text:
Most of us are personally familiar with the symptoms of a sinus infection: congested nose, cough, fever, pain in the forehead or cheeks and general misery. It's impossible not to feel sympathetic for patients with sinus infections, and it's understandable that they want to do whatever it takes to feel better as soon as possible. And for many doctors and patients "as soon as possible" means "antibiotics". In fact, almost one-fifth of antibiotic prescriptions are given for patients with sinus infections (sinusitis).
Here's where the story gets complicated. Doctors have known for a long time that sinus infections almost always improve even without antibiotics. Originally we thought that the reason for this was because most cases of sinusitis were caused by viruses, which are unaffected by antibiotics. It was thought that only the minority of cases of sinusitis that were caused by bacteria required antibiotics. But it turned out that even most cases of bacterial sinusitis improved on their own, with most people feeling better in 10 days regardless of antibiotics.
So the prevailing teaching has long been that for acute sinusitis the best treatment is nasal decongestants and medications for the cough, pain, and fever. Only the tiny number of people who don't improve in ten days should be prescribed antibiotics. Still, many doctors either don't know this recommendation or acquiesce to patients' expectations for antibiotics. I have certainly been guilty of this misuse of antibiotics many times. A sick patient pleading for antibiotics may be misguided, but he's rarely in the mood for a lesson about the medical literature and the potential harms to society of antibiotic overuse.
Now, when you're healthy, is a good time for that lesson, and a study in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association is the perfect reminder. The study enrolled 166 patients with an acute sinus infection. Half were randomly assigned to receive a ten day course of amoxicillin. The other half received placebo. Both groups were also offered nasal decongestants, cough suppressants, and medicines to reduce pain and fever. Every several days, the patients were interviewed about their symptoms, their satisfaction, and any adverse effects of treatment.
You can already guess the outcome. Both groups did equally well, without any earlier resolution of symptoms for the amoxicillin group. Some doctors concede that sinusitis resolves without antibiotics, but argue that patients feel better sooner if they receive antibiotics. This study debunked that argument. Even at day three there was no difference between the two groups.
The risk of all this antibiotic use is an acceleration of the increasing prevalence of multi-antibiotic-resistant bacteria that threaten to make all our antibiotics ineffective. So the next time you see me with a terrible sinus infection, let me recommend a good nasal decongestant, and let me reassure you that there's nothing else I can do to get you well quicker. Time is your best friend. That's why we call you patients.
Learn more:
Got a sinus infection? Antibiotics probably won't help (Shots, NPR's Health Blog)
Sinus infection? Antibiotics won't help (CNN Health)
Antibiotics do nothing to cure sinus infections, study says: Most cases resolve on their own, and use of drugs can encourage resistance, researchers say (Chicago Tribune)
Amoxicillin for acute rhinosinusitis (Journal of the American Medical Association)
NDM-1: No drug matters (my most recent post about antibiotic resistance)
Albert Fuchs, MD, FACP, graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, where he also did his internal medicine training. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Fuchs spent three years as a full-time faculty member at UCLA School of Medicine before opening his private practice in Beverly Hills in 2000. Holding privileges at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, he is also an assistant clinical professor at UCLA's Department of Medicine. This post originally appeared at his blog.
Blog | Thursday, March 15, 2012
Relearning what we knew: Antibiotics don't help in sinus infections
Posted by Albert Fuchs, MD at 9:00 AM
Labels: Albert Fuchs , antibiotics , drug resistance , guest post


text:
Visit any San Francisco park on a weekday afternoon and you'll likely see babies snoozing in strollers and toddlers pushing trucks through the sand, snacking on goldfish, and zipping down slides. You'll also likely find a gaggle of nannies (and a handful of parents): some attentively watching their kids; others yakking away on their cell phones. Marina resident Maureen Kelly* regularly observes this scene at Moscone Park on Chestnut street.
Jin Yong/Shutterstock
"I walk by the park nearly every day with my dogs and see these babysitters ignoring the children while they talk on their cell phones," Kelly says. "It's really sad and dreadful that no one is playing with or talking to these children. I saw a young boy last fall in a facing-forward stroller, with his 'minder' pushing from behind and talking on the cell phone. The kid literally had his fingers in his ears keeping out the conversation. Lord knows what the effect will be when the future unfolds and we have hundreds and thousands of children in their earliest developmental stages being watched by minders who don't communicate with them. Neglect, loneliness, confusion, and frustration come to mind."
Caregivers commonly carry cell phones. Many families require it for emergency situations. If a child comes down with a fever, the nanny can easily call the parent at work. Also, parents like to check in throughout the day; they might want to find out if their child went down for a nap or let the caregiver know they're running late. But some nannies use their phones to talk to their friends and families and it's debatable whether this is acceptable.
There are parents who feel strongly that their nannies shouldn't be making personal calls while on the job. They believe it's best for a child's development to be fully engaged with an adult throughout the day. It's not uncommon for parents to post want ads on Craigslist that include statements such as "We want a nanny who won't talk on the phone at the park."
Other parents such as San Franciso mom Bao-Tran Truong aren't as adamantly against cell phones. "Our nanny had major family life issues," Truong says. "Her husband was going to be deported and she was trying to get her first child to immigrate to the U.S. from El Salvador, so I understood she did a lot of her 'business' when the kids were napping. She once made a call to El Salvador on our home phone that cost more than $600 but she paid it all back. I felt bad for her 'unique' situation and didn't press her on how she was spending her time with the kids. Also, the kids seemed to be happy and I understood that she was trying to work while balancing her private life as we all do when we are at work. We check our personal email, make a personal call here and there."
Veronique Lauriault, another San Francisco mom, feels similarly. "I know our nanny spoke to her friends during the day," Lauriault says. "But I speak on the cell phone myself when my daughter is around. In fact because of work today, I was on the phone every hour. Sometimes you just have to do it! No choice–I have a client with a major crisis on their hands. My daughter understood but it bugs her clearly. On days when I'm with her normally–picking her up from school–I am 100 percent there for her, but a day like today, there's no choice."
Nannies often work long days: eight- or nine-hour shifts, five or six days a week. They're typically on the job the entire time. Even when a child goes down for a nap, they might do household chores such as loading the dishwasher, picking up toys, and folding laundry. Andrea Lee, codirector of Mujeres Unidas Y Activas, thinks it's reasonable that a nanny might make a personal call or two throughout the day. "Many families don't realize that they're failing to give their children's caregivers basic labor rights such as rest breaks and lunch breaks," says Lee, whose organization trains Latina immigrant women to be caregivers. "These workers often don't have time in their workspace to take care of their own families. Maybe their child is sick and they need to get her to the doctor or call a family member to pick her up at school. We train women to be professional and sing to and talk to the children but it's reasonable that they might have to make a call once in awhile."
Shalini Azariah, owner of Bay Area 2nd Mom, Inc., says her referral agency has a policy that nannies can't use cell phones except to call the children's parents. She expects her caregivers to be fully attentive to the little ones because that's what they're paid to do. "We eliminate the problem by saying the phone can't be used for personal reasons," says Azariah, whose service has locations in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Milpitas, and Emeryville. "We require that the family provide the caregiver with a 'nanny phone' that she can use to communicate with the parents. The caregiver's personal phone needs to be turned off or left in the car as soon as she arrives at the child's house." Azariah also requires that her caregivers watch no television.
Jens Hillen, who owns the nanny referral service Town & Country Resources in San Francisco, says families haven't complained about caregivers talking on their cell phones but texting is an issue. "The nannies perceive this somehow as being more acceptable because it seems as if you're more alert and able to focus on the child," Hillen says. "We advise caregivers to not use their cell phones for personal reasons even if they're only texting. When this comes up, we talk to the caregiver to resolve the issue."
What do the nannies think? Eve Fisher says she's not one of the nannies who gabs on the phone at the park. After caring for 3-year-old twins and now a set of 9-month-old twins she knows that she can't multitask–i.e., talk on a phone while pushing two kids in swings. She sees nannies on their phones at the park all the time–but she thinks parents are just as guilty. "I think parents sometimes hold caregivers to a standard they rarely adhere to themselves."
What do you think? Is it OK for a caregiver to chat with friends and family while also watching a child at the park? Or should the cell phone be used only in emergency situations?
*For purposes of anonymity Maureen Kelly requested that SFGate use a pseudonym.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
"The murders of Black men & women by police is an epidemic in America that we have failed to address as a country..." -Jo ComerfordAn "epidemic"??
1. affecting many persons at the same time, and spreading from person to person in a locality where the disease is not permanently prevalent.
2. extremely prevalent; widespread.
3.a temporary prevalence of a disease.
4.a rapid spread or increase in the occurrence of something
Many persons...spreading rapidly from person to person...really? You know it's not an epidemic. I know it's not an epidemic. You know who else doesn't think it's an epidemic? Jesse Jackson.. Jesse Jackson was on TV last night reciting all the black people shot by racist cops, and he cites...Trayvon Martin. Trayvon Martin??
Several things wrong with this. One, George Zimmerman was not a cop, he was a civilian. Two, despite press reports trying to portray him as a "white Hispanic", George Zimmerman is not white. Three, it was determined to be self defense. And four, if there is such an epidemic of white cops shooting black men and women, how desperate would you have to be to reach back over four years to get an example? After all, an epidemic affects "many persons". Why not cite one of the 'many' recent examples??
Before we move on, just a little trip down memory lane to the thug the media tried to portray as a 12 year old choirboy:
In October 2011, after a video surveillance camera caught Martin writing graffiti on a door, MDSPD Officer Darryl Dunn searched Martin's backpack, looking for the marker he had used. Officer Dunn found 12 pieces of women's jewelry and a man's watch, along with a flathead screwdriver the officer described as a "burglary tool." The jewelry and watch, which Martin claimed he had gotten from a friend he refused to name, matched a description of items stolen during the October 2011 burglary of a house on 204th Terrace, about a half-mile from the school. However, because of Chief Hurley's policy "to lower the arrest rates," as one MDSPD sergeant said in an internal investigation, the stolen jewerly was instead listed as "found property" and was never reported to Miami-Dade Police who were investigating the burglary.
The school suspended him, but they should have reported him to the police. Had his crimes caught up with him then, maybe he would have been in custody instead of
Who else is in this parade of blacks shot by white cops? Michael Brown. Yes, that paragon of virtue who robbed a convenience store, roughing up the shopkeeper on his way out the door, moments before he was confronted by police. I happened to see a few minutes of a "very special" edition of 48 Hours on CBS where they showed a beaming Michael Brown in his high school cap and gown. Really? The phrase "Hands up, don't shoot" originated in the aftermath of the Brown shooting, after a witness lied about Brown not resisting arrest.
Physical and forensic evidence in fact contradict claims by witnesses who have maintained that Brown had his hands up, above his waist when Wilson shot him, the Justice Department concluded.So, "racist cop"? Or "Cop shoots thug attacking him, tried to wrestle his gun away from him"?
Self defense -2, Racist epidemic of white cops shooting blacks - 0 BTW, this part of the "epidemic" took place nearly two years ago.
More recently we have Philando Castile, supposedly shot by another racist white cop, another individual we in the real world call "Hispanic", while his cold blooded girlfriend took video and posted the incident to Facebook. The only video I've seen that she took was after the shooting, and not at all probative in proving guilt or innocence. We do get her (prejudiced) description of what had just happened. Yeah, like Brown's sidekick at the convenience store robbery said that Brown had his hands up saying 'don't shoot'. Color me skeptical.
"I'm going to stop a car," one of the officers calmly begins, according to copies of radio transmissions obtained by KARE-11, an NBC affiliate in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Moments later, the officer reports that his reason to pull the car over was that "the two occupants just look like people that were involved in a robbery."If the officer suspected the driver of an armed robbery, he would have approached the car with his weapon drawn, regardless of the race of the suspect. The girlfriend stated that Castile told the officer he had a permit for the gun, although no evidence of this has been presented. The weapon was apparently visible on the front seat, which would be a felony if the gun were loaded and Castile did not have a CCW.
My advice to you, regardless of your race, is that if a police officer ever approaches you with his gun drawn, that you move very slowly or not at all if instructed to do so. Castile was a black man, but the evidence of racial motivation in this case has yet to be proven, if at all.
Justified shootings -3, Racist epidemic of white cops shooting blacks - 0
Another "death by cop" that some like to throw into the mix is poor Eric Garner. Garner was an overweight individual (350 lbs.) who was the double victim of liberalism. Garner, you'll remember, was arrested outside a store selling "loosies", single cigarettes, for which he was not dutifully collecting the taxes.
New York City boasts the highest cost for cigarettes in the nation, with a pack ranging anywhere from $12 and up. The city lays its own taxes on top of the state's, in an effort both to raise revenue and discourage use of tobacco.Garner was selling individual cigarette to folks who might not be able to afford an entire pack, much less a carton. Garner filled the demand for selling a more affordable product. But, here's where the double victimization comes in: City Hall decided that they needed to make an example of these scofflaws who were denying the city coffers of their taxes, and directed that police step up enforcement of the law prohibiting the sale of "loosies". But it wasn't racial. Eric Garner had "three misdemeanor cases pending in Stapleton Criminal Court. He was free on $2,000 bail."
At the time of his arrest, there was a black policewoman sergeant on the scene overseeing the arrest of Garner. You can argue that the law was unjust, or that the enforcement effort was misplaced, but the proximate cause of Eric Garner's death was Eric Garner resisting arrest. Has he chosen to present his arms for the cuffs and slipped docilely into the back of the squad car or wagon, he would have lived to suck down another Twinkie. I am not unsympathetic to Mr. Garner. He did not expect to die resisting arrest, the men subduing him did not expect to kill him. He may have been outraged for being arrested yet again for trying to make or supplement his living, but it's generally not a good idea to resist arrest. Bad things happen regardless of race.
Another cause célèbre of the racist cops killing blacks is Freddie Gray, a black man who suffered a fatal injury in police custody. He was not shot by police. The man who drove the van that transported him was a black man. And so far, every attempt to criminalize the actions of the officers who arrested and transported Gray has resulted in either an acquittal or a dismissal of charges. No racism proven. Whatsoever.
I haven't mentioned Alton Sterling. On the surface it may look bad, but then, so did most of the cases mentioned above, when described by race baiters with a general disregard of the truth. I will reserve judgement on the Sterling case, and the ultimate resolution of the Castile case, until all the facts have come out and any punishment deserved is meted out, up to and including the death penalty.
But to build a narrative of racial division and hatred, such as has plainly inspired the racially motivated shooting in Dallas is unconscionable. I have often stated that there is a special circle in Hell for those who falsely accuse people of racism. They will have the advantage of looking down on those who sow racial hatred, discord and violence based on nothing but lies.
Non-racially motivated deaths -5, Racist epidemic of white cops shooting blacks - 0. Jury still out -1.
There were a few other cases I omitted because of the length of the piece. At least one, I believed to be justified, One was based on no evidence whatsoever and a third was inconclusive. But add them all up and take away the benefit of the doubt on all of them and you have maybe ten, twelve deaths over four years? In a country of over three hundred million people, that's hardly an "epidemic".
Maybe tomorrow we'll focus on the "epidemic" of blacks shooting white cops? /sarc


