text:
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Life Expectancy in African-American Men: Improving, But Just Not Good Enough!
What is this mysterious killer with our black men in its sights? Disease that – for the most part – is preventable and treatable with great survivability. The recent untimely deaths of actor/comedian Bernard Jeffery McCullough, also know as Bernie Mac, and musician/singer Isaac Hayes, has re-focused attention to raising awareness and prevention of the premature deaths of African-American men.
Reports claim the life expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, but there are still significant disparities in health care among African American's and ultimately our survival rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control the estimate of life expectancy at birth for the total United States population is 77.6 years. Men have a life expectancy of 74.8 years compared to 80.1 years for women. There has been an overall improvement in life expectancy for men, however, African-American men live approximately 6.2 years less than white men (69.2 years versus 75.4 years).
Why such a huge disparity?
African Americans make up approximately 13% of the U.S. population, but only about 2.5% of physicians and medical students. We are twice as likely as other ethnic groups to have a stroke; almost twice as likely as other Americans to have diabetes; we have the highest prevalence of high blood pressure in the world; and sadly, represent almost 50% of the new HIV/AIDS cases each year. Afircan-American men have one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the United States, however a recent study published in the September 2008 issue of Cancer reports that we are less likely to be screened for the disease.
The American Medical Association's (AMA) recent apology to African-American physicians for years of inequality plays a role in health disparities. Forty eight million people in this country are uninsured or under-insured. Even when health insurance and income differences are accounted for and the playing field is fair, AA men still receive fewer preventive services than white men such as flu shots and less aggressive procedures, like colonoscopy screening.
The AMA, however, is not completely to blame. As an African-American physician, I regularly see a general neglect for our health. Lack of exercise, poor eating habits, and the under-utilization of health care services are major pitfalls in our community.
"I have to go to work, Doc," is a frequent excuse not to see the doctor, not realizing that once you have a heart attack or stroke, the disability associated with these medical problems could keep you from working forever.
In general, men tend to pay less attention to their health, smoke and drink more than women, and do not seek medical help as often as women. AA men frequently ignore symptoms and signs of disease, like chest pain (warning sign of heart disease), headaches (a stroke warning sign or brain tumor), and frequent urination (diabetes or enlarged prostate), and don't seek care until there is a crisis. The end result is a late diagnosis of serious medical problems, which does not allow for aggressive treatment and potentially a poor overall outcome. Building a relationship with your physician and having family discussions regarding health are essential to better health.
Even in there early demise, Mac and Hayes have still found ways to inspire us. They will be missed, however, they have helped us to realize that we are not invincible and that regular checkups with our doctor, knowing our family history, eating healthy, and exercising are simple, but important ways to maintain good health.
(c)2008. Rani Whitfield, M.D.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
AJ Johnson: Self Worth and Wellness Coaching
I read about celebrity fitness experts all the time. On a regular basis, some muscle-bound man or woman trainer poses with a muscle bound man or woman celebrity promising us the same results if you just buy his/her book, protein drink, or some pill or potion.
Potentially dangerous exercises are taught via videotapes and on websites without reliable medical research. Routinely I see patients who get hurt performing exercises the wrong way or who experience side effects from supplements that are not FDA approved.
Then enters the gorgeous, talented and "shredded" AJ Johnson. A vision of perfect health from her skin tone to her physique - and it's all the result of her hard work, dedication and spiritual beliefs.
When I contacted AJ, she was doing what she does on a regular basis - educating and teaching others about healthy living. Let's meet AJ Johnson and find out how she has been successful not only in her acting career, but as a life coach to many celebrities and non-celebrities.
AllHipHop.com: AJ, where are you?
AJ Johnson: I'm in my in car in Chicago and I pulled over in front of the John Hancock Center to talk to you for as long as you want. [laughs]
AllHipHop.com: What's happening in Chi-town?
AJ Johnson: I am here for a number of things, but primarily I'm doing a seminar and fitness demonstration at the Lake Shore Athletic Club and an "Explore the Flavor of Health" event with Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) who I've done a lot with over the past year or two.
AllHipHop.com: I've never heard of that AJ. Tell me a little more about GSK and this event.
AJ Johnson: "Explore the Flavor of Health" is a health fair sponsored by GSK, which will be held at the YMCA on 63rd and Stoney here in Chicago. I am on GSK's Multicultural Council and I have been very active with them. Last year I did some promotions for their newly released weight loss medication Alli. I have been combining their mission with my mission, coming together for ultimately a bigger mission, which is to promote healthier living, to teach people about their bodies, and to be an advocate for the health and wellness of others by just being me!
AllHipHop.com: You mentioned the over the counter drug Alli® which can help us with weight loss. Do you think over the counter medicines like this are a cop-out for weight loss?
AJ Johnson: Ultimately, you have to modify your lifestyle. Nothing beats good nutrition, exercise, and proper rest. Using Alli® is an aid, but not a substitute for modifying your behavior. What are your thoughts on Alli® Doc?
AllHipHop.com: In combination with exercise and diet, it's a great drug. Alli® is safe and if the patient understands how it works, the benefits of weight loss and maintaining that weight loss can be significant. So, how did you get in to this health thing AJ? I mean, many of us are familiar with your wonderful roles in movies like The Inkwell, Baby Boy and House Party but, I have to admit, I had no idea you were so involved in health, wellness and personal training.
AJ Johnson: Doc, a lot of people did not know. I encourage you and the AllHipHop family to become a participant in my wellness movement. Check me out on the web at www.theAJzone.com and learn more about what I do. I also want to correct you on one thing, however. What I do is not training individuals, but it is advocating healthy living! Most people think its just fitness because of my physique and that's a compliment, but it is really healthy living.
You cannot do this without a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Consistency, having a great nutritional program, loving life, being disciplined and not procrastinating are what I am all about. These traits carry over into every facet of my life, and as much as Hollywood has given me a platform, my Hollywood friends started coming to me for help asking me how they could be as happy and as energetic as they saw me.
AllHipHop.com: Wow! That's what's up. But, for those old and new fans of yours who don't know, let me list for them a few of your clients: Terrell Owens, Stevie Wonder, Damon Dash, Gabrielle Union, Boris Kudjoe and his wife Nicole Ari Parker, and John Singleton to name a few. You have some heavy hitters on this list. Some people would think that you would only "train" females. And by the way, how do you train a Terrell Owens?
AJ Johnson: Doc, there you go again!
AllHipHop.com: What?
AJ Johnson: Using that word "training." The people at my company don't even say or use the word training. I mean look at the list! How do you train Gabrielle Union to do anything? How do you train Stevie Wonder to be more dedicated? How do you train T.O. to run faster? These are individuals at the top of their games looking for something more than just better performance.
What I do for them is coach them; I'm a life Coach! I just let them know that there is a"better" for all of us. And as great as they are in their careers, there is a "better" that everyone can be and we need to strive for that "better" and live life to the fullest.
AllHipHop.com: Did anyone thing or person motivate you to be so lively and energetic?
AJ Johnson: I lost my mother to cancer and literally witnessed my father on his deathbed. I don't like losing things that I love. My dad would write a saying to me in every birthday card. Before his salutation of "Love, Daddy," he would write, "Dance until the lights turn off." I honestly thought the first time I saw it in my birthday card, that he meant for me to close the club down. [laughs] But what I realized was that there was a much bigger message in that statement!
AllHipHop.com: What do you mean?
AJ Johnson: The much bigger message, which is tattooed on my ankle in French is to simply "Live life to the fullest!" Basically, I'm going to close it down everyday and I don't mean the club either!
AllHipHop.com: Cool! Your energy is making me want to exercise now! So what's an average day in the life of AJ?
AJ Johnson: Doc, I have to send you back to the website, www.theajzone.com. Everything I do is there. The website is written in first person, and I have a team that helps me tremendously to continue to build and grow the site as well as keeping the information current. The site provides my clients and visitors with tools that will make them happy, healthy and energetic!
AllHipHop.com: And you update your portion of the site how often?
AJ Johnson: Weekly, daily:- it just depends what's going on and there is a lot going on! There are so many sections on the site that can help us. I discuss what motivates me, provide daily words, wellness plans, and success stories. You name it, and if it has something to do with maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle, The AJ Zone is addressing these very things.
AllHipHop.com: What about stress? Actress, life coach, marriage… How do you do it all?
AJ Johnson: First of all, you know I'm not married. [laughs]
AllHipHop.com: Hmmm… Then I still have a chance AJ? Need to tone up a little… (doing pushups between words)
AJ Johnson: Doc, you are a mess! [laughs] I try to avoid stress. Stress… that's the killer. As African-Americans, we've got high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, just to name a few, and we are dying earlier than other ethnic groups. One of the things you said to me was you were sick and tired of young people dying from preventable and treatable diseases. Well, so am I! I don't want to go anywhere, and I don't want people I love to die as a result of unhealthy living.
No, my parents are no longer living, but I learned a lot from them while they were alive. All I'm doing is accepting my life purpose and the mission God has given me to help other people with what I've learned. This is not a job to me, this is a lifestyle. The reason you have not seen me in movies lately is because I have been traveling, spreading the message about healthy living. It's very obvious that our country is about to experience great changes and I want to be a part of that change, especially when it comes to health. I also want to do it stress free!
AllHipHop.com: How do we make changes in our lives? How do we get started?
AJ Johnson: Start small. I started with some minor lifestyle changes and over time they became not just routine, but essential for living. I am excitedly living naturally now.
AllHipHop.com: All natural? Come on AJ! Not an occasional burger from a fast food restaurant?
AJ Johnson: Yes Doc, all natural! All the health care products, hair care and skin care products are all natural- not chemical, completely natural.
AllHipHop.com: That is great and studies support that living natural is better for our bodies. What advice would you give to young people who have a sense of invincibility and think that they are exempt from health problems?
AJ Johnson: First of all, none of us are invincible or exempt from health problems. We can, however, reduce our risk of some medical problems and live better lives. The most general and important message I can give them is to truly believe that there is a "better" and that the "better" comes from the choices one makes.
AllHipHop.com: You have given us all some great information today. Is there anything else you would like to add before we bounce and I head to the gym?
AJ Johnson: My final words to AllHipHop and to you Doc would be to love yourself. None of what I'm saying will do any good if you don't have self worth.
(c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. Published July 19, 2008 at www.allhiphop.com
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Winning AHA's Meritorious Achievement Award
The American Heart Association has awarded Baton Rouge family physician Rani Whitfield, M.D., the 2008 Award of Meritorious Achievement for his contribution to the association's level of awareness and commitment to minority programs. His outstanding service in addressing healthcare disparities and service to minority and underserved communities has helped the AHA in achieve our goals and enhance relationships between the association and underserved communities.
Known as "Tha' Hip Hop Doc," Whitfield serves on various community organizations, is a heart volunteer, was a keynote speaker for power to end stroke kick off in Memphis, and organized Baton Rouge's first ever "Hoopin' for Health" health fair in partnership with the AHA, educating the community on stroke and its warning signs. Whitfield is also a board certified sports medicine physician.
The award is conferred annually to four or five individuals who have rendered an important service to AHA in the development of its affiliate programs, not for local accomplishments. Recipients of this award are selected primarily for a specific significant accomplishment or project and have demonstrated leadership in an enterprise or activity of the association.
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Troubled Genius of Jimi Hendrix, Bushwick Bill, DJ Screw, Mary J. Blige, Rick James, Ray Charles and more
African-American musicians have made significant contributions to the rich culture of our country and the world. June is Black Music Month, and is dedicated to the recognition of African-American artists who have enhanced our lives through creating some of the world's most treasured music.
African-American musicians have made significant contributions to the rich culture of our country and the world. June is Black Music Month, and is dedicated to the recognition of African-American artists who have enhanced our lives through creating some of the world's most treasured music.
Our musical roots span a diverse means of expression that hark back to the drums and dances of Africa used in rituals and ceremonies.
When the slave trade began in the 18th century, spirituals sung by the slaves were more than songs of praise and worship, as they often communicated secret messages about escape routes for runaway slaves and other hidden messages.
This music and its altered forms still resonate today from the same place that they began within the artist – a soul tortured by the pain and suffering of mental and physical anguish.
Despite successful chart ratings, many of our most celebrated musicians have struggled to maintain peace in their personal lives. Uninitiated admirers of the dazzling lyrics and choreography of Dorothy Dandridge, Tina Turner and Frankie Lymon have been made privy to their personal pains in big screen movies that reveal both the artistry of these performers, as well as their dark spirals of being misunderstood.
They were simultaneously lonely, rejected and revered by their country, and reviled by their ethnic brothers for committing that unwritten sin: "making it." And sometimes they were just plain beaten down by the elusive Cupid, who would aim errant arrows at their bruised hearts. Today we are taking a look at a few of our most beloved artists and their troubled times.
Charlie "Yardbird" Parker (1920-1955)
Charlie "Yardbird" Parker is considered the one of the greatest musical innovators of the 20th century, and a main contributor to the development of Bebop (modern jazz) in the 1940's. His style of saxophone playing was unmatched and he worked with some of the greatest musicians in the world such as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, Max Roach, and Miles Davis.
His career was significantly impacted by the lack of attention to his music by the main stream record labels. Parker's battle with drugs and alcohol served to further harm him both physically and economically as he was both banned from the legendary 52nd Street club in New York named after him, Birdland, and also forced him to spend time in rehab for his drug use. In 1954, he attempted suicide after the death of his daughter and died in 1955 from complications of pneumonia at age thirty-four.
Billie Holiday (1915-1959)
Billie Holiday is considered one of the best jazz vocalists of all time. She was born Eleanora Fagan, but later changed her first name to Billie after film star Billie Dove. Billie was discovered in Harlem, and is most well known for her songs that plaintively cry for the pains and suffering of her Black brothers and sisters as they tried to eke out a living.
Songs such as "God Bless the Child" and "Strange Fruit" both recorded in 1939, dealt with disenfranchisement from the American Dream after Black blood had been spilled on the battlefields of WWI, and swinging from trees in the inhumane practice of lynching that was not censured but tacitly accepted.
Holiday's successful music career was marred by several arrests for narcotics use and she battled alcohol abuse as well. She spent a year in drug rehab but was unable to shake the evil lure of her addiction. Before her drug and alcohol abuse related death on July 17, 1959 in a New York City hospital, she continued to tour and wrote a biography entitled Lady Sings the Blues (1956), which was later made into the film starring Diana Ross.
Teenage Pop Star
Frank J. "Frankie" Lymon (1942-1968)
Frankie Lymon, portrayed in the movie Why Do Fools Fall In Love by Larenz Tate, was considered one of the first African-American teenage pop stars. At the age of 13, Frankie formed the group Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers and served as the lead singer. The group's debut single "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" was a top 40 hit! He is given credit for paving the way for and influencing the sound of The Jackson 5, Diana Ross, and Smokey Robinson.
Lymon lead a troubled life, however. He left the group after just one year for an unsuccessful solo career, and began abusing alcohol and drugs. At the young age of 26, Frankie Lymon died of a heroin overdose.
