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Transcription by M H aka Psychophobe
Accept, the legendary heavy metal band out of Germany, conquered the metal world back in the 80's with thunderous classic catchy songs such as RESTLESS AND WILD, BALLS TO THE WALL, BREAKER, METAL HEART, and the list continues. The legendary five piece made a triumphant return to the limelight in 2005, crisscrossing European metal and rock festivals and received excited reception from metal fans. However, things within the band didn't work out and the band went on hiatus. Finally Accept got back together, but without vocalist Udo Dirkschneider. The former TT Quick frontman Mark Tornillo stepped in to take over on vocals. Original members Wolf Hoffman and Peter Baltes had plenty of new strong sounding Accept material written and the new album BLOOD OF THE NATIONS was recorded during last year at the helm of Andy Sneap who had a strong input on new songs and album. The whole band was on a promotion trip and doing some shows here and there. Metal-Rules.Com got an excellent opportunity hear the new album and then hav a chat with Wolf Hoffman and the new singer Mark Tornillo.
Well after now hearing new Accept music for the very first time I would say that it has a lot of common with classic BREAKER–style material but there are also some elements of pure trash metal and stuff like that?
Wolf: There you go. That's what we tried to achieve so I think we got that.
I can honestly say that what I just heard was the heaviest thing I have heard from Accept, ever.
Wolf: Good, well, there's more shit on there but you'll have to wait and see when the record comes out.
So was that the final mix of the album?
Wolf: Yes, but it's only an MP3 so the final version is still going to sound a little nicer. MP3's always… don't sound quite as good as real thing.
How it was to work with producer Andy Sneap on this album?
Wolf: Oh terrific, yeah! I mean, we love him like a brother, he's great.
Did you have any other thoughts about picking up any other producer or was it obvious, clear for you that this must be Andy Sneap in the first place?
Wolf: He was an obvious choice, we met him early on and through – errm… it was really a miracle how we met him through a mutual friend we got introduced to him and he came up to see us when he heard we were going to make a record. And we just hit off right away and he was such an obvious choice that we felt this was just a perfect man for the job.
If I remember right he's always been a huge fan of Accept?
Wolf: Exactly. I mean not only is he a world class metal producer, whose just done – you know – Megadeth and all these great bands but he knows Accept so well that we felt like he's the perfect man and we didn't even talk to anybody else.
Remember when Andy used play in a band called Sabbat? They also used to play in Germany back in the day…
Wolf: Right, I know. He still does as a matter of fact, I just talked to him yesterday… and he said they're going to go out and do a few more dates in the summer.
Have you noticed that some people will – I dunno – a little bit criticise Andy Sneap because he's a part of almost every second metal album coming to the market?
Wolf: Well that kind of goes with the territory, what can you do? If you love what you're doing somebody's always going to criticise you for something, so, whatever….?
How about the new album title – BLOOD OF THE NATIONS. Do you have some kind of deeper meaning behind that title? For me it doesn't sound typical usual Accept album title?
Wolf: Really? We felt like it sounded pretty much like Accept.
Mark: More-so, yes as there's actually a song on the album called BLOOD OF THE NATIONS, errm, so that's where that comes from and it's really the song is a tribute to… soldiers, to the military like… all over the world, people who go out and -you know- , give their lives and give up their home life and everything else so that guys like you and me can go out and do this, because without our freedom we have nothing, so…
I just saw the promo video you did a couple of weeks ago and…
Wolf: "Teutonic Terror"?
Would you tell some more about that video. There are lot of elements used from military and…
Mark: War, terrorism and all those things… It's a different world since the last time Accept made a record, or any of us, so…
Wolf: … and it's a theme that'll never go away, I mean it's, it is, it's as alive today as it was 200 years ago, you know, we felt it was – but at the same time we like the military theme we always have with Accept, you know, weather we're, you know, critical or not critical or whatever but we've always been sort of…. playing with that military theme and for us it was a lot fun to be playing a solo on top of a tank… And that's metal. It's all heavy metal stuff! "laughs"
I remember that someone criticised when you are standing on a US tank on the video and not using a German tank!
Wolf: Oh yeah I know, but there wasn't a German tank available, so!
