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The design of the World Bank-financed elevated highway project in Nairobi has been made public
The road, which will come up on the Mombasa Road-Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way, will ease traffic congestion in one of the busiest areas of the Kenyan capital.
Close to US$200 million is being spent on the project by the World Bank, which is expected start in January 2013 and be functional by 2015.
Senior urban highway design engineer Asoka Prasantha said, "The Nyayo stadium roundabout will be demolished to pave way for a single-point diamond interchange. Motorists can use the existing road, driving past the roundabout, and head towards the city."
According to officials of the Otieno Odongo Engineering Consultants, the proposed design would get rid of roundabouts between Nyayo Stadium and Westlands, which currently cause a lot of congestion.
COWI Consulting Engineers and Planners project team leader Brian Segar remarked, "The total road improvement will cover a 12km stretch from the Likoni Road junction at Ole Sereni Hotel to James Gichuru junction off Waiyaki Way."
Speaking about property owners who might be affected by the project, Kenya National Highways Authority director general Eng. Meshack Kidenda noted, "There are property owners who may be affected by the project, but we are restricting ourselves to the current road reserves, which are available on the 12km stretch. No owner should be worried."
Alain Charles Publishing, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, UK
T: +44 20 7834 7676, F: +44 20 7973 0076, W: www.alaincharles.com


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By Aaron Foley
DETROIT (Reuters) - A Detroit jury on Wednesday began deliberations to decide whether the shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a white suburban homeowner was murder or a fear-driven mistake.
A prosecutor in the trial of Theodore Wafer, 55, said the airport maintenance worker handled his shotgun "like a toy" when he shot through a screen door and killed Renisha McBride, 19, last November.
McBride had been drinking and smoking marijuana before getting into an early morning car crash, and knocked on the door of Wafer's Dearborn Heights home looking for help.
The Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun used by Wafer "is a dangerous weapon and the way he handled it - he handled it like a toy, and as a result a 19-year-old is dead," Wayne County assistant prosecuting attorney Patrick Muscat told jurors during closing arguments.
Defense attorney Cheryl Carpenter said Wafer acted in self-defense, and that while he may have been mistaken, he's not guilty.
"He's not a gun nut, he's not an angry person, he's not paranoid," said Carpenter. "He was in terror."
The killing has sparked protests in Dearborn Heights and comparisons to the 2012 Florida shooting death of Trayvon Martin, a black teenager who was also unarmed. Race has rarely been mentioned in the trial.
Carpenter told the mostly white jury that self-defense is the "ultimate protection for all of us" and that people in the Detroit area know what it is to live in fear of crime.
"It's not a race issue," Carpenter said, adding that Wafer is not a racist.
Wafer could face up to life in prison if convicted of second degree murder. He also faces manslaughter and firearms charges.
To convict Wafer of second-degree murder, the jury must find that he meant to kill or cause great bodily harm, or knowingly created a situation that could result in death or bodily harm.
The jury started deliberations by asking to see Wafer's gun, and then his screen door.
Wafer had told police that the shooting was an accident. He testified this week that violent knocking on the front and side doors of his Dearborn Heights home caused him to think someone was breaking in. He said he "shot in fear" when he saw a figure coming to his door but he did not take aim.
Muscat said Wafer's shotgun is designed to kill, not scare people away.
"You can't claim self-defense simply as a reaction to someone on your porch," Muscat said.
Deliberations continue on Thursday.
(Reporting by Aaron Foley; Editing by Mary Wisniewski, Bill Trott and Sandra Maler)

subset: commoncrawl


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EAC moves to reduce heavy reliance on US Dollar in intra-regional trade
19 Feb 2016
To cushion the economy against volatility of exchange rate markets, Rwanda has teamed up with other countries in the East African region to allow the use of local currencies across borders.
Trade across borders has previously been by the American Dollar, which made traders vulnerable to the exchange rate market volatilities and exposed them to high exchange rate costs.
Ordinarily, traders in the region involved in cross border trade have to convert their national currencies to the Dollar before conducting transactions and later convert the currency back to their national currency.
In the process, they incur exchange related costs twice.
The reduction of the reliance on the dollar in intra-regional trade will cushion Rwanda and her neighbours from depreciation of their respective national currencies as was seen last year, following the strengthening US Dollar and weak export earnings in the region due to low commodity prices on the international market.
While presenting the monetary policy and financial stability statement in Kigali, yesterday, the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, John Rwangombwa, said Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were already part of the agreement.
Burundi is also part of the memorandum of understanding.
"We also worked with our partners within the region to ensure currency convertibility; we want to be using our local currency to trade across our borders. We are working with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda; we have a memorandum of understanding on currency convertibility. Burundi is also signatory to the agreement. We expected to reduce the volatility of the impact of the US Dollar in our economies," Rwangombwa said.
Although the sub-Saharan African economy too slowed down just like the global economy, countries in the region –other than Burundi- performed well in 2015.
According to the monetary policy and financial stability statement presented, the Kenyan economy is projected to grow by 6.5 per cent, the Ugandan economy by 5.2 per cent, the Tanzanian economy by 6.9 per cent.
Rwanda economy in the first three quarters grew by an average of 6.9 per cent with indicators pointing to good performance evolving towards the projected 7 per cent growth for 2015.
However, due to the ongoing political situation in Burundi, the economy is expected to contract by about 7.2 per cent after a growth of 4.7 per cent in 2014.
Rwanda's trade with EAC
Rwanda's exports to other East African Community countries went down in volume and value in 2015 from $142.45 million in the previous year to $127.76 million last year.
The decline comes at a time when East African Community is implementing a common market protocol expected to drive up trade in the region.
The decline was blamed on the fall in international commodity prices coupled with the fall in exports products mostly exported to neighbouring Burundi.
Exports to Burundi went down by 6.7 per cent in value.
Imports from the region went down too from about $546.8 million to $ 519.4 last year. Rwanda's main exports to EAC members are tea, coffee, raw hides and skins, vegetables, beer and products from the milling industry.
On the other hand, Rwanda imports products such as cement, refined and non-refined palm oil, vegetable fats and clothing, among other products.
Commenting on the trend of imports and exports, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Francois Kanimba, said there were structural constraints as well as shocks that required urgent attention.
Other than the global commodity prices, Kanimba said there were challenges such as supply bottlenecks that would significantly increase the volume in production levels.
"We have strategies in place to do better which we will continue to implement. Our projection is that we may improve in export volume and value in the coming years but at a speed that can affect the current level of trade balance," Kanimba said.
Kanimba noted a worrying trend in the imports of some consumption goods that Rwanda was also producing.
Giving the example of local cement producer, CIMERWA, Kanimba, said even after expanding their production capacity, improving their quality and reducing prices, the local market was flooded with imported cement reducing the performance of the local product.
"There are issues that I would like us to set operational framework in different institutions to see how we can to better," he said.
Private Sector Federation (PSF) chairman Benjamin Gasamagera said they were convening session with members of the private sector to look into the issue of local products performance in the market against imports.
He added that initiatives such as the 'Made in Rwanda' expo and exhibition slated to take place on February 25 would ensure that the market was aware of quality products produced in the country as well as their comparative advantages.
Regional instability
The central bank meanwhile allayed fears that the political instability in the region, mostly in Burundi (and fears of DR Congo) could hold back Rwanda's economic growth which is projected to grow by 6.3 per cent in 2016.
Rwanda is aiming at economic growth this year largely driven by service, agriculture and industry sectors.
Rwangombwa said having operated in an unstable region in the past among trading partners such as DR Congo, they were prepared to handle slow down in the event it arises.
He said the Burundian refugee influx hadn't taken a toll on the country much as Rwanda was working with international partners to maintain them in the country.
"The expected impact is not very big in relation to other challenges expected such as economic crisis. The exports we are sending to the region is about $200m and the impact might be about 20 to 30 per cent of that," Rwangombwa said.
The other impact could be on tourism as westerners see Africa as one country, the governor said.


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Logos Bible Software 3 has been selected as one of threestatewide finalists for Consumer Product of the Year, alongside Farecast.com—one of the hottest new travel websites of 2006—and WhitePages.com Mobile.
In the state that is home to Microsoft, RealNetworks and a host of other innovative tech companies, it's a real honor to be recognized in this way.
We'll find out whether we won top honors March 21 at the WSA Industry Achievement Award event in Seattle. The theme this year is Heroes of Innovation, hence the cool superhero graphics.
This annual industry award is sponsored by WSA, the largest technology trade association in Washington State. I'm super excited that Logos is a finalist for this award. Not only for the recognition of Logos Bible Software 3 as an innovative and technically excellent product, but also because at the awards ceremony 1,000 leaders from the technology industry in Washington State will hear about Logos Bible Software.
Microsoft is a major sponsor of the event, along with the region's widely-read business publication,Puget Sound Business Journal. The keynote speaker for the event will be Robbie Bach, President, Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft Corporation.
Here's what the Consumer Product of the Year application listed as criteria for this award:
The successful applicant will demonstrate technical innovation, consumer adoption, intuitiveness, value to consumers, staying power and general distinction of the applicant's product in the consumer marketplace.
Past winners in this category include household names such as WhitePages.com, Expedia, and RealPlayer.
This is great recognition for Logos—both the company and the product!
The Hero List
The WSA press release and site don't provide links to the companies and products that are nominated for the various industry achievement awards, but I was curious about who else made it and googled them to find out.
The wide range of technologies and applicationsnominated providesa glimpse into the innovation going on in Washington State. It also drives home to me the value of having a product name that describes the product!
Breakthrough Technology of the Year
- BioPassword Internet Edition
- Inrix Smart Dust Network
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory – The Morning Report
Business Product of the Year
- Attenex® Patterns® E- Discovery Software
- Tableau Professional v2.0
- Twisted Pair Solutions – WAVE Technology Version 2.0 and Associated SDK
Consumer Product of the Year
Service Provider of the Year
- PTSO of Washington
- SafeHarbor Technology Corporation
- SolutionsIQ
Technology Innovator of the Year
- Chris Diorio, Ph.D., Chairman and CTO, Impinj, Inc.
- Rob Gilde, Vice President of Product Development, Lockdown Networks®
- Bryan Mistele, President & CEO, Inrix
Best Use of Technology in the Government or Nonprofit
- OPSCAN Olympic Public Safety Communications Alliance Network – WAVE Technology
- PTSO of Washington – Physician Practice Management and Electronic Medical Records
- Tacoma Goodwill Online Sales


