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Woman Finds Camera Recording Her In Walmart Dressing Room.
This is information definitely worth sharing and is a concern for anybody that tries on clothing in the dressing rooms at Walmart.
This is very disturbing and an absolute breach of privacy. A woman and her sister were trying on clothes at the Walmart on Wyoming and Academy when they noticed a blinking camera-like light underneath the mirror somewhat concealed.
They asked an associate what it was and immediately he got defensive. One of the ladies told a manager then went back and took this video. A short time after, the power went out and the alarm went off. Coincidence?
It sounds to me like that Walmart might have a pervert manager running the store. Or maybe several associates who are in this together?
Do women have to worry about THIS now? There was a recent story about a gynecologist who worked for Johns Hopkins who was recording the women during examinations with a hidden camera pen he wore around his neck.
Now women also need to worry about every dressing room they go to and possibly the bathrooms. Pass this on to every female that you know.
Let's get Walmart's attention so they have stricter guidelines against this sort of thing by thoroughly inspecting the dressing rooms and bathrooms on a regular basis.
SHARE so women can be aware that this is happening!
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Sonoma State University's Art From the Heart party and silent auction is an exciting evening of art, food, fine wine, and music that has become one of the longest continually-held fundraising events in the area and a "must" for novice and seasoned collectors alike. The 32nd annual reception and silent auction is Saturday, Feb. 6, 6-9 p.m. in the University Art Gallery at Sonoma State University.
Dave Getz Jazz Trio provides music and more than 150 artists from Sonoma County and across the United States have been invited to create original works of art especially for Art From the Heart, which features modestly priced works of art sold during a silent auction.
Proceeds from the auction directly benefit the Art Gallery's exhibition, publication, and lecture programs. A free preview of the artwork is Feb. 3-5, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. in the University Art Gallery. Food and wine will be served, tickets are $25 suggested donation. Parking is $5-$8 on campus. For more information, call the University Art Gallery at (707) 664-2295.

subset: commoncrawl


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Notice to Our Readers: We are halting publication of the Significato Journal. It's been a lovely experience, but we have found that with limited time, we need to focus our efforts in new directions (which include book publishing). We have started to move content to our personal websites (https://peterfalkenbergbrown.com and https://kimmysophiabrown.com (Kim's website is not ready yet)). When that process is completed, we'll send out a final email to our SJ subscribers and invite you all to subscribe to our individual subscription lists. We'll post links to our other writers too, so that you can find their work. More to come... [Peter and Kim - May 26, 2020]
Fear, Prisoners, and Roses
~ Seeing beyond the superficial level
Mar 16, 2018
I've been reading Robert Sardello's book, Freeing the Soul from Fear. Towards the end of the book, he posits that one of the ways we can surmount fear, or the unconscious triggering of fear in our daily lives, is through exercises in which we observe things, that is, to practice deep seeing. He talks about looking at a rose:
I love what he says about "the very life of the color red," and "not so much a shape, but gesture." What sublime observations. His book is about overcoming fear, but I think that this idea could also apply to the tendency we have to go through life on auto-pilot, unconscious of what is around us.
The suggestion to pause and see is a simple practice, but if it were used by the billions of people dwelling on the earth right now, what a huge difference it would make to nearly everything on earth. How different the world would be in the future if that became the average modus operandi.
After reading Sardello's words, I thought about my own experience with roses. I once worked selling flowers that had been grown in South American nurseries. They were air-shipped in large boxes, twenty-five roses to a bunch, and twenty or so bunches to a box.
During the time I sold flowers, I didn't see them as individual little miracles of nature–they were a "product." The pesticides and chemicals that they were treated with wrought havoc on my fingers, not to mention the number of stabs from thorns that became infected during their handling. Most of them didn't have much fragrance. I guess that in the process of developing varieties hardy enough to ship and survive out of water, the smell was sacrificed for durability. Hence, we sold "long-stemmed red roses" (and other colors) that looked nice, but didn't have much fragrance. I could have been selling plastic flowers for all I regarded their intrinsic value.
Now when I think of how they were raised and handled, it seems to me that the South American flower farms, maybe operated in a similar way to other factory farms. The product is raised in huge quantities, are sprayed with chemicals, cut and bound together and shipped off to retail outlets. They sometimes suffer without water for days, especially if there are flight delays.
I considered the plight of the flowers. Their lives are short, but they convey the beautiful, quiet, giving example of nature. It is ironic that things which grow and reproduce all over the world in their natural state are used by those who may not see them–who do not notice their unselfish and open example. And because they seem "there for the taking," so goes the extinction of animals and flowers and birds, living in the wild. Flowers, once wild, are now cultivated in mass quantities for profit, almost like little slaves, or prisoners.
It might seem a little kooky to call them slaves or prisoners, and of course, in the most literal sense, they are not. I just suggest that whenever anything is used and cultivated for profit, often it is reduced to having value only in regard to monetary outcome. This is why when someone thought up the heinous idea of gestation cages for pregnant pigs, they were only being considered as an end-use commodity, not as living beings with needs and emotions.
In a similar way, land has been taken hostage and developed–land that was meant to inspire the souls of humanity into perpetuity. This has become a curiously accepted given, and it makes me think of the Greek chorus of mice from the movie, Babe, who bleated out the phrase, "the way things are . . .," regarding Babe's destiny as pork–that money is the bottom line of life.
If that isn't a horror-story plot run amok in our humanity, I don't know what is. And by the way, the dictionary defines amok, or "run amok," thus:
That's an odd coincidence of meaning, I'd say.
The inherent value of things are being sacrificed for money. With sincerity and a little long-term planning, land and resources might still be used for profit, but not with such disregard. They would not be dealt with in the most cost-effective, convenient way–(convenient for who?). I'm referring to things such as mountain-top removal, the metal mines of Indonesia extracting materials for smart phones and other devices where the habitat has been ravaged into a moonscape; things like the harvesting of exotic animals for the pet-trade that results in the death of most of the captured animals or birds during shipment; drilling for oil in places where the environment risks devastation, and the list goes on.
There are varying degrees of this all over the world, from technically lawful endeavors, to the most degraded forms of human trafficking. All of these industries are created and run by human beings, and those human beings have taken in other human beings to carry out the grunt work. The grunt workers want to feed themselves and their families, and the "bosses" know that there are people who are willing to work–in fact–to do almost anything to survive.
So, we have upon our innocent earth, a population of people who are seriously disconnected from their own humanity, who refuse to see, or don't want to know, or who don't care, or who are so poor that they don't have time to think about the negative impact they're making because they need to eat today. This paradigm does not consider future generations, it does not think about the fact that this way of life is shooting holes in the floor of our giant lifeboat, earth.
Dictionary.com defines the word, prisoner, as:
There are prisoners who are in prison because they are a danger to society and must be kept behind bars for the sake of the safety of all, as described in the first definition above, of the word "prisoner."
There are other prisoners who fall into category three: "a person or thing that is deprived of liberty or kept in restraint," and they are myriad, who have been imprisoned due to the convenient quip, "It's just business," or because of greed, or a heedless attitude to the higher good.
There are thousands and maybe millions of people who understand these things. There is hope to change course for our precious earth and all its beings, but it takes consciousness, honesty, and willingness to sacrifice convenience for the right way to do things. We all benefit if we use our precious gift of conscience. It's the only hope, but it is the most miraculous secret weapon, because there is one installed in every person, and it just needs activation.
But if you feel overwhelmed by all the terrible things going on all over the world, stop, and in the most uncorny way possible, smell the roses, and pause to feel how something so beautiful can help dissipate fear and hopelessness. The innocent and sweet rose will give of itself no matter what else is going on around it. It can't help itself.
Kimmy Sophia Brown has loved humor and music and freedom for as long as she can remember.She is especially passionate about the environment and caring for animals.
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text: I see many posts about the dams on the Nam Ou and it sounds like this is no longer possible. What are some other good bike/boat routes that are still available for a couple days float? I was thinking Pakbeng to Luang Prabang, since I need to be in Luang Prabang once Vietnamese Immigration opens after the 15th (New Years break 2/6/16-2/15/16). I could be in Pakbeng in a day or two. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated, since I have not loaded my bike on anything other than ferry crossings. Thanks!