Richard Shaw, a.k.a. Bushwick Bill (1966- )
Bushwick Bill, born Richard Shaw in Kingston, Jamaica, is no stranger to traumatic life events. This well-known rapper joined the Geto Boys in 1988 making a name for himself, not because of his dwarfism, but because of his unique voice. As a member of the Geto Boys and as a solo artist, he wrote and performed on three gold and platinum albums.
In May of 1991, Bushwick forced his then 17-year-old girlfriend to help him commit suicide by having her shoot him. The attempt was unsuccessful in that he didn't lose his life, but lost his right eye. Bill is now a Christian rapper, and recently commented on R&B singer Houston Summers after his failed suicide attempt.
Houston attempted suicide by jumping from a 13th floor hotel room while overseas in London. After being restrained by security personnel and locked in his room, Houston gouged his eye out. It was reported later that Summers had been under psychiatric supervision for bipolar disorder, and has an addiction to the drug PCP. Said Bushwick, "I wouldn't wish that on anyone else, to force the hand of death." Robert Earl Davis, Jr., a.k.a. DJ Screw (1971-2000)
Rapper, DJ, and producer Robert Earl Davis, Jr. was born in Bastrop, Texas. As a child he spent time in Smithville, Texas and Los Angeles, California, and began collecting records at the age of five. Davis dropped out of high school to focus on a music career, and in 1989 began his career as a disc jockey. It is rumored that he would spend hours upon hours mastering his trade, working on tapes and developing a handful of artists as he prepared them to perform in local clubs.
In 1993 DJ Screw became a household name among rap fans nationwide with his album All Screwed Up! His unique style involved slowing the tempo of songs to half their normal speed or less and mixing it with other music. He would often "screw" music together creating head bobbing beats. DJ Screw opened the Screwed Up Record and Tapes Store in Houston, Texas and a record label.
With screw music's hallucinogenic Hip-Hop style, however, came drug use. Many who listened to the music drank codeine containing cough syrup mixed with soda to "enhance" the effect of the music and their overall experience. DJ Screw was known to "sip syrup," and on November 16, 2000 he was found dead in the restroom of his Houston recording studio from a codeine overdose.
Rock & Roll
Chuck Berry (1926-)
A musician, singer and composer, Charles Edward Anderson Berry is considered one of rock's most influential and enigmatic figures. Born in a middle class neighborhood in St. Louis, he is given credit for influencing The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. The high point of his career between the '50s and '60s included over 30 songs that are considered rock & roll classics.
In the words of the late John Lennon, "If you tried to give rock & roll another name, you might call it Chuck Berry." With his guitar, he turned country into rock, and forged the way for other greater rock guitar players. Many call him the Father of Rock & Roll.
His life, however, was not without chaos. At age 17, Berry and two friends went on a robbery spree, stole a car, and upon capture he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He served three years in a reformatory for young men, and while incarcerated he learned boxing, started a band and singing quartet, and boasted about being intimate with the superintendent's wife.
Berry later served two other prison terms - one for tax evasion, and had a run-in with the law in July of 1990 as he was accused of drug trafficking and possession. His estate was raided by the DEA and resulted in the confiscation of marijuana and pornographic videotapes. Charges were later dropped.
Berry, now 76, still plays once a month in his hometown of St. Louis at his music club Blueberry Hill in the Duck Room, which is named after his famous "duck walk" that he often performed on stage.
Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970)
Growing up playing guitar in his hometown of Seattle, Washington, it seemed as if Jimi Hendrix was destined for fame. He imitated blues greats like Muddy Waters and early rock & roller Chuck Berry. In 1959 he joined the army and became a paratrooper. He received an honorable discharge in 1961 after an injury and came home to start a life-long career in music. Hendrix played backup to musicians such as Little Richard, B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner and Sam Cooke.
In 1964, Hendrix moved to New York to further his career, and was "discovered" by British bass player Bryan Chandler of the Animals. In 1966, Chandler arranged to manage Hendrix, and flew him to London where the Jimi Hendrix Experience was created. The band's first single, "Hey Joe" hit number six on the British pop charts, and the group became an over night sensation.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience made its first U.S appearance in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival. Jimi amazed the crowd that evening with his bizarre guitar distortion, feedback, and volume. In that same concert, Hendrix played the guitar with his teeth and set his guitar on fire, leaving the crowd star struck. The group later disbanded, and his performances at Woodstock in 1969 along with his blazing rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" are two of his most memorable moments.
Sadly, Hendrix' career was plagued with drugs and alcohol. He used LSD, cocaine, and was rumored to use heroin. In September of 1970, Jimi Hendrix died following barbiturate intoxication and inhalation of his own vomit.
Rhythm and Blues
Mary J Blige (1971-)
From high school dropout to Hip-Hop and R&B diva, Mary J Blige is the ultimate example of success. Born in the Bronx in 1971, she eventually ended up in Yonkers, New York living with her mother and sister. Blige grew up in what she describes as a drug-infested, crime and poverty-stricken area, where she was molested at the age of five.
Before dropping out of high school, Mary J recorded a karaoke version of Anita Baker's "Caught Up in the Rapture" which made it into the hands of Andre Harrell at Uptown Records. Four years later, Mary J was dubbed the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and released her debut album What's the 411?, produced by Sean Combs. The album went triple platinum.
In 1999 Mary J went on a tour sponsored by the beverage company Seagram's. She recalls always having a cup in her hand, drinking large amounts of gin and grapefruit juice. The drinking led to smoking weed and cigarettes, and eventually to cocaine use that could easily have ended her career; all this to mask the pain of abusive relationships and growing up hard without a father figure.
Thankfully, Blige's strong spiritual background, the death of Aaliyah and an ultimatum from then boyfriend and now husband Kendu Isaacs, saved her. Among her list of accolades are winning three Grammy's in 2005, several successful albums and a recent tour with Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z.
Rick James (1948-2004)
James Ambrose Johnson, Jr., also known as Rick James, was born in Buffalo, New York. James was the third of eight children and was raised in a strict Catholic household by a single mother. His uncle, Melvin Franklin, was a vocalist with The Temptations, and may have had some influence on his pursuit of music as a career. At age 15 he joined the Naval Reserve, but when it interfered with his music career, James went AWOL and fled to Canada to continue playing music.
When he returned to the States, he eventually served time. After a short run with his band called The Mynah Birds in Buffalo, he traveled to Los Angeles playing bass for several short-lived bands. In 1977, he started a solo career and debuted his album Come and Get It which included the hit songs "You and I" and "Mary Jane."
James became known as the King of Punk Funk, and released two albums in 1979, and the Grammy-nominated 1981 project Street Songs, which included the hit Teena Marie duet "Fire and Desire." Street Songs went triple platinum and brought James instant fame. Throughout his career, the singer battled with drugs and alcohol abuse. In the early 1990's his cocaine use was out of control, and he spent two years in prison after being convicted of assaulting two women.
After his release from jail and an attempt at a comeback, Rick James suffered a stroke, which ended his musical career. Thanks to comedian Dave Chappelle, James had a few more moments in the limelight, but his health was poor and he died in his sleep on August 6, 2004.
The family initially attributed the 56-year-old artist's death by heart attack to "natural causes," but the Los Angeles County coroner concluded that a combination of nine drugs likely contributed to James' death. The substances discovered in the post mortem autopsy included cocaine, methamphetamine, the painkiller Vicodin, the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and the anti-depressant Wellbutrin.
Marvin Gaye (1939-1984)
Born Marvin Gay, Jr. (the "e" was added later) in Washington, DC, the young and talented singer was exposed to music and mayhem early in his life. His father, Marvin Gay, Sr. was a traveling minister and cross-dresser who often had fits of rage. Somehow young Marvin continued to sing and learned to play drums in his father's church.
Gaye joined the Air Force after high school, only to be discharged after disobeying orders. He returned to DC to continue his singing career with the Marquees and Bo Didley, and later with the Moonglows. It was his introduction to Berry Gordy that catapulted his career. He initially played drums for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, but his vocal talents did not go unnoticed, and he eventually signed his own record deal with Motown.
After several R&B hits with Motown, Gaye partnered with the talented vocalist Tami Terrell. The duo was amazing, and recorded hits such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By." Despite their happy times, Terrell's health began to decline and it was discovered that she had a brain tumor. After her death in 1970, Gaye became severely depressed and resorted to drugs and alcohol to mask his pain. Despite heavy drug use, he was still able to record one of his most popular albums, What's Going On, in 1971.
Issues with Motown forced Gaye to leave the label and sign with Columbia Records. In 1982 he recorded and released the multi-platinum song "Sexual Healing." Gaye's financial and health problems, combined with a protracted battle against drug addiction and alcohol, resulted in him living with his parents. On April 1, 1984 Gaye was shot and killed by his father during an argument. It was later discovered that his father had a brain tumor.
Blues/Country Western
Ray Charles Robinson, a.k.a. Ray Charles (1930-2004)
Ray Charles is undoubtedly one of the most talented and versatile musicians ever to walk the face of this earth! Born during the Great Depression and raised on blues, country, gospel, jazz and big band music, Ray Charles showed an interest in music at the early age of three. After completely losing his vision by age seven, he was admitted to a state-supported school for the deaf and blind in Florida. There, he learned to read and write music in Braille.
After his mother's death when he was only 15, Charles left the school and traveled with the chitlin' circuit, playing with dance bands. He began using heroin at age 15 - around the same time he met the young and talented Quincy Jones, who Charles taught to write and arrange music. Ray Charles went from playing in a small trio called the McSon Trio to signing a record deal with Atlantic Records.
In 1954 Charles recorded "I Got A Woman," which reached number one on the R&B chart in 1955. Ray's successful career had no bearing on his difficulties with substance abuse, depression and marital problems. Charles has a list of awards and honors longer than my arm, however, his greatest contributions to music come from his innovative style and meshing of gospel and secular music. The movie Ray starring Jamie Foxx is a must-see, as it depicts the extraordinary life of Ray Charles Robinson.
George Clinton (1940-)
Very few people know that funk music legend George Clinton started his career in the 1950's performing doo-wop music. The former North Carolina-born barber was inspired after hearing pop star Frankie Lymon, and started a doo-wop quintet called the Parliaments in 1955 while living in New Jersey and straightening hair (not cutting hair – "It was more lucrative," says Clinton). Clinton left Jersey for Detroit after an unsuccessful career with the Parliaments. He continued to hustle, making records, publishing, and producing. He also began experimenting with LSD.
The Parliaments became Parliament, with influences from Jimi Hendrix and Sly and the Family Stone helping to mold the band into its funky and unorthodox form known today. Clinton would actually perform naked on stage, often under the influence of drugs. Clinton, the front man for both Parliament and later Funkadelic began using crack cocaine in the 1980's. He was still able to maintain a somewhat successful career – his most well known hit being "Atomic Dog."
Considering multiple legal battles and deals gone bad, George Clinton is still in demand, and is often seen or called upon to perform at special events - including a party by former president Bill Clinton.
Despite celebrity and fame, many great Black musicians have struggled with illegal drugs, alcohol and mental health issues. Racism, human frailties, and untreated or unrecognized mental disorders are often culprits in these tendencies. Racism effectively limited opportunities for financial advancement and social acceptance, thus impacting these artists' abilities to make a living.
Conceivably, depression and anger related to those difficulties directed some of these sensitive, creative musicians to the addictive qualities of drugs and alcohol as an escape. The temporary euphoria possibly enabled them to continue their artistic pursuits, dulled the pain of racism, masked mood disorders like anxiety and depression, and briefly suspended the harsh realities of being Black in the music world.
Check me out in the June issue of Ebony discussing my take on the state of Hip-Hop! Special thanks to my big brother Eric Whitfield, jazz saxophonist for his help with this piece. He is a walking textbook when it comes to music.
(c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. Published June 17, 2008 at www.allhiphop.com
(c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. Published June 17, 2008 at www.allhiphop.com
Monday, June 16, 2008
Comic lovers anticipate 'The Legion of Health'
Fed Up!, which is scheduled for a Baton Rouge release on Tuesday, June 24, brings Tha' Hip Hop Doc, a doctor, warrior, teacher and hero, and his team of muscle-bound, super-intelligent health advocates with super human powers to protect the human race from members of the Dungeon of Disease.
Representing Western medicine, fitness, nutrition, spiritual health, alternative medicine, research, and mental health these heroes battle SSPs (Symbiotic Supernatural Parasites) with colorful allusions in this comic world.
Tha' Hip Hop Doc's nemesis, Bad Heart, a sickly but shrewd and manipulative villain, will stop at nothing to destroy his foes, The Legion of Health. The comic series delivers critical messages on obesity, poor eating habits, physical inactivity, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and STDs packed with imagery and action.
Whitfield, who is also a board-certified sports medicine physician, said he designed the three-book comic series to reinforce positive health values using an ingenious, artistic package that is most popular among youth and young adults.
"The obstacle in the past with health comic books is that they were not of industry standard, and physicians were not actively delivering the messages to the youth," said Whitfield. With that, Whitfield and comic artist Greg Nichols, took Whitfield's Hip Hop Healthy speeches and created The Legion of Health. The series has been thoroughly researched and is a recommended teaching tool.
Tha' Hip Hop Doctor and The Legion of Health series is currently available online for purchase at http://www.legionofhealth.com/.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Baton Rouge physician, Grammy winner BeBe Winans add voice to the Power to End Stroke campaign
But stroke is avoidable. For this reason, the American Stroke Association initiated the Power to End Stroke campaign including me and Gospel artist BeBe Winans.
As you know, I returned to my hometown of Baton Rouge after graduating from medical school and began championing health awareness by frequently taking health-conscious messages to local schools, organizations, conferences, and prisons. Dubbed "Tha' Hip Hop Doc," I've taken the cue from many of you and decided to made good use of this newfound "fame" in joining the ASA Power to End Stroke campaign.
Last month, I joined BeBe Winans, the impassioned tenor who has won four Grammy Awards, to add voice to the campaign.
Both BeBe and I are concerned about the alarming number of lives ended as a result of a stroke. And, what's most troubling is the fact that a stroke doesn't have to be debilitating or deadly.
If you know the warning signs and get prompt medical attention, rehabilitation and survival are possible—even probable. But many people don't know what to look for or what the risks are.
BeBe and I took the camera to urge you and other Americans to call the American Stroke Association at (888) 4-STROKE or visit Stroke Association.org/power to learn signs and risks of stroke. The Power to End Stroke campaign is supported nationally by the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Diabetes: Lil Boosie Speaks Out and Gives Back
Diabetes: Lil Boosie Speaks Out and Gives Back
It was funny how I met Torrence Hatch, a.k.a Lil Boosie. I was participating in a parade in Baton Rouge, LA and I saw one of my father's former employees, a friend of the family, and someone that I love like a mother.
"Doc, it's T-Pam! Throw me some beads." Ms. Pam Sterling (T-Pam) is one of the most beautiful people in the world with a heart of gold. She is also one of the few people in this world who was not/is not intimidated by my father. "I need to talk to you. I want to bring my nephew in for an appointment. He has diabetes!"
"No problem T. You know I got you," I replied.
Within two weeks, Lil Boosie showed up my office with his mother Connie Hatch and T-Pam, and the friendship began.
As popular as he is in the Baton Rouge and all over the country now, Lil Boosie is no different than the 3.2 million African-Americans age 20 and older in this country who are living with this diabetes.
Diabetes! I hate that word, especially as it relates to African-Americans. Here are some other shocking numbers that may explain my disgust with the disease which can cause blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart disease and stroke, and irreversible nerve damage:
African Americans are two times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites
25% of African Americans ages 65 to 74 have diabetes
One in four African-American women over age 55 have this disease