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The U2-S is the smallest Mini Remote Head in the 'U' head range. Like the larger versions, they are fully featured for both live action moves and preset positions together with full camera and lens control using RS485 data. The head is weatherproof and can be used externally without further protection.
The U2-S is quiet, smooth and has a precisely controllable speed range of 90deg/sec to 0.01deg/sec or less. This gives smooth moves even with 40x lenses. The preset positions are achieved quickly for fast re-positioning.
The standard unit supports our HD10 multi-standard Mini HD Camera and offers a built-in PSU, plus engineering control of the camera via the same data path. This makes cabling extremely simple, using just a single 4-core XLR cable for both power and data. Inverted mounting is easy as the camera has a mounting hole on the top side. Pan and Tilt clutches are fitted to protect the mechanics and for easy rigging.
As standard, the U2-S can store 8 preset positions of pan, tilt, zoom and focus. Pan and tilt positions are accurate to less than 1 degree.
For more information on the U2-S download the U2-S Brochure
Weight: 1.36 Kg
Power: 12-15V @ 0.5A
Dimensions: 12-15V @ 0.5A
For more information on the U2-S download the U2-S BrochureFor more support download the following manuals: CAD Dimensions for the U2-S Remote Head


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Twitter offers users a number of ways to directly interact with followers. Whether @mentions, @replies or DM's, the one thing that seems to cause the most confusion to users is where these tweets appear and who can see them.
So here is a quick guide to the three message options on Twitter…..
The Direct Message aka DM
This requires the recipient you wish to message to be following you. It is a private conversation and not visible on a profile or home timeline. To ensure a proper private two way conversation via the direct message option, both accounts need to follow each other.
Twitter recently also introduced the group DM option which can include up to 20 people in one conversation.
Twitter recently also introduced the group DM option which can include up to 20 people in one conversation.
The tweet is started with the recipient's @username, as if in a group conversation.
"@username thank you for following us"
The account holder receives a notification that they have a tweet directed at them. In addition to this the tweet is visible in the senders profile timeline and if the recipient is following them it will also appear in their home timeline.
The tweet is started with normal text and at some point within it the recipients' @username is mentioned.
"Hi @username, thank you for following us"
Again the recipient will receive a notification that they have been mentioned and this tweet will be visible in the senders profile timeline, the recipients' home timeline and in the home timelines of the recipients followers.


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May 3, 2006
System Manager
· Document Numbers now support different number set for each month
· Support Command Line parameter in order to load another ERPRO.INI config file.
· Remove Last Balance Sheet Account, First Income Account and Last Income Account in Company Setup.
General Ledger
· Add PARTICULARS selection condition in Voucher Enquiry GLEVL
· Add Crystal Report - Trial Balance (Combined Total) GLRTC to include Foreign Currency Ledger
Accounts Receivable
· Add Project Code to AR Invoice/Debit Memo Listing
· Use current date Exchange Rate when copying AR Invoice/Debit Memo/Adjustment
· Add field: Remarks to Payment Receipt
· Add Customer Ledger Summary Report – ARRLS
· Add AR Report - Outstanding Invoice Detail Report ARRID
· Add Column Overdue Days to AR Detail Aging Report ARRGD
· When entering Project Code in Invoice and debit memo, Customer No. is populated from Project Master.
· Change Customer's Postal Code to Unicode
Accounts Payable
· Add Project Code to AP Invoice/Debit Memo Listing
· Use current date Exchange Rate when copying AP Invoice/Debit Memo/Adjustment
· Add field Remarks to Payment Voucher
· Payment Advice (APRPA) - Address use Remittance Address if Remittance Address is not empty, otherwise will use Vendor Address
· Enlarge Debit Adjustment Particulars in Voucher from char(50) to char(160)
· Change Vendor's Postal Code to Unicode
· Change SO address to Unicode
· Add fields: Ship Via, Country of Origin in Shipment
· Add field: Country of Origin, Customer PO, Project Code in Sales Order Amendment
· Add condition Customer Class in all AR Aging Reports ARRAG, ARRGD, ARRAS and ARRSD
· Change PO address to Unicode
· Add field Ref No in GRN
· PO Listing report (PUROL) – Add Ship to address and project code.
· Bank Reconciliation Listing (GLRAR) - Add Unpresented Debit/Credit Sub-report Section
· Add Field Clear Date to Bank Reconciliation GLFRE and Bank Reconciliation Listing GLRAR
WebLeave (Beta)
Please contact ERPro Support Team by email email@example.com or phone 2782-0669 for upgrade arrangement.
What's New >


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Radiation is the transfer of energy from a radioactive source, by way of electromagnetic waves or fast-moving subatomic particles. There are several types of radiation, each with different effects – and requiring different levels of containment.
Radiation is measured essentially in two ways: by the amount of energy conveyed from a radioactive source, and by the effect of that radiation on atoms and molecules. These two sets of measurements allow regulators to set standards for personal and environmental safety.
Radiation at high doses can damage living tissues, principally through burns or damage to DNA. However, radiation has always been a part of our environment, and the levels that we are routinely exposed to are far below levels shown to carry any risk.
Canada's nuclear industry is proud to have one of the top global nuclear regulators ensuring public and environmental safety. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is a leader in comprehensive radiation protection, and not only keeps Canada safe, but also acts as a benchmark for other countries.


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Latest > Poults takes share of the lead
Jul 15th, 2017
Poults takes share of the lead
On brutal Scottish Open moving day
Words: GolfPunk Photography: Getty Images
It has been four and a half years since Ian Poulter last won a tournament outright. But, after battling the elements, he has a three–way share of the lead at the Scottish Open.
Poults shot a one under 71, and sits alongside fellow Englishman Callum Shinkwin, and Australian Andrew Dodt on nine under.
The last of Poulter's 14 worldwide victories came at the WGC-HSBC Champions in China in November 2012, although he did finish second at the Players Championship, in what has been a remarkable season of ups and downs for the 41–year–old.
The leading group is two clear of a returning–to–form Andy Sullivan, who somehow managed to shoot a 67 in unrelenting conditions.
Sullivan's round was quite extraordinary in itself, especially his finish. He had four birdies on his front nine, and then another two on the 12th and 14th. But then he bogeyed the 16th, and double bogeyed the 17th, before eagling the par 5 18th. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Poulter described the conditions as "brutally tough", but made three birdies to offset bogeys on the 5th and 16th, and card a one under 71.
The conditions certainly got the better of some of the leading players. Padraig Harrington started the day with a share of the lead but shot a 79 to drop to T23.
Rickie Fowler shot a 74, leaving himself four shots behind the leaders, as he looks to add to his 2015 title.
But it was certainly not Luke Donald's day, as he shot an 81 and is joint second last with Renato Paratore, one shot ahead of Sweden's Peter Hanson.
Only fourteen players broke or bettered par out of a field of 65, a stat which really tells the story of a tough old day out on the links.
But what a great way to prepare for The Open! It looks like there's going to wind and rain to contend with, albeit not on the level experienced today, so a brutal day at the Dundonald links could the leader's a real edge at Royal Birkdale. 80/1 for Poults – I might just have some of that.
Try your fist at our The Open quiz


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Montrose Purple Red Neck Tie
Lend a modern twist to a classic design with these vibrant images, expertly crafted in England from the finest pure woven silk. Partner the Montrose tie with tailored separates or a full suit to complete the look this season. For the man who personifies sophistication and style.
Delivery and returns
|Mainland UK
|Outside Europe
|3-5 working days
|5-8 working days
|7-10 working days
|Next day delivery
For more information click this link.
Exquisitely Presented
A Gift for someone very special or a treat for yourself; our exclusive bespoke EDG presentation case ensures that EDG accessories are always beautifully presented and creates that lasting impression.
The Roxburgh Red Woven Silk Tie from the Highland Collection, presented in our superb sliding black branded tie box, also within an outer branded sleeve.
The Piccadilly Cufflinks from the London Collection in our luxury Signature Branded black Lacquered presentation box encased within our EDG outer box.
The Regent Black Bow Tie shown with the EDG exquisite black lacquered presentation case for exclusive sets, or an individual tie. The Ultimate in luxury.