Mark: They really didn't have any available "laughs" How handy!
Like Wolf said, Accept has always been known to have this military thing from the past so it's basically not a new thing for you.
Wolf: No it's not and it's not like the video has a deep meaning or anything, I mean it's just a bunch of cool images really that's- we didn't really want a video with a message or a video with a story, we wanted a video with just cool images and flames, fire and explosions and you know, all this kind of stuff.
Back in the day when you did the previous promo video, "Protector of Terror"…
Wolf: Right.
Accept did video for "Death Row" after that one, right?
Wolf: "Death Row" was before… No, it was after, you're right.
Anyway but with "Protectors of Terror" –video, there was some kind of you know, occult theme if I remember rightly?
Wolf: Yeah I was talking about churches and religion in general it was something like that but again without any deeper meaning.
Well the binding question comes here. The re-union, why you decided to do it now, not two years ago, not five years ago or whenever but now… Why you decide to do it now?
Wolf: Because we didn't have Mark. We just found Mark and that was the reason for the reunion, we just happened to meet each other by pure luck by accident in New Jersey, where was that?
Mark: That was on last March or…
Wolf: But where was it, in New Jersey?
Mark: Yes
Wolf: The studio was in New Jersey where we met at and, you know, we didn't audition any other singers or nothing we just met Mark and decided then and there very spontaneously, we're going to make a reunion.
Mark, when you first get the request to join Accept, how did you feel back then, did you get hot at the thought, I'm going to join the legendary German metal band?
Mark: Well, at first… I had no idea that was where this was going, we literally just got together to jam, you know, so I mean I didn't really have my hopes up for anything, I figured if anything I'd get a couple of autographs, you know! "laughs" So, but as time progressed and it became known that we were really going to do this it was kind of like yeah wake up in the morning and go "am I awake?" and "yeah I guess I'm awake!" and I was always waiting for the other foot to fall too and then, you know, maybe this isn't going to happen but it all seemed to pull together, and I was thrilled then and I'm thrilled now.
When you're now singing all those old Accept classics live, don't you get any nervous about how the old school Accept fans will accept you in a first place?
Mark: Oh of course, I had no idea what to expect. I kind of knew… what I was getting into in New York, I mean that's my turf you know, so I really wasn't too apprehensive about that but I had no idea what I was getting into in Russia, weather I should bring a shield up with me, or what! Although sales where great, the fans where great, I got a really warm welcome so I couldn't be happier, you know?
Wolf: You know, I could sort of sense in the audience that some people that where sort of reluctant at first, a little sceptic you know, the first two, three songs they were like checking out this new guy "Who does he think he is?", "who does he think he is?" but at the end they were all like "Aaaaarrgghhh!" you know, that was awesome!
There are always a couple of "Rock and Roll cops" therein the audience "laughs"
Mark: Yeah you got it man. That sums it up, "Rock and Roll cops""laughs"
Wolf: Pretty much, but as long as we win them over it's good. Certainly, there were some sceptics initially, and there will always be some but it's just natural.
Mark: Yeah it's going to be, I would be one of them more than likely, if I wasn't me. "Haha", if I went to see Accept with someone else I'd be going "Ok let's see what this guy got?"
When you now decided to reunite, was it obvious that you were going to do new music and not staying just a nostalgia act like many other bands are doing on these days?
Wolf: It became clear very, very soon, because we realised we should not just try to do shows with a new line up right away, it, it… it seemed to make sense to make a new record and to give the fans new material and also to showcase Mark's ability the most and we wanted to write songs also this was, everything came together right away.
When you started writing the new stuff, the new music, was it clear for you that the new material had to be really punchy, really hard and meet the new time of heavy metal and nothing else?
Wolf: No, it wasn't clear right away we didn't really know, because Accept is not just one thing, it can go a little bit here, a little bit there and I think it wasn't until Andy Sneap came to the picture that we decided that it should go more that way instead of that way, and he sifted through all the material and kind of pointed us in the right direction if you want, which was great.
