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Back to School
September 8, 2010
You can help get cleaner, safer school buses for our children.
1. Get informed
Take a look at EDF's Clean Buses work and the EPA's state by state information about clean school bus programs in place.
If you want to find out about the status of your school district's buses, start with your local school board. You want to know: the age of the buses: 1988-1990 models emit up to 60 times more diesel pollution as newer buses. You want to push for a retrofit of old models, or, better yet, the purchase of new buses. Even states that have voluntary programs in place haven't necessarily raised the funds to control emissions. Your concern matters; most school boards are elected.
2. The power of the PTA
Parent-Teacher Associations have a lot of clout in most districts; ask your PTA leadership to get informed and get active.
3. No Idling
Most buses are kept running while drivers wait for students. Institute a NO IDLING policy at your local schools–and insist that it be enforced by school authorities. Fleet managers want their bus contracts renewed; they will be responsive to parental pressure. Check out EDF's work to stop idling and the excellent information on the EPA's National Idle-Reduction Campaign. If New York City can go idle-free so can our school buses!
4. Student leadership
Diesel pollution at school is a great issue for junior and high school student government to tackle. It provides a great platform for learning, involvement, and getting results.
5. Get more informed
Get the science behind school bus pollution and see just how much children's exposure increases during their daily ride to school. For extra credit check out the American Lung Association's website on the effects of fine particulate pollution on your child's lungs. A sobering read. And pass the word along.
6. And don't give up the fight on global warming.
Get Involved! Cleaner buses are just one change of many we can make.
Join a powerful new I am Not a Guinea Pig campaign to strengthen toxic chemical standards.


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British Destroyers 1939–45Author: Angus Konstam
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 48
The Royal Navy entered World War II with a large but eclectic fleet of destroyers. Some of these were veterans of World War I, fit only for escort duties. Most though, had been built during the inter-war period, and were regarded as both reliable and versatile. Danger though lurked across the seas as new destroyers being built in Germany, Italy and Japan were larger and better armoured. So, until the new, larger Tribal-class destroyers could enter service, these vessels would have to hold the line. Used mainly to hunt submarines, protect convoys from aerial attack, and take out other destroyers, these ships served across the globe during the war. This fully illustrated study is the first in a two-part series on the real workhorses of the wartime Royal Navy, focusing on how these ageing ships took on the formidable navies of the Axis powers.

subset: commoncrawl


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— Designed to meet the needs of the end user, both acoustically and aesthetically, each AuralexA® ELiTE-CFSâ"¢ is completely custom-designed —
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, JULY 15, 2013 – AuralexA® Acoustics, Inc., the world's leading brand of acoustical treatments and currently celebrating its 35th anniversary, offers its ELiTE Custom Fabric Systemâ"¢ (ELiTE-CFSâ"¢). ELiTE-CFS (ELiTE stands for Engineered Listening & Theater Environmentâ"¢) is Auralex's proprietary, fully engineered turnkey acoustical treatment system, fully individualized per a project's needs. Each installation is custom-designed by Auralex's expert engineers, then installed and fabricated onsite by authorized, experienced craftsmen. Auralex coordinates all pre-installation details, thus minimizing the disruption of other contractors and ensuring the job is completed on schedule. Utilizing a patented retention channel and custom installation process, an ELiTE-CFS installation will turn any room into a completely immersive and dynamic listening environment.
Whether part of a conference room, house of worship, custom home theater, professional audio facility or any dedicated listening environment, the ELiTE-CFS will provide the highest level of acoustic control. By enabling the designer to dictate the overall appearance of the custom-engineered system, any aesthetic need can be realized.
David Brune, Auralex Director of Sales, stated, "For each project, the Auralex crew handles acoustical design, woodworking, installation, etc., thus ensuring a well-integrated result. This system is a 100% turnkey solution and includes conceptual renderings, project management and professional installation. Some of our most famous clients, including top recording artists, sports figures, movie stars, Fortune 500 corporations and more, have benefited from custom ELiTE installations. Our quality and service are unmatched in the upscale, custom-installation marketplace."
The finished look of an ELiTE CFS system is a smooth fabric surface with all the acoustical materials hidden behind the system's elegant facing. The treatments include an engineered combination of absorption, diffusion, reflection, and bass trapping (features not available by most other competing systems). The Auralex engineering staff, based on physical room modeling and potential on-site visits, carefully diagrams the exact layout and placement of these treatments.
A proprietary and patented retention channel system is the core element of all ELiTE-CFS installations by providing secure mounting of fabric, creating a clean finished edge, and allowing for unlimited design possibilities. There are hundreds of fabric styles and colors to choose from to perfectly meet any aesthetic expectation, all approved for acoustical use and carrying a Class A fire rating.
The overall result is an interior finish that looks and sounds great and will provide an exceptional listening experience for years to come.
To discuss your project with an Auralex application specialist, please email
or call 1-800-959-3343. For more information, please visit


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Top Female Performances @ New York Film Festival 2015 – Liz Whittemore
With the abundance of beautiful films that screened at this year's festival, I wanted to call to attention to a few key women who stood out from the crowd. Some were obvious to spot and already buzz-worthy. Others flew under the radar but deserve just as much applause. Altogether they add up to a significant showing for strong and complex women characters on the big screen. Welcome to the top performances by women of the New York Film Festival 2015. Read on…
Kate Blanchett in CAROL. Blanchett never disappoints. She is elegant and raw, sometimes in the very same scene. The film itself is a gorgeous visual portrait. Blanchett is draped in stunning period garb and the theme of reds and corals only added to the luscious performance. While I don't necessarily believe that Carol is her most challenging role to date, she still pulled it off with impeccable ease.
Rooney Mara in CAROL. Mara has played the gambit of roles both "pretty" and "hard edged" with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. In Carol, she allows her innocence and sexual awakening to be exposed with the help of Cate Blanchett. This intriguing pair was a director and audience's dream. From the flick of the wrist to the aloof stare, this role let Mara shine just as bright as Blanchett.
Todd Haynes's adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's early novel stars Cate Blanchett as the titular Carol, a wealthy suburban wife and mother, and Rooney Mara as an aspiring photographer. They meet by chance, fall in love almost at first sight, and defy the closet of the early 1950s to be together. Working with his longtime cinematographer Ed Lachman and shooting on the Super-16 film he favors for its echoes of the movie history of 20th-century America, Haynes charts subtle shifts of power and desire in images that are alternately luminous and oppressive. Blanchett and Mara are both splendid; the erotic connection between their characters is palpable from beginning to end, as much in its repression as in eagerly claimed moments of expressive freedom. Originally published under a pseudonym, Carol is Highsmith's most affirmative work. Haynes has more than done justice to the multilayered emotions evoked by the original. A Weinstein Company release.
Saoirse Ronan in BROOKLYN. We've watch Saoirse grow up in films like Atonement and The Lovely Bones. Now a young and blossomed woman, Saoirse tells the story that is closer to her own experience in real life as an Irish immigrant. From timid virgin leaving home for the first time, in the role of Eilis, Ronan grows before our very eyes. The film's perfect pacing allows us to accept the leaps and bounds in emotion and physical appearance, and attend to our own hearts within the coming of age moments at hand.
In the middle of the last century, Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) takes the boat from Ireland to America in search of a better life. She endures the loneliness of the exile, boarding with an insular and catty collection of Irish girls in Brooklyn. Gradually, her American dream materializes: she studies bookkeeping and meets a handsome, sweet Italian boy (Emory Cohen). But then bad news brings her back home, where she finds a good job and another handsome boy (Domhnall Gleeson), this time from a prosperous family. On which side of the Atlantic does Eilis's future live, and with whom? Director John Crowley (Boy A) and writer Nick Hornby haven't just fashioned a great adaptation of Colm Tóibín's novel, but a beautiful movie, a sensitively textured re-creation of the look and emotional climate of mid-century America and Ireland, with Ronan, as quietly and vibrantly alive as a silent-screen heroine, at its heart. A Fox Searchlight Pictures release.
Shu Qi in The Assassin. The film was far from my favorite, but I would be remiss if I did not mention the gazelle-like presence of Qi. With a cultural quietness combined with the strength of an agile tiger, we are witness to contemplation, mindful journeying, and decisions of faith in this film. I wish there were an entire series simply based around the history of her character. I highly encourage director Hou Hsiao-hsien to use her in every subsequent project.
A wuxia like no other, The Assassin is set in the waning years of the Tang Dynasty when provincial rulers are challenging the power of the royal court. Nie Yinniang (Shu Qi), who was exiled as a child so that her betrothed could make a more politically advantageous match, has been trained as an assassin for hire. Her mission is to destroy her former fiancé (Chang Chen). But worry not about the plot, which is as old as the jagged mountains and deep forests that bear witness to the cycles of power and as elusive as the mists that surround them. Hou Hsiao-hsien's art is in the telling. The film is immersive and ephemeral, sensuous and spare, and as gloriously beautiful in its candle-lit sumptuous red and gold decor as Hou's 1998 masterpiece, Flowers of Shanghai. As for the fight scenes, they're over almost before you realize they've happened, but they will stay in your mind's eye forever. A Well Go USA release.
Kate Winslet in STEVE JOBS. From our sweet Rose in Titanic to quirky Clementine in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Winslet is able to grab you from first look. In the role of Joanna Hoffman, Jobs' marketing and PR maven, Kate is unstoppable. Donning a seamless Polish accent and the sass of a woman who speaks her mind, Winslet gets some truly powerful monologues that pack a real punch. Based on the truth or not, she nails each beat with the magic of an Oscar winner.
Anyone going to this provocative and wildly entertaining film expecting a straight biopic of Steve Jobs is in for a shock. Working from Walter Isaacson's biography, writer Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, Charlie Wilson's War) and director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) joined forces to create this dynamically character-driven portrait of the brilliant man at the epicenter of the digital revolution, weaving the multiple threads of their protagonist's life into three daringly extended backstage scenes, as he prepares to launch the first Macintosh, the NeXT work station and the iMac. We get a dazzlingly executed cross-hatched portrait of a complex and contradictory man, set against the changing fortunes and circumstances of the home-computer industry and the ascendancy of branding, of products, and of oneself. The stellar cast includes Michael Fassbender in the title role, Kate Winslet as Joanna Hoffman, Seth Rogen as Steve Wozniak, Jeff Daniels as John Sculley, Katherine Waterston as Chrisann Brennan and Michael Stuhlbarg as Andy Hertzfeld. A Universal Pictures release.
Margherita Buy in Mia Madre. This film about the slow acceptance of a loved one's death features ans award winning performance by Margherita Buy. As she relinquishes control over her ever-waning control of sadness and sanity, she is able to show the pain of loss. Never does Buy have a forced or untrue moment. With the added challenge (and luck) of working alongside John Turturro as a over inflated ego maniac, American actor, she bounces from one emotion to the next like a pro.
Margherita (Margherita Buy) is a middle-aged filmmaker who has to contend with an international co-production starring a mercurial American actor (John Turturro) and with the realization that her beloved mother (Giulia Lazzarini) is mortally ill. Underrated as an actor, director Nanni Moretti offers a fascinating portrayal as Margherita's brother, a quietly abrasive, intelligent man with a wonderfully tamped-down generosity and warmth. The construction of the film is as simple as it is beautiful: the chaos of the movie within the movie merges with the fear of disorder and feelings of pain and loss brought about by impending death. Mia Madre is a sharp and continually surprising work about the fragility of existence that is by turns moving, hilarious, and subtly disquieting. An Alchemy release.
Clotilde Courau in In The Shadow Of Women. Frustrating to watch and I'm sure, much more so to play, Courau brings to life a woman scorned and struggling to grasp a sense of affection from her cheating husband. Holding on to the knowledge of betrayal, balancing obdience, and dipping her own toe in the pool of infidelity, Courau gives her all to make the audience feel sorry for her and proud of her. One of the most honest films in the festival, In The Shadow of Women, with Courau as one half of the helm, you cannot go wrong.
The new film by the great Philippe Garrel (previously seen at the NYFF with Regular Lovers in 2005 and Jealousy in 2013) is a close look at infidelity—not merely the fact of it, but the particular, divergent ways in which it's experienced and understood by men and women. Stanislas Merhar and Clotilde Courau are Pierre and Manon, a married couple working in fragile harmony on Pierre's documentary film projects, the latest of which is a portrait of a resistance fighter (Jean Pommier). When Pierre takes a lover (Lena Paugam), he feels entitled to do so, and he treats both wife and mistress with disengagement bordering on disdain; when Manon catches Pierre in the act, her immediate response is to find common ground with her husband. Garrel is an artist of intimacies and emotional ecologies, and with In the Shadow of Women he has added narrative intricacy and intrigue to his toolbox. The result is an exquisite jewel of a film. A Distrib Films release.
Rachel Weisz in The Lobster. Weisz attempts to keep her wits in this absurdist comedy. Delivering lines as deadpan as you can imagine, she is fully committed to bringing this world to life. Rebel and survivor learning to hide her true feelings, Weisz is tantalizing in the role of Short Sighted Woman. Hopes, fears, and excentricities abound, we are treated to a unique performance of, what on the page, must have seemed an impossible feat given the plot. With the richness we have come to expect from her, Weisz delivers in every moment, oftentimes with nothing but crude "sign language' and voice overs.
In the very near future, society demands that we live as couples. Single people are rounded up and sent to a seaside compound—part resort and part minimum-security prison—where they are given a finite number of days to find a match. If they don't succeed, they will be "altered" and turned into animals. The recently divorced David (Colin Farrell) arrives at The Hotel with his brother, now a dog; in the event of failure, David has chosen to become a lobster… because they live so long. When David falls in love, he's up against a new set of rules established by another, rebellious order: for romantics, there's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Welcome to the latest dark, dark comedy from Yorgos Lanthimos (Dogtooth), creator of absurdist societies not so very different from our own. With Léa Seydoux as the leader of the Loners, Rachel Weisz as David's true love, John C. Reilly, and Ben Whishaw. An Alchemy release.