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American nursing homes are expensive, understaffed and prone to abuse and neglect. Many families are becoming increasingly frustrated with the high costs and poor quality of the nursing homes they are forced to submit loved ones to. Sending a family member to a nursing home is a hard decision, especially families that are aware of the dangers and negligence running rampant in U.S. homes. Many complain to government agencies, try to care for loved ones themselves or have to live with a decision to put a loved one in a home. Steve Herzfeld, 56, said, "I've seen nursing homes, and it's a hell of a way to end your life. I wouldn't want someone to do that to me."
That is why Steve began to consider other options for his aging, deteriorating parents. Ultimately he decided to "outsource his parents to India." For $2,000 a month, the family is provided with food, housing, utilities, medications, cable and a 24-hour six person staff. His parents actually pocket $1,000 of their Social Security payments each month. His mother receives daily massages and physical therapy while getting assistance from a 24-hour nurse and aid and a full time cook. Steve's father also receives similar services.
When Americans think of India, they typically picture an underdeveloped, largely impoverished country. They also believe that America is strong and successful and a stable place to live. For the elderly, however, it is extremely difficult to find satisfactory long term care solutions. Nursing homes are unpleasant places. Even the most expensive homes have serious problems with staffing, training, administering medication and more. By putting a loved one in a home, the family still has to dedicate a large portion of time to make sure that they are being treated in the appropriate way. Nursing homes are supposed to take care of our elderly, not just exist as somewhere for our loved ones to sleep while we still continue to care for them. It is unfortunate that even a tiny portion of our elderly population feel that living in a country like India is a better alternative to what is available in America.
Click here for the Chicago Tribune article


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After receiving some weird and wonderful entries to our first-ever 3D Printing Challenge, we've not only selected a winner, we've actually 3D PRINTED THE SHIT out of the winner. Well, we didn't 3D print the creator of the winning model...that'd just be weird (and expensive).
Nick, the guru behind 3DPrintUK (check out his video interview with the BBC from last week here!) helped select the winning model, which was designed by Mark Little. You can see his designs in the gallery up top, along with photos of the finished 3D printed model, otherwise gain some insight into his design process over on his website.
Mark not only wins the 3D printed model (which took 10 hours to clean, let alone the 19 hours and 25 minutes to print), but also the additional bounty, Tokyo Flash's Kisai Seven watch, which should help him keep an eye on the time when fiddling around with CAD software for future designs.
A special nod 'o the head is awarded to Matthew Knight, whose Halo-esque design was actually his first attempt at 3D modelling, proving anyone can download some free CAD software and have a go creating their own 3D renders.
If you missed out winning this time, never fear, as tomorrow we'll announce our next 3D Printing Challenge. Thanks to all of this month's entrants, and to 3DPrintUK and Tokyo Flash for the goodies. Remember, if you like any of the entrants to our 3D Printing Challenge, you can order your very own 3D print by contacting Nick here, with this month's entrants also receiving 20 per cent off their first orders.


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The Hudson Institute's Richard Weitz, posting over at Second Line of Defense, says Russian arms sales to China are drying up as Chinese industry increasingly builds its own high-tech weaponry and Beijing objects to Russian technology transfer restrictions.
Since 2001, Russia has sold more than $16 billion worth of arms to China, with yearly sales peaking at $2.7 billion, he writes; accounting for nearly 40 % of all major Russian arms sales. In recent years, however, things have changed:
"Since 2005, the PRC has stopped purchasing Russian warships or warplanes and has ceased signing new multi-billion arms sale contracts... The director of Russia's state-controlled arms export company, Rosoboronexport, recently forecast that the value of Russian arms sold to China could decline to as low a level as 10 percent of the value of all Russian military exports in coming years. Some defense experts believe that figure could fall even further."
China now competes with Russia in lucrative international arms markets by offering Russian knock-offs at bargain prices, or, without the onerous restrictions often imposed by Moscow. "Chinese manufacturers are producing either more completely indigenous advanced weapons systems or more defense technologies, sub-systems, and other essential components that Chinese manufactures can insert directly into foreign-made systems."
Chinese firms adroitness at reverse engineering foreign technology is well known. A case in point: the Chinese built J-11B fighter. Russia gave the Chinese the designs to the Sukhoi-27 fighter in 1995 after the Chinese agreed to purchase 200 kits to produce it under local license. In 2004, after building 100 planes, the Chinese cancelled the contract for the remaining fighters, claiming they no longer met Chinese requirements. Soon after, the knock off J-11B began appearing for sale on international markets.
-- Greg Grant


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Welcome to the Friends of Winchester Cathedral, an independent charity set up to support the Cathedral. There are over 3000 members in Winchester, Hampshire and beyond.
Each year, the Friends provide grants of almost £70,000 to the Cathedral. These funds pay for the Girls' Choir, two boy choristers, essential stonework repairs to the Cathedral and maintenance of the trees in the Close, as well as the Cathedral Christmas tree each year. Since 2013, the Friends have also raised £800,000 towards the conservation of the Cathedral's medieval stained glass windows. Read more.
As a Friend you are entitled to:
Membership starts at only £25 per year. Click here for more information on joining.
Throughout the year we organise a number of events for our members from talks to concerts. Find out more.
Record Extra is a newly launched collection of important articles about the Cathedral and complements the Friends' magazine, The Record, distributed each year to Friends and available to download here.
Our latest newsletters are available to download here.
Email Lucy Hutchin, Director of the Friends, or call her on 01962 857 244. You are welcome to pop into the Friends Office, open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 2.30pm. The Office is at 2 The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS – we are through the door to the right of the Dean Garnier Garden.


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…..and I feel
fine …..great
31 days of no wheat, no alcohol and on the 5:2 fasting diet. What is the result?
I have lost 5kg (11.02lbs)!
My body is definitely less bloated.
I have way more energy!!
I have cycled 230 miles in 2 continents.
The bonus is I have not had a hangover for 30 mornings (obviously discounting new years day).
But what have I learnt?
That I can go for a whole day on 2 apples plus an evening salad and not even notice. This is something a month a go that I thought would be impossible. I also thought that on the 5:2 fasting diet I would pig out the day after each fast. Looking back, at the beginning I did at least for the first two fasts (first week), but after that, my body felt so good the next morning I did not want to fill it up and feel lethargic. In fact the fasting diet has made me control portion size and only eat when I am actually hungry. Incredibly I am doing this with out even thinking about it. This is a real positive change for me. I feel I am getting to know my body for the first time and I am sure in a couple of months this will be even more apparent.
However the plan to masticate and not eating in front of the TV has not gone so well.
I am constructing a plan for February and masticating / TV dinners are going to be the focus.
Heres to completing the first month of 2014.


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Before the Norman invasion of the 12th century, Swansea was little more than a temporary home for Scandinavian traders who were attracted to the site by its natural harbour at the mouth of the River Tawe. However, with the invasion of the Normans in 1106, Swansea was to burgeon into the headquarters of Gower, the largest commote in Wales.
Following the murder of Hywel ap Goronwy, the Welsh ruler of Gower (Gwyr), the Norman King of England, Henry I, appointed his close friend, the first Earl of Warwick, Henry de Beaumont (also known as Henry de Newburgh) as Lord of Gower. As a priority, de Beaumont needed to find headquarters for his command and discovered the ideal location on the west bank of the River Tawe. From this vantage point he would be able to maintain order of the peninsula and the stretches to the north, towards the river banks of the Aman and Twrch, which marked the old boundaries of Gower. No doubt he was also concerned to protect the natural harbour from attacks via the sea, knowing the area to be popular with Norse raiders in the past.
In true Norman tradition he built a motte and bailey style castle. A natural mound along the western bank of the river was incorporated into the motte whereupon a timber keep was constructed. This in turn was defended with the ditch and earth bank of a small inner bailey. A large outer bailey defended the western side of the castle, with the river completing the defense on the eastern side.
The castle was joined by St. Mary's Church to the southwest and was eventually surrounded within the town walls during the early 14th century. These two buildings dictated the placing and development of the early streets and markets of Swansea.
In order to maintain a good level of security from within the town, newcomers were encouraged to settle and trade, by the granting of a charter. The charter was an agreement made by the lord giving all citizens of the borough freedom from feudal obligations with extra rights and incentives, in exchange for a fixed yearly rent for plots of land and strict military allegiance. Swansea's first charter, written between 1158 and 1184, was one of the earliest granted to any town in Wales, and was agreed by William de Newburgh, the grandson of Gower's first lord, Henry de Beaumont.
Nevertheless, despite the town's healthy population and prosperous trading, the castle and market town suffered many attacks from the Welsh. After being ravaged during raids from Llywelyn the Great in 1215 and Rhys Gryg in 1217, the castle was rebuilt in stone on the same site in the 1220's, by John de Braose, the Gower Lord of the time, and it is estimated that the town walls were constructed by William de Braose III between 1306-1332.
Extensions were made to the south east corner of the castle some time before 1347, and this became known as the 'New Castle'. The architecture of the New Castle has been largely attributed to Henry de Gower, Bishop of St. David's (1328-47), as the distinctive arcaded parapets are also to be seen in de Gower's palaces at Lamphey and St. David's. Recent historians have theorised that the absentee Gower Lord, de Mowbray, may have employed the Bishop's masons after seeing their work at St. David's Hospital. This would accurately date the work of Swansea's New Castle to the year 1332.
The castle was finally seized by the Welsh under the rebellion of Owain Glyndwr between 1400-10. This wreaked devastation for the Lordship of Gower. By the late 16th century the castle had become ruinous and was described in a survey as an 'ancient decayed building called the New Castle'. The following centuries saw various uses of the surviving chambers of the ruined castle, one such example being its use as a debtor's jail until around 1858.
It is now difficult to imagine the original large scale of Swansea Castle. Only fragments of the New Castle remains to be seen today. The castle's north and south blocks, connected by a short stretch of curtain wall, are all that survives its turbulent history. The impressive parapets of the south block clearly show the hallmarks of de Gower's rich architecture whilst the 18th and 19th century adaptation of the north tower has not completely removed some of the castle's original features - such as the cross arrow slits. The castle ruins now lay adjacent to the British Telecom tower block, its rugged and fragmentary appearance standing in stark contrast to the modernity of its mirror-windowed tower face.