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CO-ED. OUTDOOR. Game jersey included.
This program is designed to teach players the fundamentals of the game and how to work as a team. A building block program for players of all levels. Modifications are made in each age division to the ball size and goal height. Each player is guaranteed to play at least half of every game!
Flag Football Go to page ➡Coming soon
Flag Football
All Ages
Game LocationsLocations may vary based on availability and are not guaranteed.
Amphi Middle SchoolBoys & Girls ClubLa Cima Middle SchoolOld Vail Middle SchoolDesert Sky Middle School


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Boys Varsity Basketball, Girls Varsity Basketball · New Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Named
Coach William Faulkner has been named Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Decatur High School. From May 2014-present, Coach Faulkner was the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Benjamin E Mays High in Atlanta. He was also Head Boys Coach at Booker T Washington High from October 2008-May 2014. Coach Faulkner also spent 3 years as


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Enterprise Architecture, Organizational Structure, and Company Performance
by Travis Wissink
Published February 2012
A poor organization structure makes good performance impossible, no matter how good the individual managers may be.
Peter Drucker, The Practice of Management
Acquisitions should be a faster way to achieve your business objectives. But just having the financing is no guarantee of success. To be successful requires more than cross selling to your customers. You have to blend corporate operations and culture to build a cohesive, streamlined organization, and in doing so, also offer even more to increase customer and employee loyalty. Said another way, to be successful and competitive, everything must be aligned.
IT has a big role in acquisitions. In working to accommodate a unified future state, IT organizations face numerous technology challenges. However, in every technology transformation there is always more to a project than the technology. For IT to be successful, the new processes and operational models must be aligned not only with business strategy, but also with what employees are actually doing and how they are being measured. To implement new technology without consideration of reporting structures and corporate cultures is a recipe for failure.
Enterprise architects have a unique opportunity to assess organizational alignment at both the managerial and operational levels. In fact, their ultimate responsibility is to build an architecture that can actually be implemented. That means building a future state roadmap that is sensitive to all current state constraints, whether technological, political, operational, or managerial. However, sometimes management neglects to question legacy decisions, business processes, and investments, and to reconsider the impact of new implementations on organizational accountability. In fact, the enterprise architect often reveals the misalignment between business strategies and organizational models.
Organizational structure is the foundation for all command and control activities. Additionally, the structure supports and organizes the various business capabilities that companies require to achieve their objectives. Empirical studies abound that illustrate the direct relationship between organization structure, competitiveness and innovation. As Peter Drucker states, an inadequate organization structure will not perform well.
We have heard the enterprise architects mantra of IT and business alignment. At a high level, enterprise architects help align information technology investments to business strategies. In proposing viable future states and building roadmaps, enterprise architects can't help but be exposed to some amount of dirty laundry: ; inefficient business processes, ineffective measurement objectives, and misaligned organizational responsibilities. These discoveries are usually byproducts of legacy or holdover organizational structures. The modern enterprise architect has the responsibility to uncover and help resolve these issues so that the IT portfolio and architecture roadmaps can successfully execute.
In an example of this misalignment, managers at one company send employee's employment status and a other employee-centric inquiries to the payroll department. Managers had grown accustomed to sending these requests to payroll when the company was smaller and the HR and Accounting functions were in the same department. But the company has since grown over 3000%, both organically and through acquisitions, and it is still rapidly growing. No one ever questioned if there was a more efficient way to handle these requests. Both HR and Payroll staff know that the human resources department is the optimal location to find answer to questions about an employee's status. In the current form, data is being sent from HR systems to payroll systems. The transfer, storage, and processing of that data takes many resources. Additionally, the accounting staff must be cross-trained to handle the human resources inquiries. The solution was to web-enable the inquiries. This disconnected the manager's requests from the department fulfilling the response. After company managers were trained on the new process, the company moved the inquiry response process from payroll to HR, in the process removing many computing, network, and staff inefficiencies. This restructure allowed the HR and payroll department to operate more effectively. The HR department is now realizing a higher return on investments, managers get more accurate responses in less time, and the payroll department's staff is fully focused on the payroll function.
A bit more complicated example is the evolution of a call center. As competitive companies grow, either through organic growth or acquisition, business functions can sometimes grow and never be realigned into the appropriate department. In one example, a company's entire up-selling and customer service organization resided inside of IT. This happened because IT was the first group to handle customer inquiries from the website. In the early days of the website the IT webmasters would receive emails, and calls to the company phone number regarding website and content issues were also quickly routed to the webmasters. After an ecommerce storefront was quickly deployed, IT also deployed a small call center to handle website and ecommerce customer questions. Web assets grew as a result of the acquisition of a new product line, and so did the call center. The call center took on up-selling responsibilities as well as responsibility for fielding questions on a growing product list -- in direct contrast to the typical process in which an organization's sales division is responsible for up- and cross-selling to all customers, regardless of the touch point. The issue for the organization in this example was that the up-selling processes were intertwined with the website trouble-ticketing process. The entire call center staff consisted of IT help desk operators, cross-trained on up selling and product items. The help desk software had no insight into customer sales histories, and up-selling was based on a crude categorization and understanding of the product list.
The high-level business capabilities in this example are straightforward -- up-sell and website technical assistance. However, the people, processes, and tools were tangled between IT and Sales perspectives. Enterprise Architects identified the tangled, inefficient processes and recommended that the call center would be more effective under the direction of the sales division. After working with both business and IT executives, the solution was to move staff between the IT and sales divisions, untangle the process to provide a clear separation between IT and Sales processes, and implement a feature rich-customer relationship management solution that would give the customer service reps the correct information to most effectively handle customer inquiries and cross- and up-sell where appropriate. After the solution was assembled and deployed customer and employee satisfaction increased and additional sales were attributed to the new solution.
In the end, it's not just about acquisition projects: it is about every enterprise-class project. Enterprise projects are unique in that they require buy-in and support, both economic and political, from more than one operational group. These projects usually represent greater big-picture efficiency and productivity, but they do it at the cost of challenging the status quo and legacy investments. The Enterprise Architect's charter is to help guide, identify, and correct misaligned investments, and sometimes those investments aren't solely in applications -- they could be the organization's structure. It is essential to fully understand organizational models, reporting structures, business processes, and success metrics. As EAs help identify inefficient investments, it may require that business leaders take a hard look at the correctness of their organization structure. Let's heed Drucker's advice and bring together EAs and management to find the correct and most efficient organization.
Additional Enterprise Architecture Resources
- Visit the Oracle Technology Network Enterprise Architecture Center
- Visit the Oracle Enterprise Architecture Blog
- Read more articles and white papers
- Download reference architectures
- Learn about Oracle EA Services
- View EA webcasts
About the Author
Travis Wissink is a Director of Enterprise Architecture at Oracle.


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its just a black and white stripes but i called it jack skeleton ( from the movie The nightmare before
Christmas) i know everyone of you are familiar with it I get it from his clothes haha 🙂
This is one of my favorite nail art coz its simple and cute also easy to do.
if i had the time i would probably do the jack skeleton face. Wait for it 😀
i would wear it in my sister's graduation.
I made the heart their its a henna. I dyed my hair red so i used the excess to paint it in my skin
it last for a day.
Thanks for reading. Any comment?


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In all our business dealings, MTBC strives to be honest and fair. All activity by or on behalf of MTBC must be in compliance with applicable laws such as HIPAA, HITECH, False Claims Act, FDCPA etc. This document provides the basic details regarding MTBC's HIPAA, HITECH compliance policy and how we implement it.
Copyright 2015.Click Here To Download
Federal regulations impose certain document retention requirements upon healthcare providers relative to encounters with Medicare and Medicaid patients. This matrix provides the basic details regarding these requirements. Please remember that many states also have document retention laws that impose additional requirements relative to encounters with Medicare, Medicaid, commercial payer and uninsured patients.
Copyright 2011.Click Here To Download
Most states set limits regarding the highest fees that providers may charge for releasing copies of patient records. This matrix provides the basic details regarding these laws and hyperlinks to the relevant state statutes. As you will note, state statutes vary not only with regard to the permissible fees, but also as to whether certain requestors (e.g., attorneys) can be charged higher fees, whether an additional search fee can be assessed, etc. In some situations, a provider's violation of these statutes can result in fines and other penalties.
Copyright 2011.Click Here To Download
Many healthcare providers suffer from health insurance reimbursement delays, which can have dramatic adverse effects upon their cash flow. Collective efforts of both federal and state legislatures have resulted in the enactment and enforcement of prompt payment laws that require payers to adjudicate claims and render appropriate reimbursement within certain timelines. Healthcare providers must be fully aware of the prompt payment laws of their respective states so that they may effectively enforce their statutory rights and demand appropriate remedies.
Copyright 2011.Click Here To Download
Widespread security breaches and identity theft have prompted legislatures across the nation to enact data breach notification laws. These laws impose notification obligations that are triggered when a medical office or other entity discovers that its computerized records containing personal information have been accessed by an unauthorized third party. Many of these laws impose very serious penalties on non-compliant entities, so it is important that you understand the law(s) that apply to your practice.
Copyright 2008.Click Here To Download
Insurance overpayment recoupment and overpayment refund disputes are now commonplace in modern medicine. The majority of states have enacted refund and recoupment laws that govern a payer's ability to demand a refund or to recoup previous overpayments. Since payers are becoming more aggressive in demanding repayment, it is important that you understand your rights under state law.
Copyright 2011.Click Here To Download
Disclaimer: The information contained within the MTBC® Legal Corner is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The author of the Legal Corner does not represent the Web site user or the individual submitting a particular question. Please seek the advice of legal counsel to address any specific questions you may have regarding your particular facts or circumstances.