Mark: … and once he did it really took off! I mean – you know – we had written a few things before he got involved and he kind of came in and listened to them and said – "you know, I dunno" and he actually took Wolf and Peter and sat them down and made them listen to the old records, which I'd already been doing because I had learnt the catalogue, you know. So, I think once we all did that we were on the same page and he pointed us in the right direction, it just went naturally after, it was- didn't have to think about what we were writing, we were already in that frame of mind, you know?
Wolf, when we last time talked during the 2005 -tour you mentioned that you then had plenty of ideas and riffs ready to get recorded. How much this new album material is based on some older ideas from the past?
Wolf: Right, that's true what you said, but not a lot of those ideas really we used, we used a couple of little things like there's a slow song on the record called "Kill the Pain" that was based on a instrumental idea I had years ago, but most of the other stuff just happens to be new.
Mark: Pretty much brand new because these guys come in with a new riff every day, I mean literally every day! Him, Peter come in and "Aw, listen to this" and "Aw, listen to this", I'm trying to sort these things out and Peter would call me up say "Aww, I've got another one!" and I'm like, "damn, slow down let me process some of this stuff!" You know, it was good.
Wolf: We have more stuff than ever this time which is good – It's a good problem to have! "laughs"
About the current line up. Was it obvious that Herman (Frank) and Stefan (Schwarzmann) will again be a part of this rebirth Accept?
Wolf: Like we said when the meeting happened about a year ago, we called the guys and said are you guys on board and do you want to do this? And they immediately said yes. It was just a natural to ask those guys because they have been previously been in Accept and we got along great in 2005 and they're great players and great friends so its… sort of like a family.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 1989, 1993 and 2010?
Actually this is not the first time when you're promoting a new Accept album with a new line up. How are things different if you compare this current situation to for year 1989 when you had the album EAT THEAT out and David Reece on vocals?
Wolf: It's true, but the situation with David Reece was much different back then because we wanted to take Accept -then- in a much different direction. This time when we got back together we decided we're not going to do any experiments in the sense that we going to try to change Accept we just wanted to do – really we just wanted to go out and tour but if we make a new record it should be along the lines of what people like best about Accept, that's the 80s stuff: RESTLESS AND WILD, BREAKER and BALLS TO THE WALL. That whole time span is what we're best known for but then you go and ask yourself "Well, what is that?" "What is so unique about these records you don't have in the later records?" and that is where Andy Sneap or someone from the outside comes in and gives you more direction, because it's really hard because it's all your ideas and at the time they're all new too. So if you write something new now, you think like "is this going to be as good?" It's really hard to do yourself.
Mark: It's hard to be objective about your own material, you know, you need somebody to look at it for you, sometimes and that's basically what a producer does, So…
Wolf: … and then it gets really difficult to say "well this sounds typical German" you know. Because, back when we wrote RESTLESS AND WILD and all this stuff, to some people this is typical German metal, or whatever. And to me -back then- we didn't want to sound German we wanted to sound International, we just wrote what is in us. But… you know, now to go back and say again to sound German is really not that easy because… what is German?! "laughs"
Mark: I think you just hit the nail on the head. You were trying to be International and you felt comfortable doing what you were doing and I think we're feeling comfortable doing what we're doing, again, is what it is. Not trying to be something, just being it.
But doing things more… are you nowadays more "National band" or an "International band". Which is more important for you?
Wolf: I don't even know. I mean we're just…
Mark: We're happy to be a band, period!
Speaking some more about David Reece, is Stefan still playing drums with his solo band as well?
Wolf: I think on occasion he is?
On last year he did that tone album with e does one album with David, have you ever heard it?
Wolf: I haven't even heard it but I know he's on location playing with them and, you know, that's fine. We're all individuals,
Mark: We're all grown up people.
Wolf: We do other things on the side but when Accept calls we're all here. So this is our…
MR: Top priority?
Mark: Top priority!
Wolf: Exactly.
What if you compare this brand new era for times when you first re-united with Udo in 1993 and you then did album OBJECTION OVERRULED with original line-up. Wasn't it such a same kind of situation what you now have with the band with exception of some band members?
Wolf: Yeah and in a little sense it's sort of similar because it was exciting to go out again and start again, you know, it always is. Certainly is. We're all like full of energy and full of hope and we're trying to do this long term and hopefully we can stay around and make another record and come back year after year from now on. It's certainly an exciting period, but there was completely different… vibe in the band for sure. The situation is somewhat similar but on the other hand having Mark in the band is totally different from working with Udo.