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UK time trial round-up: Ben Instone smashes time trial record in Sussex
Chris Birch victorious at Andover Wheelers Hilly
Course records were broken in both of Saturday's time trials, with Chris Birch (East Street Cycles) and Ben Instone (Scientific Coaching) scoring early victories to get their seasons off to a good start.
Birch sliced one second off the old record in the Andover Wheelers hilly 10.2-mile time trial at Vernham Dean in Hampshire on Saturday to take victory by 1:43, but the performance of the weekend came from Ben Instone.
The Hampshire-based rider smashed the old mark in the Central Sussex CA event at Steyning,
Birch clocked 25min 12sec to win the Andover Wheelers event from North Hampshire RC rival William Girvan, and used good dry conditions to beat Danny Axford's 2006 course record by the narrowest of margins.
It was Birch's third win in a row in the popular event. Last year he clocked 25:15 to go two seconds shy of the record, but he finally managed to lower the standard in this year's race.
The top veteran on standard was VC Meudon's John Woodburn, the 72-year-old clocking 31:34 to slice 1-12 off his standard – despite being based on ten mile times but applied to a 10.2-mile course. He was the only rider to record a plus.
Over at Steyning, Instone clocked almost 30mph on his way to victory in the
The battle for third was a much tighter affair, with In Gear Development Squad rider Jaco Ehlers taking the final spot on the podium with 39:28, just two seconds ahead of Sigma Sport's Niall Digby.
Sam Barker takes Ely and District Hardriders 25-mile
Planet X ace Sam Barker, the former junior British Best All-Rounder, showed he has had a good winter's training with a comfortable victory in the Ely and District Hardriders 25-mile event in Cambridgeshire on Sunday.
Barker won by 1:13 over the course at Ely, Cambridgeshire, clocking 58:29 to pip rival Lee Bark (Stowmarket and District CC), but he was still some way off his own course record of 56:35 from two years ago.
Bark snatched victory last year as Barker was forced to settle for second, but he reclaimed his title yesterday despite drizzle, cold and a head wind stopping him threatening the course record.
Lancashire Road Club win on treacherous course in
East Yorkshire
Lancashire Road Club raiders took first and third spot in the Team Swift 9.5-mile event in East Yorkshire on Sunday, with
A risk assessment was carried out on the morning of the event with patches of snow and slush still on the ground the day before.
But luckily it was passed fit for the race to proceed, although there was water and debris on the course which forced riders to take extra care.
Central Sussex CC (Steyning, West Sussex, 17.5 miles)
|1 Ben Instone (Scientific Coaching)
|35:23 (course record)
|2 Pete Tadros (In Gear Quickvit RT)
|3 Jaco Ehlers (In Gear Development Squad)
|4 Niall Digby (Sigma Sport)
|5 Anthony Bee (Kent Cycles RC)
|6 Paul Thatcher (Brighton Mitre CC)
|7 Tony Reeves (GS Stella)
|8 Kevin Shaw (GS Stella)
|9 Mark Jones (GS Stella)
|10 Michael Valks (Sussex Nomads)
Veterans on std: Mel Roberton (Worthing Excelsior) +12:28.
Women: Elaine Scott (Brighton Excelsior) 54:01.
Team: GS Stella (Tony Reeves, Kevin Shaw, Mark Jones) 2:03:01.
Andover Wheelers Hilly (Vernham Dean, Hampshire, 10.2 miles):
|1 Chris Birch (East Street Cycles)
|25:12 (course record)
|2 William Girvan (North Hampshire RC)
|3 Dave Pickering (Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers)
|4 Aran Stanton (VC St Raphael)
|5 Simon Healey (Andover Wheelers)
|6 Steve Walkling (Velocity Bikes)
|7 Peter Graham (Reading CC)
|8 Jerry Bromyard (RNRMCA)
|9 Oliver Pritchard (Andover Wheelers)
|10 Steve Batsford (Banbury Star Wh)
Veterans on std: John Woodburn (VC Meudon) (31:34) +1:12.
Juniors: Oliver Pritchard.
Women: Lizzy Yates (Andover Wheelers) 37:23.
Ely and District CC Hardriders (Ely, Cambridgeshire, 25 miles):
|1 Sam Barker (Planet X)
|2 Lee Bark (Stowmarket & District CC)
|3 Duncan Murphy (Cambridge CC0)
|4 Jonathan Shubert (Verulam CC)
|5 Robert Barker (Kettering CC)
|6 Mark Arnold (API Metrow)
|7 Andy Stuart (VC St Raphael)
|8 Gary Rushmore (Kings Lynn CC)
|9 Phil Nudds (CC Breckland)
|10 Gavin Rumbles (CC Luton)
Veterans on std: Tony Stott (Westbrook Cycles) +12:50.
Team: Kings Lynn CC (Gary Rushmore, Nixon, Martin Long) 3:15:03.
Women: Sue Fenwick (Crest CC) 1:09:19
Team Swift (Riccall, near Selby, North Yorkshire, 9.5 miles):
|1 Adrian Lawrence (Lancashire RC)
|2 Philip Graves (Clifton CC)
|3 Craig Battersby (Lancashire RC)
|4 Peter Keron (Aire Valley CC)
|5 James Wagstaff (Sportscover)
|6 Carl Pawson (Team Swift)
|7 Ben Roberts (Team Swift)
|8 Daryl May (Sheffrec CC)
|9 Mick Spencer (Team Swift)
|10 John Ketley (Hull Thursday RC)
Women: Sarah Cramoysan (Team Swift) 29:20.
Juniors: Dave Brierley (Cottingham Coureurs) 28:12.
Veterans over-40: Mick Spencer.
Over-50s: Gordon Leslie (Pennine CC) 28:47.


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New Calais census released – 700 children in Calais, 78% on their own
Help Refugees and L'Auberge des Migrants conducted a recent census on the Calais "Jungle" and found that there are currently 6,123 people living in the refugee camp, with numbers constantly rising. We found that 700 are children, 78% of whom are unaccompanied. The youngest child in the camp is just four months old and the youngest unaccompanied minor is ten years old. The 544 unaccompanied children in the camp are now eligible for resettlement in the UK under Dubs Amendment – please click here to find out how you can support efforts to bring them to safety. Other notable findings: There are over 20 different nationalities in the refugee community. The largest groups are from Afghanistan (36%) and Sudan (32%), with 5% coming from Ethiopia and 3% from Syria. There has been a 32% increase in unaccompanied minors in the last month. If this rate of increase continues, by the end of the summer there could be 1,000 unaccompanied minors living in the camp. Many Ethiopians come from the Oromo area, which has witnessed a brutal crackdown by authorities since November of last year. This Human Rights Watch report details the deteriorating security situation that has prompted many to flee. We would not be able to do our work without your support and kindness. Many of the refugees we help are fleeing the conflict zones of Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. Others are trying to escape political oppression in countries like Eritrea. All are human beings like us. As well as providing immediate physical assistance, we want to help refugees maintain their dignity. Please click through if you would like to find out more about our work in Calais, Dunkirk, Lesvos, Samos, Idomeni and other locations. If you would like to know how you can help refugees, please check out our Get Involved section where you can find out how to fundraise for us and how to make a donation. Thank you!
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It may seem like there aren't enough hours in the week to get everything done. That may be true or it may be that you are not using your time as efficiently as possible. To assess where your time goes, complete the inventory below.
Be as honest with yourself as you can. Some of the items are done every day so those will need to be multiplied by 7 to arrive at a weekly total. One item may be done any number of times a week so you'll need to multiply that one by the number of times each week you do it. After you have responded to all the questions, you'll have an opportunity to see how many hours remain during the week for studying.
*Copied with permission from the Cook Counseling Center website
*Where Does Time Go? (1999). Retrieved March 17, 2006 from Virginia Tech, Cook Counseling Center Web site.