Time to learn more about the disease that is take the limbs, life and love out of our country like a serial killer.
It took a while to pin Lil Boosie down for this interview. He is constantly on the grind and hardly ever sits still. My video man, photographer and good friend, Sean Griffin and I pulled up at Lil Boosie's home around 6:30pm three days before Easter. There were two U-Haul trucks in the driveway and bicycles all over the front yard.
T-Pam met us at the door. When we walked in, large bags met us and were being filled with clothes. Boosie was speaking to a film crew and waiting on Foxx and Big Head, two of Trill Entertainments finest, to arrive so they could finish shooting the last scene in his movie Ghetto Times at his home.
"Doc, come meet Mike," he shouted out. I walked into the kitchen looking out at his newly built swimming pool and there, sitting at the kitchen table was one of my favorite comedians, Mike Epps.
"This is my doctor Mike," he said. I couldn't help but laugh and think about all the crazy roles Epps has played. Epps wanted to stay for the interview, but was getting ready for his tour, so he left shortly after we met. I kissed Lil Boosie's mom and all his beautiful aunts on the cheek, shook hands with all the boys, kicked it with Heavy D (his favorite Uncle) for a minute, and played with his beautiful daughter.
Finally, Sean and I headed upstairs past the beautiful playroom and through the home theater (off the chain!) to his home studio to discuss our serious topic.
Whitfield: Man, I really appreciate this. First of all, I come to the crib, pull in the drive way, and you have about 1500 bicycles out there and clothes all over the house… What's going on with that?
Lil Boosie: We have an Easter Egg Hunt and give away. I've been doing this every year in honor of my boy Ivy who was killed. He used to do this community event and I'm going to keep it going in his honor. We give away like $20,000 dollars worth of bikes, $15,000 dollars worth of clothes, $15,000 dollars worth of food like BBQ and crawfish; the finders of the silver, gold, and platinum egg get $250, $500, and $1000.
We just giving back to the community. [Last I heard, he spent well over $55,000] The kids have to bring their grades out on Sunday morning. If they are good, they get a bike. If they are not so good, they probably still get a bike. If they are terrible, they get a toy. T-Pam and momma ain't that nice. [laughs] Really, I'm just doing this for blessings and to make other people smile. I'm blessed and I'm happy. I got the money to do this and it needs to be done.
Whitfield: The word is that they will have children with disabilities at the event and some kids that never had a bike. Man, that's a beautiful thing. Now you said "it needs to be done". What needs to be done? You mean uplift the community?
Lil Boosie: Yeah, I'm really doing this for the community showing my supporters I have a heart and love for all those who support me.
Whitfield: Real talk! When I talk to the young students and the older folks in the community, many of them don't know "the real" Lil Boosie; they don't know about all of the good things you do; too much emphasis on the negative.
Lil Boosie: Yep! I'm going to do me though Doc. Can't worry about the haters.
Whitfield: So let us get to what we really came to talk about - diabetes! It's killing African-Americans! Not only is it killing us, but also it is a major cause of disability. You have been diabetic for how long?
Lil Boosie: I been diagnosed with type one diabetes four and a half years now; I got diagnosed when I was 20, and you know it's been a struggle for me. As the years go on though, I learn more about the disease and I get better with it, you know.
Whitfield: You take pills and you are "on the needle?"
Lil Boosie: Yeah, I'm taking a pill called Actos and I'm on that 70/30 also.
Whitfield: So you are talking about insulin when you say 70/30?
Lil Boosie: Yeah, the needle Doc. Have to give myself shots at least twice a day and check my sugar as well.
Whitfield: You have to check your sugar and give yourself shots every day? So how do you deal with needles on a daily basis?
Lil Boosie: It gets old, but I know the importance of taking care of myself. You know really I just keep fresh alcohol pads and I have to alternate spots on my body where I give myself insulin injections. I use to get knots under my skin that were painful, so now I go to my arm one day, stomach the next…
Whitfield: What's the difference in type one diabetes and type two diabetes?
Lil Boosie: Well basically I have type one, which happens, in general in younger patients. [Type one diabetics] don't make insulin, which helps bring down your blood sugar. Older people in general get type two diabetes; they make insulin but the body can't use it properly. That's the way I understand it. If I'm wrong, then blame yourself 'cause you told me. [laughs]
Whitfield: I'm a damn good teacher. [laughs] So, do you ever have days where you say, I'm tired of this, I'm not dealing with this, I'm not going to eat right or exercise?
Lil Boosie: [smiles] Yeah man, I have days when it's like all falling down on me. If I like go two to three weeks of taking care of myself, that one day I slip, I might get sick. You know I have to really be on it and the lifestyle I have - this lifestyle I'm surrounded by, you know, I feel like I need more people around to help me with this. It's hard Doc. You know those couple of nights I had to call you when I'm on the road feeling bad; sh*t man, I was down. But it's all good when I take care of myself.
Whitfield: How does it feel to be young, Black, living with diabetes and being able to speak out about it to young people?
Lil Boosie: At first it was like, how am I going to accept it? But now I talk about the disease and motivate other diabetics to take care of themselves and prolong their lives. It's like a blessing; at first it felt like a curse, but now, to me it's like a blessing. It's millions of people with this disease and I'm a big influence to a lot of people. So, if I can help people to live longer by talking about it, then I'm going to keep doing it.
Whitfield: Do you think it is important that artist speak out about health issues?
Lil Boosie: I think it's very important! Especially when it comes to Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop influences children and adults. I feel like if you have the position or the power to make people listen to you, you should do it in a positive way with your music and your voice.
Whitfield: What's next for Lil Boosie?
Lil Boosie: I got my album coming out called Return of Boosie Badd Azz; I got my movie coming out Ghetto Stories; I'm shopping clothing line deals, I just ain't got the check yet [smiles and laughs]; waiting on somebody to cut the check; and I'm just working harder than every body.
I got my own in-house studio, putting out mix tapes. I'm doing my own publishing and producing my own music. Right now I'm just ahead of the game 'cause I'm on demand for shows. I get a lot of show money.
Whitfield: That's what's up! Who is your favorite artist in the game?
Lil Boosie: Ice Cube! See how I'm doing movies? Look what Cube did. Yeah, he was doing gangsta rap, but he was also using his mind. He didn't just rap his way through it he used his mind.
Whitfield: Yeah, Cube did and is still doing his thing. He has a new album coming out. I'm still tripping on Mike Epps in your kitchen, that's a funny dude. [laughs] Well homie, anything else you want to say to those with diabetes and to those who are trying to come up in this music game?
Lil Boosie: I know this, diabetes is not HIV; it's not AIDS. Take care of yourself, keep your sugar under control, and you can live better and longer. Keep your head up and take pride in your self. Don't feel like you are alone with diabetes. God has blessed you, so take pride in your self.
As far as music, you got to be dedicated. You got to want it more than anybody. You have to be talented and use your talent; learn how to put music together, learn how to carry yourself around people, and learn and live like you are a superstar. Believe that sh*t! Plus there is stuff you can't do when you get to this level. Listen to those around you who have been in the game.
Check our Dr. Whitfield with Lil' Boosie at www.h2doc.com/main/inside/php?section=multimedia&page.video.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Sleep Apnea: The Silent Killer
Sleepiness due to a lack of adequate sleep is a big problem in the United States and affects children as well as adults. In general, children and adolescents need at least 9 hours of sleep each night to do their best, while adults need approximately 8 hours of sleep each night. There are many reasons for inadequate sleep such as anxiety disorders, use and abuse of certain stimulants such as caffeine, medicines for weight loss or attention deficit disorder, and alcohol abuse to name a few. However, there is one problem that, if not addressed, can be a cause of many health related issues. A disorder that often goes unrecognized because it's happening while the victim thinks he is resting.
This silent killer is called sleep apnea.It is estimated that there are 18 million people in the United States who are living with diagnosed cases of sleep apnea, but many more are undiagnosed.
We all are familiar with National Football League legend and hall of fame honoree Reggie White, actor John Candy, comedian Rosie O'Donnel, and best-selling author Anne Rice. Each suffered from this often missed and under-treated disease.Maybe if more people understood the relationship between sleep apnea, being overweight, and how they all relate to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and strokes, they would live longer and healthier lives.
Sleep apnea, in its simplest definition, means that a person's breathing is interrupted while he is attempting to get some Zs. Some individuals will not breathe for 20 - 30 seconds before "coming up" for air. The family and significant others describe the sleep of these individuals with terms like, "loud snoring, restlessness, gasping for air, and sounds of choking". Most patients complain of daytime fatigue and falling to sleep or dozing off while at work or driving.The short term problems are obvious and range from being kicked out of bed by your spouse, losing your job or killing yourself or another driver. The questions I'm often asked are, "How does sleep apnea happen" and "is it treatable?"
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form and is caused by a blockage of the airways. This usually occurs when the tissues of the neck and throat collapse during sleep. In CSA, there is no airway blockage, but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe during sleep.There can also be a mixed picture where both central and obstructive sleep apnea exist together.
Risk factors for sleep apnea include: being male, being overweight, being over the age of 40, having enlarged tonsilshaving a large neck size (greater than 17" in men and 16" in women), or having a family history of sleep apnea.
When a person with sleep apnea stops breathing, the body has a reflex that will wake them up. The patient does this all through the night and rises the next morning feeling tired and sleepy. During these periods of apnea (which means not breathing) the body is deprived of oxygen to the brain and tissues.The response is an increase in red blood cells, that carry oxygen, and over time the blood gets thick and sluggish. If blood flow to the brain or heart is not adequate, a heart attack or stroke can result.To diagnosis sleep apnea, my patients are referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and sent for a sleep study or polysonogram (PSG). The ENT specialist will evaluate the patients for correctable causes of sleep apnea. If the soft tissue in the throat is too thick, the septum in the nose is deviated, or other facial abnormalities exist, these can be surgically corrected.The sleep study is designed to detect other causes of sleep disorders, like restless legs syndrome, and to guide sleep specialist in treatment regimens for the disease. A PSG involves going to a lab and sleeping. Sounds easy, but with electrodes over your body and someone analyzing your sleep, it may be a little uncomfortable.
Once the diagnosis is made, conservative treatment options include aggressive weight loss, avoiding sedatives like codeine, alcohol, and sleeping pills, smoking cessation (smoke increases airway swelling), and avoiding sleeping on your back. If attempts at weight loss are unsuccessful, surgical procedures are often considered. A consultation with a board certified surgeon who specializes in bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) is the only way to go. One of the most common non-surgical forms of treatment includes wearing a mask at night that will keep the airways open. This treatment is called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
The mask covers the nose and mouth while you sleep, and is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air, maintaining an open airway. Special dental devices can be designed to keep the airway open as well as the surgical procedures mentioned earlier.There is even a medication called Provigil that some physicians use to treat the daytime fatigue and tiredness, but this is usually in combination with CPAP and good sleep hygiene. Many people are resistant to using their CPAP machine, and although cumbersome, it could very well save your life.
If you have any of the signs and symptoms above, see your physician right away, improve your sleep, and get back in bed with the one you love.
For more information on sleep apnea visit http://www.sleepapnea.org. (c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. Published May 2008 in New View magazine.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Big Pun, Pimp C and You - Real Talk About Sleep Apnea
Dude snored so bad that my coach finally put him in his own room, after moving him twice, so my other teammates could get some rest.
Everybody thought it was funny, unless you had to share a room with him.
It was great once he got his own dorm room; we could sleep and he could sleep in peace - or could he?
None of us knew that we were witnessing a potentially life threatening problem. A problem that often goes unrecognized because it's happening while the victim thinks he is resting. This silent killer is called sleep apnea.
It is estimated that there are 18 million people in the United States (US) who are living with diagnosed cases of sleep apnea with many more undiagnosed. We all are familiar with National Football League legend and hall of fame honoree Reggie White, Chad "Pimp C" Butler, and Christopher "Big Pun" Rios. Each suffered from this often missed and under-treated disease. All of them died way too young.
Maybe if Pimp C knew more about the deadly combination of mixing his breath-slowing cough syrup with this disorder, he would still be alive. Maybe if Big Pun understood the relationship between sleep apnea, being overweight, and how they all relate to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and strokes he would be alive. And maybe, just maybe, if the NFL did not require linemen to average over 300 pounds or be financially penalized, traded or fired for being "underweight," Reggie White would still be around…
Sleep apnea, in its simplest definition, means that a person's breathing is interrupted while he is attempting to get some z's. Some individuals will not breathe for 20 to 30 seconds before "coming up" for air. The family and significant others describe the sleep of these individuals with terms like, "loud snoring, restlessness, gasping for air, and sounds of choking". Most patients complain of daytime fatigue and falling to sleep or dozing off while at work or driving.
The short term problems are obvious, and range from being kicked out of bed by your lady, losing your job or killing yourself or another driver. The questions I'm often asked are, "How does sleep apnea happen" and "Is it treatable?"
There are two types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common form, and is caused by a blockage of the airways. This usually occurs when the tissues of the neck and throat collapse during sleep. In CSA, there is no airway blockage, but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe during sleep.
There can also be a mixed picture where both Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea exist together. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:
male gender
being overweight
being over the age of 40
having enlarged tonsils
having a large neck size (greater than 17" in men and 16" in women)
having a family history of sleep apnea
When a person with sleep apnea stops breathing, the body has a reflex that will wake them up. The patient does this all through the night and rises the next morning feeling tired and sleepy. During these periods of apnea (which means not breathing) the body is deprived of oxygen to the brain and tissues.
The response is an increase in red blood cells, that carry oxygen, and over time the blood gets thick and sluggish. If blood flow to the brain or heart is not adequate, a heart attack or stroke can result.
To diagnosis sleep apnea, my patients are referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and sent for a sleep study or polysonogram (PSG). The ENT specialist will evaluate the patients for correctable causes of sleep apnea. If the soft tissue in the throat is too thick, the septum in the nose is deviated, or other facial abnormalities exist, these can be surgically corrected.
The sleep study is designed to detect other causes of sleep disorders, like restless legs syndrome, and to guide sleep specialist in treatment regimens for the disease. A PSG involves going to a lab and sleeping. Sounds easy, but with electrodes over your body and someone analyzing your sleep, it may be a little uncomfortable.
Once the diagnosis is made, conservative treatment options include weight loss, avoiding sedatives like codeine, alcohol, and sleeping pills, smoking cessation (smoke increases airway swelling), and avoiding sleeping on your back.
One of the most common forms of treatment includes wearing a mask at night that will keep the airways open. This treatment is called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The mask covers the nose and mouth while you sleep, and is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air, maintaining an open airway. Special dental devices can be designed to keep the airway open as well as the surgical procedures mentioned earlier.
There is even a medication called Provigil that some physicians use to treat the daytime fatigue and tiredness, but this is usually in combination with CPAP and good sleep hygiene. Many people are resistant to using their CPAP machine, and although cumbersome, it could very well save your life.
If you have any of the signs and symptoms above, see your physician right away, improve your sleep, and get back in bed with the one you love.
And by the way, my former roommate wears his CPAP and is doing well…
For more information on sleep apnea visit http://www.sleepapnea.org/or read about Pimp C at www.pimpcmusic.com (c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. Published April 29, 2008 at www.allhiphop.com