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Archive for the 'Command Line' Tag
COMMAND LINE ADVENTURES: Debian Lenny Base Install Setup
Debian 5 (Lenny)
Linux kernel: 2.6.26-2-486
I was given and old Compaq Presario and I wasn't sure what I should do with it. I mean old. The CPU is a 500mhz AMD K6 and it's also sporting about 256MB of ram. Nice. First I installed Debian 5 (Lenny) with Gnome, but it was impossibly slow. I even installed the LXDE desktop. Still miserable. Puppy linux ran ok but it wasn't quit what I was looking for. I've always wanted to use the command line more so I figured that this was my chance. What better distro to learn on than Debian. I've heard of the irssi, screen and ssh combo but I've never done or even seen it. So I figured I'd set up a base install of Debian Lenny, Install irssi and screen and ssh into it from my other machines. That way I can stay logged into IRC at all times. Lets give it a shot.
I used the same net install cd that I have used on the other install. Only thing is, I'm not installing a desktop.
That's right, no GUI.
First thing I did was install sudo
I need super user rights first.
$ su
# aptitude install sudo
Then I added myself to the sudoers list:
Still with super user rights I typed:
# visudo
Under ROOT ALL=(ALL) ALL
I added myself so it looks like this:
user_name ALL=(ALL) ALL
Then ctrl+x and press Y when prompted to save.
Then press enter.
My sources.list looks like this:
deb http://debian.uchicago.edu/debian/ lenny main
deb-src http://debian.uchicago.edu/debian/ lenny main
deb http://security.debian.org/ lenny/updates main
deb-src http://security.debian.org/ lenny/updates main
deb http://volatile.debian.org/debian-volatile lenny/volatile main
deb-src http://volatile.debian.org/debian-volatile lenny/volatile main
I'm still not sure what the volatile repo's are for.
I'll leave my sources list as they are for now.
Next I installed a weather utility
$ sudo aptitude install weather-util
the command for my area would be:
$ weather -f -i kvpz -c valparaiso -s in
This gives me the current conditions and a 2 day forcast.
(kvpz is the code for the weather station near me. Find yours here)
Don't forget to checkout the man page:
$ man weather
Next I installed screen
$ sudo aptitude install screen
It works well with irssi and ssh.
Start screen by typing :
$ screen
Next I installed the IRC Client irssi
$ sudo aptitude install irssi
A solid configurable IRC client. It took me some getting used to.
Next I installed Open SSH Server
$ sudo aptitude install openssh-server
Still trying to figure this whole thing out. I think ssh was installed,
but not the server.
From client to server:
$ ssh -l [username] [ssh server ip]
To end session type: logout


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It's my job to ensure that schools have the best experience that they can whilst on site at one of our palaces. I work to ensure that sessions and resources are developed and delivered to the highest standard, meeting curriculum needs but also providing an inspiring experience for students. We offer sessions for Key Stages 1-5 and for students from special schools.
Our sites provide a unique opportunity for students to experience 'history where it happened' through exploring the historic buildings and gardens that have been home to many monarchs and where key decisions have been made that have shaped the course of this country's history for the past 1000 years. Key to engaging students of all ages are the stories and characters that provide the jumping off point for exploration, debate, drama and creativity.
Historic Royal Palaces offers a wide range of sessions for schools that focus on cross-curricular learning as well as in-depth study topics. Where else can students experience at first-hand the thrill of performing their own sonnet in the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace where Shakespeare's theatre company once performed to James I?! Or solve maths problems similar to those faced by members of Henry VIII's Board of the Green Cloth?
It's important that our sites reflect key moments in history and that this resonates with students when they visit. The use of specialist costumed educators helps to create an authentic and immersive learning experience. Take Charles I for example, what better way to get inside the mind of a king - to understand what motivated him - than to interview him in the very spot where he was executed in view of crowds of onlookers! Debates such as these give students the chance to make comparisons with modern day events and to discuss key issues around ethics, morality and legal transparency.
One of my priorities this year has been to develop our SEND schools programme offering multi-sensory sessions to students from special schools and units. I worked with SEND specialists and teachers to create a programme that aims to empower students to use their senses to explore new historic environments and to support the development of social and emotional skills. We now offer sessions for students with moderate, severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties to experience our sites at a level that best suits their learning needs. SEND sessions are available at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace.
As a former teacher, I fully understand the need to connect with other teachers to enable the sharing of ideas and good practice and to highlight the opportunities for enrichment that a visit to one of our sites provides. Our team run a Teacher Network and offer regular teacher CPD and familiarisation days in order to support teachers to enhance and enrich their practice.
What I enjoy most is playing constant witness to the fact that a visit to one of our sites can provide lasting memories and unique opportunities to experience history in a way that is tangible and real. Through our schools programme, we hope that teachers and students are also inspired to learn more when back in the classroom and for years to come – perhaps even for a lifetime!
To speak to a member of our schools team call: 020 3166 6646 or email email@example.com.