text:
Could Nissan Altima Beat Toyota Camry in Annual Sales Contest?
9 April 2013 - Wall Street Journal
While some car makers unveil exotic sports cars, $100,000 coupes and retro-inspired muscle cars with 500-horsepower engines, industry watchers know the real action is in the midsize-sedan segment, where models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion and Chevy Malibu fight for market share and the title of best-selling car.
This year there are signs the Nissan Altima could shake up the segment's usual finishing order. That could give the traditionally boring car category a rare shot of excitement. Stiffer competition could also lead to better deals for prospective buyers.
By the end of each year the battle typically comes down to the Camry and Accord. The Altima made a respectable run at Toyota last year but never really threatened the company whose Camry has been the most popular basic family sedan for most of the last decade and a half.
So far this year looks like it has the makings of a horse race. Camry is ahead as usual with 100,830 cars sold through the end of March. Accord trails with 88,427 and Nissan has 86,952. But Nissan won the battle last month, selling 37,763 Altimas compared with 37,663 Camrys and 36,504 Accords. Ford Motor Co.'s redesigned Fusion is within striking distance with 30,284 sales in March and 80,558 for the first three months of 2013.
Nissan and Honda have the potential advantage of more recently redesigned models that many agree are more stylish and fun to look at than the Camry, which was redone for 2012 but still looks dowdy. Ford is also betting on the attractive design of its Fusion to pull customers away from rival brands.
Still, demand for midsize family cars has long been driven by practical considerations like price and reliability, not styling and fun-to-drive performance. After seemingly test-driving every midsize sedan on the market my mother recently wound up in a Camry because it was less expensive than the others and had the features she wanted. Her experience was typical of U.S. car shoppers. The midsize sedan is largely a rolling appliance and in the end, cheaper is better for many drivers.
Toyota also sells a lot of Camrys to rental fleets. Honda says it avoids fleet sales because they cheapen its brand. But numbers don't discriminate, and Toyota's fleet customers have helped it win the sales war year after year.
The same thing may happen this year, but I sense a gradual loss of momentum for the Camry while other models like the Altima, Accord and Fusion, plus the Volkswagen Passat and Chevrolet Malibu, are looking better and benefiting from more aggressive marketing.
Look for a closer, more exciting sales race as 2013 continues. By next fall the competition could get downright exciting, especially if you're shopping for a car.


text:
Construction for Singapore's end of high-speed rail expected to start in 2019
THE Land Transport Authority has called tenders for the design and construction of tunnels and associated facilities for Singapore's end of the high-speed rail project connecting with Kuala Lumpur.
Construction is expected to start next year.
"We called the tenders for the design and construction of twin bored tunnels and associated facilities on April 6, and the design and construction of cut and cover tunnels leading into the Jurong East terminus on April 11," an LTA spokesman said.
The tunnels are constructed using tunnel-boring machines, which are preferred for longer stretches of underground excavation as they cause less disturbance to surface utilities, buildings and structures.
In comparison, cut and cover tunnels are constructed using retaining structures, then excavating in stages.
Your feedback is important to us
Tell us what you think. Email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
This method is preferred for shorter distances and in open areas with fewer surface utilities, buildings and structures.
Cut and cover tunnels are also more suitable for larger underground structures, such as the tunnel leading to the Jurong East terminus.
The LTA said the remaining civil tenders will be called in the coming months, and construction work is expected to commence next year.
"We remain on track to commence the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore express service by 2026," the spokesman said.


text:
Mr. Carpainter (or just Carpainter) is a boss from the SNES game EarthBound, appearing as a hypnotized man that is used to do evil things.
- Happy Happy Cult, a cult in love with the color blue, who live in Happy Happy Village. He bought the Evil Mani Mani statue from Lier X. Agerate before Ness got to Twoson. Because of the influence of the statue, he believes painting the world blue was the key to happiness. In addition, Carpainter's cult was also planning to sacrifice young girl Paula Polestar, only to be stopped by Ness. He is the leader of the
Carpainter displays powerful lightning attacks. However, Ness can receive a Franklin Badge from Paula before the battle so that it redirects the lightning to him. After he is defeated, he finds the statue had been controlling him and apologizes for everything he'd caused.
(+) Max HP: 262 - Max PP: 70 - Offense: 33 - Defense: 45 - Speed: 8 - Guts: 13 - Exp.: 1412 - Money: $195 - No chance of getting an item
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


text:
Interactive cocktail event provider Liquor Lab expands in US
An entrepreneur who founded Liquor Laboratory, which offers beginner to advanced cocktail classes for consumers, is set to open his first permanent venue in the US.
Liquor Laboratory, founded by Owen Meyer, who used to work in sales at Beam Suntory, will enlist the talents of certified beer, wine and spirits specialists, alongside top bartenders, to offer interactive events teaching everything from how to make classic cocktails, to home brewing, and even how to make crystal clear ice.
Liquor Lab has been undergoing a pilot test run for a year in Chicago under two separate formats: the Wine & Whiskey Concept, which offers an "experiential event" similar to pop-up dining club experiences that are currently growing in popularity, and the "hands-on experience" of Liquor Lab.
Liquor Lab will open its first permanent location in New York in September, and tickets for events will go on sale from October this year.
Each consumer who attends a class – tickets for which can be purchased through the Liquor Lab website at www. LiquorLaboratory.com – will be given a comment card, incentivised with a "best of" cocktail book for those who offer their feedback.
Furthermore, Liquor Lab will also offer "real-time" consumer insights and trend reports as a result of its events.
Companies will then be able to pay to pull reports from Liquor Lab's online portal in real time and discover what consumers are saying "at the point of consumption".
Meyer is already planning to take Liquor Lab nationwide, and is set to launch his venture in Chicago, Denver, Austin, Vegas, California, Seattle and Portland and other regions in 2018.
Meyer said: "Essentially, the inspiration for this came from two pressure points: one, the demand for hands-on experiences/experiential events by consumers. Two, the new challenges brands are facing to effectively engage consumers.
"Our goal is to make a difference in the way consumers learn and engage with brands (beer/wine/spirits) and vice versa. This way both parties walk away happy because they learned something that they can use again."