TT Quick, I guess it remained like an underground band, because it was really hard to get TT Quick albums back in the day and it still is difficult.
Mark: That's true…
I remember when I was doing, you know, old school tape trading back in the day and some of my friends from the States trading TT Quick stuff…, how's it possible TT Quick remained more an underground band and touring New York and stuff, never come to Europe?
Mark: [Sigh] Got me man. We did our job, record company didn't do theirs. You know, I don't understand what happened. We made some bad managerial decisions back in the day and that kind of thing and I guess at the end of the day there's nobody to blame but myself, but, you know, it became what it became, but I mean we had a European tour booked for METAL OF HONOR and we were supposed to be here and we got dropped by Island Records because they brought in a new president, and he said "Why do we have metal bands?" … Ok?! …and on next day we were gone! And at that same time my drummers father got really, really sick and was dying of cancer and he said "Look I gotta go home, I can't, you know, stay here we don't have a label we don't have- we don't know what the fuck we're doing and I gotta go take care of this." And so that really put a damper on everything, at the time.
Wolf: I mean, sometimes, if you think about it, it's so… everything is so unlikely, I mean like in our case – Accept – we're five kids from the same town as teenagers we got together and the chances of that ever… surviving all these years, and to actually becoming a band and to actually go on tour and you make records and, you know, there are so many thing that can go wrong over the years, I mean the chances of ever starting a band and being successful are [whistles] I mean it's really, really unlikely that that ever goes through, so if, you know, somebody tells me "oh I'm starting a band!" you know, the chances I'll talk to that same guy again in thirty years and he really has a band and makes a living with that band it's, ahh, you know…
If I'm right you also have some common history from the early Eighties. You did some shows together with TT Quick and Accept, right?
Mark: I think we played one show together, the other common link was Michael Wagener because he produced part of METAL OF HONOR and obviously he had a long history with Accept so…
So did you Wolf recognise Mark when you saw his name – ah he's the guy from TT Quick?
Wolf: No, I didn't recognise him from that. I remember the name TT Quick, obviously and I always had heard there was this guy who was along the lines of Udo a little bit "da da da" and that was the extent of it but I wasn't that familiar with TT Quick to be honest. But then, you know, like I said the magic moment happened when we all started jamming in the same room and we felt like "wow – there's certain chemistry here" and you know what impressed us about it, he came in and made no fuss and took off his shirt and "Rraaa" started singing-
Mark: It was hot!
Wolf: That's a new experience. With Udo, you know, he certainly never took his shirt off – thank God. "laughs"
Like you just mentioned you first had some jamming and sessions together. There were some rough recordings released from those sessions in the Internet back then. Want to tell some more about that?
Mark: That was that day. That was all done one day and that stuff was all live. That was a live recording, no overdubs, no nothing. They were playing live in the room and I was just kind of in the next room and that was it…
Wolf: So it was very rough.
Mark: It was rough, I had bronchitis and I sounded worse than I do now. I had six weeks of bronchitis going on and it was like "Ooh" I couldn't even breathe, let alone sing but I said screw it I'm going, I don't give a shit.
Those recording gave you lots of attention around the web world?
Wolf: Oh it did, lots of bad, bad attention but, you know, it all made us stronger and in the end the record is what matters and you know… we now realise we probably should not have released those tapes just because we where naive in the sense that we didn't think people would compare it to a studio version of something, you know, with a singer we'd been together with for so many years. To us it was exciting because we know how rough live recordings can be, you know. I can play you some stuff that's a lot rougher than that, with Udo, you know, so… but people…
Mark: But the average person doesn't know that.
Wolf: The average person doesn't know that.
Mark: So they probably think that was something we polished and we're very proud of…
It was funny how people put out all kinds of comments about it everywhere…
Mark: Just the opposite I was like "Oh Shit!" ha-ha.
Wolf: But you know what, in the end it was all good as it was somewhat of a wakeup call and, you know, called attention to the whole thing and made us aware of how important the whole thing is to fans out there, you know?
