoil in Hong Kong and unease in Beijing with their plan to rally at least 10,000 people to freeze the specially administered Chinese financial hub's central business district if the government fails to come up with satisfactory democratic reforms.
After the former British colony came back under Chinese control in 1997, it was allowed to keep a high degree of autonomy over its own affairs and Western-style civil liberties unseen on the mainland, although an elite pro-Beijing committee picks the city's leader. Beijing has promised that starting in 2017, Hong Kong voters can choose the leader, but insists candidates be vetted by the committee, which democracy activists reject.
"Occupy Central is an extreme way of protest," said Terence Chung, a company manager who joined Sunday's march. "Using legal ways to express opinions is all right. If it comes to an irrational protest, social order will be disrupted."
The Alliance for Peace and Democracy held the rally to cap its monthlong anti-Occupy petition campaign. But tactics used to mobilize supporters raised questions about whether demonstrators knew why exactly they were marching.
Pro-establishment trade unions or professional groups, for example, urged members to join. People who recently moved to Hong Kong from mainland China were also offered cheap day tours of the city, with stops that included lunch, a museum visit and the anti-Occupy march, according to local news reports.
"I don't understand what Occupy Central is for," said a 54-year-old construction worker, who gave only his surname, Siu, and turned out with his daughter. When asked why he joined the rally, he would only say that it was because he had some free time.
You can view this article online at VosIzNeias.com/175682


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self-tuning Les Paul we told you about back at the beginning of October has just gotten its official release date and a brand-spanking-new name: The Gibson Robot Guitar. Sure, it won't fix you breakfast, watch the children, or make a logical decision to wipe out all human life on the planet, but on December 12th, it will tune the hell out of your Ernie Balls. Check the video after the break to see the guitar in action.
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