text:
With his participation in the World Cup in Russia called into question after a shoulder injury, Egyptian superstar Mo Salah is working hard to be fit to help his team in the opening match against Uruguay on Friday.
Footage by RT's Ruplty video agency showed Salah training individually with a physical therapist at the stadium in the Chechen capital, Grozny, which the Egyptian national team chose to base its camp during the tournament. The workout of the 25-year-old striker included exercises with fit ball and rubber bands, as well as other activities.
.@MoSalah filmed working out hard to recover for Egypt's #WorldCup opener (VIDEO) 🇪🇬⚽🏆 @Pharaohs▶ https://t.co/IqaDSCflNX ◀pic.twitter.com/QzUUEUGJA0— RT Sport (@RTSportNews) 12 июня 2018 г.
Salah, who scored 32 goals in 36 appearances for Liverpool and led his team to the Champions League final this season, is considered the main rival for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the contest for the title of world's best footballer.
However, his World Cup dreams were nearly crushed after the Egyptian suffered a shoulder injury in that very final, following what many believe was dirty play by Real Madrid's defender Sergio Ramos.
READ MORE: Mo Salah is the best footballer and a perfect person – Kadyrov (VIDEO)
Despite his physical problems, Salah has been included in Egypt's lineup for the Mundial, but it's currently unclear if he'll be able to appear in his country's opening march against Uruguay on June 15 or in the crucial second game against host Russia.


text:
We're excited to reveal the retail cover of New Noise Magazine issue #45 with Teenage Bottlerocket on the cover, as well as a second flexi featuring an exclusive song written by Teenage Bottlerocket bassist Miguel Chen titled "Olivia Goes To Bolivia" – recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, CO. Cover art by Chris Shary.
Grab a copy of the issue here.
Chen comments on the song:
"My wife Lily and I were sitting one day talking about how we hope our baby Olivia goes on even more adventures than we have. We were dreaming of the places she'd go and Lily mentioned Bolivia. I instantly thought 'Olivia goes to Bolivia…hmmm….' After two obsessive days, the song was written and shittily demoed on my laptop. It's about Olivia kicking ass and eating humintas."
The issue also includes a Masked Intruder flexi, with the band covering Joan Jett's song "Bad Reputation" (stream it here). You can also purchase the Masked Intruder cover variant of issue #45 here.
Teenage Bottlerocket will be releasing their new album Stay Rad on March 15, 2019 through Fat Wreck Chords. You can pre-order the album here. Check out their song "I Wanna Be a Dog" below, taken from the new release.