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Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.)
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in conjunction with the Graduate School-New Brunswick provides an outstanding program. Here are just a few key elements:
- Rutgers is a member of the highly selective Association of American Universities (AAU) comprised of 62 leading research universities in North America.
- Location allows for easy access from New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
- Faculty are outstanding scholars in their respective fields.
Learn more about life at Rutgers.
If you are a prospective student interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or a dual MSW/Ph.D., visit Ph.D. admissions or dual degrees for information about how to apply. Call us at 848-932-5333 if you have questions.
Our Ph.D. program prepares you for a career as a faculty member, research scientist, or policy analyst and offers you:
- mentoring by our exceptional Ph.D. faculty
- a dynamic, diverse, and accomplished student body from across the United States and the world
- strong professional development support, including funding for conferences
- research facilities that rank among the best in our nation
- research opportunities with faculty and institutes in areas including child welfare, poverty, violence against women and children, mental health services, addictions, gambling, international development, prevention, health, and public health
- generous funding packages for all full-time students through the fourth year, with tuition, health coverage, and fees covered for the first five years.
- excellent job placements in academia and research
Please use these links to access:
Choose Your Research Opportunities
We have an extensive network of faculty and institutions and provide you with excellent faculty-supervised research opportunities. Choose from a variety of areas, including child welfare; poverty; violence against women and children; mental health services; addictions; gambling; international development; prevention; health and public health. Explore your options and talk with your advisor about your interests.
Be Inspired
Read about our Ph.D. student accomplishments and the many excellent job placements our Ph.D. graduates have earned.


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On October 17, 2018, cannabis will become legal to use in Canada. There are rules associated with its responsible use. The Government of New Brunswick will oversee these regulations.
The following information is provided to City of Fredericton residents to help them make informed choices. For more details, see the information provided on this web page and visit the useful links.
If you have concerns about cannabis smoking in public, call the New Brunswick Smoke-free Places Act helpline at 1-866-234-4234.
Helpful Links
- Cannabis Information on Enforcement
- Cannabis and Public Health
- Cannabis Information for Consumers
- Cannabis Information for Landlords and Tenants
- Cannabis Information for Tourism Operators and Tourists
- Don't Drive High
- Information on Cannabis Legislative Framework
Don't Drive High


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5 Tips to Help Homeowners Select the Right Roofing Contractor
Feb 03, 2016
Finding the right person to complete work on your home can be easier said than done. This is especially true when it comes to roof repair or replacement projects because the need typically arises after the damage is done.
However, having a leaky roof that needs work immediately should not be a reason to compromise finding a solid contractor.
In order to get as much longevity out of your new roof as possible and to ensure you're doing the best thing for your wallet in the long run, follow these five tips when selecting a roofing contractor.
1. Look for Manufacturer Designations
First and foremost, make sure you're hiring a roofing company that holds manufacturer designations. Essentially, a manufacturer designation is a "badge of honor" as it means the contractor passed certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified.
For instance, GAF qualifies less than 2 percent of roofing contractors as "Master Elite". H&S Roofing and Gutter Company has qualified as GAF/ELK Master Elite, Owens Corning System Advantage, CertainTeed Sure Start, and IKO Shield Pro Plus!
2. Ask for Local Referrals
Next, be sure to ask for local referrals. Not only do local referrals provide you with person-to-person reviews of the process, but they also help you steer clear of storm chasers.
By asking for local referrals, you can ensure the roofing company has been completing work in your neighborhood for some time and that the contractor is not just passing through.
3. Research Online Review Websites
After establishing local credibility, visit local online review website such as the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List or Facebook to see what others say about the company.
4. Check for Correct Licensing and Insurance
In order for a roofing contractor to begin work, they should have insurance for all employees or subcontractors who will be working on the project. Without proper insurance, the homeowner could be at fault if there was an injury on-site
In addition, most states require specific licensing for roofing contractors, so be sure to confirm that the company you're hiring has the proper credentials.
5. Don't Make the Fast Decision
While it can seem like you need to make a quick decision because of your faulty roof, don't make a hasty decision. Make sure to have the contractor thoroughly examine your roof and provide a quote for the project before you sign any paperwork.
Look no Further than H&S Roofing and Gutter Company!
Ready to schedule your roof repair or replacement? Then look no further than H&S Roofing and Gutter Company! With over 75 years of serving the Charlotte, NC area, H&S Roofing and Gutters has the expertise needed to ensure your project goes through without a hitch and will make sure you're happy with the end result.
Learn more about H&S Roofing and Gutter Company by calling 704-334-9934 to speak to a representative or visit our website to find out more!
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Copper Wire Bangle Bracelet Seamless Joint less
In far east it is believed that wearing Copper Bracelet helps with Arthritis and Joint Pain. People have been wearing them for centuries and swear by the effectiveness.
This bracelet is made from Pure Copper wire about 1/4″ thick and is joint less. It has been put on like a bangle and is very sturdy for you to last a life time.
The copper naturally turns black when exposed to the atmosphere and other natural elements. Copper can be cleaned very easily with items that are easily available at home without any toxic chemicals. Copper readily cleans with Lemon, Vinegar, tomato, or any thing that has mild acid in it.
This bracelet weighs about 2 Oz and has an internal diameter of approximately 2.875″
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need more information about this product.