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Tuesday, April 30, 2013
FCBD and Psychic Love
Posted by OLIVER at 11:55 AM No comments:
Mind over mind, mind over matters
Sexy and crazy, "Trance" is Danny Boyle's latest offering, a gritty, head-spinning heist-romance mash-up that challenges its viewers' preconceived notions. Accessible but audacious, "Trance" is like a twisted, murky reflection of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."
The faculties of the mind are the playground of an accomplished hypnotherapist, Elizabeth (Rosario Dawson), who must help an injured art auctioneer, Simon (James Mc Avoy). He needs to remember the location of a missing Goya painting; Simon is genuinely suffering from partial amnesia, but is in cahoots with would-be art thieves, led by the violent Franck (Vincent Cassel).
Elizabeth discovers the thugs behind Simon's injuries, but works with them to find the much-coveted masterpiece.
The hypnosis concept is playfully explored, allowing for plenty of opportunities to create layers within layers. The story's tangles and twists intertwine into a complex tapestry; "Trance's" chronology is a lovely swirl that uncovers and answers strategically placed clues. Its main characters are likewise multi-faceted;
"Trance" will be in Philippine cinemas starting May 1.
Posted by OLIVER at 11:50 AM No comments:
Passion Forward
Recent status updates.
April 23. Thor 2 teaser trailer. Not Man of Steel-awesome, but it looks like it's going to be fun.
April 23. May screening yata ng Iron Man 3 ngayon. Ehh. Bukas na.
April 23. Iron Man 3. Fun and funny. Makes up for the drabness of the second one.
April 24. Imagine Dragons' "It's Time" in a Smart commercial. Gack.
April 27. Next Saturday is Free Comic Book Day.
April 29. Eleven years and 580 articles later, I'm still thankful and excited to contribute. I dedicate my published newspaper articles to my parents. I hope they're still happy to periodically see my name in ink and to read my thoughts on paper. Thanks, my dear PDI editors.
April 30. Indie comics creator mode. Stapling ashcan pages. Glad the copier's just right, and the operator knew what he was doing. Yes, it'll be out on Saturday.
Love Machinery, Fourteen
"Yes, Rachel, I brought the original X-Men from the past. Surely, you can understand the concept of changing the present, being from the future."
"Beast, you took them from YOUR past. If one of them dies, we are SO f*cked!"
Darlings and Dragons
Status updates, compiled.
April 18. Saw the first episode of Bates Motel. Have yet to see
Hannibal. But what I'm really looking forward to is the newest season of Dexter.
April 18. Makahabol sa gym.
April 18. Ang labo nitong bagong timeline, kulang-kulang at di mabalikan ang lumang post.
April 20. I shoulda stayed longer at last night's event. They were gonna serve alcohol but I had to leave for the gym. Hrmph.
April 21. 14,000 DeviantArt faves. Yay.
April 22. Pinipilit maihabol yung ashcan.
April 23. The latest GoT. Clapped and cheered at the Daenerys scenes. Leonidas who?
April 23. Enjoyed Danny Boyle's head-spinning Trance. Crazy and sexy, like a twisted, murky reflection of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Posted by OLIVER at 11:39 AM No comments:
Well-oiled Marvel machine
Robert Downey, Jr. pleasingly reprises his inventor-adventurer role Tony Stark in "Iron Man 3," a year after his appearance in the mega-blockbuster "The Avengers." There's more of the wisecracking, irrepressible playboy in this third part, as well as more formidable adversaries to confront and trounce. It's a solid superhero movie, still characteristically playful, which is in sync with the inimitable, fun-loving character.
Restless after his first Avengers mission, Stark tinkers with new toys, developing new armor designs while reassessing his purpose. The reappearance of an old acquaintance, fellow genius Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce), heralds the emergence of indestructible superhumans, threatening both the armored Avenger and devoted girlfriend Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). A terrorist, the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), also makes his despicable presence felt.
"Iron Man 3's" Tony Stark is weary but still flippant, although not as quippy as in "The Avengers." It acknowledges his heroic near-sacrifice in the previous movie, while dealing with the necessary fallout from performing feats with other heroes. It's mostly him reconnecting and regrouping, an interesting angle to focus on thanks to the tight continuity between Marvel's movies. This third "Iron Man" knows how the character has grown considerably and is anxiously asking himself, "what now?"
"Iron Man 3" is also fun, and manages to avoid the pacing and structure mistakes made by its forgettable second part. Don Cheadle gets to do more; Paltrow gets to do something different.
Downey is definitely still enjoyable as Stark. If there's anything that will rile some viewers, it's a fakeout involving one of the characters. Still, the complicated sham is forgivable and amusing, thanks to the splendid performance of the actor.
Posted by OLIVER at 11:38 AM No comments:
Bio's 'Ghost Story' features Asian encounters
(Published April 23, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Singer-actress-director Karla Pambid would rather be recognized for her work in the arts instead of her ability to see beings and creatures that most people don't.
While she doesn't call it a psychic ability, she has long accepted that her "gift" makes her "more sensitive" than people who don't have it. Pambid recently appeared on the second season of Bio's "My Ghost Story Asia," a weekly series that features three spooky tales from the region per episode.
In Inquirer Entertainment's exclusive phone interview with Pambid, she clarified that the ability to see ghosts or other entities is innate and cannot be had through other means.
"The 'gift' will not present itself unless you're ready," she said. "Once you are, it's just like being made to remember things that you already know. You don't 'acquire' it; it is given. It is not a skill that you hone or practice. You have it or you don't."
Pambid cofounded SPIT (Silly People's Improv Theater) in 2002, and won Cinemalaya's best supporting actress award in 2010 for her portrayal in the Mark Meily-directed "Donor."
She is aware of various misconceptions about her unusual ability, and has encountered skepticism from time to time: "Oh, [I've been doubted] lots of times. Friends who are not of the same religion and beliefs, and anything that's not tangible or not agreeable to their beliefs are, for them, the work of the devil. I don't believe that so, usually I just shut up and stop discussing it with them."
Having seen some older episodes of "My Ghost Story Asia" has given Pambid a familiarity with the show's format, as well as insights on things in common with neighboring countries.
"It's interesting, actually, that they're doing stories from all over
Asia," she said. "I find it gratifying that [Bio] is doing it. If you are interested, or if you take time to research on the elementals that each Asian country has, there are certain similarities… they have different names in other countries, but they look the same."
Contacted by Bio to relate some of her hair-raising experiences, Pambid talked onscreen about her supernatural encounters on a tree-lined road near a university, and helped out with the reenactment: "They knew of my experiences on that road, and they asked me to tell them the stories. They needed an assistant director for the shoot here in the
Philippines, so I also became that."
In her segment, she recounted that "elemental guardians," or horse-headed tikbalangs, would make themselves known to her while she was driving. "I don't just see. They say 'hi' to me… it's not as creepy as it sounds. Basically, if you know more about the paranormal, [or] at least have an idea of what it is, you won't be that afraid. It's kind of fun, actually. It has a fun element."
As for others with the same gift, Pambid gives them space: "Unless he or she intends to harm others or myself, I let them be and mind my own business—but if any such person opens up to me, we would most probably end up as friends."
Pambid's story is one of four Filipino encounters featured on the show. The others are stories from
Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
("My Ghost Story Asia" Season 2 airs Thursdays, , and Fridays, )
Summer Toonami
Watch the all-new adventures of Anakin Skywalker and the rest of the Jedi as they fight for peace in "Star Wars: Clone Wars," weeknights at on Cartoon Network. "Dragon Ball Z Kai" follows the escapades of the realm-hopping Goku, airing weekdays at 5:45 p.m. Catch the costumed capers of Robin, Superboy, Kid Flash and other sidekicks on "Young Justice," starting May 6, 5 p.m.
Posted by OLIVER at 11:35 AM No comments:
Friday, April 19, 2013
Love Machinery, Thirteen
"Avengers Assemble!"
"League Lambaste!"
Posted by OLIVER at 10:17 AM No comments:
Fact, fiction fuse in Cold War tale
(Published April 19, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Often discomfiting, the Cold War drama "The Americans" is about two KGB agents posing as ordinary American spouses in the early 1980s.
Starring Keri Russell ("Felicity") and Matthew Rhys ("Brothers and Sisters") as Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, "The Americans" mingles fact and fiction, creating compelling scenarios set during the Reagan administration. The spy partners, however, get into unforeseen and unplanned situations, adjusting their operations accordingly to protect their sinister secrets.
The show created by Joe Weisberg ("Damages") tackles the unconventional rapport between two well-trained and cold-blooded agents who are raising two children unaware of their origins and motivations.
The dynamic gets especially complicated when an FBI agent (Noah Emmerich) moves in next door. The workaholic agent initially suspects something amiss with the neighbors, but dismisses his hunch when he sees no proof of their duplicity.
"The Americans" consistently keeps its pace and ambiance suspenseful. We're introduced to a seemingly typical couple that blends in as travel agents, expertly hiding their ruthlessness and loyalty to the
The contradiction extends to Elizabeth and Philip's fake marriage. Posing as husband and wife for many years doesn't necessarily give them an actual emotional bond, but in the first three episodes, they start developing—and are finally showing—true feelings for each other.
Those contradictions make "The Americans" an interesting conundrum, although their precarious situation often justifiably perplexes. The spies, despite many likable qualities, often resort to violent or other despicable measures when dealing with innocents. It's impossible to root for them whenever they cut down unwary threats to their schemes and operations.
Russell, previously famous for the late-1990s "Felicity" role, has long established herself capable of playing characters other than the titular college character. In the JJ Abrams-directed "
Mission: Impossible III," she briefly appeared as a gun-toting but ultimately ill-fated agent. "The Americans" allows her to kick butt again, as well as flex her acting chops. As a KGB spy, she efficiently masquerades, seduces, and does whatever it takes to accomplish her various, seemingly unending goals.
Comparisons to "Homeland" are inevitable, as "The Americans" also harnesses the climate of paranoia imaginatively. But the two are different entities, despite some similar relationship dynamics. And this show essentially binds nostalgia for the era to the disturbing "revelations" of undetected terror, offering a disturbing version of a time when the world seemingly survived tensions unscathed.
("The Americans" airs Saturdays, on
.) Jack City
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Superman 2013
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The Three
Posted by OLIVER at 10:00 AM No comments:
Catch Up, Ketchup
Status updates, et cetera.
April 9. Matuto kasing mag-adjust ng notifications o mag-unfriend para sumaya.
April 13. Finally watching season two of Game of Thrones.
April 13. Just suddenly remembered the taste of Tom Sawyer's fried chicken. I miss it.
April 15. Finally finished GoT season two. Enjoyed Daenerys' test. Loved the knight-woman Brienne. And got bored with Jon Snow playing hard to get with the Wildling woman that wanted to jump his bones.
April 15. Saw a few minutes of Robin Dude a few nights ago. Uhm. Yeah.
April 16. Pancit at fried rice. Sarap.
April 17. I'll be at the Setting the Record event on Free Comic Book Day, May 4, at
National Bookstore Quezon Avenue. There will be dozens of local comic book creators and card artists. I'm going to sketch on blank covers, sell my ancient comic books (LNA:SGRR and LNA: FA), and some new-ish original art. Hopefully, I'll be able to sell the ashcan-preview of Psychic Love, as well.
Posted by OLIVER at 9:59 AM No comments:
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Psychic Love Preview
Four-page sneak preview! Probably the only time I'll post pages from my project Psychic Love: Jim and Ma-An Save the World. It's PG-13.
Posted by OLIVER at 9:26 AM No comments:
Half-Pinay Vanessa White jazzes up Brit girl band
(Published April 10, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
"It's really flattering," said Filipino-British singer Vanessa White, about being compared with vocal powerhouses Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey.