text:
Employment Services
Our Adult Services program provides job skills training in our center in Balsam Lake and a choice of meaningful, paid employment at our center or with local businesses and government in communities throughout Polk County. The program is ideal for adults living with disabilities
Endeavors provides a monthly paycheck as well as the workers' compensation, transportation, job-specific coaching, training and on-going supervision.
Endeavors decided to establish two of our own work programs or "social enterprises" so that we may continually provide meaningful employment for the adults we serve. These new ventures are Endeavors Greenhouse and the manufacturing of Birders' Select Bird Seed, our own line of wild bird seed products.
Adults work in our center to produce our own Birders' Select a line of wild bird seed products. Duties such as bagging, weighing and labeling are performed for our high quality Birders' Select products, which we sell to the public in our Balsam Lake Center as well as in our Greenhouse in Milltown.
We have local businesses that purchase our birdseed products to sell at each of their respective businesses, Balsam Lake Hardware and Bill's Ace Hardware. Endeavors also offers our birdseed for fundraising efforts by local church groups.
Endeavors contracts with many local businesses and government entities to provide meaningful, paid employment for our clients. The following is a list of some of the potential jobs and locations:
- Endeavors Greenhouse and Birders' Select Outlet, in Milltown, is one of our community-based job sites.
- Six janitorial service contracts in St. Croix Falls, Milltown, Balsam Lake Township, Lincoln Township and Amery.
- Seasonal lawn mowing and janitorial services at three area highway rest areas or waysides through a contract funded by the State Department of Transportation.
- Seasonal janitorial duties at the Pine Park and Balsam Lake beach restrooms and showers for the Village of Balsam Lake
- The food and laundry services with A'viands, a food and services management company contracted to provide these services for the Polk County Jail in Balsam Lake.
- Bernick's of Dresser is a popular job site for the adults we serve. Bernick's provides a variety of sorting and labeling duties of Pepsi and other beverage products.
- The Polk County Recycling Center in St. Croix Falls.
- We also provide employment in our center in Balsam Lake to perform packaging, assembly, shredding and other duties for companies such as 3M, Vital Plastics and Kuryakyn.
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 3:30p.m.
101 150th Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Phone: 715-485-8764
Fax: 715-485-8740
E-mail: email@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