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The Los Blancos star wants Ozil's pad.
After making the world record £85.3m switch from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid, Gareth Bale is setting about settling in the Spanish capital and is looking to buy a house.
Bale netted on the Welshman's debut for the club during a 2-2 draw with Villarreal on Saturday and is set to celebrate by purchasing a £1m home – from new Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil, reports the Mirror.
The two stars essentially swapped locations this summer, with Ozil heading to north London and the former Spurs man going to Madrid.
The German spent three years with Los Merengues, but since transfering to the Gunners has placed the attacking midfielder's home on the market.
The property is situated in an area of the city known as the Spanish Beverley Hills, due to its exclusiveness and Cristiano Ronaldo already lives there and it was also the preferred location of David Beckham.
Ozil on the other hand is looking for a place in north London and perhaps if this had been thought of earlier, a deal could have been struck between the two players.
It was Bale's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu that made the Germany international finally decide to leave and Arsene Wenger wasted no time in tying up a club record £42.4m deal for the attacking midfielder.
The 24-year-old also had an impressive debut in the Premier League, setting up a goal for Olivier Giroud as Ozil's side rolled over Sunderland 1-3 at the Stadium of Light.
Melanggar Arsenal rumor transfer dan berita dalam Bahasa Indonesia dengan fanatix ID!


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Holzer Jesko
Quality Exteriors LLC
Call Us Toll Free:
When your business or commercial property needs roofing work, whether it be installing a roof or simply repairing one, it can be a stressful ordeal. With Holzer Jesko, we do our best to alleviate that with a no nonsense approach to our job. We want to get in there, install or repair your commercial roof project, and clean up without creating any additional downtime for your business. Let Holzer Jesko Quality Exteriors take your commercial roofing needs off your hands so you can focus on other aspects of your business.
Commercial Roofing in Pittsburgh. Regardless of whether you have a small local Pittsburgh business that needs minor repair, or a multi-million corporation that needs extensive work, we're the local Pittsburgh commercial roofing contractors for you. Below are a sampling of our commercial roofing services.
For more information about Holzer Jesko's commercial roof services, such as commercial roof installation and repair, simply fill out the form below. We'll receive an email with your information and will contact you in 2 days or less. Thanks!
With over 50 years of experience in the commercial roof installation and repair business, Holzer Jesko has the skill to tackle your commercial roofing needs. Just a few examples of the types of commercial roofing work we have completed:
As you can plainly see by the small sampling of commercial roofing applications listed above, we can help you and your business with whatever commercial roofing needs you have.
Use the contact form to the right to contact us and let us know your commercial roofing needs, and we will get back to you with more info. Or, as always, if you prefer to call you can contact our offices at (412) 787-3816
Also check out our roof repair and residential roofing pages for more information about our services.
There are many different problems on a roof that if left untreated will result in more costly and expensive repairs. Problems like roof deteriorate at edge stop, ponding on your roof, separation at seams or even debris on the roof can cause your roof to leak. Timely repairs may extend the life of your roof, however all roofs have a limited life that will require that it be replaced. If you have a leak remember that bucket catching the water is not a solution. Have Holzer and Jesko Quality Exterior LLC inspect your roof and provide you a professional resolution to your problem. Fill the form above for more information concerning your commercial roofing needs!
Single-Ply E.P.D.M roofing systems are based on a
high-performance synthetic rubber compound that provides outstanding protection to your commercial building roof. E.P.D.M provides unmatched resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV exposure. Consider E.P.D.M. roofing systems for added quality for your building.
Tapered polyiso insulation provides several economical solutions for your commercial roof. It can extend the life of the roof assembly by eliminating problems associated with ponding water. In addition, ISO is an insulation providing added protection from the heat of summer or cold of winter.


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Made this tea getting ready for work and looking for something a bit sweet to get me moving. The smell of it is great, truely appley, but the smell of almonds from the almond slices was there too. I was concerned that there might be a lack of 'pie'-ness to it because crust as a liquid didn't jive in my head. After one glass both my husband and I were impressed. I'm on my third cup from the same leaves now and I'm in LOVE. When resteeped it becomes so much lighter the it originally is, since its a black tea. I would willingly buy this again, but luckily I've got a big bag of it. Great choice for an item in my mystery box.
Boiling 5 min, 45 sec