text:
Kakuichi Institute's mission is to help lay the foundation for a better world, and part of that process requires reevaluating our poorly conceived but deeply held belief that we are separate from each other, from nature, and from the world at large. Leading edge science confirms that rather than being separate, we are in fact deeply interconnected with each other and with the world around us in ways that we are only just beginning to understand.
Please find below a selection of studies that provide solid evidence of a deeper, more interconnected reality that exists beyond the scope of the materialistic, mechanistic world-view. A more thorough list of studies showing subtle energy in action can be found here at the Institute of Noetic Sciences.
Prayer and Intention studies
Can we help just by good intentions? A meta-analysis of experiments on distant intention effects, University Medical Center Freiburg (Nov 2012)
Results: The model yielded an overall effect size of d=0.11 (p=0.03).
Conclusions: The hypothesis of the positive effect of benevolent intentions is supported by the data presented.
Distant Healing Of Surgical Wounds: An Exploratory Study, Institute of Noetic Sciences (Jul 2012)
A post-hoc analysis found that among participants assigned to receive distant healing intention under blinded conditions, those undergoing reconstructive surgery after breast cancer treatment reported significantly better change in mood than those who were undergoing purely elective cosmetic surgery (P = .004).
Study of the therapeutic effects of proximal intercessory prayer (STEPP) on auditory and visual impairments in rural Mozambique, Indiana University (Sep 2010)
Subjects exhibited improved audition and/or visual acuity subsequent to proximal intercessory prayer. The magnitude of measured effects exceeds that reported in previous suggestion and hypnosis studies.
Compassionate intention as a therapeutic intervention by partners of cancer patients: effects of distant intention on the patients' autonomic nervous system Institute of Noetic Sciences (Jul 2008)
Design: Skin conductance level was measured in each member of a couple, both of whom were asked to feel the presence of the other.
Results: Overall, receivers' skin conductance increased during the intention epochs (z = 3.9; P = .00009, two-tailed).
Conclusions: Directing intention toward a distant person is correlated with activation of that person's autonomic nervous system. Strong motivation to heal and to be healed, and training on how to cultivate and direct compassionate intention, may further enhance this effect.
Effects of healing intention on cultured cells and truly random events Institute of Noetic Sciences (Feb 2004)
Conclusions: Results were consistent with the postulate that healing intention, applied repeatedly in a given location, may alter or condition that site so as to enhance the growth of treated cell cultures compared to untreated controls. Repeated intentions also appear to be associated with a general increase in negentropy or statistical order.
Measuring effects of music, noise, and healing energy using a seed germination bioassay, University of Arizona (Feb 2004)
Objective: To measure biologic effects of music, noise, and healing energy without human preferences or placebo effects using seed germination as an objective biomarker.
Methods: Healing energy was administered for 15-20 minutes every 12 hours with the intention that the treated seeds would germinate faster than the untreated seeds.
Results: Healing energy had a significant effect compared to an untreated control (main condition, p < 0.0006) and over time (p < 0.0001) with a magnitude of effect comparable to that of musical sound.
Conclusion: This study suggests that sound vibrations (music and noise) as well as biofields (bioelectromagnetic and healing intention) both directly affect living biologic systems, and that a seed germination bioassay has the sensitivity to enable detection of effects caused by various applied energetic conditions.
Effects of remote, retroactive intercessory prayer on outcomes in patients with bloodstream infection: randomised controlled trial, Rabin Medical Center, Israel (Dec 2001)
Results: Mortality was 28.1% in the intervention group and 30.2% in the control group. Length of stay in hospital and duration of fever were significantly shorter in the intervention group than in the control group.
Conclusions: Remote, retroactive intercessory prayer said for a group is associated with a shorter stay in hospital and shorter duration of fever in patients with a bloodstream infection and should be considered for use in clinical practice.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of the Effects of Remote, Intercessory Prayer on Outcomes in Patients Admitted to the Coronary Care Unit, Saint Luke's Hospital (Oct 1999)
Conclusions: Remote, intercessory prayer was associated with shorter hospital stays and speedier recoveries. This result suggests that prayer may be an effective adjunct to standard medical care.
Effects of Group Practice of the Transcendental Meditation Program on Preventing Violent Crime in Washington, D.C., Maharishi University (Jun 1999)
Abstract: Homicides, rapes and assault crimes dropped significantly during the Demonstration Project, corresponding with increases in the size of the group; the maximum decrease was 23.3%, coincident with the peak number of participants in the group during the final week of the assembly.
Positive therapeutic effects of intercessory prayer in a coronary care unit population, San Francisco General Medical Center (Jul 1988).
Results: Of the multiple variables measured, congestive heart failure, cardiopulmonary arrest, pneumonia, diuretics, antibiotics, and intubation/ventilation were seen less frequently in the prayer group.
The prayer group had shorter stays in the CCU and presented fewer complications than the control group.
Healing studies
Transcriptional Changes in Cancer Cells Induced by Exposure to a Healing Method, St Joseph's College (Jul 2018).
The goal of this study was to assess whether stored or recorded energy has an impact on breast cancer cells in vitro, using energy-charged cotton and electromagnetic recording of healers practicing the method. Expression of genes involved in cancer and inflammation pathways was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Treatment of cells using energy-charged cotton resulted in statistically significant changes <1.5-fold. In cells exposed to an electromagnetic recording, 37 genes of 167 tested showed a >1.5-fold change when compared to the control, and 68 genes showing statistically significant fold changes. Two genes, ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β), were consistently downregulated at 4 and 24 hours of exposure to the recording, respectively, in 3 independent experiments. Both ACLY and IL-1β were also downregulated in cells exposed to a hands-on delivery of the method, suggesting these 2 genes as potential markers of the healing method.
Anomalous magnetic field activity during a bioenergy healing experiment, Indiana University School of Medicine (Sep 2010).
A few studies have reported magnetic field changes during bioenergy healing. In a pilot experiment, we examined magnetic field activity during hands-on healing and distant healing of mice with experimentally induced tumors. During healing sessions, we observed distinct magnetic field oscillations adjacent to the mice cages, which were similar in appearance to those reported by Zimmerman (1985). The magnetic field oscillations began as 20–30 Hz oscillations, slowing to 8–9 Hz, and then to less than 1 Hz, at which point the oscillations reversed and increased in frequency, with an overall symmetrical appearance resembling a "chirp wave". The waves ranged from 1–8 milliGauss peak-to-peak in strength and 60–120 sec in duration. Evidence to date suggests that bioenergy healing may be detectable with DC gaussmeters, although we have not ruled out an artifactual basis for the oscillations reported here.
Feeling the future: A meta-analysis of 90 experiments on the anomalous anticipation of random future events, Cornell University (Oct 2015)
Hypothesis: an individual's cognitive and affective responses can be influenced by randomly selected stimulus events that do not occur until after his or her responses have already been made and recorded, a generalized variant of the phenomenon traditionally denoted by the term precognition.
Results: We here report a meta-analysis of 90 experiments from 33 laboratories in 14 countries which yielded an overall effect greater than 6 sigma, z = 6.40, p = 1.2 × 10-10 with an effect size (Hedges' g) of 0.09. A Bayesian analysis yielded a Bayes Factor of 1.4 × 109, greatly exceeding the criterion value of 100 for "decisive evidence" in support of the experimental hypothesis.
Linking Minds Through Joint Attention, R. Sheldrake, The Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research (Oct 2015)
Joint attention is the shared focus of two or more people on the same thing... In this investigation the participants worked in pairs. They were separated by a wall in such a way that they could not see each other, but both could see a target object such as an apple. One participant ('the guesser') had to guess whether or not the other person ('the looker') was looking at the object.
The total number of hits was 3,255 (52.5%), significantly above the chance level of 50% (p = 0.00003). In 155 of the tests the hit rate was above chance, and in 109 below chance. The data suggest that the guessers were picking up unidentified influences from the lookers.
Automated Tests for Telephone Telepathy Using Mobile Phones, R. Sheldrake, The Journal of Science and Healing (Jul 2015)
In 745 trials with two callers, there were 411 hits (55.2%), above the 50% chance level (P = .003).
AWARE-AWAreness during REsuscitation-a prospective study, State University of New York (Dec 2014)
In some cases of cardiac arrest, memories of visual awareness compatible with so called out-of-body experiences may correspond with actual events.
Cardiac arrest survivors commonly experience a broad range of cognitive themes, with 2% exhibiting full awareness. This supports other recent studies that have indicated consciousness may be present despite clinically undetectable consciousness.
Summary of study here
Let Your Eyes Predict: Prediction Accuracy of Pupillary Responses to Random Alerting and Neutral Sounds, University of Padova (Oct 2011)
Abstract: This study investigates the prediction accuracy of anticipatory pupil dilation responses in humans prior to the random presentation of alerting or neutral sounds. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the autonomous nervous system may react prior to the presentation of random stimuli.
The pupil dilation of both males and females predicted alerting sounds approximately 10% more accurately than would be expected by chance, whereas neutral sounds were predicted at the chance level.
PDF here
Feeling the future: experimental evidence for anomalous retroactive influences on cognition and affect, Cornell University (Mar 2011)
Data are presented for 4 time-reversed effects: precognitive approach to erotic stimuli and precognitive avoidance of negative stimuli; retroactive priming; retroactive habituation; and retroactive facilitation of recall. The mean effect size (d) in psi performance across all 9 experiments was 0.22, and all but one of the experiments yielded statistically significant results.
Using nine studies and about 1,000 students, he demonstrated that individuals can predict outcome on a variety of measures, from which side of a computer screen a picture will appear on to how many words they can recall from a list. His findings show that just over half of those involved had the ability to predict outcomes.
Over 100 sessions, the subjects consistently performed above chance, and correctly located the erotic image 53.1 percent of the time.
Full paper here
Do You Know Who is Calling? Experiments on Anomalous Cognition in Phone Call Receivers, University Medical Center Freiburg (Apr 2009)
Our data strongly suggests that there are a few participants who are able to score reliably and repeatedly above chance.
The Sense of Being Stared At: An Automated Test on the Internet, R. Sheldrake, Journal of the Society for Psychical Research (2008)
The average hit rate was 53.0% (p <1x10-6); 268 participants scored above the chance level of 10 out of 20, 150 below, and 80 at the chance level.
Replicable functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence of correlated brain signals between physically and sensory isolated subjects, University of Washington (Dec 2005)
These data replicate previous findings suggesting that correlated neural signals may be detected by fMRI and EEG in the brains of subjects who are physically and sensorily isolated from each other.
Event-related electroencephalographic correlations between isolated human subjects, Institute of Noetic Sciences (Apr 2004)
Under certain conditions, the EEG of a sensorially isolated human subject can become correlated with event-related potentials in a distant person's EEG. This suggests the presence of an unknown form of energetic or informational interaction.
Electrophysiological evidence of intuition, Institute of HeartMath (Apr 2004)
Objectives: The first objective, presented in two empirical papers (Part 1 PDF and Part 2 PDF), was to replicate and extend the results of previous experiments demonstrating that the body can respond to an emotionally arousing stimulus seconds before it is actually experienced.
Results: The main findings presented here are: (1) surprisingly, both the heart and brain appear to receive and respond to intuitive information; (2) even more surprisingly, there is compelling evidence that the heart appears to receive intuitive information before the brain; (3) there were significant differences in prestimulus event-related potentials for calm versus emotional stimuli.
Who is calling at this hour? Local sidereal time and telephone telepathy, University of Amsterdam (Jan 2004)
Analyses show a significant over-all scoring rate of 29.4% (p = .05). The results are in support of the existence of telephone telepathy.
Electrodermal Presentiments of Future Emotions, Institute of Noetic Sciences (2004)
Abstract: In previously reported double-blind experiments, electrodermal activity (EDA) monitored during display of randomly selected photographs showed that EDA was higher before emotional photos than before calm photos (p = 0.002). This differential effect, suggestive of precognition, was dubbed "presentiment."
The new studies again showed higher EDA before emotional photos than before calm photos (p = 0.001)... As a more general test, presentiment predicts a positive correlation between pre-stimulus EDA and independently assessed emotionality ratings of the photo targets. The observed correlation across all four experiments was significantly positive (p = 0.008).
Correlations between brain electrical activities of two spatially separated human subjects, Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology (Jan 2003)
Six channels electroencephalogram (EEG) were recorded simultaneously from pairs of separated human subjects in two acoustically and electromagnetically shielded rooms. While brain electric responses to visual pattern-reversal stimuli were elicited in one subject, the other subject relaxed without stimulation... Significant departures of Q ratios from reference distributions, based on baseline EEG in non-stimulation periods, were found in most non-stimulated subjects. The results indicate that correlations between brain activities of two separated subjects may occur, although no biophysical mechanism is known.
A Dog That Seems to Know When His Owner Is Coming Home: Videotaped Experiments and Observations, R. Sheldrake, Journal of Scientific Exploration (2000)
Many dog owners claim that their animals know when a member of the household is about to come home, showing their anticipation by waiting at a door or window. We have investigated such a dog, called Jaytee, in more than 100 videotaped experiments. In experiments in which his owner, Pam Smart (PS) returned at randomly-selected times, Jaytee was at the window 4 per cent of the time during the main period of her absence and 55 percent of the time when she was returning (p<0.0001). When PS returned at non-routine times of her own choosing, Jaytee also spent very significantly more time at the window when she was on her way home. His anticipatory behaviour usually began shortly before she set off. In control experiments, when PS was not returning, Jaytee did not wait at the window more and more as time went on. Possible explanations for Jaytee's behavior are discussed. We conclude that the dog's anticipation may have depended on a telepathic influence from his owner.
A video about Jaytee was produced, which you can view here
A difficult case: Diagnosis made by hallucinatory voices Lambeth Healthcare NHS Trust (Dec 1997)
In 1984, a woman started hearing a voice in her head. The voice told her she had a brain tumor, where the tumor was, and how to treat it. Despite no other symptoms, doctors eventually ordered tests and found a tumor where the voice said it would be.
The voice reportedly told her: "Please don't be afraid. I know it must be shocking for you to hear me speaking to you like this, but this is the easiest way I could think of. My friend and I used to work at the Children's Hospital, Great Ormond Street, and we would like to help you."... The operation was carried out in May of 1984 with no surgical complications. According to A.B., she heard from the voices one last time after regaining consciousness when she heard them say, 'We are pleased to have helped you. Goodbye.'
Extrasensory Electroencephalographic Induction between Identical Twins, Jefferson Medical College (Oct 1965)
Alpha rhythms have been elicited in one of a pair of identical twins as a result of evoking these rhythms in a conventional manner solely in the other.
PDF here.
Predicting the Unpredictable: 75 Years of Experimental Evidence, Institute of Noetic Sciences (Nov 2011)
From time immemorial, people have reported foreknowledge of future events... 85 of 101 studies (84%) reported by 25 different laboratories from the United States, Italy, Spain, Holland, Austria, Sweden, England, Scotland, Iran, Japan, and Australia, have produced results in the direction predicted by a retrocausal effect (odds against chance = 1.3 x 1012, via a sign test). Assessment of the methodologies used in these studies has not identified plausible conventional alternatives for the observed outcomes, suggesting the existence of a genuine retrocausal phenomenon.
PDF here
Correlation of Continuous Random Data with Major World Events, Princeton University (Jul 2002)
Here we describe data from a global network of physical random number generators that shows unexpected structure apparently associated with major world events.
Focused analyses of data recorded on September 11, 2001, show departures from random expectation in several statistics.
In summary, we find evidence for a small, but replicable effect on data from a global network of random generators that is correlated with designated periods of intense collective human activity or engagement, but not with any physical sources of influence.
More information on similar studies can be found at The Global Consciousness Project of Princeton University.
An Experimental Test of the Hypothesis of Formative Causation, R. Sheldrake, Biology Forum (1992)
The hypothesis of formative causation predicts that as animals of a given species learn a new pattern of behaviour, other similar animals will subsequently tend to learn the same thing more readily all over the world, a result of a process called morphic resonance.
The results are consistent with such an effect, which shows up with a high degree of statistical significance (p < 0.01).
McDougall's Lamarckian Experiment, Harvard University (1920-1931)
As a result of training rats to perform a specific task for many generations, this investigator claims to have induced inhitance of a specific modification in their behaviour.
See Rat Learning and Morphic Resonance, an article on these experiments by Ruper Sheldrake.
Brain-to-brain entrainment: EEG interbrain synchronization while speaking and listening, Basque Center on Cognition Brain and Language (Jun 2017)
Results show that brain oscillations are synchronized between listener and speaker during conversation. These results demonstrate the existence of brain-to-brain entrainment which is not merely an epiphenomenon of auditory processing, during listening to one speaker. The study highlights the validity of the two-person neuroscience framework for understanding induced brain activity.
The phantom leaf effect: a replication, Pantheon Research Inc. (Feb 2015)
Thirty percent to 60% of plant leaves were amputated, and the remaining leaf sections were photographed with corona discharge imaging.
Conclusion: A normally undetected phantom "structure," possibly evidence of the biological field, can persist in the area of an amputated leaf section, and corona discharge can occur from this invisible structure.
See example image here, an overview of ideas about biofield science here, and an overview of devices used in biofield research here.
Lunar Cycle Effects in Stock Returns, Emory University (Sep 2001)
We find strong lunar cycle effects in stock returns. Specifically, returns in the 15 days around new moon dates are about double the returns in the 15 days around full moon dates. This pattern of returns is pervasive; we find it for all major U.S. stock indexes over the last 100 years and for nearly all major stock indexes of 24 other countries over the last 30 years. In contrast, we find no reliable or economically important evidence of lunar cycle effects in return volatility and volume of trading. Taken as a whole, this evidence is consistent with popular beliefs that lunar cycles affect human behavior.
Correlations of random binary sequences with pre-stated operator intention: a review of a 12-year program, Princeton University (1997)
Strong correlations between output distribution means of a variety of random binary processes and prestated intentions of some 100 individual human operators have been established over a 12-year experimental program. More than 1000 experimental series, employing four different categories of random devices and several distinctive protocols, show comparable magnitudes of anomalous mean shifts from chance expectation, with similar distribution structures.
[The study] comprising more than 1500 complete experimental series generated over a period of 12 years in rigid tripolar protocols by over 100 unselected human operators using several random digital processors, [demonstrates] strong statistical correlations between the means of the output distributions and the pre-recorded intentions of the operators appear in virtually all of the experiments using random sources.
PDF here