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A short foreword by Robert Verkerk, executive and scientific director, ANH-Intl
Lionel and I have both been speakers at the last two Scientific Research in Homeopathy conferences, the last one being held in London on 27th March 2010. Lionel has also recently joined ANH-Intl's expert committee. For me, Lionel's intellect, political savvy and deeply questioning mind stand out among those who practice forms of medicine that are not well supported by the establishment. In Lionel's case, his preferred modality is homeopathy—and there's no doubt, especially in the UK, that this modality has come under massive fire from a small but noisy assemblage of orthodox medicine and bio-medical aficionados. From that perspective, Lionel knows a thing or two about being on the receiving end of the heat. But perhaps it's Lionel's roots in mainstream science—chemistry in particular—that make his commentary on what is really going on over the attacks against alternative medicine, and more specifically homeopathy, so relevant. In short, Lionel is sounding an important warning about the distortion of the scientific process by a small number of highly vocal and influential individuals who, it would seem, have chosen, at least in relation to their attacks on alternative medicine, to adopt remarkably unscientific approaches. Lionel calls this developing trend the 'New Fundamentalism' (albeit, simply a virulent form of 'scientism', which of course, should be differentiated from science itself).
We urge you to prepare an herbal tea or other beverage of your choice, kick back for a few minutes and read what Lionel has to say. You might find yourself agreeing with everything he writes, but I know there will be some readers who won't. Either way, it's worth thinking why there is so much disagreement—and I believe that Lionel's approach goes some way to help clarify some of the underlying reasons for this. We are reminded, during the journey Lionel takes us on, that some forms of science are more of an art than a rigorously objective method. Like religion, science it seems is also steeped in different belief systems, some of which conflict intensely with one another.
For those of us who are protagonists of 'alternative medicine', I hope that Lionel's feature might help offer some new insights about the challenges we face. It might also help you to better communicate to others some of the underlying processes at work. Only with a deep understanding of what's really going on can we work together to help transition the political, medical, scientific, social and regulatory systems in such a way that affords future generations a more appropriate, a more effective and a more sustainable and biocompatible system of healthcare.
Beware scientism's onward march!
By Lionel Milgrom PhD
Introducing some concepts
First it is necessary to make a clear distinction between science and scientism. The former might be defined as a continuing effort to increase human knowledge and understanding through observation (with the important proviso that in spite of its more outlandish proposals, post-modernism still serves to warn that objectivity in observation is always conditioned by expectations and past experiences; regardless of the 'rigour' of the science). Scientism, on the other hand, [1] is the totally unscientific belief that:-
· Only scientific knowledge is real knowledge:
· There is no rational, objective form of inquiry that is not a branch of science:
· Science is the absolute and only justifiable access to truth.
Significantly, no sign of post-modernism's warning being heeded here. Indeed, supporters of scientism (which has its roots in materialistic logical positivism [2] and naïve inductivism [3] - both of which are seriously limited interpretations of science) [4] see it as their bounden duty to do away with most, if not all, metaphysical, mythological, philosophical, sociological (in any non-reductive sense), and religious claims to knowledge, as their truths cannot be apprehended by the scientific method. And precisely because scientism's supporters are so jealous of what they believe is their monopoly on truth (especially as exemplified by the science of the day: science too has its fashions), they represent a form of dogmatic intolerance bordering on fundamentalism; even fascism. As neurophysiologist and Nobel Laureate Sir John Eccles once so eloquently put it, "Arrogance is one of the worst diseases of scientists and it gives rise to statements of authority and finality which are expressed usually in fields that are completely beyond the scientific competence of the dogmatist. It is important to realise that dogmatism has now become a disease of scientists rather than of theologians."We shall soon see how ominously prescient were these words.
Who are the New Fundamentalists?
To be sure, there aren't many scientists who would wish to see themselves cast in such a light. Indeed, the present scientistic clamour emanates from a small but highly voluble group of mainly bio-medically-oriented scientists and media 'communicators'. In the UK, they include so-called sceptics Professors Michael Baum, Edzard Ernst, David Colquhoun and Richard Dawkins, science writers Simon Singh and Ben Goldacre, the pro-science campaigning organisation Sense About Science (of which Singh is a trustee, and whose backers openly include pharmaceutical companies, The Lancet medical journal and The Guardian newspaper). [5] They also include Westminster 'villagers' Evan Harris MP (Lib Dem spokesperson for science) and Lord Dick Taverne, the Chair of Sense About Science.
Best described by British geneticist Professor Steve Jones as part of a, "….broad church full of narrow minds trained to know even more about even less.", [6] one of the main objects of their scientistic ire is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), particularly homeopathy. When it comes to these subjects, the above collection of individuals proves beyond a shadow of doubt that the biomedical sciences have more than their fair share of narrow, scientistic, one track minds.
But make no mistake: this is not some dry exercise in academic mud-slinging. In the United Kingdom, scientism is on the march, attempting to crush beneath its positivist boot the public's right to complementary and alternative medical therapies such as homeopathy, free on Britain's National Health Service. This more militant form of scientism that attempts to impinge directly on the public's healthcare choices (supported by globalised concerns such as the pharmaceutical industry and the media), I have termed the New Fundamentalism. [7]
Baum and Ernst preach across the pond
A good example of what might be considered the New Fundamentalist's 'catechism' may be found in a recent comment in the American Journal of Medicine by Professors Baum and Ernst entitled 'Should we maintain an open mind about homeopathy?'. [8] I have singled out this particular article because its authors exemplify so well the arrogance, ignorance, and self-contradictions mentioned previously in the quote from Sir John Eccles. Thus, quite early on in their article, Baum and Ernst refer to manipulative physical therapies as "some of the more plausible aspects of alternative medicine", in direct contradiction to Ernst's own published stance on chiropractic. [9]
Dr. Edzard Ernst
Baum and Ernst then describe homeopathy as "….among the worst examples of faith-based medicine that gathers shrill support of celebrities and other powerful lobbies in place of a genuine and humble wish to explore the limits of our knowledge using the scientific method ….". [8] Apart from astounding hypocrisy (the pharmaceutical industry constitutes one of the most powerful lobbying organisations on the planet), Baum and Ernst repeatedly cite the 2005 Lancet meta-analysis by Shang et al [10] as the 'genuine and humble wish to explore the limits of our knowledge…', etc. They put this analysis forward as conclusive 'proof' that homeopathy is no more than placebo. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, this paper was severely criticised on methodological grounds by several independent authors, [11-14] and contains significant scientific flaws. [15, 16] Not only does it lack any literature citations (a fundamental academic gaff that makes one wonder why the paper was passed fit for publication in the first place), the Shang et al meta-analysis violates even the Lancet's own strict guidelines on methodological and publication transparency. [17]
Professor Michael Baum
More importantly, Baum and Ernst neglect the conventional medical and scientific literature on one of homeopathy's core tenets, i.e., hormesis. This is a biphasic dose response to an environmental agent, e.g., toxin, drug, remedial agent, etc, characterised by a low-dose stimulation or beneficial effect, and a high-dose inhibitory or toxic effect. [18] It is a concept with a long history in medicine, precisely because of its association with a core tenet of homeopathic practice, namely the potency of the minimum dose. Nevertheless, as Calabrese has pointed out, "….the hormetic dose-response is far more common and fundamental than the dose-response models…. used in toxicology and risk assessment.... Acceptance of the possibility of hormesis has the potential to profoundly affect the practice of toxicology and risk assessment…." [19]
In addition, there are high quality laboratory studies which suggest infinitesimal dilutions prepared in the homeopathic manner (of serial dilution and agitation), may well exert biological effects. [20-23] Indeed most recently, very low doses of cytokines IL-12 and IFN-γ were reported by Gariboldi et al [24] to be much more effective in a mouse asthma model when the cytokines had been prior subjected to what these authors describe as 'sequential kinetic activation'; in other words, homeopathic serial dilution and agitation (interestingly, this paper was only passed fit for publication once all words referring to homeopathy had been excised from the original manuscript. So much for scientific 'objectivity'….)
The scientific evidence shows that homeopathy works
Nevertheless, Baum and Ernst continuously assert the results of homeopathic prescribing lack efficacy beyond a placebo response. [8] Closer examination of this claim reveals that it is based on just two systematic reviews, both by Ernst: [25, 26] as if his are the only well-designed high-quality studies, and that those of others [21, 22, 24, 27-29] considered by many to be of at least equally high quality, should be discounted. But vaunting hubris aside, Baum and Ernst are just plain wrong: by end of 2009, 142 RCTs of homeopathy had been published in peer-reviewed journals. In terms of statistically significant results, 74 of these trials were able to draw firm conclusions; 63 were positive (patients given a homeopathic medicine improved significantly more than the comparison group given either an inactive placebo or established conventional treatment), and 11 were negative (no significant difference was seen between the action of the homeopathic medicine and the comparison group). [30]
Baum and Ernst then go on to suggest that the scientific validity of homeopathy must exist in some 'parallel universe', because if correct, it would mean that "much of physics, chemistry, and pharmacology must be incorrect." [8] Meanwhile, in Baum and Ernst's universe of gold standards and systematic reviews, all is not well with evidence-based medicine (EBM) and its experimental 'grand inquisitor', the randomised controlled trial (RCT).
As mentioned earlier, much of Baum and Ernst's ire against homeopathy/CAM stems from their unquestioning logical positivist mindset. [2-4] For understanding how guns, rockets, and washing machines, etc, work this might appear to be perfectly adequate. When applied to medicine (as much an art as it is a science) and the therapeutic encounter however, it effectively downgrades or ignores other no less important but less scientifically defined forms of evidence.
How relevant is "Evidenced-Based Medicine (EBM)"?
The result is that clinical decisions are now supposed to be based solely on the scientific evidence (which incidentally was never the intention of those who originally formulated the principles of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)). [31] The irony here is that if such a draconian approach was to be enforced throughout the whole of medicine, nearly half of all its current procedures would have to be halted until their effectiveness had finally been 'proven', [32] and much time, money and effort wasted in the process.
Ultimately, it could well turn out to be a double-edged sword. Trials of one of the biggest selling drugs—Prozac—recently found it to be no better than placebo. [33] Interestingly one does not hear Baum and Ernst campaigning for the removal of Prozac, as they do for homeopathy/CAM. Fortunately, their scientific 'fundamentalism' is not shared by all in medicine. Thus, top UK cancer clinician Karol Sikora (around 60% of whose patients use some form of CAM as adjuvant therapies) roundly excoriated attempts by what he calls 'inexperienced', 'armchair physicians', to tell him how to do his job, while at the same time excoriating their attempts to rid the NHS of its CAM services as 'Stalinist'. [34]
Questioning medicine's gold standard: the randomised controlled trial
Sir Michael Rawlins
Even Sir Michael Rawlins (Chair of the UK's National Institute for Clinical Excellence and no great friend of homeopathy) in his 2008 Harveian Oration, [35] warned: "RCTs, long regarded as the 'gold standard' of evidence, have been put on an undeserved pedestal. Their appearance at the top of hierarchies of evidence is inappropriate; and hierarchies are illusory tools for assessing evidence. They should be replaced by a diversity of approaches that involve analysing the totality of the evidence base." Indeed, this merely echoes one of the founders of EBM David Sackett's earlier concern that EBM might be in danger of turning into an evidence 'mono-culture', where an 'ideal' scientifically-determined efficacy would subsume other no less important forms of evidence, to the detriment of patient and clinician concerns. [31] That a decade later, voices in the nursing profession were being raised concerning EBM's intolerance of therapeutic pluralism in healthcare systems, [36] suggests Sackett's early warning went unheeded.
But perhaps the most damning demolition of the kind of scientistic fundamentalism expressed by Baum, Ernst and others over-impinging on clinical practice, was provided seven years ago by Smith and Pell. [37] Their slightly tongue-in-cheek paper on the use of parachutes 'to prevent death and major trauma related to gravitational challenge' (i.e., falling) makes the point rather well by concluding, "As with many interventions intended to prevent ill health, the effectiveness of parachutes has not been subjected to rigorous evaluation by using randomised controlled trials. Advocates of EBM have criticised the adoption of interventions evaluated by using only observational data. We think that everyone might benefit if the most radical protagonists of EBM organised and participated in a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled, crossover trial of the parachute." Perhaps Baum and Ernst might care to volunteer for such a trial….?
Memory of Water: a mechanism for homeopathic effectiveness?
In fact, many conventional medical procedures are well known to lack scientific evidence; [32] fraud in biomedical and pharmacological research is rife and has been exposed, [38, 39] while clear evidence exists for the harm that can result from routine conventional medical practice and prescribing. [40, 41] It would have been to their credit had Baum and Ernst campaigned for an open mind to the shortcomings of conventional biomedicine. Instead, they assert that "The true sceptic…takes pride in closed mindedness when presented with absurd assertions that contravene the laws of thermodynamics….". [8] No doubt this is a reference to the Memory of Water hypothesis as a possible biophysical explanation for the efficacy of remedies prepared by the method of serial dilution and succussion as in homeopathy.
Though the Memory of Water hypothesis has yet to provide definitive evidence supporting the tenets of homeopathic medicine, [42] it is factually incorrect to assume that it contravenes basic scientific principles. There is a growing body of evidence [42] from chemistry, [43-46] physics, [47, 48] and materials science, [49] which suggests the properties of water may well depend on its dilution history. [43] The question then is how?
Considering the Memory of Water (MoW) as an emergent property of bulk liquid water (i.e., the whole is greater than the sum of its individual molecular parts) defies explanation in terms of high-school chemistry, or the notion that water molecules move completely randomly in relation to one another. Certainly, the ability of water molecules to affect each other over long ranges via dynamic switching of hydrogen bonds may be crucially important here, as would be weaker intermolecular interactions, known as van de Waals forces. [42] From this dynamic interplay of molecular forces could arise coherent supra-molecular behaviour, (i.e., involving large numbers of water molecules) that the equilibrium laws of thermodynamics one learns at school, and the known short life-time of hydrogen bonding in aqueous solutions, [42] cannot explain.
To understand MoW requires a knowledge of systems operating far from chemical equilibrium, as described by Professor Ilya Prigogine's Nobel Prize-winning work on non-equilibrium thermodynamics in near-chaotic chemical reactions, and importantly, as exists in all living organisms. [50] Here, it has been suggested that quantum points of local instability may act as dynamic 'attractors' of the whole macroscopic system, leading to long-range coherent supra-molecular behaviour. [51]
More than 20 years ago, Italian physicists del Guidice et al [52] advanced a theoretical mechanism for MoW which modelled the effects of homeopathic serial dilution and agitation in terms of the continued formation and dissolution of such dynamic supra-molecular structures. [42] These so-called 'coherent domains' are calculated to be thermodynamically more stable than a totally random collection of water molecules, and remain (hence the 'memory effect') long after all traces of the original dissolved substance have been removed. Indeed, a recent paper authored by Professor Luc Montagnier (winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine, for his discovery of the HIV virus) has demonstrated memory effects in aqueous DNA solutions that depend on interactions with the background electromagnetic field. [53] Consequently, MoW is not only plausible, it contravenes no known (except by Baum and Ernst) scientific laws and principles.
But Baum and Ernst's general ignorance of areas outside their level of competence runs deeper and is far more simplistic than MoW. The same could be said for their understanding of science's history. For example, they say, [8] "Homeopathic principles are bold conjectures. There has been no spectacular corroboration of any of its founding principles. An example of the spectacular corroboration of a bold conjecture is that the planet Pluto was predicted by observing minor discrepancies in the orbit of its neighbouring planet Neptune, and its discovery was counted as a spectacular corroboration of a bold conjecture…." And later on, "….homeopaths remind us of Galileo's battle with the dogma of his day and how in the fullness of time this heretic was proven right…."
Astronomy, bold conjecture, dogma of the day, and science
With this, Baum and Ernst demonstrate how little they know about astronomy or celestial mechanics. It was the earlier discovery of Neptune (not Pluto) which was corroboration of a bold conjecture that, based on Newton's Laws of Motion, discrepancies in the orbit of Uranus could be explained by another large planet further out from the Sun. The discovery of Pluto actually was a fluke, seeing as the now-known mass of this dwarf planet is far too small to have any gravitational affect on Neptune's orbital behaviour.
A far better example that Baum and Ernst could have picked would have been Einstein's prediction of anomalies in the orbital behaviour of Mercury as spectacular corroboration of his own bold conjecture; namely, general relativity, one of the pillars of 20th century physics. This ultimately pointed out the inadequacies of the classical view of the universe to which misguidedly, Baum and Ernst both still appear to cling.
And Galileo? His 'battle with the dogma of his day' was not as Baum and Ernst suggest. Galileo insisted on proposing heliocentricity not as a theory, but as a truth for which at the time there was no proof, and chose instead to argue scripture not science with those who believed and promoted a fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible. In this respect, Galileo was not playing the role of some heretical proto-scientific hero: he was being arrogant and stupid, arguably delaying uptake of a new idea by creating unnecessary resistance in those that might have been more sympathetic had he not appeared to be attacking their own self-interested power base. In this respect, Baum and Ernst's absurd attitude of closed mindedness to homeopathy, and casting themselves as 'defenders' of science against a presumed rising tide of irrationality, resembles that of the Inquisition.
Of course, everything happens for a reason. No matter how dogmatically idiotic and contrary to the real spirit of scientific enquiry the New Fundamentalism and those who promulgate it truly are, it serves a purpose beyond dry academic discourse. The pharmaceutical industry is having a hard time lately. A combination of plummeting profits (because many block-buster drugs are coming off patent and there are few to replace them); successful class actions over drug side-effects costing Big Pharma billions; substantiated claims of cheating and plagiarism in drugs trials, etc, are stoking the public's growing distrust of the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, increasing interest in and use of health alternatives (e.g., homeopathy, CAM) by millions across the world all adds up to the pharmaceutical industry feeling itself threatened. And it will do everything in its considerable economic and political power to fight back. Against this background, the New Fundamentalism and those pushing its agenda may be seen simply as witless cats' paws of globalised corporatism.
What's really going on….
So what is The New Fundamentalism? It is an insidious 'crypto-fascist' brew of scientism, globalised corporatism, and (ironically, originally left-wing) militant materialistic nihilism which denies humanity has any inner metaphysical reality. Thus, it reduces human beings to biochemical mechanisms, from which it is but a short step to regarding humans as nothing other than biologically-determined economic units. This suits globalised conglomerates very well which, via their encroaching control over individual governments, would no doubt wish to see representative democracy reduced to the irrelevance of some inane reality game show. (With apologies to Juvenal) Rememdium, panem et circenses.
We have of course, been here before, and indeed, history does not disappoint. Inspired by the work of the German philosopher Jürgen Habermas, Prof Martin Ryder of Colorado State University warns of the dangers of unbridled scientism encroaching into public policy. [54] ".….Policy can be informed by science, and the best policies take into account the best available scientific reasoning. Law makers are prudent to keep an ear open to science while resisting the rhetoric of the science 'industry' in formulating policy. It is the role of science to serve the primary interests of the polity. But government in a free society is not obliged to serve the interests of science (my italics)…. positivism and scientism move in where the discourse of science lacks self-reflection and where the spokesmen of science exempt themselves from public scrutiny."
Here in the UK, the signs are not good. The Government's Science and Technology Committee recently recommended homeopathy should no longer be made available on the NHS: the Government has yet to respond (a looming general election occupying most politicians' minds just now). Also, Simon Singh can breathe easier after his day in court with the chiropractors (who considered themselves libelled by him: after several judgements in their favour, Singh won on appeal, and the chiropractors have pushed back from the table and called it a night).
Simon Singh
More importantly, the onward march of scientism has been evidenced by the huge sums given away to pharmaceutical companies for an unnecessary flu vaccine (the Government are trying to claw back some of that money), and an interesting spate of resignations from the Government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). [55] It appears the scientists involved not only expect (quite reasonably) their advice to be listened to, but acted upon as if science should be the only consideration. It would be fascinating to observe these scientists trying to explain to bereaved parents how the illegal substances that killed or maimed their children are less harmful than alcohol or tobacco.
While it is no doubt time society grew up and took a more considered and mature attitude towards drugs, the idea that in a democratic society, science should be the only arbiter of political decision making on such issues, is dangerously scientistic and would set us on a path Jürgen Habermas knew only too well. [56] For he grew up in one of the world's first attempts at engineering a society along scientistic lines: it was called Nazi Germany….
About the author
Lionel Milgrom has been in practice as a professional homeopath (LCH, MARH, RHom) for over a decade. He has also had a parallel career as a research scientist for well over 30 years, with over 70 academic papers published in leading chemistry journals (BSc, MSc, PhD, CChem, FRSC). He was the founder and first CEO of an anti-cancer bio-tech spin-out company in 2001. Lionel also writes and comments about science and been a sometime broadcaster on the subject.
Combining these talents, he has spent the last 8 years developing new ideas about the therapeutic process, based on the discourse of quantum entanglement. Lionel is a keen observer and critic of the current debate around homeopathy/CAMs, coining the phrase 'New Fundamentalism' to describe the mind-set of those currently waging a campaign to see homeopathy and CAM axed from Britain's National Health Service (NHS). He has published peer-reviewed papers in CAM journals and written many articles in CAM magazines on these subjects.
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Back to "Introducing some concepts"
5. See, http://www.senseaboutscience.org.uk/. Accessed 10th June 2009.
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Back to "Who are the 'New Fundamentalists'?"
8. Baum M, Ernst E. Should we maintain an open mind about homeopathy? Am J Med 2009;122(11):973-4.
9. Ernst E. Chiropractic for paediatric conditions. Substantial evidence? BMJ 2009;339:b2766.
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19. See Calabrese EJ. Toxicological awakenings: the rebirth of hormesis as a central pillar of toxicology. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2005;204(1):1-8, and references therein.
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21. Belon P, Cumps J, Ennis M et al. Histamine dilutions modulate basophil activation. Inflamm Res 2004;53:181-8.
22. Witt CM, Bluth M, Albrecht H et al. The in vitro evidence for an effect of high homeopathic potencies – a systematic review of the literature. Complement Ther Med 2007;15:128-38.
23. Milgrom LR. "….Macavity's Not There!" J Altern Comp Med 2009;15:1051-1053, and references therein
24. Gariboldi S, Palazzo M, Zanobbio L et al. Low dose oral administration of cytokines for treatment of allergic asthma. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2009 doi:10.1016/j.pupt.2009.05.002.
Back to "Baum and Ernst preach across the pond"
Back to "The scientific evidence shows that homeopathy works"
25. Ernst E. A systematic review of systematic reviews of homeopathy. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2002;54:577-582.
26. Altnuc U, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Homeopathy for childhood and adolescence ailments: systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Mayo Clin Proc2007;82:69-75.
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28. Witt C, Keil T, Selim D, et al. Outcome and cost of homeopathic and conventional treatment strategies: a comparative cohort study in patients with chronic disorders. Complement Ther Med 2005;134:79-86.
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30. See Mathie R. The research evidence base for homeopathy. British Homeopathic Association. summation
Back to "The scientific evidence shows that homeopathy works"
31. Sackett, D.L. et al. (1996) Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn't. BMJ 312 (7023), 13 January, 71-72.
32. See, BMJ Clinical Evidence web-site. Online document at:
http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com/ceweb/about/knowledge.jsp. Accessed 11th July 2009.
33. Kirsch I, Deacon BJ, Huendo-Medina T, Scoboria A, Moore TJ, Johnson BT. Initial severity and antidepressant benefits: a meta-analysis of data submitted to the Food and Drug Administration. PLoS Med 2008;5(2): e45.
34. Sikora K. Complementary medicine does help patients. Times Online, February 3rd 2009. Online document at: www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/court_and_social?article5644142.ece Accessed February 18, 2009.
Back to "How relevant is Evidence Based Medicine (EBM)?"
35. Rawlins M. De Testimonio: Harveian Oration Delivered to the Royal College of Physicians, London 16th October 2008. http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/news/news.asp?PR_id_422. Accessed November 1, 2008.
36. Holmes D, Murray SJ, Perron A, Rail G. Deconstructing the evidence- based discourse in health sciences: Truth, power, and fascism. International Journal of Evidence Based Healthcare 2006;4:180.
37. Smith GCS, Pell JP. Parachute use to prevent death and major trauma related to gravitational challenge: systematic review of RCTs. BMJ 2003;327:1459-1451.
Back to "Questioning medicine's gold standard: the randomised controlled trial"
38. Fanelli D How Many Scientists Fabricate and Falsify Research? A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis of Survey Data. PLoS ONE 2009;4(5):e5738: doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0005738.
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41. Lazarou J, Pomeranz BH, Corey PN. Incidence of Adverse Drug reactions in Hospitalized Patients. JAMA 1998;279(15):1200-1205
42. Chaplin M. Water Structure and Behaviour. Regularly updated online document at: www.lsbu.ac.uk/water/
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44. Elia V, Niccoli M. Thermodynamics of extremely diluted aqueous solutions. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1999;879:241-8.
45. Demangeat J-L. NMR water proton relaxation in unheated and heated ultrahigh aqueous dilutions of histamine: evidence for an air-dependent supramolecular organisation of water. J Mol Liquids 2009;144:32-39.
46. Wolf U, Wolf M, Heusser P, Thurviesen A, and Baumgartner S. Homeopathic Preparations of Quartz, Sulphur, and Copper Sulphate assessed by UV-Spectroscopy. eCAM 2009:doi:10.1093/ecam/nep036 (Advanced Access)
47. Rey L. Thermoluminescence of ultra-high dilutions of lithium chloride and sodium chloride. Physica (A) 2003;323:67-74.
48. Bell IR, Lewis DA, Brooks AJ, et al. Gas discharge visualisation evaluation of ultramolecular doses of homeopathic medicines under blinded, controlled conditions. J Altern Complement Med 2003;9:25-38.
49. Roy R, Tiller WA, Bell I, Hoover MR. The structure of liquid water: novel insights from materials research. Potential relevance to homeopathy. Mat Res Innov 2005;9(4):557-608.
50. Prigogine I, Stengers I. Order out of Chaos. London, UK: Fontana, 1985.
51. Hankey A. Are we close to a theory of energy medicine? J Altern Complement Med 2004;10:83–86.
52. Del Guidice E, Preparata G, Vitiello G. Water as a free-electron dipole laser. Phys RevLett 1988;61:1085–1088.
Back to "Memory of Water: a mechanism for homeopathic effectiveness?"
53. Montagnier L, Aïssa J, Ferris S, Montagnier J.-L, Lavallée C. Electromagnetic signals are produced by aqueous nanostructures derived from bacterial DNA sequences, Interdiscip. Sci. Comput. Life Sci. 2009;1:81-90.
54. Ryder M. Scientism from Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics.(Macmillan Reference) University of Colorado. 2007: see also http://carbon.ucdenver.edu/~mryder/scientism_este.html.
55. See for example, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7547605/Eric-Carlin-becomes-seventh-government-drugs-advisor-to-quit.html
56. Habermas J. Knowledge and Human Interests: a general perspective in Continental Philosophy of Science (ed G Gutting) Blackwell Publishing 2005, Oxford United Kingdom.
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Address correspondence to:-
Dr Lionel R Milgrom PhD
Program for Advanced Homeopathic Studies
17, Skardu Road
London, United Kingdom
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text:
It happened again last night. You would think I would be used to it. You would think as much as I think about it, rehearse what I would say, and run through endless come-back possibilities it would not catch me off guard. But it does. And then I nervously find myself explaining away, answering the question behind the question, giving more information than I wanted to give. And when I walk away, as usual, I kick myself over and over again. For the last three years this question has bothered me, bewildered me, and frustrated me more than any of the intrusive, offensive, tactless, and ignorant questions we have been handed.
We are a little bit famous in our small town. We are "that" family. People may not know our names, but we are recognized wherever we go. There are not many families like ours in our community, so we get waves, smiles, dirty looks, you name it. But like other "famous" people, we seem to have traded our privacy for the right to be a family. Adoptive parents, especially obviously adoptive parents, will tell you that there is open season on questions that, in any other context, would be considered inappropriate: "How much did he cost you?" "Why can't you have biological children?" "Why did her birthmom not want her?" "Aren't you afraid of how he will turn out?" "Do you know who her REAL parents are?"
Because I believe most people operate out of a lack of understanding of adoption, a desire to show interest, and a basic ignorance of the whole process, I have self-appointed me as an adoption educator. I field most of these questions with a smile, hoping to leave the exchange having taken one more step in my quest towards adoption awareness. As my kids get older and can understand the questions asked, I approach those exchanges more cautiously, trying to teach them how to respond appropriately as they listen. But…there is that question, that one question that stirs in me feelings that go deeper than education, politeness, or promotion. It started with Noah's arrival. It is not really offensive, tactless, or ignorant. In fact, most people ask in genuine interest and wide-eye innocence. To be sure, many of my friends have asked. But each time I hear it, there is a pain in my heart that makes me catch my breath: "Are they brother and sister?"
What does that mean, to be brother and sister? How does that strange, wonderful relationship happen? Is it in the sharing of DNA and the splitting of genes? Is it in the growing up together, laughing, playing, and fighting? Are they mutually exclusive? Can one not exist without the other? I know what the person is asking: Are they biologically related? But that is a very different question, isn't it? Every time I'm asked the question I am reminded that our society claims to see adoption as a truly viable option to form a family, but still only as second best. These are two children being raised by the same parents, under the same roof, and who share the same last name. What else do they need to qualify to be considered siblings? Yes, they are brother and sister! And they happen to be biologically related as well.
Time after time I vow to simply answer "yes" the next time the question comes and let the person asking figure out what that means. Time after time I find myself explaining: "They have the same birthmother." Inevitably I get angry with myself and I think about the day when we have a third child who does not share DNA with Isabel and Noah. What will I say then?: "Well, these two are brother and sister, but this one is not"? Is NOT? If they are not brother and sister, all three of them, then they are not really my children and if they are not really my children, then what is adoption but a fantasy? Maybe by the time baby number three comes along I will finally have learned to quit blubbering like a fool when asked and simply, resoundingly, and decisively say: "Yes, yes they are."