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disabling severe chronic pain,
anxiety, depression,
insomnia, spinal cord pain, muscle pain,
arthritis pain, bursitis, brachial neuritis
& neuropathic pain such as sciatica!
Like all who walk in these shoes,
I was alive without living
thanks to zero quality of life
from all of these chronic conditions** AND the
numerous side effects of prescription drugs commonly given for these diagnoses.
Thanks to God, His herbs, and
music meditation,
I got Back 2 Good naturally.
If you are alive without living thanks to
any or all of these conditions
& their mood and mind-altering Rx's,
I created Spinal Trap so that
YOU TOO CAN GET Back 2 Good!
Don't have a lot of money or
health insurance?
All the more reason to learn about the MANY COMMON LOW COST*
vitamins, herbs, and supplements!
*Please note, I don't sell any of the herbs, vitamins, or supplements that I recommend for these many life-ruining conditions; but I do provide links for the sites from which I buy. Many have referral rewards so if it's your first time ordering from a site, please be sure to use my links so that you may enjoy a discount off of your first order!
Be Grateful, Be Well
Grace Kelly, God Coach, CHLC, CPLC
**Scroll down this page to see a list of my numerous spinal/shoulder diagnoses from my MRI reports.
Spinal Trap: Back 2 Good
12160 W Parmer Lane
Suite 130-118
Cedar Park, TX 78613
United States
vs. Effective Pain Management
I saw a new pain doc July 2014; it was my first return to Western medicine pain managment since late 2011. I believe in setting myself up for success in all situations, by speaking as clearly and concisely as possible to reduce and eliminate unnecessary confusion from poor communications.
Months before I scheduled my new patient consult, I met with this doctor to interview him for Spinal Trap because I found his varied and broad training very appealing as someone who had made the immense progress that I did on my own, by going herbal.
I made this fact enthusiastically clear to him; as well as the facts that I do not take any pain Rx's daily as the rule and opt to suck up and suffer a lot of pain in lieu of suffering the probable damage that will happen with long term use of Rx's, due to my congenital heart and kidney issues as well as my (then) poorly controlled high blood pressure.
Despite all of these truths, he insisted on putting me on what he called "long term opioids" as a maintenance Rx.
Out of the many docs I'd seen in almost 9 years of being a chronic pain patient, I never before had any speak of "short term opioids vs. long term opioids" to me.
I told him this, said I found it interesting and wanted to better understand what he was saying and basing his reasoning on; because as a proactive patient, I want to know why my doctors make the decisions that affect my body, mind and health. (ALL pain pills regardless of long or short term opioid status will impact your mind and not in any good ways!)
Initially, he was very interesting to listen to because of his widespread range of specialties/knowledge. The problem was, he had so much to say about so many different topics that he quickly switched topics and I never got a full understanding of many as a result.
Thus, I shall be pursuing this subject with another medical professional when able and writing about it so that you too can best understand the decisions that impact your long term health and quality of life as a chronic pain person on (likely, many) maintenance Rx's.
A maintenance Rx means that a person takes a prescription on a recurring basis for a chronic, long term condition. Chronic pain people are often on multiple maintenance Rx's for pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc...
At my first appointment, I requested an Rx for Nucynta 50mg and although he gave it to me, it was begrudgingly because it is a short acting opioid and he said that he doesn't like to put chronic pain people on them, he prefers they be on long acting opioids.
Not having a clear understanding of this all yet, I complied with his wishes to also start a long acting opioid. Thus, he also gave me an Rx for Nucynta 50mg ER (ER means extended release) to be taken BID (twice daily).
In a very short time, I realized that although this option may make sense for many, it sure didn't for me given the totality of my specific health status, major success with herbs, and stance on only using Rx's as the exception, not the rule, for pain management.
Nucynta ER didn't exist the last that I asked my prior pain doc for a refill on it in Jan 2012. Thus, being fair and open minded, I felt I had to try it, despite it going against my natural health goals.
Pain truth: pain is personal, subjective
and unpredictable.
More truth, when you have multiple types of damage, i.e. spinal cord, herniated discs, muscles, nerves, ligament, arthritic joints, etc...it is far more complicated too; as a result, what does work for many, also doesn't work for many others.
In other words,
there is absolutely no
"one-size-fits-all" approach
to pain management.
It is simply a matter of trial and error.
Try everything and see what works for me, is my motto.
Thus, you may try Nucynta 50mg ER and think its the best invention since remote controls...so please do not be deterred from trying it, if you are okay with being on long term opioids. I am not okay with that.
Now, permit me to say that as much as I detest pain pills, Nucynta 50mg (not the ER one) is the only one, out of the many I've had throughout the years, that does NOT make me nauseated, dizzy, cloudy headed, and constipated. Each of those side effects in and of themselves, are horribly unhealthy, let alone combined!
Think about it, when you get sick and you vomit, you feel better, right? That's because you were able to release the toxins causing the nausea, from your system.
But, when I get nauseated from pain pills, though I have vomited, I rarely do; instead, I just stay chronically nauseated, which, when already battling severe pain is really unacceptable.
When you don't throw up
and are severely constipated,
there is no releasing the toxins
from your body.
Instead they just get absorbed into it on a deep,
cellular level and will eventually cause you
new health challenges as a result.
For me, some of these byproducts have been my glucose being elevated and developing diverticulitis.
With long term use of pain pills, this toxic residue will also affect your brain and reduce your ability to think clearly and well, even if you don't exhibit the aforementioned side effects. If it happens gradually, you may not even realize it for a very long time.
Ironically and contradictorily, this same dr. who insisted on giving me long acting opioids that I did not want, which cause me (and many!) severe constipation, would exclaim "Constipation is unacceptable!" when I told him of this issue.
Yet, he didn't want to give me the one and only Rx that I knew doesn't do that to me. I'll give you 3 guesses as to what was unnacceptable...
Until I was first given Nucynta 50mg in 2011, it was my (horrible) experience that pain pills did more to numb my brain, than my pain!
Hence, my sucking up pain as much as I can and not taking pain pills, daily, as the rule and recommending to all chronic pain people that you try to find the same success as I have, by going herbal and natural, daily for your best quality of life, despite chronic pain.
Please see my Herbs page and speak with a dr. who is open minded about herbs and/or your pharmacist to see if it is a safe option for you and your specific patient case history.
As I said above, I gave the ER version of Nucnyta 50mg a chance, not because I had any intention of being on a pain pill twice daily for life; but because I pride myself on being fair and you can't judge what you don't know. (Okay, you can, and we humans do, but we shouldn't. Please read my "Judging Wrongly..." page for proof.)
Thus, I gave it a chance to see if it was a good option or to rule it out as such. All of my pain pills prior, were written to be taken one pill every 4-6 hours as needed for pain; and I never exceeded 3 per day.
This long acting opioid was prescribed to be taken one pill, twice daily, every 12 hours. I was hoping that like regular Nucynta 50mg, it would let me function really well.
Nope! Though its side effects weren't as severe, it was definitely NOT for me. It made me completely lethargic and non-functional; to its credit, although nausea and constipation were present, it wasn't nearly as severe as when on codeine based Rx's.
Thus, any improvement in those areas is critically important; BUT logic dictates that a chronic pain person shouldn't have to suffer those at all if he/she knows a different pain pill doesn't do that and conveys this to their doctor.
Therefore a doctor who has this all made clear to him/her and proceeds to completely disregard patients input, knowledge and quality of life needs, is showing absolutely no respect for their patients and is not a professional that educated and motivated patients should tolerate and continue to see.
Nucynta ER's last unhealthy trait is that it would get me to the verge of falling asleep, and then, not let me! Nothing is more annoying then when you need to sleep and can't; especially when in pain.
Thus, after taking it and losing more time out of my life to being non-functional thanks to an Rx, I said DONE!
Until 2014, when I did see a dr. for my pain flare ups, it was only to get a Toradol injection.
Toradol is a super strong anti-inflammatory that has been a real life saver for getting me out of severe pain flare ups, when given properly. Read about it on my Toradol page under the Rx's heading.
The problem with it, is that it is very harsh on the kidneys; thus, Dr. Matt Schocket of Capitol Pain Institute in Austin, TX told me in 2011 when he suggested it, that I can only get a few per year to minimize its potential harm.
Dr. Schocket is an excellent dr. but I didn't return to him right away in 2014 when I resumed pain management care because this doc was not only trained in western medicine but many of the natural healing modalities that I hold in high regards.
Thus, that fact appealed greatly to me; as well as that he came highly recommended by someone I respect. I couldn't wait to be his patient; and I couldn't have been more disappointed.
At my second and final appointment when I told him that the Nucynta ER was holding me back from achieving anything at all due to the lethargy they caused, his reply was "So what, who says you have to get anything done?" I was shocked and appalled.
When I told him I won't be functionless because I have goals to reach with Spinal Trap and life in general that I can't accomplish if I am on pills that leave me lethargic, nauseaous, cloudy headed, chronically constipated, etc...he got existentialist with me saying that "it didn't matter", "there are no deadlines", etc...I couldn't believe my ears.
Absurd begins to start describing this awful patient experience, and worse, more time wasted out of my life thanks to pain and the wrong pain pills.
This time though, it wasn't due to still trying to figure out the best pain pill for me; it was due to a small, doubled minded dr. doing what he thought best for him, instead of me. (Keep reading to find out why he was like this.)
When you have fair and reasonable care
needs and a dr. denies them
without merit, RUN.
As a holistic life coach, permit me to add on that fair and reasonable expectations should be applied to all of your relationships, personal and professional.
When you are fair and reasonable in your behavior and expectations and not shown any respect by another party, it is never going to be a healthy relationship and therefore, shouldn't be a continued one. You don't need your doctors to like you, but you absolutely do need them to respect you and you need to be able to have respect for them as well.
Upon my second and final visit with this doc, I told him again of my preference for Nucynta 50mg due to it being the only pain Rx out of the myriad I'd tried through the years, that yields me the least unpleasant side effects.
Despite his telling me at our initial meeting "I treat patients in their paradigm, not mine." his actions belied those words and and he insisted that I try another long acting opioid. I said "Like what?" He said "How about Methotrexate?"
My eyes got huge and I said, "I used to have a neighbor who was a drug counselor and she said that they gave Methotrexate Rx's to drug addicts who were trying to come off meth, and that they pooped their pants! I really don't want an Rx known for that!"
(Especially considering I'm very anti-drugs; I've never even tried pot so I'll be damned if I was going to get on a pain pill with the common use of weaning addicts off of meth!)
He said "Interesting that she would say that; so I guess due to the stigma, you don't want it." I said, no, I don't. Then he moved on to suggesting morphine in an extended release pill because he made pain management about his peace of mind, not mine.
I instantly got that instinctual dread in my gut as I strongly suspected this Rx would fail me on the nausea front and I said to him "My Promethazine (an anti-nausea Rx) are all expired, so if it makes me nauseated, can I call you and get a new Rx for it?" He said "Of course".
I went to Sam's Club and the pharmacy clerk said they only had 42 of these morphine pills in stock, and that if they issue me the 42 vs. the 60 for which the Rx was written, they would NOT be able to dispense me the remaining 18.
I replied "That's okay, I hate pain pills, I probably won't take more than one anyway so it really doesn't matter if I don't get 60." I paid $41 for 42 pills and left.
This was on a Friday. That night, at 10:08pm I took my first and last morphine pill because exactly one hour after taking it, WHAM! My stomach went crazy sick. I broke a sweat and spent the next 24 hours in nauseated/constipated hell. I then had intermittent bouts of nausea for 12 more hours thereafter.
Needless to say, I called his office Monday to report this situation.
I didn't bother asking for the previously discussed Promethazine Rx because I had the weekend to think about the fact that there is something inherently wrong, with having to take a pill, to force my body to take another pill!
A fact with which he unhesitatingly agreed.
When I talked to the dr., I asked if he wanted me to return the morphine Rx to him? He said no, throw it out or flush it. I said that I thought one of those wasn't supposed to be done? He said it doesn't really matter because in the long run, it all ends up in the same place anyway.
I decided since his advice hadn't been kosher with me so far, I wasn't doing what he suggested. Instead, when feeling better, I contacted Sam's to see if I could turn it into them? (Not for a refund, but as a safe disposal place.) No.
However, Shelley at Sam's Round Rock, TX pharmacy was kind and proactive, and looked up Rx disposal data and let me know that Saturday 9/27/14 was a collection day for exactly this purpose!
Thus, I dropped the bottle of remaining 41 morphine pills off for proper disposal to the booth outside of the Cedar Park Police Department.
While there, I spoke with the DEA Agent overseeing the operation, Agent John Schexnayder. He was very kind and we chatted about pain and pain pills for a few minutes. He explained that it was a federal program and all Rx's collected would be incinerated.
I had many questions since I had not done this before and wanted to get strong and accurate data about it to post on Spinal Trap.
He doesn't do interviews but gave me a name and phone number for someone who may. I shall add all relative data if and when that happens.
In the meantime, please click on the link below, to educate yourself about this terrific program; which by the way, has a dual purpose.
One of course, is to not contaminate our water and earth with such pharmaceuticals; but the other I was informed, is to prevent drug abuse and selling.
As someone who has never abused her Rx's and has always been anti-illegal drug use, I was very glad to hear that this program has been a huge success in diverting drugs from abuse and the streets!
Life is too short.
You wanna get high? Take Gingko Biloba 24% extract capsules! I'm not kidding! I can be in horrible pain but still have a happy attitude thanks to taking one of these daily, along with my Holy Basil, and of course, thanks to God, who has allowed me this victory so that I may educate and motivate millions of you to have it too!
At my initial consult with this new pain doc,
he reviewed my patient psych profile answers,
looked at me and said:
"It's amazing, you have all of the depression markers but to look at you and talk with you, you'd never know it."
That is a victory worth its weight in gold!
It's taken me years longer than I wish, but the good news is that I have beaten depression naturally!
Ironically, if I had stayed on his long acting opioids, my mood would NOT have been the happy and upbeat person that he complimented!
You would think that immutable fact would've made him realize that his trying to force me to be on long acting opioids for life was an extremely poor choice for me and my specific patient facts.
During our last conversation, he let me know that he'd had patients who died of drug overdoses; hence finally knowing why he had such great hesitation to write short acting opioid Rx's.
I told him that I appreciated knowing that and I respect that he and other docs, work long and hard to earn their medical licenses and do not wish to lose them.
I also understand that losing a patient, has to be a horrible situation.
However, what I do not understand is why doctors punish non-drug abusers like me for the actions of those who don't have the discipline and desire that I and MILLIONS of others DO possess?
It's like being found guilty of a crime
that you didn't commit,
before you even go to trial.
Call me silly but I would like to think that a doctor is smarter than the average person when it comes to the court of public opinion vs. making fact based opinions.
That's not how our
legal system works
and it sure as hell isn't
how our medical system
should work.
If we let fear
about potential worst case outcomes,
rule our decisions,
no one would ever leave their house!
No one would fly, ride in a car, swim/surf in the ocean, etc...no one would climb Everest or ever do anything great!
Hell, for that matter, no one would even take any prescription pills because if you ever stop to read the pharmacology sheets that come with them, they are pretty overwhelming in their warnings about side effects.
But as a fair and reasonable pain person, I tell myself, I can't let the fear of its numerous, horrid, potential side effects keep me from finding out if its pain relief benefits to me, are greater.
Doctors need to realize that we patients have fears that we have to overcome too.
Fear of needles.
Fear of prescription side effects or worse, new health damage from long term use.
Fear of becoming paralzyed by a wrongly done procedure.
Fear of being left in more pain by an ineffective and/or poorly done procedure.
We have fears too but ultimately, we have to put our trust in you and you must do the same with us.
And just as some patients do not deserve the benefit of the doubt, neither do some doctors.
There are bad patients and their are quack doctors.
As an almost 10 year chronic pain patient who has been exceptionally involved and motivated in her care, here is my bottom line, and it should be every patient's:
I respect and expect,
a doctor to make
fact based decisions,
I do not respect or expect one,
to make fearful, paranoid based
decisions with absolutely
no merit when a patient
presents with no history of
abuse and/or suspicious drug
addiction type behavior(s)
and/or physical signs thereof.
Especially when there are millions of patients like me exist that do NOT want to be on Rx's daily, for life and have the discipline to deal with suffering pain vs. popping pills at every ache or stabbing pain.
Additionally, since I only take my pain related Rx's prn (as needed), after all of my numerous, natural methods have failed to manage my pain, when at my first visit, and they did an unexpected urine test on me, it came back completely clean of ANY prescription drugs!
Thus, that alone should have substantiated my claim that I do only take my Rx's prn, NOT daily, or even, weekly so that at my second visit, instead of again insisting that I waste time, money and peace of mind on morphine that I didn't want, that made me greatly ill and lost me a weekend of functioning, on top of time lost feeling lousy from the Nucynta ER when I could've just been given the regular Nucynta Rx.
When I saw this doc, I'd been a chronic pain person for almost 9 years; I believe that this was my first ever urine test for drugs. Since drug abuse has been a non-issue for me, I don't actually know anything about urine tests in how long of a time period the urine can trace back and if it varies drug to drug.
Also, his staff member accompanied me to the restroom and held my purse outside of it; thus, they know beyond the shadow of a doubt, the clean pee, was indeed mine.
I even took my bag of pain prescriptions to my initial consult, which showed I didn't even finish many of them, such as Oxycodone; and Oxy is known to be a highly abused drug.
I honestly didn't see what the big whoop was all about. They didn't appeal to me anymore than the hated codeine based pills that I will never take again.
Thus, common sense dictates that not even finishing the one Rx for Oxy that I got, combined with a quick call to my former pain doc to confirm that I never asked for a refill and to ask his opinion of if there is a reason for concern, should all go to disabuse a doctor's fears about whether or not a new patient is an abuser.
Many times, we patients already waited up to 2 hours to see you, so please, take 2 more minutes to call our prior doc so that we may all have more peace of mind about having our reasonable and fair care needs, met.
After all, it was another pain doc who put me on Nucynta originally when I told him I couldn't function on codeine based pills. So really, where is the foundation for such paranoia?
It sure as hell didn't come from me, my patient history or behavior.
If asked, I would've gladly furnished him with the names of the docs that I saw for Toradol injections during my 2.5 year break from Western medicine as the rule; they too could confirm that no pain Rx's were dispensed to me.
After almost 9 years of pain and many Rx's taken as the rule for the first 5+ years, I just don't think as fast as I used to; thus, it didn't occur to me to offer this data because I know I'm not an abuser and am not used to being perceived as such.
Thus, again, doctors need to assess the whole patient picture and prescribe or deny, accordingly, based on each individual's patient's case facts.
Furthermore, I'm not educated on the signs/symptoms of drug abusers but I should think doctors are!
Thus, why a dr. doesn't assess a patient's body for these signs, as well as take a patient's overall body language into consideration to help him/her determine that myself and others, are not abusing our prescription drugs, is a question I am going to start asking because this year, for the first time ever,
I am seeing
a scary trend
this year
in doctors
practicing paranoia vs. medicine and doing what is in
the best interest of the patient
and that
is as unacceptable
on their end,
as abusing drugs is on a patient's end.
DEA link for drug take back initiative and more!
LMT Referrals
If you can afford it, massage therapy is a great way to manage chronic pain naturally; but only, if you find a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) who knows what they are doing.
When you have damage and chronic pain, massage therapy hurts; but when done right, you should still feel better afterwards.
I've had it hurt because of M.T.'s who were not yet skilled enough to work on me and they actually flared my pain for many days after the appointment.
I proudly recommend Devon Hornby of Tao Health Clinic in Austin.
Though he is also an LMT, he does what he calls "body work" and it isn't just straightforward massage therapy; but rather, an amalgam of many forms of manual manipulation that he has learned from various types of healing modalities.
For more about Devon, click on my Services page and you will find his site link.
I can also recommend LMT Aaron Kropp in Austin, TX; Aaron is also a physical therapist, (PT) thus his double education means that he knows the human body and its mechanics, extremely well.
I met him when doing P.T. at St. David's and as soon as he laid hands on my neck the very first time, I KNEW instantly by his touch, that he had been an M.T.; I asked him and he confirmed indeed, he was also a LMT as well as an instructor of continuing education for LMT's.
If depression is one of your challenges, and there are no contraindications, I hope that you try Nature's Bounty brand of GinkgoBiloba 24%!
I take just one of this wonderful herb every morning a couple of hours after I get up and it has been an extremely beneficial mood booster!
Also, see my Herbs page so that you can know why you should try Holy Basil too, if safe for you!
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text:
The company is transferring its Centerfire operations from East Alton, Ill., over the next five years and will employ some 800 workers.
Valerie Peters, Winchester's director of operations, says hundreds of people showed up for the job fair this week.
Winchester is building a 500,000-square-foot plant for its Centerfire operations, which makes rifle and pistol ammunition for commercial, military and law enforcement use.
The company is no stranger to Oxford. Its parent company, Olin Corp., moved its Winchester Rimfire operations here in 2003 and its military packaging operations shortly afterward.
Combined, the two operations employ about 350 workers.
Source: The Associated Press via The Republic.