Mark: And how dangerous the internet can be and how good it can be, you know, all at once. I mean this is a whole new ball game for all of us man you know, there was no internet in the 80's or in the 90s, you know, it wasn't like this. You can't fart now without it winding up on, on YouTube tomorrow, so, you know?
One thing which has been on headlines for a reason, tonight you probably know what happened yesterday?
Wolf: Ronnie Dio? Yes, of course.
You have any shared memories of him?
Wolf: Yeah man. We toured with him many times, last time in 2005 actually… We, I remember actually playing in Athens and being on a root of hotel and it was supposedly his birthday, so that should have been his- I thought it was his sixtieth but he could have been, well that can't be?
Mark: Yeah that's about right. He was around 65, right?
He was 67 when he passed away.
Wolf: So that was his 61'th or 60'th party or something, whatever, it was supposedly his birthday, or something, and we had a great time touring with him always, even in the 80's we toured with him. He's one of the best, he was an awesome singer.
Mark: He was big influence on me, for sure, you know, he's one of the all time greatest.
Wolf: He was a super nice guy too, I mean super nice, approachable, very humble no sort of big ego kind of guy too. It was a tragedy… but, it kind of brings it all back, we're all not living forever so we better get going and do what we like to do, you know?
Mark: Enjoy it while you got it.
Well, you now have a brand new record deal with Nuclear Blast. Would you tell some more how you ended up work with them?
Wolf: It's really management dealings honestly, you know, our manager Gaby, my wife, you know, she just picked them after talking to many other people, many candidates, labels – actually, you know, we even debated for a certain period of time weather do we even needed a large label because we went ahead and produced the record first, and then we were looking for a label. We even debated if we should self release it or not but in the end we felt it was better to have a strong distribution and strong partner and it seemed like Nuclear Blast was the one. We had this thing, "We're just the musicians", I know what I want to know, just enough but never let it get in the way of, of being creative, you know. Gaby's always been – We've always been some sort of a family operated business, you know, with Gaby being the manager we never really had, you know, too many outside people in our inner circle.
So what kind of deal you have with Nuclear Blast. How many albums it does includ
Wolf: Top secret man, I can't tell you! "laughs"
More than one?
Wolf: Possibly… No, we're thinking long term so if this goes well then we'll be here for a long time.
Have you checked out other bands on Nuclear Blast like Testament or something like that who with whom Andy Sneap has worked?
Wolf: Yeah some of them definitely, but I'm not a big metal collector of, or you know I don't know a lot about the music scene in general to be honest, you know, I don't keep in touch with all that stuff. It's just the way it is.
Now when you're having a deal with Nuclear Blast do you think that there's any chance to see someday a new full set of re-mastered Accept albums..?
Wolf: That would be nice, wouldn't it? That's a good idea.
So do you own the rights to old albums?
Wolf: Yeah, we'll have to debate when and when the time is right we might as well do that, yeah, that would be good idea?
Whatever did happen for planned G3, German version, tour which was announced to happen some years ago with you Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth?
Wolf: You know, that never came to fruition which was a shame, and last I heard, I talked with both of them, Michael and Uli Roth at the time, and that would have happened but we would have had to share a band to make it- you know, it would have been more a guitar plays small club kind of tour, I don't think it would have been, you know, arenas or anything like that. I think it would have been the case that the logistics we'd have to share a band. I forget either Michael or Uli didn't want to do that, I would have been ok with that but, you know, they wanted their own people, and then I think that got out of hand, "I want use my own band" and then somehow within that whole – it never came to fruition, it would have been great I would have loved to do that.
One more question from the 2005 re union tour. There was lot of talk about a live DVD release from that tour but it was never released. Whatever did happen for that one?
Wolf: You should ask form Udo about that?
Well, he actually asked me to ask you!?
Wolf: Oh no, no no no, not true!
But is there any chance that the DVD will see the light some day?
Wolf: I hope so, the footage is there. We could never sort get him to agree to something, so… maybe in the future he will agree and, you know, it'll be out?
How many shows you did you film then?
Wolf: Oh I know they filmed… at least three or four.
Wacken show was one of those?
Wolf. Wacken was filmed, definitely, what else? Gelsenkirchen I think was too and then a couple more.