text:
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- 2 Clicks: Skip to next music track.
3 Clicks: Start current music track again / Play previous track
- Protect and care for your headphones by always placing them in the natural fibre bag provided when not in use.
- As with any decent earphones, it is imperative that you use the correct fitting earbuds. This seals the ear canal and produces a much higher quality sound (it makes a very big difference).
Pack Contents:
1 x Artisanphonics earphones
1 x Natural fibre carrying bag
4 x Earbud Sizes (XS/S/M/L)
12 months
Your satisfaction is really important to us, and we will do our best to help ensure that you are a happy MediaDevil customer. MediaDevil was awarded the UK Department of Trade & Investment (UKTI)'s Business Innovation Award for "demonstrating the virtues of excellent products and a passionate company".
Customer ReviewsWrite a review
Best headphones I've ever had. They fit well and produce a deep rich sound. Many thanks!
Comfy headphones.
They look great, sound is fantastic with deep bass, and service from Mediadevil is always top notch
The Artisanphonics headphones look great and perform better than more expensive alternatives. Service from Mediadevil was excellent
Product: Artisanphonics EB-03 Luxury Wood Earphones
I first bought these earphones (in a slightly older model) around 4 years ago. I am now on my 3rd pair- not because the headphones wear out quickly or keep breaking, but instead because I end up losing them (despite the fancy bag they are supplied with)- and then, after quickly trying a whole host of other earphones (often double the price of the EB-Series), I realise that the sound quality is so much worse than what I have got used to and end up coming back to buy the EB-Series again.
Not only that, but MediaDevil has always been extremely swift in delivery, and the entirety of product is fantastic (I'm normally not one for fancy packaging, but opening the box is a sustainable delight).
TL;DR: Simply excellent. I cannot recommend enough!