text:
Dr. Najde Al-Ali, a social anthropologist of Iraqi origin who teaches at Exeter University in the United Kingdom happened to be in Amman for a conference while our group was visiting. She offered some insight into the historical experience of Iraqi women, the subject of a book she is currently writing for Zed Books. The key insight I got from her talk is that feminism in Iraq has mostly been an idea used by an authoritarian regime for its own ends. During the oil boom of the 1970s, top down, state-sponsored "feminism" encouraged women's education and work in technical jobs. Then the long Iran-Iraq war, 1980-1988, which killed one million people, altered the gender balance in society to a female majority as well as promoting a militarized culture. Gulf War I and the sanctions that followed fell heavily on women as the regime propped itself up while leaving it to women to sustain families that had lost access to imported foodstuffs and medicines.
Top down, state-sponsored feminism made an unsustainable bargain to obtain women's labor in a society which sent many men to die in its wars; it brought women into public life but left family law, based on religious dictates, undisturbed. When insecurity under occupation pushed women out of employment, legally-based protections for women collapsed. This has nothing to do with "backwardness" or the particular dictates of Islam; it is a function of a false women's "liberation" that aimed to serve society's needs, not those of women themselves.
Al-Ali presented a time line of Iraqi women's status something like this:
- 1958: first nationalist constitution grants considerable freedom to women outside the home;
- 1978 constitution included some positive changes to family law, though nothing earthshaking;
- 1980-1988 the Iran-Iraq war saw resurgence of patriarchal traditions;
- 1991-2003: women bore the brunt of the sanctions regime, as the health and educational systems fell apart and secure employment declined;
- late 2003: the Iran-linked SCIRI party began agitating for full restoration of sharia and patriarchal control of women; U.S. proconsul Paul Bremer vetoed this;
- 2004: under the U.S.-installed Iyad Allawi government, the legal status of women remained as under the last Baath constitution;
- 2005 and onward: the new constitution is contradictory. On the one hand, women can pass on Iraqi citizenship to their children, a new right. However, its family law removes even the formal guarantees of individual autonomy that existed under Saddam, making every woman subject to the authority of religious law as interpreted by the recognized authorities/clergy of her community of origin. Since such interpretations are not uniform, this means a very uneven, arbitrary set of legally enforceable rules. Thirty-seven women's organizations in Iraq are working to get these provisions rewritten, but how successful they will be in current circumstances remains to be seen.
Most Iraqis would agree, according to Dr. Al-Ali that "we were afraid we'd be killed under Saddam ... but at least we could leave the back door open!" Only when security returns will Iraqi women be able to debate and define what rights they believe they should have under law.