text:
2019 Little League Baseball and Softball Registration is Open! Click on REGISTER above to Begin.
Take advantage of the Early Bird savings and Register before January 15, 2019!
REMINDER, there are new bat rules are in effect. Please check our FAQs for all the information you need!
Contact us for information:
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
© 2015 Active Network, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors. All rights reserved.


text: Con Riley lives on the wild and rugged Devonshire coast, with her head in the clouds, and her feet in the Atlantic Ocean. Injury curtailed her enjoyment of outdoor pursuits, so writing fiction now fills her free time instead. Love, loss, and redemption shape her romance stories, and her characters are flawed in ways that makes them live and breathe. When not people watching, or wrangling her own boy band of teen sons, she spends time staring at the sea from her kitchen window. If you see her, don't disturb her—she's probably thinking up new plots.


text:
Strawberries have been one of my favorite foods since I was a kid, so I jumped at the chance to go to a California Strawberry Commission-hosted event at Cotogna last night to learn more about California strawberries and the local farmers who grow them. Over strawberry-vodka cocktails and passed appetizers, including strawberry-topped pizza, strawberry gazpacho, strawberry-filled arancini, and smoked strawberries wrapped in proscuitto, a group of food writers and bloggers listened to presentations by the Commission, Salinas strawberry farmer Tom Jones, and a few cookbook authors, and collectively nerded out over fruit facts. Here are some of the most interesting things I learned:
1. Strawberries are members of the rose family.
2. California was responsible for 88 percent of U.S. strawberry production in 2011, and are the sixth most valuable crop produced in the state, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
3. Some organic farmers, like Jones, use these cool, vacuum-like devices to suck up bugs instead of using pesticides.
4. Since they're mostly water, if it rains heavily strawberries will absorb too much liquid and explode.
5. There are several different varieties of strawberries grown and sold, though they don't vary much in taste -- farmers grow different varieties due to their yield and how they interact with climate and soil conditions.
California strawberries are available year-round, but the bulk of the crops are harvested between April and November. We've got a few more months in the season -- and if you're looking for something to do with 'em, the Strawberry Commission has a bunch of recipes on their website.