text:
Welcome to Minneapolis South High Yearbook's Website
This is where you will find all the neccessary information regarding the Yearbook. Links include how to order a yearbook, yearbook promotions, how to submit photo's to be used in the Yearbook, how to submit photo's for Senior pictures, how to order baby ad's, and how to order business ad's.
Senior Photo Submission
Yearbook Orders
There are two ways to order your yearbook:
Online- (accepts major credit cards)
or bring cash to Ms. Schneider in room 128
Payment plans can be arranged.
Buy a Business Advertisment
Every year, the yearbook staff at South High school must sell ads to businesses in and around the community to help pay for the expenses that go into making the yearbook. Without the revenue from these sales, the yearbook would be impossible to produce, so we depend on and greatly appreciate businesses that consider purchasing ads. Your ad will be prominently displayed in the yearbook and will be viewed by students, parents, faculty as well as the entire South community for years to come!
Submit a picture that may be used in the Yearbook-Digital Timecapsule
Start uploading photos for the 2017-2018 school year! ReplayIt - Your online home for all the photos of the school year! Click around to see your friends. Use the timeline, or just hop from tag to tag to view photos. Get in on the action and share your own photos. Get into the yearbook! Create the story of your year. Together
Download the free app today for iphones in the App Store or on Google Play


text:
News Releases
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today made the following statement at a Committee hearing on spurring job growth by removing barriers to capital formation for small businesses
Statement of Senator Richard C. Shelby
Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
December 1, 2011
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
"Today, the Committee will consider ways to increase job growth by improving access to capital for small businesses. Over the past three years, the number of new businesses launched each year has fallen by 23%. This sharp decline should be viewed as a warning signal about our economic future.
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. However, if entrepreneurs are not creating new small businesses today, there won't be new large industries tomorrow. It is therefore critical to the long-term health of our economy that entrepreneurs have the tools they need to create and innovate.
"Unfortunately, the laws and regulations pushed by the Administration over the past three years have created a regulatory climate hostile to business creation. The Administration has viewed businesses not as valuable contributors to our economy, but as a means for implementing social policy. In the 2,000 pages of Dodd-Frank, there is not a single item that would make it easier to start a business.
"Instead of focusing on how to create jobs, the Administration has imposed one costly mandate after another. These mandates are not only costly, but they bog down small businesses with unnecessary regulations. In some cases, these regulations are fatal to fragile startups. In other cases, they discourage the flow of capital investment needed to even start a new business.
"It should therefore be no surprise that our unemployment rate has stagnated at 9 percent and business creation has plummeted over the past three years. If we want to return to an economy that creates jobs, there needs to be a change in policy. Fortunately, there seems to be one area where there is a bipartisan consensus for change --making it easier for entrepreneurs to obtain funding.
"This could be done in two ways. First, the securities laws and regulations could be amended to make it easier for private companies to raise capital. For example, companies could be permitted to raise money from a greater number of investors without having to incur the substantial reporting costs of registering with the SEC. Since nearly all new businesses are private companies, these types of reforms could help reduce one of the primary obstacles all entrepreneurs face.
"The second way we can increase the availability of funding is to make it easier for companies to access the public markets. Presently, small businesses that want to go public have to overcome a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach that requires them to bear disproportionate costs.
"According to a recent report by the IPO Task Force -- a group of professionals representing emerging growth companies – 'the cumulative effect of a sequence of regulatory actions … while mostly aimed at protecting investors from behaviors and risks posed by the largest public companies…have driven up costs for emerging growth companies looking to go public….' The IPO Task Force estimates that the average cost for a company to go public is $2.5 million, and the annual cost to stay public is $1.5 million.
"These costs make the public markets unaffordable for thousands of small companies. As a result, regulation can deprive funding for companies at exactly the moment they want to expand and create new jobs.
"While our Securities laws have helped to preserve our capital markets as the largest and deepest in the world, they need to strike the right balance between protecting investors and ensuring that companies can raise funds. It is becoming apparent that we do not have the right balance. The laws need to consider the real world costs of complying with regulations, especially those borne by small businesses.
"Accordingly, I am encouraged that several bills have already been introduced with bipartisan support that would address some of the unique problems faced by small businesses. It is my hope that the Committee will take a serious look at these bills and other proposals to modernize our Securities laws.
"Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of talk about the need to do more to create jobs. I believe that these bills give the Committee an opportunity to take action. Accordingly, I stand ready to work with my colleagues on the Committee to develop legislation to get our economy back on track.
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman."