text: Gen X: How Insurance Has Changed Since Your First Policy February 21, 2018 One thing you can be sure of: Your life never stays still for long. With all those changes, chances are good that your insurance needs have changed, too. How drastically? Let's take a look! Auto Insurance Then: Back when you were just starting out, you may have just had the basics. Collision, liability — the bare minimum for what you needed to comply with state laws. Now: You have more coverage options than ever before, and you know the basics may not be quite enough. With auto replacement cost coverage, you have more coverage in the event your new vehicle is totaled. Technology has also grown by leaps and bounds since your early days as a car owner. Usage-based technology is everywhere, and allows you to pay for how you drive, not just based on an average. Programs like Driveology® combine the science of telematics with safety. The bonus? The chance for savings! Homeowners Insurance Then: Homeowners? Try renters. Back in the day, you had an apartment, roommates and (hopefully) coverage for your personal property. Renters insurance is important for protecting your stuff in the event of theft or a fire. Now: Homeowners is the name of the game! Instead of a la carte insurance, consider bundling your homeowners and auto policies for simplicity and potential savings. In addition, you have hopefully considered umbrella coverage. Umbrella provides an extra layer of protection, and can step in where your homeowners and liability limits leave off. Not sure you need it? Here are five reasons why you should consider this valuable coverage! Life Insurance Then: Hopefully you weren't among the 37 percent of people that didn't have a life insurance policy. If you did have life insurance (it's important! Here's why!), you probably had a term policy. Term life insurance policies provide coverage for a specific period of time (10 years, 20 years and so on). They can be renewed once those terms are up. Permanent life insurance (such as Whole Life and Universal Life policies) can provide lifelong financial protection, as long as the policy is in force. Now: You might have more people to depend on you now … or maybe you're just looking for an insurance policy that can provide extra security when you're retired. A popular move is to convert your old term life insurance policy into a permanent life insurance policy, in order to take advantage of the additional benefits a permanent life insurance policy can offer, like lifelong protection for you and your family, a policy that can build cash value, or the opportunity to purchase additional riders. What You Need to Know About Life Insurance Have kids? Many parents also open a small whole life policy on children that, once they reach adulthood, can be added on to, converted to a permanent policy (if purchased as a term policy), or cashed out for use on a future investment like a down payment on their first home. Retirement Planning Then: Hopefully, you were thinking ahead to the future! By starting in your 20s, you're able to save that much more than if you didn't start funding your retirement until a decade or two later. When you started looking into retirement, you probably started small, with an IRA or an employer-funded 401(k). And starting small counts! With time and the power of compound interest, even a little bit in your 20s can have a big impact in your 60s. Now: One big advantage to having a 401(k): You can take them with you. You've probably switched jobs at least once; what do you do with the 401(k) from your former employer? You might want to consider rolling it over into an IRA or similarly qualified retirement account. There are lots of choices out there. As you get closer to retirement, it's a good idea to check in on your investment strategy from time to time. What are your goals? You'll want to consult with your financial planner to find options that are best for your situation. Business Insurance Then: Maybe you were just starting out with a crazy idea for your own business, or began freelancing as a way to earn extra cash. If you had a business when you were younger, it was probably small, and you had to work twice as hard to ensure its success. When Is It Time to Get Business Insurance? Now: You're still working hard, but are starting to consider next steps! If you have a thriving business, business succession — how it will be managed when you decide to retire — might be on your to-do list. You want to ensure that your business goes into the right hands and continues to grow and thrive. Protection for All Stages of Life Whether you're a baby boomer, gen-Xer, millennial or generation yet to come, you can find coverage that fits your needs. Your local Farm Bureau agent can help you find a policy that will protect the things and people that matter most to you, so that whatever your generation, your world is protected.


text:
Dr. Rachel L. Moore Featured in Bariatric Times
October 7, 2019
Although many people associate weight loss surgery with outward physical changes, there is much that occurs inside your body in terms of health improvements too. Did you know that weight loss surgery could improve your heart's function? New research has revealed that in a study, heart function returned to normal after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery but not after lifestyle intervention, such as calorie restriction and exercise.
Obesity is closely tied to the development of cardiovascular disease, and people who are severely obese are at high risk of heart attack, heart failure and diabetes. The new study, published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, looked at whether weight loss by bariatric surgery could reduce levels of something called high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI), which would indicate reduced cardiac stress and chronic subclinical cardiac injury. Researchers compared concentrations of hs-TnI between morbidly obese patients who had RYGB, morbidly obese patients who exercised and restricted their calorie intake, and a control group of 30 people with normal weight.
They found that 12 months later, the surgery group lost 30% of their body weight on average while the lifestyle intervention group lost an average of 8% . Hs-TnI levels decreased significantly in the surgery group, but not in the lifestyle group. Of note, hs-TnI levels in the surgery group were not significantly different from the normal weight group at 12 months. However, in the lifestyle intervention group, hs-TnI levels remained significantly higher than in the control group. The findings suggest that bariatric surgery may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in severely obese people, unlike weight loss through changes in diet and exercise alone.
You can learn more about the benefits of bariatric surgery here, or start your weight loss journey today by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Rachel Moore at 504-400-0721