text:
Slim frame profile for maximum glass area and maximum heat gain!
Consealed drainholes provide a clean look.
Frame and Sash
- Fusion Welded Frame & Sash Welding creates a seamless, continuous profile that eliminates potential air and water penetration through frame and sash corners.
- Maintenance Free Solid uPVC Vinyl ProfilesThe multi-chambered design provides structual strength as well as insulating air pockets which reduce heat and cold transfer.
- Integral Lift Rail Permits sashes to be operated with ease.
- Built-in Water Management systems Carefully engineered independent drain allowing for quick water management to the exterior.
- Versatile & Flexible For new homes, these windows are built to your individual needs with optional nailfin and brickmould, with jamb returns and frame extensions to fit your type of wall construction.
- Size Limitations Carefully engineered independent drain allowing for quick water management to the exterior.
- Width: Min. 27 1/2″ Max.72″
- Width: Min. 27 1/2″ Max.72″
- Width: Min. 27 1/2″ Max.72″
- Double Bond Glazing System – Flexible dual durometer seals hug the glass from both sides. The system also includes a wet glazing tape applied to the interior side. The result is an unprecedented barrier against air and water penetration.
- High Performance Glass – Choose Solar Gain Low E for free Solar Heat or Solar Shield Low E for reducing solar heat gain. Argon and Krypton Gas fillings will maximize heat savings! KeepSafe Glass is the laminate of choice for security, quiet and safety!
- Warm Edge Spacer Technology – Only the best warm edge spacer will reduce perimeter condensation on an insulating glass unit, fight mold and increase the comfort of your home.
- IGMAC Approved – Certification #'s – Intercept™ #029912 – Tempsmart™ #2190-020508G
li>Commercial Glazing Technique – Exterior glass stops combined with Double Bond Glazing, are more effective in maintaning a well sealed window.


text:
AXS TV Concerts has your soundtrack for Halloween night with a LIVE performance from the band Umphrey's McGee. Progressive, jazzy, melodic, funky and everything in between, Umphrey's McGee break the mold of what one would think is typical of a so called jam band.
Don't miss Umphrey's McGee perform 2 LIVE sets including a set of covers chosen by YOU, the fans in a special LIVE performance only on AXS TV. Umphrey's McGee – All Night Wrong airs Halloween night at 9p ET. Make sure you are following AXS TV Concerts on Facebook AND Twitter because during the show we want to hear from YOU! We will be pushing YOUR comments to screen during the LIVE event so interact with AXS TV Concerts and Umphrey's McGee during the show!
Copyright © 2019 AXS TV - All Rights Reserved.


text:
Yesterday, my work out was bitten by the boredom bug. Sometimes after 3 days running, I just get so bored! So today, I am going to switch is up with a different routine using Kettle Bells.
Dwayne introduced me to the wondrous nature of Kettle Bells. If you don't know what they are, they look like this. They come in weight levels all the way from 2 to 50. Maybe more but that's the most I have seen.
While I know the basics of kettlebells, I am no expert so I wanted to find something that would help me make new and better routines with these monsters. Kettlebells, because of the way the weight is distributed, are amazingly calorie burners and they build lean muscle. Plus, the handle makes them a lot more versatile for different exercises you have probably never done before.
While in my quest for a new routine, I came upon an app that would give me routines to try! It made me think that I should share the apps I use because it has taken me a long time to find good ones and some of these might be helpful for others. If you have apps that you use, please comment and tell me!
MapMyRun- this app uses GPS to track your runs outside (no good if you are on a treadmill) but it will tell you your pace, your distance at every mile you hit and its a social app too!
MyFitnessPal - this app lets you track your caloric intake by searching the foods you have eaten and tracking them in a food journal automatically for you. It gives you counts of all your vitamins, calories, fat, etc. You can also input your exercise routines and water intake and at the end of the day when you complete all your entries it tells you how well you're doing. This app is also social, I have connected with a lot of friends on it.
EveryMove- EveryMove was introduced to me by a friend and it basically rewards you for exercising by letting you earn discounts on products and services. You can sign up a team of people and you can all earn points for each other. Its pretty neat but the app sometimes has some bugs and the discounts might be small at times.
CharityMiles- This app lets you use your running and biking to earn money for a charity of your choice! You choose a charity and then do your normal workout. This app tracks it and then someone who has set up a donor profile will give a denomination of money for every mile you run or bike!
Sworkit - This all is great! It creates customized workouts for you and times them all while you do it. Every 30 seconds it will ding, give you a new exercise and at the end it will tell you how many calories you burned. You can choose which area of the body you want to work on, it even gives you a yoga routine and all of the routines can be anywhere from 5 -60 minutes long! Its perfect for people working out at home because all the exercises only use your body weight and they have videos you can watch if you don't know the exercise!
KettleBells - This is the newest app I have downloaded and it is similar to sworkit but only utilizes kettlebells and body weight! You can choose your level, watch videos on technique and it will generate a workout for you!


text:
Chelsea have Cesc Fabregas worry
Cesc Fabregas is on the verge of a two-game suspension after picking up his ninth yellow card of the season during Chelsea's 1-0 victory over West Ham United on Wednesday. The 27-year-old is now walking a tightrope until the FA's next disciplinary deadline on April 12, as he looks to avoid reaching the dreaded double figure landmark. With four Premier League matches still to play against Southampton, Hull, Stoke and QPR, there's plenty of time for Fabregas to be cautioned, and as a result face an automatic ban. If the Spain international is booked in the final game at Loftus Road, he would be unavailable for selection against Manchester United and Arsenal - two outings that could potentially define the Blues' season. Jose Mourinho will be hoping to avoid that scenario, particularly as Fabregas has been one of Chelsea's most important player, contributing a staggering 15 assists in the Premier League this term.


text:
|yeah just come on in here
|floofy top down
|as a muppet
pearl and ninja are the original chickens in our TUFsperiment, and they have been dear silkie teachers of chicken keeping. twitter and tumblr are the aforementioned young'uns, and they are growing at an unbelieveable rate. we got them on june 20th, and already i freak out when i look at their baby pictures. they are getting absolutely enormous!
twitter's feathers are coming in just as a french cuckoo marans chicken's should...gray/blue with soft black lacing. her feather pantaloons are promising to be voluminous!
|fuzzy head
tumblr's beautiful partridge feathers have filled out her wings and chest rather nicely, but her head seems to be trailing in the defluffification process. nevertheless, she is growing a proud and elegant air, with something of an attitude to match.
|peck peck
against ninja, however, she flees quickly. while twitter may retreat a few feet and try again for whatever choice tidbit is under contest, tumblr will flap dramatically and bolt back to the coop. the existentialist and revolutionary are growing into the pragmatist and drama queen.
|what's this then
|mmmmmmm tomato
the eggs still come on a near-daily basis, even after a minor hiccup with pearl having gone broody for a moment--more information on broodiness and other chickenissues at the backyard chicken site, if you're interested. all in all they are an absolute joy. the little ladies will loom large by december, and we should be seeing the first light blue/green and dark chocolate eggs by then (color, not flavor, sadly!). more on the chickens, our other menagerie members, and other sTUFf soon! stay tuned!