text:
I volunteer for HAHS (Hooved Animal Humane Society) and I was supposed to work the booth at an event on Saturday. This meant that I was up at 7 am on a Saturday morn. Ugh. Not content to find something close, I have to travel about 60 miles each way to get to Woodstock, IL - where HAHS and Saturday's event are located.
I finally arrived at the event, almost an hour late thanks to the beaucoup amount of construction, to find NO ONE there. The booth wasn't set up, it was a giant garage sale at the county fairgrounds and there were maybe 10 cars in the lot. I called the volunteer coordinator who called the director who said, 'Can it, just bring the booth stuff back to the farm.' Alrighty. So, I found myself 60 miles from home with the whole day stretching in front of me. *grumble*
After thoroughly rooting around at the garage sale (and finding much cool stuff), I decided to go home and take a nap. Except I wasn't willing to get back on the highway, given the construction gridlock I knew was waiting...so I decided to take an alternate path home.
By alternate path, I mean that I wandered off in the general direction of home, taking whatever roads struck my fancy. My family gives me no end of grief over my nonexistent sense of direction, but I enjoy my rambles.
In this case, I was on some road, somewhere north and west of home when I saw a sign saying 'Autumn Drive - crafts, art and more.' 'Hmm, sounds cool,' thinks I and away I went. And it really was - I hope I can find it again next year, 'cause I had a wonderful time!
First, I found huge, bushy, beautiful mums, at a fraction of the cost in the store. They were out of the color I liked, but the nice lady said that another truck was coming and if I returned in 45 minutes or so, I'd have my pick. Coolness! So I wandered onward.
I stopped and sampled some yummy preserves, looked at photographs and played in a corn maze and then... I found the antiques barn. And I walked in and a golden light shone down and there was a heavenly chorus and... okay, not really. BUT, I had found a china hutch. Yay!
Those who've seen my apartment also give me grief, 'cause I've been there more than 2 years now and it looks like I moved in last week. I have very little furniture, and many, many cardboard boxes. So, me actually buying a piece of furniture is a very big deal.
And my hutch is beautiful! It's made of maple, stained dark, like walnut. and it's got glass doors on the top 2 cabinents and wonderful trim and ooh, I'm so happy with it! Yay! I told the man that I'd take it if it would fit into a jeep cherokee. (By now, the mums were completely forgotten - my whole brain was occupied by the hutch.) So he measured it and mumbled to himself and measured some more, and said that it's 2 pieces and it would probably fit... he thinks... probably.
So I went back to get the jeep, which was parked 1/2 mile down the road by the flower place, and when I got there, the truck had just arrived. The hutch was too wonderful to completely slip my mind, but I was once again concentrating on mums. I bought 3 pots of mums, each of which were about 2' high and 1.5 - 2' in diameter. (Two are a lovely scarlet/burgundy shade and one is a sunny yellow.) Then I drove back to the furniture guy...
Where I had to spend a few minutes emptying the back of the jeep of the mums and all the treasures I'd picked up at the garage sale, and the 2 bins of assorted things I find necessary to daily driving, while the man's eyebrows climbed ever higher. It took 3 guys, but they got the hutch into the jeep. Then it took me another 10-15 minutes to find a way to cram everything else back in around the hutch. When I was done, the guys who bet I'd never get everything stuffed back in there had to pay off the guy who said I would. Ha!
And so we return to the totally-lost part of the day wherein I attempted to find my way home. It took me an hour and a half, but eventually my theory that if you just drive far enough, you'll eventually find a place you recognize proved to be true yet again. And really, it wouldn't have taken me any longer to take the highway. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
So, Gentle Reader, we have arrived at the nearly-squashed-like-a-bug portion of the day when I decided against calling a co-worker at home to borrow her 6'2" husband and football-playing teenage son for help in unloading the hutch from the back of my vehicle. Oh no, I can do it. Just because it took 3 guys to get it IN the jeep... bah! The top of the hutch was the easy part. I got it out of the jeep and, inching it along, into my (Thank you, God!) first floor apartment. The bottom half of the hutch took a bit more effort to remove, and led to the first "uh-oh, I'm gonna get squished" moment of the day, but with a last minute heave, I saved myself (and the hutch) and got it upright and on the ground. Scooting it in through the sliding glass door was an adventure, but I did it. yay, me!
I had barely gotten it inside when my cat was under it then on it then under it again. She's adventure kitty and leaves no new thing unexplored. This led me to worry since the top of the hutch is, well, top-heavy and I KNEW that the furball would be climbing around on it if I left it where it was. So I had to devise a plan to get the top of the hutch onto the bottom of the hutch, where it belonged, before Sophia managed to tip it over. (Of course, my own impatience to have it together didn't factor in at all.)
For my birthday a couple of years ago, my parents bought me a fairly sizable TV. Once I had heaved it into the apartment, I had to figure out how to get it onto the stand. My plan included constructing 'steps' of boxes of books, so I could lift the tv up each step until it was high enough to scoot onto the stand. That plan worked beautifully, so I decided it would work again for the hutch. The fact that the hutch was much heavier and quite a bit larger never dented my enthusiasm.
It took a couple of attempts with differently sized stacks (leading to more of those "uh-oh" moments), before I found the perfectly-sized stable object to use as the highest 'step' before the bottom of the hutch. This object turned out to be one of the two end tables that I dumpster-dived months ago. Procrastination pays off - I meant to haul those things to Goodwill ages ago.
Once I had my two stacks ready, I scooted the top of the hutch over, braced one side with my foot and pulled so that the other side lifted up to the level of the first 'step.' Then I pushed until it was up and resting there. So far, so good. I repeated this to get the hutch onto the end table. This was a bit trickier, and the cat winding around my legs didn't help, but I managed. For my next trick, I had to do the same thing to get it to the bottom half of the dresser. And here, my plan started falling apart. I hadn't positioned the steps correctly, so I couldn't really get it where I needed it to be for the last shove onto the dresser. And the height difference between the hutch and the end table was more than I thought it was when I was planning this. AND I had moved the bottom step out of the way in the process of fighting the accursed thing onto the end table, so I couldn't really reverse directions so I was stuck. Trapped like a rat with no place to go but up. *sigh* Why do I always do this to myself?!?
In wiggling the top over to the edge of the end table to try for another angle to get the the bottom, I had my next "uh oh" moment. The hutch started obeying the dictates of gravity, toppling gently away from me. I pushed off in the other direction, hard, which (amazingly enough) worked. I had a couple of seconds to think, "Ha! It worked!" and then the hutch started towards the ground in MY direction. Uh-oh. Scrambling frantically, I shoved upwards. This see-sawing continued for a while longer before I finally gained control of the remarkably unwieldy top half of my hutch. On a positive note, the cat took off for safer ground at some point during the struggle.
Finally, I had the top where I thought I needed it, sorta. More struggling got me to the point that the top of the hutch was balance, precariously, between the bottom of the hutch and the end table. Once again, gravity (never my friend) conspired with the hutch, which started to topple in my direction. And again, an adrenaline-fueled heave of desperation saved me. Actually, this time it didn't just save me, it allowed me to shove hard enough to get the freakin' thing up and onto the bottom. FINALLY!
After a bit of careful adjustment, my wonderful china hutch is together. Even more amazing, I was careful enough with my lifting that even though I am sore, my arms and legs took most of the abuse, leaving my back mostly unscathed. Of course, my arms are mostly useless, very bruised noodles...
So ends the day's adventure, with me flopped on the couch holding frozen peas to my bruises while the cat stuffed her furry little body into every shelf and cupboard of my beautiful new china hutch.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Friday, October 14, 2005
You know, if I'm not careful, I'm going to end up being fairly high tech and with it. Can't have that.
Chances are actually better than average that I'll forget I have this thing and this'll be my only post. One wonders how long it'll live online.
Chances are actually better than average that I'll forget I have this thing and this'll be my only post. One wonders how long it'll live online.
Posted by Ericka at 12:37 PM No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Join the movement.
Take action today!
The need for clean water and healthy streams transcends political, racial, cultural and economic boundaries, and is something each and every resident of Nashville can get behind. Get involved today!
Ways you can help!
You can directly support Rivive! Nashville in many ways. We've listed a few ways below.
Take the pledge
Do Nashville streams a favor by taking one of the six pledges we created like planting a tree or attending an event.Take the Pledge
Check out all of our pledges at our One Degree Pledge website today!
Check out all of our pledges at our One Degree Pledge website today!
View our event calendar for opportunities to help with river cleanups, tree plantings and other events sponsored by our partners.View Events
Don't have time to volunteer but still want to help? Our partners gratefully accept donations that help pay for events, outreach and education.Donate now
Support our Partner Organizations
The Nashville Waterways Consortium is a joint effort of five Nashville-based conservation organizations that need your support. Consider becoming a member or donating directly to them.
Click on any of the logos below to visit one of our partners' site.
Got an idea of how you can help?
Share your idea
We love to hear about partnership and sponsorship opportunities. If you have an idea of how you can help us spread the message and further the clean water movement, please let us know.


text:
Cadaqués is one of these places which are worth visiting after the summer season. Wandering the empty and windy streets of this little coastal town, you can feel the true artistic spirit in the air.
It's not easy to get there. You need to drive down the curvy, quite narrow roads for about half an hour. Even though I don't normally suffer from the motion sickness, this time I felt really dizzy.
But once you're there, it's fine. The beauty of Cadaqués will make you stop and look at every corner of the town and forget about your dizziness.
Cadaqués is a city of artists. Salvador Dalí often visited the town in his childhood and later on it played an important role in his career. Also artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Walt Disney and Marcel Duchamp, to name just a few, stayed there.
Art is literally everywhere.
Even the cat looked artistic.
I need to get one of these pots for my balcony.
I imagined myself staying in one of those white houses during winter. With a fire place (it does get cold!) on, jazz played from a vinyl player and my computer. I'm sure that writing my guidebook about London would be so much easier!
Do you like visiting "summer" destinations after the season? What other places would you recommend to visit in winter?


text:
I recently finished a project that I am REALLY excited about! It is the crochet Diamond Hat- and it looks pretty neat!
|My Diamond Hat using I Love This Yarn! because I really do love this yarn!!
This hat worked up pretty quick and I really like that it is super fun to look at, even though it is all in one color. Oftentimes it seems that one color can be boring, but this hat rocks the one color!
If you end up making your own hat, please share it! I would love to see what you come up with!


text:
ANSE (Association for National Organisations for Supervision in Europe), Austria, Project Partner
As supervision and lately also coaching became increasingly professional means of process oriented consulting, national associations for supervision have been founded in several European countries since 1975. 1997 ANSE was founded as THE European umbrella association of national Organisation for Supervision and Coaching in Europe.
ANSE takes care of professional interests on a supranational level and also keeps contacts with professional organisations for supervision and coaching world-wide.
ANSE represents 22 National Organisations for Supervision. This includes more than 8.000 qualified supervisors and coaches and more than 80 training institutions in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Finland, Great-Britain, Greece, SIceland, Latvia, Romania and Sweden.
More: http://www.anse.eu


text:
THURSDAY, Aug. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Everywhere you look, CBD products are for sale, and they may hold promise for treating chronic pain, opioid addiction and other conditions.
But a new review says more human clinical trials on the safety and effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) products are needed.
"There are many intriguing findings in pre-clinical studies that suggest CBD and hemp oil have anti-inflammatory effects and may be helpful with improving sleep and anxiety," said Dr. Brent Bauer, director of research for the Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine program.
"But trials in humans are still limited, so it is too early to be definitive about efficacy and safety," he added in a Mayo Clinic news release.
There are a growing number of reports of liver injury in patients who've used CBD products, Bauer noted.
"Careful selection of a health care product is crucial, and though these products do not have [U.S.] Food and Drug Administration approval for therapeutic use, patients continue to ask for them and use them," he said. "Physicians need to become better informed about these products, and it's important that human trials examine issues of efficacy and safety."
Because many Americans are embracing CBD products, doctors should learn as much as possible about those products, Bauer suggested.
"We encourage physicians to not disregard their patients' interest in these products, and keep both a clinical curiosity and a healthy skepticism about the claims made," he said.
"Chronic pain management continues to challenge patients and physicians, and these therapies are a promising area that needs more research. For patients struggling with chronic pain, physicians taking time to listen to them and address their questions compassionately, but with an evidence-based approach, can help them make informed decisions," Bauer said.
The review found that limited regulation of CBD products is a concern for health care providers.
According to review co-author Dr. Karen Mauck, an internist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., "Other than Epidiolex -- a purified form of plant-derived CBD which was approved in 2018 for treatment of severe forms of epilepsy -- all other forms of CBD are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but are sold in a variety of formulations, including oral or topical oils, creams, sprays and tablets."
These formulations "contain variable amounts of CBD, may contain other active compounds and may have labeling inaccuracies. Before using CBD or hemp oils, it's important to consult with your physician about potential side effects and interactions with other medications," Mauck advised in the news release.
The review was published in the September issue of the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
More information
The U.S. National Institutes of Health has more on cannabidiol.
SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, news release, Aug. 22, 2019
For Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts members
Find a Doctor & Estimate Costs
Health & Wellness
Review Benefits
Review Claims
Attend a Seminar
Medicare Plans
Request a Call
Manage Your Account
Plans & Products
Forms & Documents
Tools & Support for Educating Employees
Medical Policy
Office Resources
Provider News
Annual Report
Contact Us
Corporate Citizenship
Diversity Leadership
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.® Registered Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.®´ ®´´ Registered Marks are the property of their respective owners.© 101 Huntington Avenue, Suite 1300, Boston, MA 02199-7611 | 1-800-262-BLUE (2583)
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Terms of Use, Privacy & Security
Nondiscrimination and Translation Resources
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is a leading provider of quality health insurance for residents of Massachusetts. Our main goal is to make health care cost-effective by offering health insurance solutions for individuals, families, and large and small businesses at affordable rates.
Our Vision — Making Quality Health Care AffordableOur Promise — To Always Put Our Members First
To learn more about our Massachusetts health plans, please visit our Plans & Products page, where you can compare Massachusetts health insurance plans, buy health plans online, and get Mass health insurance quotes.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts also offers insurance, pharmacy coverage, and Medicare Plans for seniors; life and disability insurance through Indigo Insurance Services (a wholly owned subsidiary); and insurance for individuals aged 18-26 years. Learn more about our other insurance plans and Medicare plans, or contact a sales representative today.