text:
The Knesset's Wednesday session lasted about seven hours. Fourteen bills were discussed. One bill became law after passing its third reading, and two bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings. One bill was turned into a motion, two bills were not brought to a vote in order to avoid defeat and eight bills were defeated. The day was filled with election fever as the opposition proposed bills with little chance of advancing.
Non-Bills Summary
- Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) and Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) answered urgent queries at the beginning of the session.
- Speaker Rivlin greeted the visiting European Parliament members.
- Five motions were discussed on the hot news issues of the week. Three were sent to committee by the votes of 10-2, 9-0 and 6-1. The other two motions were defeated 6-6 and 2-3.
Bills Summary
Amendment to the Defamation Bill
MK Eichler (U.T.J.) slammed Likud and Liberman for trying to call early elections and their attempts to raise the threshold. He explained his amendment would add belonging to a social group under the Defamation Bill. Eichler pulled the bill before voting in order to avoid defeat.
Amendment to the Consumer Protection Bill
MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) explained his amendment would prohibit conditional commitment transactions for a fixed period of time. He said that this bill targets gym memberships that severely harm consumer protection. He told the gyms that this bill would force them to give monthly rates as opposed to yearly rates and will increase competition.
Minister Nahari (Shas) expressed government support for the bill.
The bill passed its preliminary reading 23-0 and was sent to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.
Amendment to the Planning and Building Bill
MK Michaeli (Shas) explained his amendment would prohibit the demolition or the change of a structure of religious importance. He stressed the importance of prohibiting the rezoning of religious buildings such as synagogues to maintain their holiness. He talked about a synagogue in Tel Aviv that was built in 1920 and a person who recently bought it and knocked it down to build high-rise residential buildings. He asked how the Jewish state could allow Jewish structures to be demolished under Israeli law.
Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) expressed government support for what he called a very important bill that would match Israeli law with most western countries. He warned that those who vote against this bill would be voting against religious rights.
MK Horowitz (Meretz) opposed the bill and charged this is a bill that will give Shas the power to prevent the destruction of any building they decide is a religious building. He called this bill extortion and illogical. He suggested this bill would also apply to Judea and Samaria. He stated the current law must be upheld.
MK Michaeli said election fever has turned the most logical bills into political ammunition. He stressed that this bill won't be applied to Judea and Samaria. He noted this bill will protect churches and mosques as well and he couldn't understand how this is Shas extortion.
The bill passed its preliminary reading 49-13 and was sent to the Interior Committee.
Two Amendments to the Social Security Bill
MK Herzog (Labor) explained his amendment would give those sexually assaulted at work social security payment benefits equal to those injured at work. He said that sexual assault is equal to if not worse than physical injuries and women should receive the same benefits.
MK Gal-On (Meretz) explained her similar amendment would accomplish the same thing. She said that women don't come forward about sexual assault because they don't want to lose their job and this bill will encourage them to do so.
Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) said that those who are sexually assaulted at work should be protected and the law does protect them as it does all sexually assaulted women. He stated that those physically injured during their course of employment are entitled to different benefits and there is no reason to mix the two. He said that the government opposes the bill because this is something that already exists, and this bill is purely politically motivated.
MK Gal-On said that these bills are meant to increase the money given to sexually assaulted women in order to encourage them to report the incident to the proper authorities.
The first bill was defeated 21-31.
The second bill was defeated 19-31.
Two Amendments to the Value Added Tax Bill
MK Molla (Kadima) said there are many poor people in Israel, and it is the government's responsibility to take care of them. He explained his amendment would place a zero rate tax on basic food products. He said he feels Israel needs to become a welfare state and that he isn't embarrassed by that view. He stated that he isn't a communist, but he isn't a capitalist either.
MK Horowitz said that indirect taxes are bad and his party is against all of them, including VAT. He said indirect taxes are discriminatory against the poor and help the rich. He said that as a proud socialist he feels that tax exemptions on basic food items are the government's responsibility, as is strong government supervision. He said the disparity between the high cost of living and the low salaries is unbearable. He slammed the capitalistic economic policy of the government.
Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) said that indirect taxes like the VAT are an equal tax on both the rich and the poor. He said that all items have a VAT, and the beginning of VAT exemptions will open the floodgates, crashing the VAT system. He warned that this bill would cost 6 billion shekels each year, and the government opposes the bills for this reason.
MK Molla said that he isn't looking to exempt everything from VAT but insisted that many items should be exempt.
The first bill was defeated 17-32.
The second bill was defeated 17-32.
Amendment to the Real Estate Tax Bill
MK Sheetrit (Kadima) said there are 146,000 empty "ghost" apartments in Israel that are owned by foreigners who don't live in them. He said that his bill will encourage them to sell these apartments. He explained his amendment would eliminate the exemption from capital gains tax for nonresidents. He said that by doing this the apartments will no longer be a sound financial investment and they will sell their assets. He said there are 20,000 empty apartments in Tel Aviv, 14,000 in Haifa, 10,000 in Jerusalem, 1,720 in Be'er Sheva, 1,423 in Petah Tikva, 1,114 in Holon, 1,122 in Ramat Gan, 1,070 in Ashkelon, 958 in Tiberias and 902 Rishon Le'Tzion. He noted that in England the government takes away foreigners' homes in London and sells them off. He noted this bill will increase taxes on foreigners by 3 billion shekels annually, and that money will be invested domestically. He slammed the government for opposing a bill that would lower prices in the housing market.
Deputy Finance Minister Cohen praised this bill as another financially smart Sheetrit bill from a previous Finance Minister. He said the government opposes the bill because it will cause Israel to violate certain signed international treaties and because it lacks exemptions for nonresidents who plan to immigrate to Israel in the future. He suggested turning the bill into a motion in order to discuss the idea more and to find loopholes that will provide a well-rounded solution.
MK Sheetrit thanked Cohen for supporting his bill and expressed understanding that Cohen is just the messenger. He insisted his bill is a quick solution that will lower the housing prices. He noted that the foreigners already have a VAT tax exemption and this real estate tax exemption is really just too much.
The bill was defeated 10-27.
MK Tirosh (Kadima) announced she voted twice by mistake (her place and MK Shai). Deputy Speaker Vaknin announced it was a mistake for the protocol.
Amendment to the Nazi Persecution Bill
MK Bielski (Kadima) explained his amendment would create a national authority to serve as a one stop shop for Holocaust survivors to ease the bureaucracy. He noted that 80 MKs co-sponsored his bill. He said that asking elderly Holocaust survivors to run from one government ministry office to another is unacceptable. He said that by opposing the bill the government is saying that they don't care about fighting for Holocaust survivor rights.
Deputy Finance Minister Cohen said that all 120 MKs stand in unity for the Holocaust survivors and dismissed Bielski's statements. He pointed out that Prime Minister Netanyahu founded a special office in the Prime Minister Office for Holocaust survivors that is led by Deputy Minister Nass (Likud). He said that office serves the Holocaust survivors very well and accomplishes much of what is asked from this bill. He went on to list the government accomplishments from that office for his final ten minutes.
MK Bielski charged the bill is being dropped because of politics. He screamed at Cohen and the government for three minutes.
Deputy Finance Minister Cohen said he was offended by Bielski's words because he agrees with the ideas but rejects that the government is failing the survivors.
Minister Peled (Likud) got up and asked, as a Holocaust survivor, if the vote on the bill could be delayed. Bielski agreed.
Profiler Teacher in Education System Bill
MK Tirosh (Kadima) explained her original bill would regulate the rights of the ten to fifteen percent of students with learning disabilities. She said that currently the government is not involved and external tests determine which rights will be given to the students. She charged that certain people buy learning disability rights. She stated her bill would nationalize the learning disability tests and recommendations and prevent misuse of the system. She said that her system is not just about punishment and those who cannot afford to buy rights would get them under her system. She said the 4,000 schools can share resources, and this does not have to cost a lot of money.
Education Minister Sa'ar (Likud) said that Tirosh touched on a sensitive subject and he agrees with her diagnosis of the problem but not her solution. He added that he personally agreed with the bill but the government requested two months to examine the 400 million shekel budget of the bill. He noted that the only reason the government is asking the Knesset to defeat the bill is because Tirosh chose not to wait the two months. He said that his ministry's budget will be 5 to 6 billion shekels, and it takes time to reduce the number by 400 million. He went on to the topic of politics and slammed the opposition for trying to delay early elections. He said that Israel's opposition will be the only opposition to vote against early elections.
MK Tirosh said that arrogance is a difficult thing. She slammed the government for deciding to call early elections and force the public to vote when they don't want to.
Deputy Speaker Vaknin (Shas) said that the Knesset should conduct a secret vote on early elections. He said the results would be 2-118 with Netanyahu and Liberman as the only two who would vote for.
The bill was defeated 6-21.
Amendment to the Public Housing Tenant Rights Bill
MK Solodkin (Kadima) explained the amendment would increase the number of single parent immigrant families eligible for public housing by having criteria that would be easier to attain.
Housing Minister Atias (Shas) said that Solodkin's bill is discriminatory against Israelis. He said that immigrants aren't immigrants forever, and he is against raising the ten year ceiling. He said that all citizens on the public housing waiting list starting next week will get NIS 3,000 a month towards rent without giving up their position in line. He said that his measure is social justice, and Solodkin's bill is not.
MK Solodkin slammed Atias, pointing out that 3,000 people waiting in line with his ministry will get NIS 3,000, but the 50,000 people waiting on the Immigrant Ministry list will not. She said that she is done with the bill and will tell the immigrants to "Supreme Court" the government in order to get the job done.
The bill was defeated 6-14.
Motion/Amendment to the Arrangements Bill
MK Swaid (Hadash) explained his amendment would change the calculations for property tax reductions for tuitions in the municipalities. He said the change would increase city tax reductions for families that house their university students at home. He stated this bill would assist poor families that send their children to university. He agreed to turn the bill into a motion to avoid defeat.
The motion passed 6-0 and was sent to the Appropriations Committee.
Amendment to the Law and Administration Ordinance Bill
MK Katzeleh (N.U.) said that early elections are a waste of money and pointed out the country sent the MKs to the Knesset for at least 4 years. He stated even though he doesn't like this government, the people want it to last longer. He noted the agreement with Jewish Home and the National Religious Party that would have them running with National Union in the next elections. He expressed confidence that a joint list will lead to a double digit showing in elections and the party will have a lot of influence in the next government. He went on to discuss his nationalist bill that he said will be defeated by the nationalist parties for a third time this term. He said this bill put in place Israeli law in the cities, Regional Councils and Local Councils of Judea and Samaria. He listed his bill's 40 co-sponsors from Likud, Yisrael Beitenu and other parties. He said that 350,000 Jews live in Judea and Samaria under military rule. He went on to slam Prime Minister Netanyahu's position on a Palestinian state as well as the building freeze in Judea and Samaria. He read out the names of the Likud Mayors in Judea and Samaria and their cities' populations and told them to call their Likud MK friends to convince them to vote for this bill that will end their status as residents with full taxation without equal representation.
Justice Minister Neeman expressed government opposition to the bill because it did not reach the Ministerial Committee of Legislative Affairs.
MK Katzeleh said it was not even worth responding to Neeman.
The bill was defeated 4-14.
Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill
Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Haim Katz (Likud) explained the amendment would change the regulations on provident funds (Kupot Gemel). He spent about twelve minutes explaining the incredibly long and financially complex bill.
The bill passed its second reading 13-0.
The bill passed its third reading 13-0.
This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset's May 2, 2012, session.
Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02072712.doc


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Denim Première Vision Barcelona, 18th to 19th November 2015, is approaching. Here are some more insights for the Spring/Summer 2017 season, in addition to what we had already posted.
Brazilian denim specialist, VICUNHA, is once again focusing on the European trade shows in 2015, such as MUNICH FABRIC START in Munich and DENIM PREMIERE VISION in Barcelona.
To quote them, "We have received fantastic feedback on our Athletic Denim Line pre-printed with black and indigo, an absolute must. Super Stretch is still in demand, but has received weaker reviews."
Spring/Summer 2017 season highlights:
Boosting the comeback of authentic denim, the product line TRUE DENIM leaves room for modern re-interpretations. It's perfect for lovers of original styles and the raw look. The outstanding qualities of various washes and finishes emphasize the classic raw effects and a genuine vintage look.
Athletic denim is an unusual composition of denim including the addition of elastic stretch, which ensures maximum comfort and elasticity. With its Squash and Jump qualities, this VICUNHA line is ideal for any shape from slim to loose fits, and looks great in all kinds of washes.
An exclusive and highly advanced technology created by VICUNHA TEXTIL called Carbolumen revolutionizes the finishing process by integrating the key qualities of cotton fiber. Carbolumen combines gloss and texture with the positive qualities of cotton fiber, such as comfort and breatheability. This process is perfectly suited to innovative, modern, high-performance jeans with a natural leather look in a high-gloss finish. Besides contrasting matte and gloss, its polished, softening finish highlights effects such as visible seams. And since they can produce many different effects, the jeans can be worn in both summer or winter.
Even in terms of cut, the possibilities are promising, whether skinny or relaxed, They guarantee comfort in any situation.
BI-STRETCH DENIM FITNESS is a high-tech product line with a differentiated structure and a development of multi-directional stretch, in order to ensure maximum freedom of movement and flexibility. Its highly advanced elasticity in both length and width enables it to meet all the needs of today's active wear.
ECO D, the authentic, dyed warp yarn, line of colored jeans, has a lot to offer. The fabric consists of 100% recycled polyester produced from recycled PET bottles and 100% BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) cotton.
In quantitative terms, 3 less plastic bottles on this planet! Moreover, it is produced using an exclusive dyeing process involving glucose (biodegradable), which can reduce water consumption by around 80%. And up to 70% of the remaining 20% of the water content can be recycled – yet again. Having included BCI cotton in its collections since as early as the end of 2011, denim giant VICUNHA is doing pioneer work in South America.