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"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some people have shown hospitality to angels
without knowing it."
Hebrews 13:2
Belcross Bake Shoppe is family owned and run because we are passionate about families! We are a local cafe that combines our love for our customers, old and new, with our desire to serve southern, homemade fare. We start every morning at 4 a.m. to have our sweet potato biscuits, a variety of cinnamon buns, our sweet tea and much more ready for you when our doors open at 6:30 a.m.
Belcross' ambiance is one that is nostalgic and reminiscent of a time gone by - where friends meet, talk about the price of corn, the local high school football team or community events. Whether you're just passin' through or a local, stop by, pull up a chair and relax. We would love for you to become a part of our family!
Two eggs (cooked to order), side of bacon or sausage, served with toast, biscuit, or yeast roll
Three eggs (cooked to order), bacon and sausage, served with toast, biscuit, or yeast roll
Sausage, egg, & cheese with mustard and grape jelly on a sweet potato biscuit.
Over-medium egg, bacon, & cheese served on our buttered croissant.
Bacon, mayo, cheddar, & two over-medium eggs on homemade white toast - a delicious mess that will make you wanna lick your plate!
Bacon, lettuce, tomato with egg & cheese on our homade white toast.
Bacon, sausage, & country ham with egg & cheese on a sweet potato biscuit.
Three egg whites, tomato, salt & pepper, light mayo, & avocado on wheat toast.
Buttermilk biscuit smothered with sausage gravy, two eggs, & a side of hash brown casserole or cheesy grits.
Two eggs, cheesy grits, two slices of homemade white toast, & a side of bacon or sausage.
Bacon, lettuce, and tomato with mayo
American cheese grilled to perfection
Our homemade pimento cheese...Try it grilled!
Roasted turkey, herb mayo & swiss cheese
Deli ham, cheddar cheese & mustard
Our homemade chicken salad & mayo
Roast beef, red onions, cheddar cheese & horseradish sauce
Corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut & our house dressing
Roasted turkey, country ham, bacon, swiss cheese & mayo
Deli ham, turkey, salami, red onions, provolone cheese & our balsamic dressing
Cucumbers, tomatoes, onions & carrots, served over a bed of mixed greens
Cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, carrots, parmesan cheese, honey ham & turkey over a bed of mixed greens
Chicken or tuna salad, pimento cheese, macaroni salad & half of a muffin, served with crackers
Peanut butter & grape jelly
American cheese on the bread of your choice
Deli ham & cheddar cheese
If you've been to our restaurant, you've seen and
tasted what keeps our customers coming back for more. Freshly baked goodies, delicious sandwiches, and daily specials make us hard to resist!
Stop in today and check us out!
Tues - Fri: 6:30am - 2:00pm
Sat: 6:00am - 12:00pm
Phone: 252-338-1286
Fax: 252-338-3489
"While the food is wonderful, the best thing about going to Belcross is the warm welcome from smiling, friendly faces who serve you! By far, Camden's best place for food and friendship."- from Belcross Bake Shoppe's Facebook Page