text:
At this time of extreme cooling, we also see the rise of modern carnivorous marsupials such as the Tasmanian Devil and cat-sized quolls, which are dasyurids.
A new study led by ANU has found a strong link between a rapidly cooling climate about 14 million years ago and the decline of Australia's marsupial tigers, triggering the rise of the Tasmanian Devil and its relatives.
The extinct marsupial tigers once roamed mainland Australia and were a diverse group of species - the Tasmanian Tiger was the last one to die out 90 years ago.
The researchers discovered the group of animals, called thylacines, declined during this period when global temperatures suddenly dropped by about 7 degrees Celsius, transforming most of the wet, closed forests across Australia into dry, open woodlands.
ANU PhD scholar Shimona Kealy and Dr Robin Beck, from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom, conducted the most comprehensive dated tree-of-life study of this animal group, analysing 95 modern and fossil species, including six species of tigers.
"At this time of extreme cooling, we also see the rise of modern carnivorous marsupials such as the Tasmanian Devil and cat-sized quolls, which are dasyurids," said Ms Kealy from the ANU School of Culture, History and Language.
"We think the structure of tigers' feet and ankles might have made them better suited to closed forests with uneven surfaces, such as roots and logs, and less well suited to open woodlands.
"Dasyurids, on the other hand, have ear-bone structures that appear to be better adapted to open woodlands, allowing them to hear over greater distances than thylacines."
The researchers analysed features of skulls, teeth, jaws and the rest of skeleton, along with molecular gene sequences.
"While this study strongly suggests that the cooling, drying climate 14 million years ago was the key change that sparked the diversification of dasyurid species, the exact relationships between dasyurids and thylacines at this time requires further research," Ms Kealy said.
The study is published in BMC Evolutionary Biology.


text:
# wow - Sunday 2 June, 2019
Andy Ruiz Jr shocks the world and destroys Anthony Joshua to claim heavyweight titles
The replacement opponent, a no-hoper in the eyes of many, peeled himself off the canvas to drop 'AJ' four times in a stunning upset.
# wow - Tuesday 19 February, 2019
Someone in Ireland has won the €175 million Euromillions jackpot
It is not yet known where in the country it was sold.
# wow - Saturday 3 February, 2018
'Johnny f*****g Sexton' - The reaction to Ireland's last-gasp win over France
'Bottle and brilliance – can't buy it.'
# wow - Sunday 12 March, 2017
Wanted criminal banned from driving caught drunk behind the wheel and returned to prison
The man gave a fake name in a bid to evade detection.
# wow - Thursday 23 February, 2017
Barcelona youngster leaves defenders in his wake to score filthy solo goal
17-year-old Jordi Mboula is definitely one to keep an eye out for in the future.
# wow - Wednesday 26 October, 2016
An airline is offering flights to Iceland and the US from Cork Airport
WOW Airlines is flying to Reykjavik, Iceland four days a week where passengers will be able to transfer onto US-bound flights.
# wow - Friday 26 August, 2016
This Clare man's story of surviving a fall from the Cliffs of Moher is incredible
"I do consider myself a very lucky guy."
This Clare man's story of surviving a fall from the Cliffs of Moher is incredible
"I do consider myself a very lucky guy."
# wow - Tuesday 2 February, 2016
# wow - Saturday 12 December, 2015
Frankie Edgar makes huge statement with first-round KO of Chad Mendes
A timely message from the former lightweight champion to Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor.
# wow - Monday 26 October, 2015
# wow - Saturday 17 October, 2015
Ridiculous behind-the-back offload gives Springboks win over Wales
What a way to settle a bruising quarter-final!
# wow - Monday 5 October, 2015
'Unbelievable!' - Here's why everyone's going nuts for the UFC's new 19-year-old wonderkid
Sage Northcutt looks like the real deal.
# wow - Saturday 19 September, 2015
Brilliant Brave Blossoms stun South Africa
Japan have caused the biggest shock in Rugby World Cup history.
# wow - Tuesday 15 September, 2015
This 42-shot table tennis rally has to be seen to be believed
Xu Xin and Zhu Linfeng are straight into The42 Hall of Fame.
# wow - Wednesday 2 September, 2015
# wow - Sunday 23 August, 2015
Not planned a holiday yet? These amazing destinations have all broken Guinness World Records
Smallest country. Narrowest street. Tallest hotel… Biggest disco ball.
# wow - Thursday 13 August, 2015
Anthony Rizzo goes to extreme lengths to make this outrageous catch
This is surely the catch of the year.
# wow - Wednesday 5 August, 2015
The All Blacks have revealed a fascinating stat about Dan Carter
Carter has now score more than 10% of New Zealand's points ever.
# wow - Tuesday 21 July, 2015
This is the first full photo of earth taken in 43 years
And it's pretty impressive.
# wow - Sunday 19 April, 2015
8 optical conundrums that will make your brain hurt
They're not tricks, they're illusions.
# wow - Saturday 14 March, 2015
Donegal's Joseph Duffy made a spectacular start to his UFC career tonight in Dallas
The 27-year-old lightweight defeated Jake Lindsey with a first-round TKO.
# wow - Friday 20 February, 2015
These guys are going around cutting off man buns straight from hipsters' heads
Wow. There's no need.
# wow - Sunday 25 January, 2015
Johnson rumbles Gustafsson to book a title tussle with Jon Jones
The UFC have got their next light-heavyweight challenger, but it's not who was expected.
# wow - Saturday 29 November, 2014
This morning's hazy sunrise was pretty stunning
Did you capture any shots of it where you are?
# wow - Sunday 2 November, 2014
Yes, the Grumpy Cat movie is actually happening and here's the bizarre trailer
The internet has gone too far this time.
# wow - Saturday 25 October, 2014
7 technologies that will change sex forever
The fantastical is closer than you think.
This is the most amazing three-foot putt you'll ever see
Because those three-footers were always just that bit too easy.
# wow - Sunday 5 October, 2014
Spectacular footage of Powerscourt waterfall will ease your Sunday fear
Melt that fear right away.
# wow - Thursday 10 July, 2014
Rory McIlroy hits a monster 436-yard drive at the Scottish Open
The Northern Irishman set a new course record at Royal Aberdeen this afternoon.
# wow - Tuesday 10 June, 2014
# wow - Thursday 5 June, 2014
Beats by Dre pull out all the stops for genius 5-minute long World Cup ad
Neymar, Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Serena Williams and Nicki Minaj all feature.
# wow - Thursday 29 May, 2014
# wow - Sunday 4 May, 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo scores with a simply outrageous back-heel flick in injury time
You really need to see this.
# wow - Tuesday 29 April, 2014
Real Madrid have one foot in the final after scoring three first half goals
A quick-fire double from Sergio Ramos and one from Cristiano Ronaldo has seen the Spaniards tear Bayern Munich apart.
# wow - Monday 21 April, 2014
I Can't Believe This Is Ireland Pic Of The Day
This stunning scene of Milky Way and Aurora Borealis was caught last night at Malin Head.
# wow - Saturday 12 April, 2014
13 microscopic images that will change the way you look at the world
Want a closer look? GET READY.
# wow - Friday 28 February, 2014
# wow - Tuesday 25 February, 2014
Toy Story fan theory about Andy's ma blows minds all over the internet
Heads are exploding from here to infinity, and beyond.


text:
"L.T. is short for Logan Taylor. There is another Logan in my apartment building, so I started calling him, L.T.
I was recently out of work, or semi-retired and I now have the time to devote to a puppy.
My family and I went to a rescue shelter in Westchester, called Paws Crossed.
My daughter and I found L.T.
He is a hound, terrier and golden mix.
We chose him because of his personality.
He was mellow. He was four and a half months old and he was so serene.
He was there with his sister, but she was already spoken for."