Have you ever seen any of that footage and if you have, how does it look?
Wolf: I'm not sure, I saw some footage and it looked great. We wanted to release it but negotiations never went anywhere so maybe ion the future they will.
Ok, we'll see how it goes and hopefully it will be released some day. But back to this present … after you have finished this mini –tour in Europe, what kind of plans you have for the summer? Perhaps you're doing some European festivals at least?
Wolf: We'll do all the festivals next year, you know, we're too late, obviously, for this year because it gets booked very early on. But we're going to do a couple of shows obviously like Gelsenkirchen Rock Hard this year and a couple of others but, not that many.
Well guys. Our time seems to be done now. Thanks for this interview!
Wolf: Well thank you so much guys That was fun!
Mark: Pleasure to meet you.


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Ask for the green one. It's one of three Angry Birds Star Wars buckets includes a Boba Fett bird-ified sticker.
Part of a larger marketing campaign, there's also a television ad running that includes Boba Fett more prominently: swapping heads with Darth Vader.
Thanks to BFFC fan @kaijudude for the tip! Promo image sourced by Euclidboo.

subset: commoncrawl


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How to Write an AAVSOnet Proposal
The AAVSO has recently formed a a telescope allocation committee (TAC) to review proposals for AAVSOnet observing time. After reviewing a few proposals, it became clear that proposers needed guidance on how to write proposals that allow the TAC to do its job effectively. This document is an attempt to provide that guidance. If you are new to CCD observing or lack experience writing an observing proposal, the TAC will be happy to assist you in preparing a proposal or to suggest a mentor that can help you. We don't want the process to be intimidating but we do want to ensure that the AAVSOnet resources are used properly.
The job of the TAC is to ensure that the limited resources of AAVSOnet are used effectively and make valuable contributions to the science of variable stars. The primary thing to remember about your proposal is that it should make the case for the scientific value of the requested observations. Telescope time is a limited and valuable resource.
The first step in preparing a proposal to observe some object (or group of objects) is to make sure that you are familiar with its observational history. We have seen proposals where an object was said to be "poorly observed" but a quick search of the scientific literature showed very nice datasets had been obtained. Such poor knowledge of an object's history does not lead to great confidence in the proposer's abilities by the TAC. A good place to start when researching an object is the SIMBAD database at http://simbad.u-strasbg.fr where you will likely find all sorts of useful information on a given object. Among other things, SIMBAD has a reasonably reliable list of the publications that have something to do with an object. Read the papers on your object. In many cases, the authors will comment on the need for and type of additional observations. When such statements are referenced in your proposal, the TAC will consider that very positively.
After researching your object, the next step is to be sure that surveys haven't observed your object well enough to enable the necessary science. Stating that the object hasn't been observed or that the observations are insufficient for some reason (e.g., observations are needed in other filters to address a specific scientific question) will give the TAC confidence that you have properly considered these other sources. You can look for survey data starting in VSX at http://www.aavso.org/vsx/ After you have made a search on your object by name or position, VSX offers you external links to all the major surveys like ASAS-3, CRTS, NSVS and SuperWASP that may include observations for it.
At this point if you still think your object would be scientifically useful to observe, you need to make sure that the AAVSOnet resources are capable of making the observations. Obvious things to consider are the brightness of your object and its visibility from the various AAVSOnet telescopes for the dates or time period requested. The visibility question is easily answered by a planetarium program. Brightness limits, both bright and faint, can have an impact on the ability to complete your project, and it is best to check the telescope web pages to find the magnitude limits and available filters for the various instruments. It would be helpful for you to suggest a specific AAVSOnet telescope for your project (subject to change by the TAC):
and click on the telescope name.
Be specific as to the objects name and coordinates. Be specific as to the known or anticipated magnitude range of the target in at least the V filter. Be specific, if known, as to the target's type (i.e. Delta Scuti, Mira, eclipsing binary, symbiotic star, etc…). Be specific as to the requested time periods and frequency of observations, i.e., nightly from May 15-June 15; weekly from September 1 – December 31, etc. Be specific as to the filters to be used. If stacking is requested, try to be specific as to how many images are required. When you discuss such things in your proposal, the TAC can be more confident that your proposed project will be successful.