White, 23, is the youngest member of the British girl band The Saturdays. She talked about her career and the group's new reality series, "Chasing The Saturdays" during a recent teleconference with Asian publications.
"My mom is from
Davao," White revealed. "She's a nurse and I have a younger sister. My family and I try to go to the Philippines often. I've been there quite a few times. I like going back whenever I can—usually at Christmastime. I want to visit Boracay again."
Together since 2007, the five-member group is being touted as the next Spice Girls.
After four hit albums, members of The Saturdays welcome the comparison and are "enjoying the pressure," hoping for even a fraction of the iconic '90s girl group's success.
White added, however: "At the end of the day we are The Saturdays. We're not trying to be anyone else. We really hope to go international."
According to White, "Chasing The Saturdays" is an unscripted reality series that shows the group's typical work routines. Apart from the show biz aspect, it shows bits and pieces of the members' personal lives.
"I'm a bit of a private person, but what is seen on the show is very real and we want everyone to see what exactly goes on," she said.
Being together for many years has developed the group's sisterly dynamic: "We get [along] very well; we're really lucky. That's the key. I think the ingredients to our success are that we don't argue, we're always there for each other, and we're supportive of one another."
Aside from "Chasing The Saturdays," White and the rest of the group are promoting "Chase," their latest hit album. She expressed interest in touring and performing in
Asia, eventually.
She also described herself as The Saturdays' party girl: "My role in the group is, I like to go and have a good time! So, if anyone is in the mood for a party, you know I am always in the mood!"
A fan of Sharon Cuneta, Aiza Seguerra and Charice, White appeared in the West End productions of "The Lion King" and "The King and I" when she was a child.
But she revealed that her actual singing influences include someone she's close to: "Well, each of us [has] different influences. My greatest influence was actually at home. My mother was a singer. My family encouraged me from a young age, so I grew up and lived in that way!"
("Chasing The Saturdays" airs on Sundays, on E!
Posted by OLIVER at 9:12 AM No comments:
Only Time Can Melt the Ice Cream Clown
Status updates compiled.
April 3. Glad that self-righteous, homophobic blogger removed me from his blog list. I rarely drop by his site, but I feel icky whenever I visit it. It's like he dirties up my cookie folder and history as well.
April 3. The first GI Joe movie was terrible... so I'm not rushing to watch the sequel.
April 3. The controversial Havok speech in Uncanny Avengers has sparked an endless debate, understandably. But when people say "it's just a comic book," or "it's just a story," it's like the medium or its issues shouldn't be taken seriously. I hate that.
April 4. "Your love is better than ice cream." Singing that in my head while eating a cup of yummy, yummy ice cream, oddly enough.
April 5. Holy f*ck, must stop wasting time and draw a new page.
April 5. Ugh, the heat. Can't wait for this season to be over.
April 5. Frustration makes you want to punch a wall, but you're too sensible to do it.
April 6. Channel-surfing last night. Ended up leaving
in the background. They kept referring to a guy's thing as a parsnip. Geordie Shore
April 6. Sometimes, I just want to stay in bed and not care.
April 6. Newest Community episode. Funny. Damn.
April 7. I need a fricking drink.
Posted by OLIVER at 9:06 AM No comments:
Deities Duel
Posted by OLIVER at 9:04 AM No comments:
Old Shop Window
Posted by OLIVER at 9:01 AM No comments:
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Fishing 'Off the Hook' way
(Published April 1, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
"I'm obsessed with learning and experiencing things," said "Off the Hook: Extreme Catches" host Eric Young in a recent teleconference to promote the Animal Planet show.
The professional wrestler and outdoor adventurer described himself as an "amateur fisherman," but that isn't stopping him from actively pursuing the activity. He enthused: "I'm passionate about it; I love to learn about it. I've been that way my whole life and this show has really opened that up for me. I've camped, canoed and kayaked all over
North America and this fishing show opens up all kinds of new adventures for me!"
Aspiring fishermen or anglers can learn about resourcefulness and discipline by watching "Off the Hook," Young added. "I think the No. 1 thing is just [learning] to be patient. The fish are the ones that are usually in control. You've got to put your time in to catch fish… There are a lot of factors that go into it like weather, wind, sun and all that stuff, so just be patient and try as many different styles of fishing as you can. [And in] every episode that we've done, we've tried a different style. It opened my eyes to a whole new way of fishing!"
The host described "Off The Hook" as a program that shows people a variety of lesser-known but "fun" techniques, including catching sharks with herring-filled pantyhose. While doing the show, Young learned the difference between breeds of sharks and their disparate "personalities."
"I learned that each fish is completely different," he said. "A black-tip shark is methodical and plotting; a blue shark is very, very relaxed and laid-back. But a mako shark is super aggressive, and you can just tell by the way they swim in the water. When you see it coming up the chum line, it's looking at you, it's hungry and it's ready to take something out. It's a very interesting thing!"
Having fished in numerous locations, Young has discovered common traits among seasoned fishermen from different areas: "We've traveled all over North America and the one thing I definitely notice everywhere we go, fishermen are some of the most tenacious people I've met in my life. They just will not give up. They work hard. They're up at 3 in the morning; they go to bed late… they're tireless workers but they're all kind-hearted people. The small communities that we're in are often very close-knit families, everyone knows everyone, and everyone's really friendly."
The fishing expedition brought him and the show's crew to
North Carolina, California, and Florida, among other places. Young revealed that his wrestling background helped prepare him for the 12-part series.
"It's made me very comfortable in front of a camera," he said. "Pro wrestling is a world where you don't get second chances, it's often live or you have one take to do what you're doing so it's helped me that way. Also, you have to be durable and tough; a lot of these fishing styles are very, very physical and very tough on your body… I consider myself a pretty durable person and it's a good thing because the show would be very difficult to do for somebody who couldn't handle a beating!"
"Off the Hook: Extreme Catches" airs Mondays, , on Animal Planet.
Young and Married
MTV Asia's new documentary series "Young and Married" follows a few young American couples a year after their honeymoons. The show airs Sundays,
Golden Boy
"Golden Boy" stars Theo James as Walter Clark, a beat cop promoted to commissioner. It airs Sundays, , on
. Jack City
Posted by OLIVER at 10:42 AM No comments:
Posted by OLIVER at 10:40 AM No comments:
Love Machinery, Twelve
"Please, don't call us mutants!"
"Wow, Alex, self-hating much? Thanks for simplifying our struggles! You really do fit in with that 'We have mutant friends' team. Can't believe I had a crush on you."
Posted by OLIVER at 10:38 AM No comments:
Empathy, Emphasis
Status updates, blah blah.
March 27. Daming tao sa supermarket.
March 28. I'm enjoying writing an old character again--Jaime/Jim the psychic--ten years after I created him. I originally intended for him to die in the original comic book, just to emphasize the irony of his situation (he couldn't precisely predict his own demise), but I liked him enough that I changed his fate at the last minute. Now, it's his story, and he's joined by new characters, which are growing before my eyes--and some of them are driving me to drink!--and it's all exciting. I'll keep doing this in the background when I'm not working. It's a story I really want to tell.
March 30. Read 10 pages of the "Don't call us mutants" thread on
CBR. Wow, it's 80+ pages.
March 31. To those watching the Walking Dead season finale early tomorrow, please don't post spoilers.
March 31. Rereading Uncanny X-Men # 188, where Rachel Summers told Nightcrawler, "You can't give up. The X-Men
ARE important! Not because you're super-heroes, but because you're MUTANT super-heroes!"
March 31. Not a Christian, but I really like Jars of Clay... and they're here right now in the
Philippines?! Whut?!
Posted by OLIVER at 10:33 AM No comments:
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Review: The Creative Entrepreneur
Recently I've had a growing interest in finding books that help creatives grow their own business. They seem to be few and far between. I reviewed Craft, Inc. last year and found it a great resource for starting your own business. However, while it covered many aspects of running a business, I found that it wasn't good for actually teaching you how to set-up and create your own business from conception to reality. Enter Lisa Sonora Beam and The Creative Entrepreneur. Billed as a "DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real", this book not only teaches readers the fundamentals of building a business to match their creative dream, but it presents the core business concepts in a way that makes them easy for creative personalities to understand.
The Creative Entrepreneur developed out of workshops that Beam created and offered "creatives" who wanted to take their craft and turn them into viable business opportunities. She does not believe that artists need to starve in order to succeed. This book is her legacy; it shows artists that they, too, can grasp business concepts that turn their artistic visions into concrete and functioning business plans—no matter what they are. At first glance, this book looks more like an art technique book than a business fundamentals primer. Don't let the shiny fool you; The Creative Entrepreneur packs an informative punch. Beam introduces the book by explaining how the visual journalling process aides in the process of business creation. She encourages readers to follow along with the exercises in this book, just as if they were sitting in on one of her workshops.
The rest of the book explains and shows examples for various business concepts that are key to uncovering exactly what form your artsy business will become. Beam helps you explore your strengths, develop a vision and goals plan, and set SMART goals for yourself. She also helps you overcome your fears. By exposing them, Beam helps you to minimize and remedy them so they don't distract you from attaining your successful goals. At every step of the way she presents the information in easy-to-digest bites that also include plenty of fun exercises, journalling prompts, and examples from people who have already gone through her process.
The Creative Entrepreneur helps you lay the foundation for your business. But that's about as far as the material in the book goes. She quickly glosses over the idea of promotional materials that could help your business expand and get noticed, but she doesn't cover how to obtain licenses, or networking with other entrepreneurs and suppliers. Therefore, I wouldn't consider this book as the "all inclusive" text for creatives looking to go into business for themselves. Instead, I see this as a companion to Craft, Inc. which delves into the daily business running aspects in greater detail.
I loved this book. There's so much good information in it that I think it's valuable for anyone to read through. I especially loved her breakdown on the left brain/right brain and the information on SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats). While I'm not ready to create a business out of my bookbinding just yet, I know that the information and exercises are things I can use to help propel and transform my writing life into something more. I recommend The Creative Entrepreneur to any writer, artist, or crafter who desires to do more with their art, or just become more attuned to what you can offer the rest of the world. Even if you're not interested in operating your own business, this book gives you a lot to think about on assessing your creative strengths and weaknesses. The Creative Entrepreneur retails for $19.99 and is published by Quarry Press. You can also visit the book's website for more information on Lisa Sonora Beam and her workshops.
|Click book to purchase
|The Creative Entrepreneur: A DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real
author: Lisa Sonora Beam
ASIN or ISBN-10: 1592534597
Yes please
Great review, and exactly the encouragement I need to finally press BUY at my amazon wish list where this book is high up right now. thanks!
I can recommend another great book for artist and creative people that is called I'd rather be in the studio! written by Alyson B. Stanfield.
It's all about marketing and finding ways to keep your "brand" going once you've started out with blogging, newsletter, shows etc.
My review if you haven't read the book is here.
I too wish there would be lots of more books like this one. We do need them!
my creative blog and my homepage ihanna.nu
Fancy that..
I just started reading Alyson's book... so I'll have a review of that soonish.
Glad you liked this review on The Creative Entrepreneur. :)