text:
Explore Our Hotel
Texas Hill Country Hotel's Amenities Exceed Expectations
With a heart as big as Texas, the Holiday Inn Express® & Suites Brady hotel's staff welcomes you to the "Heart of Texas" with warm hospitality and excellent service. Whether you're visiting for business or touring the Hill Country, this hotel's modern amenities make your stay in Brady more comfortable.
If you're headed to the heart of Texas on business, you're going to love our business-oriented features. Free high-speed, Wi-Fi access makes it simple to update the boss and your clients. Take advantage of the meeting room and make a sales pitch to 40 guests. Don't worry about commute times; we're close to the school district headquarters, area ranchers and businesses in Brady, Texas.
The hotel's convenient location is perfect for your getaway to the Hill Country. Whether you're here to bag the limit of quail, dove or deer, , we're the smart choice. Save an afternoon to enjoy the interesting local museums, the beauty of Brady Lake or a round of golf.
No matter what brings you to Brady, Texas, this hotel's contemporary features and outstanding amenities will welcome you back. Start the day with a hearty meal at the free Hot Express Start Breakfast Bar. Work off the stress of travel in a well-equipped Fitness Center and outdoor pool. Then, retreat to a spacious room for a comfortable night. We look forward to saying "howdy y'all" to you soon!
- Black-out Shades
- Rollaway Bed/Cot Available
- Crib Available
- Iron/Ironing Board
- In-Room Heating and A/C Controls
Bathroom/Personal Care
- Private Bathroom
- Bathroom Amenities Available
- Hair Dryer
- Bathtub
In-Room Features
- Mini Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Coffee Maker
- Tea Maker
- Flat-screen TV
- Work Desk with Lamp
- Desk-level Electrical Outlet
- Free Local Calls
- Cable/Satellite
- Premium Channels
- Phone with Voicemail
Added Value
- Connecting Rooms Available
- Complimentary Coffee/Tea Supplies
- Full Breakfast Included
- Breakfast Buffet Included
- Continental Breakfast Included
- Kids Eat Free
Business Services
- 1 Meeting Room(s) Available
- On-Site Business Center
- Printer
- Copier
- Office supplies available
Internet Access
- Free High-Speed Internet in all Rooms
- Wireless Internet service is free for all IHG® Rewards Club members
Entertainment & Recreation
- Outdoor Pool
- Outdoor Pool Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Pool Open from: 01-April-2018 to 30-September-2018
Health & Fitness
Complimentary Fitness Center
First floor
Hours of Operation: 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Fitness Center Type: LIMITED
Fitness Center Equipment:
- Stair Stepper
- Treadmill
- Free Weights
- Stationary Bicycle
Housekeeping & Laundry
- Daily Housekeeping
- On-site Guest Self-Laundry Facilities
- Hours of Operation: 12:01 PM - 11:59 PM
Added Value
- Wake Up Calls
- Storage Space Available
- Ice Machine
Hotel Details
2320 South Bridge Street
Brady, Texas 76825
United States
Check In: 3:00 PM
Check Out: 12:00 PM
Check-in Age: 18
Parking + -
- Complimentary Self Parking Available
Accessibility + -
- Public Entrance
- Guest Rooms
- Elevators
- Public Restrooms
- Registration Desk
- Exercise Facility
- Business Center
- Pool
- Number of Accessible Meeting Rooms: 1
Accessible Hotel Areas
- Registration Area
- Accessible Guest Rooms
- Business Center
- Meeting Room
- Exercise Facility
- Pool
Hotel Areas with Accessible Routes from Accessible Public Entrance
- Accessible Self Parking
- Van Accessible Self Parking
- Ramp Access
- Closed Caption TVs
- Telephone with TDD
- Visual Alarm/Alert in Guest Rooms
- Visual Alarm/Alert in Public Spaces
- Communication Kits with Visual Alarms
Provided by Hotel
Pet Policy + -
- Pets Allowed
- Service Animals Allowed
- Pet Walking Area On-site
- Pet Fee per Night: 25 USD
- Pet fee: 25.00 Per Pet, Per Night. Max 2 pet per room. Pets are welcomed with their own crate or bedding. Guests are financially responsible for damage,cleaning and personal injuries to guests or staff caused by pet.
Facility + -
- Smoke-Free Facility
- Number of Floors: 3
- Total Number of Rooms: 69
- Number of Suites: 27
- Number of Non-Smoking Rooms: 69
- Number of Accessible Rooms: 4
- Connecting Rooms Available
Languages + -
Languages Spoken by Staff
- English
- Hindi
- Spanish
Credit Cards + -
- American Express
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Diners Club
- Carte Blanche
- Discover


text:
Joshua J. Lewkewich, 30, of Southington passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 2, 2016 in Florida.
He was born on May 12, 1986 in Hartford, son of John and Judith (McEntee) Lewkewich.
Joshua was a St. Paul's Catholic High School graduate, Class of 2005, playing on the ice hockey team for 4 years. He went on to the University of Scranton, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Economics and continued his love of hockey playing. Joshua had a love of music and was a self-taught guitar player, playing in small venues around Connecticut.
In addition to his parents, Joshua is survived by his sister Keleen Rynne Ort and her husband Joe of Trumbull, his uncle Jay McEntee and wife Linda of PA; his aunt Annette Lukasik of Plantsville; his paternal grandfather, John Lewkewich of Southington and his cousins, Christine Lukasik of Middletown, George Lukasik of New Britain and Jimmy, Ricky and Jill McEntee, all of PA. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, James and Mary McEntee, his paternal grandmother, Antoinette Lewkewich, his aunt Carol Putnam and uncle George Lukasik.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St., Plantsville. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.


text:
cheap organic food RSS
How to Eat Organic Food on a Budget
Due to the liberal use of pesticides, the rise of GMOs, and the proliferation of preservatives, trying to eat healthy seems to keep getting more difficult. If you read ingredient labels at your grocery store, it's like the cards are stacked against you. You might look at organic food as the best option (and it is) only to despair at the prices. For some reason, the food that's presented the way nature intended costs up to 75% more than the stuff loaded with garbage. But wait! It IS possible to eat organic food on a budget. Here are some simple...
- All
- basic kitchen needs list
- best bedtime snacks
- best foods for sleep
- best gluten free foods
- best ingredients for cooking
- best kitchen utensils
- can opener for handicapped
- canned food meals
- canned organic food
- cheap organic food
- cheap organic groceries
- choose kitchen knives
- easy camping food
- easy home cooked meals
- ergonomic can opener
- essential kitchen tools
- foods to eat at night
- glamping food
- glamping meals
- gluten free canned food
- gluten free foods that taste good
- good canned food
- healthy canned food
- kitchen knife buying guide
- must have kitchen items list
- one handed can opener
- quality kitchen utensils
- quick weeknight meals


text:
2012 I think is the year Twitter is going to break through. There's a few reasons I think that. The first one is—and probably the most important—they've really started to figure our advertising. So they've dabbled in it for a little while. A lot of it as a consumer I have found very unsatisfactory. But they're figuring it out. And once the advertising's figured out, that's when the revenues are going to get lined up. And once the revenues are coming in—because up to now it's been a whole helluva lot of burn and not a whole lot going it—that's going to really change the game for them. The other part of it is—and this is a hugely biased observation of course—they've put together a design dream team at Twitter over a period of years now. And Andrei Herasimchuk, old co-founder of Involution Studios, was the first designer hired at Adobe, he's hired in there and he's one of the senior designers. They've brought in other people, another Involution Dave Bedingfield, who's incredible, and a whole host of just all-star designers. They're really investing in the product, in taking it to the next level of thinking, taking it to the next level of scope and really going out and challenging Facebook and Google for global supremacy of the internet. I think 2012 is the year, not necessarily Twitter gets ahead of those companies, but it's the year where Twitter's long-term strategy becomes apparent and it suddenly becomes visible to every one that Twitter is something that could help to define, to some large degree, the next decade of the internet.
My [prediction for 2012] is that Twitter will be the big internet story of the year. What I mean by that is, of course Twitter has already broken through. They're one of the more interesting and exciting, and to some people, pedantic and pointless internet companies for a number of years now, but I think Twitter is going to break into the top few. Whereas, right now if you ask somebody their list of the top internet companies, you're going to hear Google, you're going to hear Amazon, you might hear Apple—even though technically they probably shouldn't be on the list. But Twitter's not at that level.