Finally some comments on specific kinds of observations that are unlikely to be approved:
1) New novae are typically put on an AAVSOnet telescope as quickly as possible, so there is no need to propose to observe them.
2) New cataclysmic variables, as there are so many of them and the potential scientific contribution of observing another one is usually too low to justify AAVSOnet time, unless it is of an unusual nature.
3) W UMa eclipsing binaries unless they have characteristics such as extremely short periods (0.25d or less), complete (total/annular) eclipses, or unusual behavior in the eclipse timing diagram where additional data can make valuable scientific contributions. The information content in partially eclipsing W UMa systems is too low to warrant spending valuable telescope time observing them.
In conclusion, remember that your job as a proposer is to convince the TAC that new observations are a) necessary, b) possible with AAVSOnet resources, and c) likely to contribute to our understanding of variable stars. Think these things out, do your research and then write a proposal that outlines all of these issues in a clear and concise way. And don't be afraid to ask for help. We look forward to receiving your proposals!


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Story highlights
Manchester United beat Newcastle 4-3 in a Boxing Day thriller
Javier Hernandez scores in the last minute for United
They increase lead to seven points over Manchester City who lost at Sunderland
Chelsea take closer order with 1-0 win at Norwich
Javier Hernandez grabbed a dramatic late winner as Manchester United beat Newcastle 4-3 in a pulsating Boxing Day encounter at Old Trafford.
The Mexican's 90th minute strike, combined with a 1-0 defeat for reigning champions Manchester City at Sunderland, left United seven points clear of their neighbors at the top of the table.
He was drafted into the starting line-up in the absence of Wayne Rooney, who was injured in a training session and will be sidelined for up to three weeks with a knee ligament problem.
But United trailed three times to an enterprising Newcastle, who took the lead as early as the fourth minute through James Perch.
Home defender Jonny Evans drew them level in the 25th minute, but three minutes later was involved at the other end in a controversial own goal.
Danny Simpson's shot struck the Northern Irish international and deflected into his home net, but it was initially ruled out because Papiss Cisse was in an offside position.
Referee Mike Dean then consulted with his linesman and reversed the decision, leaving Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson in a furious exchange with officials.
United took until the 58th minute to draw level with Patrice Evra on target again with a low shot, but Newcastle responded with their third goal.
Read: RVP 'could have been killed'
Former United winger Gabriel Obertan set up Cisse to sweep home to give them a 3-2 lead but again it was short lived.
The statement was our performance, that was a championship winning performance— Alex Ferguson
Robin van Persie saw his shot saved by Tim Krul but was on hand to sweep home the rebound.
The points looked to be shared until Michael Carrick found Hernandez with a clever pass and the striker scored on the half volley.
Ferguson was delighted by the fighting spirit showed by his team in what could prove to be key moment in the title race.
"The statement was our performance, that was a championship winning performance," he told Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, City were coming unstuck at Sunderland, with their former player Adam Johnson scoring early in the second half, his shot eluding Joe Hart to creep in.
Chelsea took closer order in third, four points behind Manchester City and with a game in hand, with a 1-0 win at Norwich.
Spanish star Juan Mata scored the only goal of the match for a side fast improving under Rafa Benitez.
They had thrashed Aston Villa 8-0 Sunday and Villa's woes continued in the late kick off as a Gareth Bale hat-trick saw Tottenham Hotspur win 4-0.
Jermain Defoe scored the other goal for Tottenham, who moved back into fourth position with the thumping away win.
Everton also kept up their challenge for a Champions League place and have the same points tally as Tottenham after an earlier 2-1 home win over Wigan.
Second half goals from Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka put them in command before Arouna Kone's late consolation for struggling Wigan.
West Bromwich Albion are also on 33 points in sixth place with a 2-1 win at Queens Park Rangers, who slipped to the bottom as Reading secured a point in a 0-0 home draw with Swansea.
In the late evening match, Stoke continued their fine recent run with a 3-1 win over Liverpool, who had led through an early Steven Gerrard penalty.


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How can we know the purpose for our lives?