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Poured concrete for driveways and outdoor areas
Poured concrete is a popular outdoor surface for many homeowners, as standard concrete provides a hardwearing, affordable solution that is quick to install and lasts. We supply and install concrete in a range of colours, as well as standard grey, liquid limestone, and also install exposed aggregate concrete.
On this page:
Concrete Colours
See our range of concrete colours available to be poured.
Read answers to some of our most frequently asked concrete questions
Our Blogs on Poured Concrete
Find loads more information and pictures in our concrete related blogs
Concrete Colours
As well as standard grey, we can supply and install your poured concrete in a range of colours to suit your home and taste. See our concrete colours below.
There's simply no material that covers large areas more effectively and less expensively than poured concrete. The addition of pigments, with 15 colours to choose from, makes it a stylish alternative to much costlier materials. Colours may look different in application than those displayed below due to different monitor settings. Availability of some colours may vary.
Find out answers to some of our most frequently asked questions for poured concrete.
There are benefits to sealing your concrete, such as the reduced risk of staining, and to stop your concrete from creating concrete dust under foot. Sealing your concrete is recommended.
If you have chosen a coloured concrete, it is recommended that you seal your concrete periodically to keep it looking it's best.
Yes, concrete can be finished with different textures, and we can advise you on what finish we recommend based on what you will be using your concrete area for.
Yes we can. If you are installing concrete into an area that previously had a porous surface that allowed rainwater to absorb into the soil below, it is necessary to evaluate where the water runoff will end up prior to installing your concrete.


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Beginner watercolor and Acrylic art classes for adults and children.
Location: Studio at Loft Artists Association, 575 Pacific ST, Stamford, CT
Dates: Monday to Saturday.
Time: Monday to Friday 1:30 - 5:30 PM and Saturdays 9 - 12:00 PM
If none of these hours work with yo schudule, don't hesitate to contact me about schuduling a private lesson.
Private Art Classeses
Wednesdays afternoon acrylic art classes in my studio with a very talented ladies.
Paint and have fun.
Join me for an unforgettable evening. Learn the art of painting, have a glass of wine and meet new friends. I will provide the materials to paint; you bring your creativity and desire to learn. No experience necessary.
Step by step I will guide you through the process and at the end of the evening; you will leave with your painting and the sense of accomplishment.
Location: Studio at Loft Artists Association, 575 Pacific St. Stamford, CT
Dates: Thursdays and Fridays from 6:30-8:30 PM
Register by phone: (203) 554-0116
Some of my students that exhibited their artworks made at under my instruction at Durango Insurance in Stamford on July 2015
Private art classes.
2018 Pressed flowers workshop at the LAA
2015 Landscape workshop at Loft Artist Association.
2015 Intake Workshop.
2013 Workshop organized by Crisol-Acuarela, at Neighbors Link with soft pastels.
2009 Workshop with pressed flowers at King School.
Cold Porcelain Workshop. Sign for 2 hours class at my studio, located at 574 Pacific St, Stamford CT. Learn how to prepare your cold porcelain at home and how to do a calla lily, a daisy and some leaves. I'll be providing the clay. More info send me an e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com


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There is a feeling shared by many investors that something is not quite right in the financial world today. They do not know or understand exactly what is going on but the recovery that is supposed to be happening is not showing any visible signs of that being the case. Their neighbors are losing their jobs. Food costs and daily living expenses are going up even though there is supposed to be no inflation. The world is becoming a dangerous place. Countries are going into default. States and counties are under financial duress, pensions are underfunded. Even if there are some aspects in the financial world that are not going as planned, This Loanpad review tells you more about the investor experience when it came to peer-to-peer lending. Not everything has to end badly, especially with the help of professionals who can give you advice to help get your financial life back on track.
In spite of all of the above, the stock market continues to make new highs and has not had a significant correction since it turned up in March of 2009. That is not natural in normal markets. Governments around the world keep printing an inordinate amount of money on a monthly basis yet there have been no positive economic effects produced from this activity. Closer examination of the economic numbers published by the government, especially those in the monthly jobs report and housing data, cause many to be extremely suspicious if not outright agnostic. Something isn't right in the financial world and we totally agree. However, I do not want to get into a discussion as to what and why we are where we are today. Make no mistake about it, the world is facing a financial crises the likes of which have never been seen before. This has been discussed ad nauseum and is not the purpose here.
What is pertinent is now is the time to put your investment portfolio insurance in place. NOW!
Everyone should have a minimum of 10-25% of their investment portfolio insured. Insured against what? Insured against a falling bubble bursting stock market, geopolitical uncertainty, unrestrained government printing of currency, and a global collapse of the financial system with the traditional "bank holidays as seen recently in Greece". Greece is already gone and Puerto Rico will be defaulting on bonds this week. Several other countries in the EU are soon to follow Greece. Chicago and the state of Illinois are in deep financial trouble as are many other states and counties.
The precious metals; gold and silver, have a 5000 year history of being the ultimate safe haven for wealth preservation. Gold and silver bullion and bullion coins held outside the U.S. banking system is the insurance that will provide the wealth preservation. There are companies that administrate this service like Lear Capital; you can read a review of them over at Retirement Living. Today the precious metals asset class is held in total utter contempt by the U.S. public and financial industry while at the same time being the most sought after asset by Europe as well as the eastern world ( China, India, Russia, Indonesia are buying inordinate amounts of gold and silver and have been for the last 4 years). The demand however, is still so strong in the U.S. that the sales of gold and silver Eagle coins have been suspended by the U.S. mint because of shortage of bullion supply. This contemptuous attitude will change very quickly as it is only a question of when not if. When it does change, it will be a sudden and immediate event that will not allow time for new passengers to board the train. The time to act is now. Noah did not wait until it started raining to build the Ark.
All the wealth held inside the banking system will be seriously impaired or destroyed. The ETF's GLD and SLV used by the mainstream financial community as an "investment in precious metals" is a sham used only for the manipulation of the precious metals markets and does not eliminate the counter party risk. Inside the banking system includes all 401k's, IRA's not held by alternative investment custodians, mutual funds and stock portfolios at brokerage firms.
The precious metals asset class is very small and given the enormous amount of money that has been printed in the last 7 years; even a slight shift in demand will have the effect of trying to divert Niagara Falls through a funnel. The survivors of the coming financial crises will be those who have managed to preserve at least a portion of their wealth.
The only bullion available will be the in the ground proven reserves of the gold and silver mining companies. They will see an enormous revaluation that will make the dot.com bubble seem like a small pinatta party.
If this theory is TOTALLY wrong, the insurance portion of your portfolio may see a temporary loss but gold and silver have never gone to zero. If on the other hand this analysis is accurate; your portfolio may not only have preserved your wealth but greatly enhanced it.
We can help you get the proper insurance for your portfolio.
Don DiPaola
Golden Returns Capital – LINK


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For the past three weeks, I've been able to feel the baby move. It truly is one of the best, most amazing feelings I've ever experienced! My husband got a chance to feel her kick for the first time around Week 20, and now he's hooked! It's become our little ritual, waking up in the morning, laying in bed, and having a few moments of just us talking to the baby and feeling her kicks. It's one of my most favorite times of the day.
Most of our baby books say that babies sleep 12-14 hours a day in utero, but there are definitely times when I feel distinct movement. For our baby girl, she is most active in the early morning and around 6:00, just before dinner. We joke that she'll definitely be a morning person, as she is always up and ready to start the day. Sometimes she kicks in a rhythmic pattern all in the same spot, other times her movements are sporadic and all around my belly.
While this journey has definitely seemed more real since we found out she's a she, feeling the baby move takes the fact that we'll be parents in a few short months to a whole new level. This is such an special time for us as we literally watch her grow before our eyes, and prepare for her arrival at the end of the summer.