text:
This U01 grant application in response to """"""""RFA - AA-12-007 for Translational Research in Alcoholic Hepatitis"""""""" is to test novel therapeutic approaches and reveal new biomarkers in alcoholic hepatitis. Alcoholic hepatitis carries high mortality and the current standard therapy with steroids is suboptimal. Because the pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis involves complex interactions between innate immune activation, impaired intestinal permeability and activation of cellular death pathways, we hypothesize that clinically effective new therapy should include combined therapeutic approaches that target all critical components of disease pathology. Based on preclinical data in mice and human safety, we propose to compare standard of care with steroids with a combination of pentoxiphylline plus IL-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra) plus zinc treatment in patients with acute severe alcoholic hepatitis. In patients with moderate alcoholic hepatitis the efficacy of probiotic therapy will be tested against placebo. This U01 application build on the collaboration of leading scientists in alcoholic liver disease with clinical, translational and basic research expertize from the University of Massachusetts, Cleveland Clinic, University of Louisville and UT Southwestern Medical Schools with the goal to test novel therapies, discover unique disease stage- and therapeutic response-specific biomarkers using dynamic bench-to-bedside and bedside-to-bench approaches. Biomarker analyses will include serum microRNAs, unique breath and urine markers to establish new predictors of disease outcome and treatment strategies. Preclinical studies in a mouse model will test candidate compounds to inhibit complement activation and strategies through FXR activation that may prove to be clinical candidates in the latter half of the project i the clinical trial component. To enhance the scientific potential and translational impact of this consortium, the lead PIs recruited participation of leading experts for the translational projects including Victor Ambros, the discoverer of microRNAs and Charis Eng, an internationally recognized expert in integrative genomic analysis for diseases. The Advisory Board will bring together Bruce Beutler, 2011 Nobel Laureate for discoveries in innate immunity, Willis Maddrey, the lead clinical expert in alcoholic hepatitis in the USA, Anna Mae Diehl, a highly distinguished leader in the field of steatohepatitis, and Christopher Day from the UK who is a physician scientist in the UK-European steatohepatitis translational research field. Participating investigators and institutions are as follows: Dr. Arthur McCullough Cleveland Clinic Dr. Laura Nagy Cleveland Clinic Dr. Craig McClain University of Louisville Dr. Mack C. Mitchell, Jr., M.D. U. T. Southwestern Medical School Dr. Gyongyi Szabo University of Massachusetts Medical School
It is estimated that there are 17.6 million alcoholic individuals in the US and 140 million worldwide;while not all alcoholics develop symptomatic liver disease, about 12,109 deaths/year are attributed to alcoholic liver disease in the United States. Alcoholic hepatitis is the most severe form of ALD and has high morbidity and limited treatment options. This application is for leading experts in the field of alcoholic liver research to test novel therapies in clinical trials and to discover and validate clinically relevant biomarkers using innovative translational research tools.
|Iracheta-Vellve, Arvin; Petrasek, Jan; Gyogyosi, Benedek et al. (2017) Interleukin-1 inhibition facilitates recovery from liver injury and promotes regeneration of hepatocytes in alcoholic hepatitis in mice. Liver Int 37:968-973
|Bukong, Terence N; Iracheta-Vellve, Arvin; Gyongyosi, Benedek et al. (2016) Therapeutic Benefits of Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Administration on Binge Drinking-Induced Alcoholic Liver Injury, Steatosis, and Inflammation in Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 40:1524-30
|Liu, Xin-Ge; Ma, Xiao-Jing; Yao, Ri-Sheng et al. (2016) Sophorolipids production from rice straw via SO3 micro-thermal explosion by Wickerhamiella domercqiae var. sophorolipid CGMCC 1576. AMB Express 6:60
|Wang, Ying; You, Guoxing; Chen, Peipei et al. (2016) The mechanical properties of stored red blood cells measured by a convenient microfluidic approach combining with mathematic model. Biomicrofluidics 10:024104
|Luo, Xin; Chen, Gan; You, Guoxing et al. (2016) Gradually increased oxygen administration promoted survival after hemorrhagic shock. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 241:1603-10
|Jia, Junting; Ma, Yuyuan; Zhao, Xiong et al. (2016) Existence of various human parvovirus B19 genotypes in Chinese plasma pools: genotype 1, genotype 3, putative intergenotypic recombinant variants and new genotypes. Virol J 13:155


text:
Writing Outside the Lines
Experimental Forms and Process in Creative Nonfiction
Writing Outside the Lines
There are many ways to tell stories that are true.
In this lively five-workshop series, examples and writing prompts will help you practice innovative ways of breaking through traditional essay structure and thinking about how form can complement content in creative nonfiction.
Activities and prompts will include writing a short food memoir in the form of a recipe card, a flash nonfiction piece about a transformative moment that leaps in time, a six-word memoir, an encyclopedia entry, and a sensory map. You'll examine how the fine art of perhaps-ing, or the speculative, can broaden the reach of your storytelling. Between sessions, you'll revise your work to share with the instructor and your peers at the next meeting, and for the final workshop, you will choose one piece to revise for possible publication. We'll also learn more about magazines that publish experimental and traditional forms.
Read on for week-by-week descriptions.
Thursdays (January 11, 18, 25, February 1, and 8)
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Advance registration strongly recommended.
The workshop is limited to 12 students.
Week 1: Matching Form to Content
Using writing prompts and examples from published authors, you will begin to examine new ways to craft narratives that are engaging, energetic, and fresh. We'll consider how form must serve not only content, but readers, and how choosing the best form for our work can enhance its emotional impact. By the end of this first session, you'll have drafts of two experimental pieces—one encyclopedic entry and one flash memoir piece—and will choose one to revise and share in workshop during Week 2.
Week 2: Finding the Artifact in Artifacts
This week, we'll look at how form complements content and vice versa, and consider how re-imagining form expands perceived boundaries of nonfiction prose. Most of this week's activities will focus on the use of artifacts in creative nonfiction. We'll use artifacts provided by workshop participants to examine what we talk about when we talk about artifact or the "so what" that lies beneath the situation and the story, and your artifacts will inspire your next draft.
Week 3: Sensory Mapping—Internal Landscapes and the World
This week's discussion will focus on internal and external landscapes. How do our internal landscapes—our preoccupations, our experiences, the kind of day we've had—affect how we perceive the world? How can we use our perceptions of the external world to better understand and translate our internal worlds? How can we build a bridge between our conscious and unconscious writer-selves? And what kinds of new forms/approaches can we use when building that bridge? You'll explore these questions and more through a discussion and an exercise in sensory mapping.
Week 4: The Fine Art of Perhaps-ing
This week explores the use of the speculative in creative nonfiction, starting with a brief lecture, "Maybe It Went Like This: The Fine Art of Perhaps-ing." How can we expand the possibilities of telling true stories by acknowledging everything we don't know or everything we imagine? What do we do when memory and research fail us? Using a writing prompt, you will experiment with the speculative to draft a new piece.
Week 5: Workshop/Revised Pieces and Where to Publish
The course wraps up with an intensive discussion of the revision process and its relationship to our early prompts and exercises. You and your instructor will discuss publication – where, how, and why to publish – and you'll have a chance to explore some magazines that publish innovative as well as traditional forms of creative nonfiction.
Location // 5119 Coral Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
The workshop space is wheelchair accessible. Free on-street parking is available. Coffee, tea, water and light refreshments will be provided each week.
Lori Jakiela is the author of four memoirs, including Belief Is Its Own Kind of Truth, Maybe, which received the William Saroyan Prize for International Writing from Stanford University. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, LitHub, The Rumpus and more. She directs the undergraduate Creative and Professional Writing program at The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, teaches community workshops in her hometown of Trafford, PA, and is co-director of The Veterans Write workshops. Learn more here.
Questions? Please call us at 412-404-2975 or email our events manager, Lauren Boehm, at email@example.com.


text:
LocationIdaho Falls
1523 N 25th E
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
New 2018 CrossRoads RV Volante 32SB
CrossRoads RV Volante travel trailer 32SB highlights:
- Rear Bunkhouse
- Outside Kitchen
- Two Slide Outs
- Two Entry Doors
With sleeping space for up to nine people, you can bring along your family or a few friends on your next camping trip with this double slide out CrossRoads RV Volante 32SB travel trailer. In the rear you will find plenty of space with a bunkhouse which features a few bunks and a sofa. Not only does the bathroom have everything you need to get ready for the day, there is also an outside entry door, so now you don't have to walk through the trailer just to get to the bathroom. In the combined kitchen and living area there is plenty of space with a roadside slide out. Outside enjoy the convenience of an outdoor kitchen which features a two burner range, sink, overhead cabinet, and a refrigerator, plus more!
The CrossRoads RV Volante travel trailers are anything but ordinary! From the residential wood blinds in the living room, the premium residential furniture throughout, to the LED lights with LED accents lights in the slide outs you will be impressed from the minute you enter these fifth wheels. In each kitchen you will find stainless steel appliances such as an XL 50/50 sink, microwave, and oven. Along the exterior there is a fully enclosed and heated underbelly, an outside shower which makes it easy to clean up before heading inside, and tinted safety glass windows.
Stock# N180200
Exterior Color: CREAM
Interior Color: HICKORY
|36 ft 6 in
|Ext Width
|8 ft
|Ext Height
|11 ft 4 in
|Int Height
|6 ft 9 in
|Interior Color
|Exterior Color
|Hitch Weight
|950 lbs
|Gross Weight
|9750 lbs
|Dry Weight
|7756 lbs
|Cargo Weight
|1994 lbs
|Fresh Water Capacity
|60 gals
|Grey Water Capacity
|44 gals
|Black Water Capacity
|44 gals
|Tire Size
|Number Of Bunks
|Available Beds
|Cooktop Burners
|Shower Size
|Number of Awnings
|Axle Weight
|6806 lbs
|LP Tank Capacity
|Water Heater Capacity
|6 gal
|Water Heater Type
|DSI Gas/Electric
|13500 btu
|Cargo Deck Size
|0 ft
|Awning Info
|Axle Count
|Shower Type
|Tub/Shower Combo
Crossroads RV's strong values for production performance is the foundation of our product promise. Since 1996, we have provided solid products and have expanded our distribution base to a national level. We take pride in our lean philosophy of keeping the frills minimal in our organizational structure, yet quality of product, service, value and comfort high for customer satisfaction. Building strong relationships with our dealer community is important to our success. We understand the stronger our dealers, the stronger your satisfaction. We help our dealers' success by maintaining protected territories for each dealer, so they can focus on fulfilling your expectations at a level we require. Located in Topeka, Indiana, we have five manufacturing facilities and employ over 600 people who team together to manufacture our high-quality products.