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If each person is unique, it stands to reason that the way to communicate to a person varies based on how someone best receives information. Whether you are the boss/owner of a company, a supervisor of a department or have just started on the job, communication is one of the most important tools to succeed in any business in any industry.
Communication is a part of everything we do inside and outside of work. For me, communication means everything. Therefore, it continues to be my most interesting and most studied area of business that proves to offer the most success when embraced company-wide, meaning from the very top down.
I have worked on internal and external communications and there is much I am happy to share with you should you have any specific questions on succeeding in various ways communications plays a role, which truly is in most everything we do.
Please click on 'Communication' to see what articles are available. Then let me know what questions you have or if you have a suggestion or idea you would like to share as an author in this section. Whether I can help or whether you have something to offer, thanks for your time and your examples that can help us all improve our business success. And thanks for stopping by.
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The menu at Cafe Referenda is distinctly limited – only sortition gives people real choices over the real choices, argues Daz Pearce.
To paraphrase Suzanne Vega, you walk into the diner and pick up a menu. It contains two options, namely Carnivore Speciale or Vegetariana. Logical powers of deduction suggest that one almost certainly contains meat and the other doesn't, but unless you're a self-identified vegetarian, or some wild inhabitant of the Serengeti taking a well-earned vacation, that probably isn't an enormous help. Even then, you'd like to know a few more of the particulars before deciding which, if any, of these appetising options most appeal to you. A minute later, a woman wanders over to your table, imploring you to vote Vegetariana - "Just think of the millions of animals impacted by your choice," she quite ridiculously pleads before badgering you for several minutes about how 'Meat is Murder' until some Jehovah's Witnesses helpfully come along to make the save.
A short while later a man in a suit who looks, sounds and smells like he's been drinking heavily sidles up to you, explaining that he saw and heard the exchange you had with the vegetarian woman earlier. "She's talking out of her arse," he tells you, "I reckon it's time you took back control, stuck it to the man and went Carnivore Speciale." Confused, you approach the owner of the diner and ask him exactly what these two options consist of. Pulling a face, and with an apologetic look in his eyes, he informs you that 'the rules' dictate that he's not allowed to tell you that and, seeing as you're here, those same 'rules' mean that they're locking you in and you have to choose one of those options NOW. And by the way, would you like the alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink with that? Please note that the same 'rules' apply...
One of the more amusing 'political' conversations I can remember having over the years concerned a friend of mine who flirted with and then quickly abandoned the concept of 'rule by referenda.' In short, this would involve most major decisions (such as the budget) being put to a plebiscite in some curious nationwide game of snakes and ladders so that we got proper 'government by consent' – by the people, for the people, of the people. Fortunately I was able to blow this out of the water fairly quickly by pointing out that a majority would simultaneously vote for tax cuts for themselves, along with taxpayer-funded indulgence of their wildest public spending fantasies. The country would require a 70s-style IMF (or perhaps EU) bailout within three or four years – and I'm pretty sure this would be on their terms and not subject to a referendum.
I understand up to a point why a lot of people like the concept of having a referendum on major political questions. In the case of the recent Brexit shambles, a sense of pride was derived by many for having 'forced the hand' of Conservative politicians in particular and 'making' them offer a vote in the first place. In reality, just because you get the outcome you were arguing for doesn't necessarily mean that your arguing had anything whatsoever to do with it. That we ended up with the prolonged farce that was the Leave vs Remain battle owed more to David Cameron's trademark arrogance, inclination towards political expediency and, most importantly, his own belief that he wouldn't win the 2015 election outright than it ever did to 'people power' – the idea that we got a 'referendum by demand,' attractive though it might sound, is something of a myth.
There's an irreconcilable paradox at the centre of referenda which explains why so many descend into poor-quality argument before ending with a sense of anti-climax and disappointment. Their fundamental failing is simply this:- they don't reflect the complexities of political or economic reality. Whereas referenda ask a single, isolated question and require you to give an immediate yes/no answer, the landscape that actually exists encapsulates a multitude of complicated political, economic, social and moral issues, many of which bleed into each other. You can't have a conversation about public spending without also talking about the taxation you'll need to pay for it, or the general economic climate. Immigration clearly fuses with a discussion about welfare entitlement. Defence and foreign policy are perpetually intertwined with each other – in short, standalone issues simply do not exist.
This poses problems for all sides, but particularly for that which is arguing for a change to the current arrangement and even more so if that side is not the government, as was the case in the EU plebiscite. It's hardly unreasonable for the undecided to ask those pushing for an alteration to the status quo what their answers are to the spin-off questions that arise from leaving the European Union. What happens to the money that we currently pay in? Does this mean immigration policy will change, and what about all those who have moved between the UK and another EU country (in either direction) already? Does this impact our membership of any other international organisations? Are we going to join EFTA now? All entirely sensible and fair questions which logically you'd want to nail the 'candidate' down on, but there are two serious issues here:-
Uno - none of those questions are actually on the ballot paper.
Dos - if this 'candidate' is not the government, or about to become the government then his or her answers to those questions are utterly meaningless as they can't possibly be held accountable for them in this lifetime or the next.
Just about everyone remembers that bus with the magic number of £350 million on its side, don't they? Its impact was twofold – it fed into the religious fervour which many still feel about the National Health Service, while turning the Brexit referendum into a somewhat warped pseudo-election. Along with the 'pledge' to introduce an Australian-style points based immigration system, this transformed the answer to a single political question into the bare bones of a platform for 'Vote Leave' to form the next government, despite 'Call Me Dave' having stated, up to and including this point, that he would stay on and sign article 50 himself in the event of a leave vote. However, it's also true that a failure to offer some sort of wider post-Brexit programme would have resulted in what could be politely described as a credibility deficit – and herein lies the paradox at work.
Having spent most of the campaign period cringing, pulling faces and generally lamenting the cocktail of dishonesty and ineptitude on display from both sides on social media, I got used to labels like 'malcontent' and what have you. Fortunately, the Electoral Reform Society recently came to my rescue and agreed that the standard of debate conducted by all involved was 'dire' – note that this is about as strong a form of language as is possible for an organisation that does not allow its members to print expletives. However, it's possible that along with an encouraging number who noted the quality of the arguments or lack thereof, I was being slightly harsh on the individual participants. The nature of referenda themselves forced the hand of all involved to some extent, and Vote Leave in particular, to conduct themselves in the way that they did.
That same ERS report also offers the Scottish referendum vote as an example of how putting a question to the popular vote can result in an argument which is, well, much better than what we had to endure in the Brexit campaign. In absolute terms this is true, but it's misleading to conclude that therefore referenda are a good thing, or even that they can be a good thing on any sort of scale. As you'll recall, the two sides in the Scottish Independence campaign were the elected SNP government in Scotland and the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition that formed the UK government. It was understood beforehand that one of Alex Salmond or David Cameron would have to quit afterwards (which Salmond duly did). The two sides were able to engage in 'electioneering' because this WAS an election in all but name and at least not JUST a referendum.
And yet...even this left an unsatisfactory ending. Salmond's answers to the spin-off questions around independence gave you the complete picture of what his and the SNP's version of amicable divorce looked like – keeping the pound and the queen as head of state were the two that jumped out of the page immediately. So those Scots who saw their future as being part of a republic, and/or playing an active role within the EU and eventually joining the Euro, were left without any representation at all. Meanwhile, after seeing an opinion poll which had them trailing for the first time, Better Together sent the leaders of the three main parties up to Scotland to promise something called Devo Max if the vote was to keep the United Kingdom intact. Regardless of what was on the ballot paper, the status quo was no longer a genuine option as those seeking no change whatsoever were left high and dry just days before the vote.
This is why the holding of referenda represents a pernicious sleight of hand, a false delegation of autonomy to ordinary people when in reality the political class retain power over the question, your choices in answering and when it is asked. Moreover, the plebiscite paradox constrains politicians in such a way that either it locks you into Cafe Referenda with its two vague, unspecified options, or leaves their mouths writing cheques that they have neither the means nor inclination to cash. Cheap slogans, poor-quality arguments, personality-driven campaigns and a sense of 'hollow victory' for the 'winners' afterwards are inevitable by-products as nothing truly feels 'settled' for any length of time. It's amazing how many of those who genuinely believe the UK is better off out of the EU (myself included) were left just as deflated as the 'losers' on the day of the result.
Only sortition will give people real choices over the real choices. It will put an end to the logical fallacy that serious political and economic questions can be asked and answered in isolation and that there's a straightforward black/white, yes/no or in/out answer to everything. Far from representing 'people power,' referenda embrace the ugliest elements of direct democracy, appealing to group think and insulting human intelligence, while offering none of its benefits: most obviously that of delegating genuine decision-making to those impacted by it. That said, the increasing calls for referenda on a wide range of issues during my lifetime is something that should encourage and not dismay us. It serves as evidence that an increasing number of people are growing tired of the representative/party system and might be willing to consider an alternative.
Making your own lunch might be hard work, but at least you get to choose what's on the menu – something that could never be said for Cafe Referenda. Thanks for reading.
Showing 2 reactions
Malcolm Saunders commented 2016-09-28 17:09:38 +0100I have been firmly opposed to referendums ever since the first European one in 1975. It is absolutely impossible to decide complex political issues by simple yes/no answers. People have very different intentions in casting their votes and they have different expectations of what will happen if their side wins. The are actually worse than representative democracy and that is very bad.
Important decisions need to be taken by people who are not beholden to an electorate or prey to vested interests who consider all the issues carefully and then make a considered decision. That is what sortition offers.
Daz Pearce published this page in News 2016-09-28 16:25:05 +0100