text:
iPad 2 Charging Port Replacement
WE USE Brand new and High quality.
Replacement for your iPad 2's broken, damaged or cracked Dock Connector Port Flex Cable.
100% Perfect fit.
Professional install service
If you are unable to charge your iPad 2, sync it to your computer, or if the pins in the dock connector are bent or broken, this dock connector repair service will get your iPad 2 up and running.
iPad 2 Repair:Suitable for the iPad 2 WiFi 16GB, iPad 2 WiFi 32GB, iPad 2 WiFi 64GB, iPad 2 WiFi + 3G 16GB, iPad 2 WiFi + 3G 32GB and iPad 2 WiFi + 3G 64GB.
iPhone Repair Richardson
101 S Sherman St
Richardson TX 75081


text:
Ever tried opening those locked key-pad doors in your office on Viscera Cleanup Detail? Well, the combinations different for everyone unfortunately. Luckily, I'll tell you how to open them with no trouble at all in this guide.
Where is the Office, the Doors in It, and How Do I Get to It?
Now, before we get started, some of you may not even know where your office is, or the doors in it. You may be thinking this goes without explaining but just in case you do not know, there is a button in the main menu labeled Office. Click this and it will send you directly to your office. You are also sent to your office after you've finished a map. The first door should be to your right after you walk out the first doorway. The next doorway is to your left in the room with the large movable metal cabinets. If you move those (there should be 2), there is a door behind them. The third one is in the room that you unlock when completing the first one.
How do I Open the Doors?
Now the basis of cracking these doors open is that if you enter a correct digit at the correct position, the display flashes. Some people recommend different methods. While researching this subject, I came upon a Steam discussion on the matter where one man suggested this:
For example, let's say the code is 5987.
- Enter "1111" - no flashes, code resets.
- Enter "2222" - no flashes, code resets.
- Enter "3333" - no flashes, code resets.
- Enter "4444" - no flashes, code resets.
- Enter "5555" - First digit flashes, other three don't. We know "5" is the first digit.
- Enter "6666" - no flashes, code resets.
- Enter "7777" - Fourth digit flashes. "7" is the last digit.
- Enter "8888" - Third digit flashes, "8" is the third digit.
- Enter "9999" - Second digit flashes, "9" is the second digit.
I personally click a number, delete it if it isnt right, then try again until it is. The man who recommended the previous method says that it's a pain to "move around and "aim" with the mouse to press different buttons" and while I do agree, I feel that overall, my strategy is better. You shouldn't have trouble recognizing the flash, though it is quick so keep your eyes peeled.
How Many Numbers are there in the Combos?
Some of you may be worried about how much time this will take you. Worry not: the first and second door I mentioned both have 4 digits and should take no time at all. However, the last door has a 17 digit code and I tell you from personal experience that it does take a while.
If you don't want to open this door, trust me: you're not missing out on anything. It is by far the smallest of the rooms, containing some trash and a toilet.


text:
Clawfoot Tubs
Vintage & Antique Clawfoot Bathtubs
Peaking in popularity between 1910 through 1920, claw foot tubs have made a comeback because of their quality and timeless beauty! Lending to their charm is the ability for personalization. Owners can easily customize the color to reflect their personal style and occasionally even change out the feet. The grandeur of the clawfoot tub begets a magnificent focal point for any bathroom. The indulgent soak and design offers a spa-like atmosphere. Claw foot tubs are nothing short of classic, which never goes out of style.
The Roll Top or Flat Rim is the standard that is most commonly seen today. The Slipper is less common and has one side higher than the other. Even rarer is the Double Slipper which has both ends raised, and a dip in the middle. These designs are more ergonomic, allowing for better reclining and relaxation. All of our clawfoot tubs are refinished in-house by a certified, trained refinisher. All exteriors can be customized using the color of your choice. Get in touch for more details!


text:
Forgotten your password?
Don't have an account? Create one now
The National Library of Scotland, National Museums Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland collaborated to highlight some of the treasures in their care, relating to Robert Burns's life, work and heritage. Shown here are select and iconic examples from the national collections including paintings, objects, books and manuscripts.
Co-published by National Library of Scotland, Nations Museums Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland.
Delivery charges are based on the total weight and destination of each order. Find out more about delivery.
This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. By using our site you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.
Sign-up to receive regular newsletters from National Museums Scotland:


text:
The Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council (MJRC) consists of ordained Rabbis and associates who promote a life of faithfulness to God's covenant among Jewish followers of Messiah Yeshua by providing realistic and practical guidelines for Messianic Jewish observance.
Our core mission is to define, clarify, and foster standards of observance for council members and for those in the Messianic Jewish community who look to us for leadership.We also exist to serve the professional and personal needs of our members by fostering high standards of professional competence, ethical behavior, and halakhic conduct.
The Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council (MJRC) was formally established in May 2006. It consists of a group of ordained Messianic Jewish Rabbis and associated leaders who share a common vision for Messianic Judaism rooted in Torah, instructed by Tradition, and faithful to Messiah Yeshua in the twenty-first century.
The MJRC had its beginnings five years earlier. At that time a set of Messianic Jewish leaders from New England invited some of their colleagues from outside the region to join them in working on a common set of halakhic standards for themselves and their congregations.


text:
Which Science Fiction Writer am I?
|I am:
William GibsonThe chief instigator of the "cyberpunk" wave of the 1980s, his razzle-dazzle futuristic intrigues were, for a while, the most imitated work in science fiction.
I have to say, this is not who I expected to be...but I am thrilled. I love Gibson, and I was even thinking about writing my Capstone paper on cyberpunk...but then I realized that it would require me to figure out all of that post modernism nonsense. So which author are you?


text:
Moussaka – Cypriot Style
Moussaka (the stress is on the last syllable) is a usually a baked lamb and eggplant casserole covered with a thick layer of bechamel sauce and grated cheese that becomes crusty and golden brown when baked. It can be made with other ingredients besides lamb and eggplant, using beef, or vegetables such as zucchini or potatoes. Moussaka is the best known of all Greek foods. They believe that Moussaka was introduced when the Arabs brought the eggplant to what is now modern day Turkey. The Arabs however, especially in Lebanon, think of it as a Greek dish. The most delicious Moussaka in my opinion is that created by the Cypriots – which is the recipe I most often use.
No one knows what the origin of Moussaka is but there is a recipe from the thirteenth- century Arabic cookbook known as the Baghdad cookery book which is proposed by one food historian as the ancestor of Moussaka.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
2 large Eggplant or zucchini, or a mixture of both (peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise)
2 large potatoes, peeled and sliced widthwise
1/2 cup olive oil
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1lb ground beef, lamb or pork
2 large tomatoes, grated, or 14 oz canned tomatoes
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon or a piece of cinnamon stick
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 cup red wine
White sauce
4 tbsp. butter
4 rounded tbsp. flour
Black Pepper to taste
2 eggs
4 cups boiling milk
1/4 cup of hard cheese grated (I like Asiago) for gratiné
Fry the slices of eggplant/zucchini and potato in hot oil, or for a lighter version brush each slice with olive oil and grill under broiler turning them so that they brown on both sides; when 3/4 cooked, transfer to paper towels to drain.
Fry the onion in olive oil; add meat and mix well.
Add the tomatoes, herbs, spices, seasoning and wine; simmer for 25 minutes until the liquid has been completely absorbed.
White sauce
Make a roux: melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and gradually whisk in the hot milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Season with pepper.
When the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat and continue cooking for a few minutes, stirring with a whisk or spatula.
Turn off heat, whisk in the eggs one at a time.
Assembly and cooking
In a 10″ baking dish, place a first layer of potatoes.
Top with a layer of eggplant. (and zucchini if using)
Spread ground meat mixture on top in a single layer.
Cover with another layer of potatoes and a layer of eggplant/zucchini.
Top with the white sauce and sprinkle with grated cheese.
Bake for 50 minutes or until the surface is browned and crispy.
Will yield 6 to 8 servings
FOOTNOTE: Moussaka is a delicious alternative to lasagna and equally as fattening. Don't let the vegetables in there fool you.


text:
14 November 2010
Hiroshima, Japan: His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave interview to Time Magazine and Kategaho, a Japanese magazine on Saturday morning. In the interview, His Holiness answered and gave many clarifications on various questions raised.
Answering to a question about Tibet's independence and autonomy, His Holiness said that our stand has been very clear since early 1970s, "in fact, during Mao's time, when I returned back from Beijing, I was full of enthusiasm and hope. I even said I want to join the communist party. The 17-point agreement was also based on 'one country, two system'. But Chinese government never kept their promise. By 1959, things became very difficult and we were forced to escape Tibet.
"After all the rehabilitation process, around 1970s, our people seriously discussed about our stand, and we agreed on genuine autonomy as a most feasible approach. Since then our stand has been very clear, we negotiated with Chinese government several times without any result. Special meeting was organised in November 2008, to discuss the future course of action, although there were many who voiced for full independence, majority agreed on genuine autonomy. So we are not seeking political separation, but we need meaningful autonomy to practice our culture and religion," His Holiness said.
On his faith and hope, His Holiness said that when Hu Jintao assumed the Chinese leadership, "I was little optimistic, but nothing changed. In 2008, I said my faith in Chinese government has become thinner, but my faith and hope with Chinese public has increased. Support from Chinese intellectuals is tremendous.
I am impressed. I very much agree with Hu Jintao's 'harmonious society' concept, but harmony depends on trust and respect. It cannot be forced through use of fear and violence. His goal is good, method is wrong." said His Holiness.
Asked for his comment on Liu Xiaobo winning Nobel Peace Prize and his imprisonment, His Holiness said he very much support Mr Liu Xiaobo, "he has called for open society, transparency and democracy in China, this is good for China in the long run. When Liu Xiaobo came up with Charter-08, I supported it. This Nobel Peace Prize award is international recognition of his effort, it is not about toppling Chinese government. Even Premier Wen Jiabao said about the freedom and democracy. This is good sign," explained His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
About the growing sense of frustration among the people, their demand for independence and the Tibetan issue after him, His Holiness said Chinese leadership thinks that Tibetan issue will have a natural death after him. "This is wrong, Tibet has a long political, cultural and religious history, its language is very rich. There is a growing sense of Tibetan identity. Dalai Lama's institution is 500 years old only, whereas Tibetan history goes back to more than 3000 years. And now, we have an elected leadership based on democratic principle."
In the afternoon, His Holiness attended the second day of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, in which discussion and debate was done on - Progress towards a world without nuclear weapon and consequences of the use of nuclear weapons.
On nuclear disarmament, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, "external disarmament is very necessary, but ultimately it is related to inner disarmament. So long as anger and hatred remain, external disarmament will a have little effect. We also need to think seriously about the concept of 'we and they', this is the source of many problems. We need to work on a way to include all the 7 billion people of this world into the category of 'we'," said His Holiness.
The Nobel Laureates further discussed on the world without nuclear weapon and drafted Hiroshima declaration, which will be announced Sunday to the delegates and the media.
--Report filed by Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Office of Tibet, Japan


text:
Order the right accessories for your motor and control electronics here.
Connection and communication cables, encoders, brakes, tachogenerators and rotary joints for the transmission of signals between the fixed and mobile parts in your applications. Request additional information about these products if you have any doubts and also request professional advice about which applications these components can be used in.