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Whilst the majority of us look forward to Christmas, spending time with our families and exchanging gifts, for many children in foster care it can be a time of very mixed emotions.
Whilst the majority of us look forward to Christmas, spending time with our families and exchanging gifts, for many children in foster care it can be a time of very mixed emotions. Christmas can be very confusing or an overwhelming experience, with some children missing their birth families and unable therefore to feel truly happy. Others having never experienced Christmas celebrations before, find the whole experience, whilst enjoyable, at the same time, slightly strange or bewildering. Even if the children have experienced Christmas celebrations before, given that each family does it differently and have their own traditions, it is likely that the child will have feelings that need to be considered and supported.
The charity, Fostering Network, invited foster carers and professionals involved in foster services to share their Christmas stories. They shared their experiences of trying to create a wonderful Christmas for fostered children and the many changes that needed to be made to their plans in order to accommodate the very individual needs of the child in their care.
The stories demonstrate the amazing expertise of so many foster carers and their absolute dedication to putting their own Christmas experience second to that of the children in their care. What is equally inspiring and tremendously heart-warming is the ability of the foster carers' birth children, who show fantastic insight, patience and care for the children living in their home, putting their needs ahead of their own.
One social worker from Flintshire County Council states that "most Christmas eves, we get asked to place around five children and we are phoning our foster carers asking if they can care for another child over Christmas". We too, have experienced similar demand leading up to Christmas, as local authority placement teams try their absolute best to find a wonderful caring home for each individual child in need. However the reality is that we have limited families available to offer, as all are at capacity. The demand for new foster carers continues to be very high, with new children coming in to care at a rate of 90 per day across England and Wales.
Mark and Sandra, foster carers reported "Christmas of 2015, we woke up Christmas morning all excited, but our little boy didn't know what to do and – his little face was blank." He apparently opened his gifts very slowly with very little excitement, instead looking confused. After Christmas lunch he told his carers that it had been the best dinner he had every had and it was only much later in the year that they became aware that little boy had never had Christmas celebrations before, "no toys, no special food and no family games"
Susan, another foster carer shared, "We had a five year old and a two year old one Christmas. They didn't know what an Advent calendar, Christmas cracker or Christmas dinner was." She explained that afterwards when she had asked the older child what had been the best bit of the day, expecting to hear it was the lovely gifts, she was told it was the Christmas crackers and the dinner, because they had never had that before.
We are so grateful for the fantastic work undertaken by all foster carers and not just at Christmas time, but knowing that they are all going to the moon and back for the children in their care to ensure that their Christmas is memorable and the best it can be, is truly inspiring. Their ability to be flexible and put the child at the centre of their day is what makes them amazing.
We thank our team of foster carers and their super families for their tremendous work and support which ensures that we enable young people every day to go on to achieve their true potential.
Wishing a Happy Christmas to you and your family Angela and Alison xx


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Tag Archives: poetry
Sands of Time
What time is it?
Nap time.
Wrap time.
How much time do you have?
Not much time.
Too much time
No time at all.
Does my time count? Continue reading
Posted in Contempory, Experience the Moment Tagged Expressions, poetry, Time Leave a comment
Ball One
Was it you who threw out the first ball? I caught the ball and ran with it. Was it a tennis ball, a hand ball, a low ball or A high ball? At the black and white ball? Well, it certainly … Continue reading
Posted in Experience the Moment, The written word Tagged contemporary, cultural experience, Games, hallucination, humor, language, poetry, words 2 Comments
One Word at a Time
Simple words. Not hard to find. What makes them Come to mind? Mind you head. Foot the bill. Check it over. Over my head. Hand it over. where? Over there. There comes a day. Is that food For thought? Lend me … Continue reading
Posted in The written word Tagged Daily post, food For thought, language, One syllable words, poetry, words Leave a comment
Weather How's the weather? Icy cold Or spicy Hot? What's the matter With the weather? No matter, mad hatter. Who's the latter? Is the hatter late? Because of the Rain in Spain? Or the snow in Argentina Or the fog … Continue reading
Posted in Experience the Moment Tagged ART, contemporary, geography, Inspiration, mad hatter, mixed media art, NaBloPoMo, NaBloPoMo November, nature, poetry, texture, weather 4 Comments
Flight variations
Flight Variations On the flight of an angel. How high do they fly? Birds fly into the sky. Plates fly in Greek Tavernas. Flight of the Bumble Bee. Is pie in the sky a flight? Butterflies fly over Iguassu … Continue reading
Posted in Experience the Moment Tagged ART, butterflies, flight, Igguasu Falls, Inspiration, mixed media art, NaBloPoMo, NaBloPoMo November, poetry Leave a comment
Sumi Bird ©2013 by Janet Brugos Dreams Day dreams are goals. Night dreams are conflict resolutions. I have used both To enjoy some magnificent adventures. starting with My trip to Europe with my Girl Scout Troop at age sixteen. I … Continue reading
Time Have you got the time? No Time at all. What? What time is it? Greenwich Mean Time. My time. Full time Part time. Half Time. Time out. Time's up. Time's over. Out of time.
Posted in Sports Tagged contemporary, NaBloPoMo, NaBloPoMo November, poetry, Time 1 Comment
Hands Off
Hands Off Hands up. Hands down. Hand it over. Hand it off, Hand it down. Blood On my hands. It is O u t O f m y h a n d s. by Janet Brugos Oakland, CA … Continue reading
Posted in Contempory, Experience the Moment Tagged Expressions, Gorgeous Hands, hand, language, NaBloPoMo, NaBloPoMo November, poetry Leave a comment
Whirling Words
Whirling Words Why are words whirling Around in my head? Whistling, wondering, whining. A good word, a soft word, a sweet word. Word's out. No word. Harsh word. Where o where have my little words gone? Out of mind, out … Continue reading
Posted in Contempory, Experience the Moment Tagged Inspiration, language, mixed media art, NaBloPoMo, NaBloPoMo November, poetry, words 2 Comments


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Smith Optics lenses provides 100% protection from harmful
UVA/B/C ray
.* VLT (Visible Light Transmission) The
percentage of available light allowed to reach
the eye.
Smith Factor X Lens
From Sam Wright of Menlo Park, California on 1/5/2015.
Great - a difficult to find product; arrived right on time. I would use ProLens again.
Smith Factor Replacement lens
From Anonymous of San Ramon, California on 5/3/2014.
Lens fit perfectly and my sunglasses are back to new! No complaints. Shipping was very fast and excellent communication regarding the status of my order. Happy camper!
3/31/2013 – hello sir. i need replacement lenses for my smith ''FACTOR TACTICAL z87+ '' are they for tactical sunglasses or just for normal sunglasses? the photo doesnt look the same. thank you in advance.
Response From Pro-Lens: The Smith Optics Tactical Lenses are not the same as the regular sun lenses. If you call us at 1-800-776-5367, we will be able to help with your Factor Tactical needs.
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After Metro 2033 and Metro Last Light the Ukrainian 4A Games is planning to publish next game from the series, Metro Exodus, in 2018. In June 2017 first gameplay trailer was presented and it looks like the next game could use slogan "Metro, this time without the boring underground bits".
The Roadside Picnic by Boris Strugatsky and Arkady Strugatsky inspired many other artists, including game developers, to create their own versions of the Zone - the place where there are as many treasures as dangers and where the ultimate dreams can became the truth... or the life could end in painful and senseless way. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy developed by Ukrainian studio GSC Game World became the most remembered off-springs of The Roadside Picnic.
The 2005 Dmitry Glukhovsky published a novel called Metro 2033 that was telling the story of young man, one of the survivors of nuclear war that left Moscow devastated, who sets into the dark tunnels of the metro system to save the people he lives with on one of the stations. The basic concept was rather simple - the surface was destroyed and radioactive, so the only place where people could have survived were the subway stations.
Sci-Fi Blog - even though science fiction started before 20th century a lot of people don't realize how vast and rich this genre really is. In United States many people associate sci fi with the Marvel comics and superhero stories, while the core of the science fiction is in the reaching for the future and exploring not only space, but also ourselves.
The Zone T-shirt
The Zone T-shirt
Emma Fielding
Emma Fielding - actress, radio and games voice-over artist


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Pictures of Tiny Houses
12 Tiny Homes That Prove Small Is Beautiful
Photo 10 of 12
Aptly named "The Wedge," this chic cabin features large windows to create the appearance of open space. Wheelhaus also builds all its tiny homes on wheels, allowing buyers the option of mobility with their small dwellings. Because of this fun feature, The Wedge's large windows can take in views of relaxing beaches and lush forests, not limited to one or the other.


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Resource, noun. A source of supply, support, or aid, especially one that can be readily drawn upon when needed.
We believe in educating our clients. The power of knowledge is irreplaceable, not only does it allow you to make strong, smart decisions – it allows you to plan ahead and reap the benefits of such foresight. We've assembled a few resources to help you glean this knowledge and better prepare you for what lies ahead.
Financial Calculators
Browse our helpful collection of interactive financial calculators and other tools to assist you as you begin to make financial decisions. From auto loans, to mortgages to retirement savings, these calculators act as a starting point in your decision making process.