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The 13th Urology Congress of Kosovo Urologists Association (KUA) is an Annual Meeting highly important in our scientific and educational calendar.
Scientists and medical experts from all fields of Urology come together, including pediatric surgeons, nephrologists, pathologists, residents, nurses and students.
We have a representation from all Balkan countries and from all over Europe. We gather in Prishtina, capital of Kosovo to present our latest scientific achievements and in the same time exchange our clinical experiences in treating of many urological diseases.
The 13th Urology Congress will focus on Recent trends on diagnostic procedures and treatment on Urolithiasis.
The Congress will host Poster Gallery presentations as well. Poster may present original research, best practices, descriptions of clinical programs etc. It has become a tradition now that besides the core programme we are organizing educational activities for Nurses and medical Students of Kosovo.
KUA will send you a Letter of Invitation upon Request and after acceptance of your registration and payment.
The Organizing Committee would like to clearly state that the Letter of Invitation is to help the participant raise travel funds and for visa purposes. It has No other financial obligations from the Congress towards the participants.
We look forward to meeting you in Prishtina, Kosovo on 7th-8th June 2019 in our lovely and friendly city.
I extend a warm welcome to our 13th Congress of Kosovo Urologist's Association (KUA).
Best regards,


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Valproic Acid Full Prescribing Information
Brand Name: Depakene, Valproate, Valrelease
Generic Name: Valproic Acid
Valproic acid (Depakene, Valproate) is used as an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug in bipolar disorder and clinical depression. Uses, side effects, dosages of Valproate.
Indications and Usage
Drug Interactions
Adverse Reactions
Depakene patient information (in plain English)
Valproic Acid is an anticonvulsant used to control seizures. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Although valproic acid's mechanism of action has not yet been established, the drug's anticonvulsant activity may be related to increased brain concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The effect on the neuronal membrane is unknown.
Peak serum levels occur approximately 1 to 4 hours after a single oral dose. The therapeutic plasma concentration range is believed to be from 50 to 100 mcg/mL.
Indications and Usage
As sole or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple or complex absence seizures, including petit mal, and is useful in primary generalized seizures with tonic-clonic manifestations. Valproic acid may also be used adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types which include either absence or tonic-clonic seizures.
Valproic Acid is contraindicated in those patients who are hypersensitive to it.
Patients with hepatic disease or significant dysfunction.
Hepatic failure resulting in fatalities has occurred in patients receiving valproic acid. These incidences usually have occurred during the first 6 months of treatment with valproic acid.
A recent survey study of valproate use in the United States in nearly 400000 patients between 1978 and 1984, has shown that children under 2 years of age who received the drug as part of multiple anticonvulsant therapy were at greatest risk (nearly 20 fold increase) of developing fatal hepatotoxicity. These patients typically had other medical conditions such as congenital metabolic disorders, mental retardation or organic brain disease, in addition to severe seizure disorders. The risk in this age group decreased considerably in patients receiving valproate as monotherapy. Similarly, patients aged 3 to 10 years were at somewhat greater risk if they received multiple anticonvulsants than those who received only valproate. Risk generally declined with increasing age. No deaths have been reported in patients over 10 years of age who received valproate alone.
If valproic acid is to be used in children 2 years old or younger, it should be used with extreme caution and as a sole agent. The benefits of seizure control should be weighed against the risk.
Serious or fatal hepatotoxicity may be preceded by non-specific symptoms such as loss of seizure control, malaise, weakness, lethargy, anorexia and vomiting. Patients and parents should be instructed to report such symptoms. Because of the non-specific nature of some of the early signs, hepatotoxicity should be suspected in patients who become unwell, other than through obvious cause, while taking valproic acid.
Liver function tests should be performed prior to therapy and at frequent intervals thereafter especially during the first 6 months. However, physicians should not rely totally on serum biochemistry since these tests may not be abnormal in all instances, but should also consider the results of careful interim medical history and physical examination. Caution should be observed when administering valproic acid to patients with a prior history of hepatic disease. Patients with various unusual congenital disorders, those with severe seizure disorders accompanied by mental retardation, and those with organic brain disease may be at particular risk.
The drug should be discontinued immediately in the presence of significant hepatic dysfunction, suspected or apparent. In some cases, hepatic dysfunction has progressed in spite of discontinuation of the drug. The frequency of adverse effects, particularly elevated liver enzymes, may increase with increasing doses. Therefore, the benefit gained by improved seizure control by increasing the dosage must be weighed against the increasing incidence of adverse effects sometimes seen at higher dosages.
Usage in Pregnancy
According to recent reports in the medical literature, valproic acid may produce teratogenicity in the offspring of human females receiving the drug during pregnancy. The incidence of neural tube defects in the fetus may be increased in the mothers receiving valproic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Multiple reports indicate an association between the use of antiepileptic drugs and an elevated incidence of birth defects in children born to epileptic women taking such medication during pregnancy. The incidence of congenital malformations in the general population is regarded to be approximately 2%, in children of treated epileptic women, this incidence may be increased 2 to 3-fold. The increase is largely due to specific defects, e.g., congenital malformations of the heart, cleft lip and/or palate and neural tube defects. Nevertheless, the great majority of mothers receiving anticonvulsant medications deliver normal infants.
Antiepileptic drugs should not be discontinued in patients to whom the drug is administered to prevent major seizures, because of the strong possibility of precipitating status epilepticus with attendant hypoxia and risks to both the mother and the unborn child. The risks of discontinuing drugs given for minor seizures prior to or during pregnancy should be weighed against the risk of congenital defects in the particular case and with the particular family history.
IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. If you are or may be pregnant, check with your doctor for instructions on using this medicine during pregnancy.
Infant breast-feeding is not recommended for women taking this drug because valproic acid appears to be secreted in low concentrations in human milk.
Male Fertility: The effect of valproic acid on the development of the testes and on sperm production and fertility in humans is unknown. Long-term toxicity studies in rats and mice indicate a potential carcinogenic risk.
Valproic acid may produce CNS depression, especially when combined with another CNS depressant such as alcohol.
Because valproic acid may interact with other antiepileptic drugs, periodic serum level determinations of concurrently administered antiepileptics are recommended during the early part of therapy. There have been reports of breakthrough seizures occurring with the combination of valproic acid and phenytoin.
Hyperammonemia with or without lethargy or coma has been reported and may be present in the absence of abnormal liver function tests; if elevation occurs the valproic acid should be discontinued.
There have been reports of thrombocytopenia and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Platelet counts and bleeding time determination are recommended before instituting therapy and at periodic intervals. It is recommended that patients be monitored for platelet count prior to planned surgery. Clinical evidence of hemorrhage, bruising or a disorder of hemostasis/coagulation is an indication for reduction of dosage or withdrawal of therapy pending investigation.
Interference with Cognitive or Motor Performance: This medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.
Drug Interactions
BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. This includes medicines used to treat seizures, anxiety, infections, and medicines containing aspirin or salicylates. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Valproic acid will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants.
Caution is recommended when valproic acid is administered with drugs affecting coagulation, e.g., ASA and warfarin.
Adverse Reactions
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bruising, change in weight, tremor, changes in mood or behavior, change in menstrual period, swelling of the face, loss of appetite, vomiting, or extreme tiredness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Other less serious side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, indigestion, drowsiness, or hair loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
Symptoms of overdose may include deep sleep, irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
In acute overdosage the possibility of other CNS depressants, including alcohol, should be borne in mind.
If you or someone you know may have used more than the recommended dose of this medicine, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Naloxone has been reported to reverse the CNS depressant effects of valproic acid overdose. Because naloxone could theoretically also reverse the antiepileptic effects of valproic acid it should be used with caution.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine.
- Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
- Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- This medicine may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
- Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.
- If you miss a dose of this medicine, and it is within 6 hours of the missed dose, take it as soon as possible. Take the remaining doses of the day at evenly spaced intervals. If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
Additional Information:: Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
The recommended initial dose is 15 mg/kg/day orally, increasing at 1-week intervals by 5 to 10 mg/kg/day until seizures are controlled or side effects preclude further increases. Maximum recommended dose is 60 mg/kg/day. When the total daily dose exceeds 250 mg, it should be given in a divided regimen. The frequency of adverse effects (particularly elevated liver enzymes) may increase with increasing dose. Therefore, the benefit gained by improved seizure control must be weighed against the increased incidence of adverse effects.
How Supplied
250 mg and 500 mg capsules.
Syrup: Each 5 mL of syrup contains the equivalent of 250 mg valproic acid, as the sodium salt.
Depakene patient information (in plain English)
Detailed Info on Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments of Bipolar Disorder
Detailed Info on Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments of Depression
The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
Copyright© 2007 Healthyplace Inc. All rights reserved.
APA Reference
Staff, H. (2009, January 4). Valproic Acid Full Prescribing Information, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, August 13 from https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/psychiatric-medications/valproic-acid-depakene-valproate-full-prescribing-information


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Online Grade 5 Tap
Class details:
- Dance genre: Tap
- Class day: Friday
- Class time: 5.00 - 5.30
- Age range: Age 14-16 (Yr 10-11)yrs
- Grade: 5
- Class price: £4.00
- Location: Online
Your instructor:
Viki Sarker
Viki has been teaching for SAA since 2018 after graduating from Laban Conservatoire
Learn more about Viki
Class summary:
Tap dancing is a rhythmical stimulating style of dance, which is a fun way of developing co-ordination and skill.
Anyone at any age can have a go, whilst it may take a bit of patience, in three months you will have picked up enough to partake in your first routine and gain a real sense of accomplishment. We study the new ISTD syllabus and exams.
See the timetable for all Tap dancing classes
Get in touch Enrol today All classes
View the timetable


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