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Today, we're doing something a little different. If you remember, we interviewed Carole McKee's character on December 20th and it was so fun that I thought we may as well make an occasional habit of it. I had the pleasure of meeting Rachael Stapleton, the author of Curse of the Purple Delhi Sapphire, on my author journey and I asked her if she'd let me borrow one of her main characters, Sophia Marcil, from the book. We'll get a chance to talk to Rachael in a bit, but now we have on the stage…Sophia Marcil!
Marie Lavender: Hello, Sophia. Please have a seat.
Sophia Marcil: Hello. Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here.
Marie: We're going to start out with some simple questions, okay?
Character Sophia: Sure.
Marie: So, what is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it?
Sophia: I'm a librarian. Or I was a librarian. I'm from Canada, but I'm currently living with my boyfriend in Ireland so I'm not working at the moment.
Marie: I don't mean to get side-tracked, but you've caught my interest. What is one of your favorite things about your boyfriend?
Sophia: His accent. I love his brogue.
Marie: How did you two meet?
Sophia: He rescued me from drowning a year ago. Now I live with him in his adorable fairytale cottage outside of Dublin.
Marie: What do you mean by 'fairytale'?
Sophia: Only that it reminds me of the cottage from my favorite childhood fairytale 'Snow White'. It's adorable with its diamond-paned windows, steeply pitched roof and massive chimney thrusting skyward.
Marie: Oh, that does sound quite lovely!
Speaking of childhoods, can you tell us something about yours—something that makes you unique?
Sophia: Hmm…I lost both my parents growing up, but that's kind of depressing so…how about the fact that I never wanted to be a Princess?
Marie: You were a tomboy?
Sophia: No. I played with the other girls. I just watched in a strangely detached fashion when they put on frilly dresses, their mother's costume jewelry and oversized heels and paraded about in sparkling silver tiaras. I think even then I must have remembered.
Marie: Remembered what?
Sophia: Remembered my past life.
Marie: I'm not one to overlook a good story. Your past life—are you implying that you think you were a Princess?
Sophia: Yes.
Marie: Is that what bothers you the most when the story opens?
Sophia: Yes, that and the fact that I'm keeping a secret from the man I love most.
Marie: Can you share your secret with us or is that too personal?
Sophia: I'm cursed.
Marie: I'm sorry? What do you mean by 'cursed'?
Sophia: I own the Purple Delhi Sapphire.
Marie: Can you tell us what that is?
Sophia: You've never heard the tale of The Purple Delhi Sapphire?
Marie: No, please do tell.
Sophia: It's kind of long and really needs to be told in a dramatic fashion to do it justice.
Marie: Well, why don't you give it a try? I can't say no to a good story.
Sophia: Alright but my great-grandmother was the storyteller in our family. Anyway, here it goes.
Once upon a time, along the banks of the River Ganges, there existed a sacred temple that housed an extraordinary purple sapphire, a stone rumored to hold a wondrous magic, but at a terrible cost—a curse. To wield the power you had to own the jewel but to do that, you had to remove it from the safety of its chamber. This action triggered the release of the curse: infinite reincarnation.
Marie: Oh! So you continue to reincarnate? That's not so bad.
Sophia: It is when you're being hunted for the stone's power. Maybe I should finish the tale.
Marie: All right.
Sophia: To protect humanity from the stone's magnetism, a powerful family loyal to its owner, the god of thunder and war, were charged as the sworn keepers. Wielding a book of spells, one member of the family in each generation could safely use the magic of the sapphire to make sure that it stayed put. In 1857, during the confusion of the Indian Mutiny, the keeper failed, and the Purple Delhi Sapphire was stolen, pried from its chamber within the deity by a fortune hunter, and eventually sold to the Prince of Monaco as a gift for his sister, Princess Sapphira Alexandrie de Monaco. That was me. I was Sapphira. The next dark soul to come into contact with the jewel before it reached me was a greedy political advisor who coveted the throne. He was seduced by the stone into believing that he was the rightful ruler. As a result I was cursed too, tied to this dangerous man, who has now stalked me in every life. He is willing to do anything to possess my stone's magic.
Marie: And you can remember this life?
Sophia: Only now because I accidentally traveled into the past a year ago using the jewel's power. I attempted to change things and that's when Cullen saved me and that's what I haven't told him.
Marie: So this man is hunting you even as we speak?
Sophia: Yes, my ex-boyfriend—he's the one who pushed me from the cliff that sent me back in time in the first place. That's why I'm in Ireland. He is back home in Canada, or at least I hope he is.
Marie: Well, this is fascinating. I can't wait to find out more, but we're running out of time on our interview.
Thank you for visiting us today, Sophia.
Sophia: Thank you for having me here.
Marie: Of course! (Waves goodbye to her guest.)
Now, let's shift over and get the author's perspective. We have Rachael Stapleton on the stage today. Hi, Rachael!
Author Rachael Stapleton: Hi. Thank you for having me here.
Marie: My pleasure! We just got to talk to the heroine of your story, Sophia. Quite an interesting character. Can you tell us a little about her?
Rachael: Sophia is at a cross roads in her life. One year ago, she was a quiet librarian dating a spoiled playboy. The past year has taken her on a wild ride, occupying the body of another person, facing off against a heinous villain. Sophia has been forced to think and act on her feet many times and I must admit she's about to face a whole lot more.
Marie: Yes, that is quite a lot! So, let's try another question.
What, do you feel, is her greatest weakness?
Rachael: She is cursed to live out a cycle of betrayal. In every life, she is destined to be killed by someone close to her so she certainly has trust issues.
Marie: Oh! That's terrible. I can certainly understand her hesitance to get close to anyone.
So, what are some of her favorite foods?
Rachael: Is red wine a food group? Sophia loves her Shiraz almost as much as she loves cheese, pasta and Chinese food but she's pretty health conscious so you won't see her indulging all the time.
Marie: What's a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has?
Rachael: She's witty and she's extremely loyal. This makes for great dynamics with her best friend Leslie. I love writing their scenes.
Marie: Great! Well, now that we have a real taste of Sophia, we have a few questions for you as well as the author.
Curse of the Purple Delhi Sapphire is the second book in the Temple of Indra series. What first gave you the idea for the series?
Rachael: I was snorkeling off a reef near Esmeralda beach in Cuba and I looked down and noticed a dark deep cavern and I just felt really drawn to it. It almost felt as if I was flying over the top of a cliff and it made me really wonder what was down there and what if it was a portal to another world or another time. This is the crazy way my brain works. I actually just returned from that very resort. I was so excited to go snorkeling but unfortunately I came down with food poisoning the day I was supposed to do it.
Marie: Aww…sorry to hear that. I love your imagination, though. I can really picture what you meant when you were looking into the cavern.
So, tell us. What is your writing style like? Are you a pantster or a plotter?
Rachael: I guess I'm a plotter, although I hardly know every detail or twist and turn before I sit down. I do have an idea of my characters, the basic plot points, and the ending I'm working towards. After my basic outline is done, I spontaneously write chapters out of order which is a little annoying at times. It makes for some fun re-writes.
Marie: I hear you on writing scenes out of order. Mine come to me randomly, which I agree, can be annoying at times. I don't often know what will happen until I write an outline, but even then, the characters will still surprise me.
(Glances at clock.) Oops! It looks like our time is up.
Well, it was a such a pleasure having you here on the I Love Romance Blog. And how apropos is that, considering what a great story Curse of the Purple Delhi Sapphire appears to be. Readers, you will just have to pick up a copy of this awesome new release by Rachael Stapleton, a very talented author!
Here is the blurb for Curse of the Purple Delhi Sapphire.
Librarian Sophia Marcil loves reading, especially books about ancient curses and reincarnation. But she never imagined the legend of the Purple Delhi Sapphire was true until she inherited it and was wrenched back in time. Now having suffered deadly consequences, she knows and fears the sapphire's irresistible charm, but before she can warn her boyfriend, he proposes with a ring made from the very jewel. No sooner is it on her finger, then she once again finds herself in the body of another, wandering the hallway of an old Victorian mansion circa 1920. Unfortunately, her nemesis has reincarnated too. Doomed to repeat past mistakes, Sophia struggles to prevent the deaths of those she loves, returning to her present-day life, with a deep understanding that her killer is not far behind.
Purchase Links:
Release Date: January 30th
Amazon Universal link: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00SNAF018
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/5276796
Publisher: http://solsticepublishing.com/curse-of-the-purple-delhi-sapphire/
About Rachael Stapleton
Rachel Stapleton spent her youth cultivating a vivid imagination inside the book lined walls of an old Victorian library where she consumed everything from mystery to biography, creating magical worlds, hidden elevators, and secret spiral staircases. At sixteen, she penned a column for the local newspaper and in 2006, wrote her first book featuring an adventurous librarian. She lives in a Second Empire Victorian with her husband and two children in Ontario and enjoys writing in the comforts of aged wood and arched dormers. She is the author of The Temple of Indra's Jewel and is currently working on a third book in the Temple of Indra series. Visit her website and follow her on social media or sign up at www.rachaelstapleton.com to receive email updates.
Rachael's Books:
And, if you want to know how to connect with the amazing Rachael Stapleton, here are some of her author links:
Website: http://www.rachaelstapleton.com/
Blog: http://rachaelstapleton.blogspot.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Rachael-Stapleton/137831156290570
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaquelleJaxson
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7271862.Rachael_Stapleton
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachael-Stapleton/e/B00IE9W804/
Once again, I want to thank both of our guests, Sophia Marcil, the female main character of Curse of the Purple Delhi Sapphire, and Rachael Stapleton, the brilliant author of the novel, for stopping by! It was so fun to have you here! 🙂