This is what Jesus' ministry meant to the people with whom He spent the most time.
God has control over what happens to us.
How to feed your soul and get eternal satisfaction
Why did God create us?
What does it mean to be servant of the Most High?
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
- 1 John 5:11


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In this unheralded scene from director Chao Chung-Hsing 1985 flick Drunken Dragon, the villainous Master of Doom (and one of his candle-headed henchmen) attempt to steal a precious sword. The artifact is guarded by a virtuous monk who battles in what can only be described as a "land canoe." Unfortunately for our hero, the villains have mastered the dark technique that is the human go-kart. I could watch 90 minutes of this.
[Via Sardonicus]


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- Home
- For the Home
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- 14" Dog Breed Oblong House Sign
14" Dog Breed Oblong House Sign
Product Description
...HOUSE SIGNS TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE....Dog Breed House Sign...FREE SHIPPING!!... 14" Oblong. Measures approx. 14" wide X 8 1/2" tall. These beautiful dog breed house signs are a charming addition to any home. Originally designed in England and now made for us in North America, these signs are made to order entirely by hand. Because they are cast in resin our signs are completely impervious to water and will never rust or split unlike metal or wooden products. They are lightweight and easy to put up with the color coordinating screws and plugs that are included for mounting into masonry or woodwork.
***To view all available Dog Breeds and over 200 other emblems please visit our Sign Emblems page.****
Our emblems can be painted to your specifications. We can paint to match photos of your dog. You can email us or mail us a side view of your dog to match their specific markings)
View available colors here:
THE 14" OBLONG HOUSE SIGN CAN TAKE UP TO 13 LETTERS OR NUMBERS (INCLUDING SPACES) PLUS ANY EMBLEM ON OUR LIST (Border Collie shown)


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Discover Amber Jewellery today, and explore our full range of wholesale fashion jewellery, hair accessories and fashion accessories.
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Table of Contents
- Vaginal Candidiasis
- Tips That May Help Prevent Yeast Infections
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- Other Common STIs
- Cervicitis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Human Papillomavirus
- Menstrual Changes
- Menopause
- Interactions Between Anti-HIV Drugs and Oral Contraceptives
- The Use of HRT
- Screening
- Standard GYN Screening for Women
- Reading the Pap Smear Results
- Common GYN Conditions in Women Living With HIV/AIDS
- Understanding Your Immune System
- Stress and How It Affects Your Immune System
- Some Final Words
- Resources
Gynecological (GYN) conditions are common in women living with HIV and AIDS. They affect a woman's reproductive organs including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, cervix and vulva (see graphic). For women living with HIV, GYN conditions can be more frequent, serious and difficult to treat. They can range from chronic, repeated yeast infections (candidiasis), abnormal periods, vaginal warts to cervical cancer. For many women, repeated GYN conditions are the first signs of immune suppression due to HIV infection.
This publication contains information about the symptoms, tests and treatments for common GYN conditions. It is a tool you can use when discussing your GYN health with your doctor, and it can assist in routine self-monitoring.
Vaginal Candidiasis
Yeast is a common fungus that normally exists in your body. Vaginal candidiasis is an overgrowth of that yeast in the vulva and vagina. Many things can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal environment and cause a yeast infection. They can include taking antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids, pregnancy, obesity, diabetes and poor hygiene.
For HIV-positive women, yeast infections are the most common first symptom of HIV. Repeated yeast infections and those that respond less well to treatment over time are signs of a weakening immune system. As CD4+ cell counts fall below 200, the risk increases for repeated yeast infections to occur in the vagina, mouth and throat (esophagus).
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include itching and swelling of the vulva, thick white-yellow or cheesy discharge and burning while urinating or having sex. As the immune system weakens, the main place of the yeast infection may move from the vagina to the mouth or esophagus. It can also affect organs and tissues throughout the body (this is called disseminated or systemic candidiasis).
There are several ways to treat vaginal candidiasis, including creams and suppositories like clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin). You can purchase these both over-the-counter and by prescription. If the candidiasis does not respond to local (at the site of infection) treatment, fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Nizoral) are usually effective. These pills are taken orally and treat fungal infections throughout the body (systemically).
Several studies caution that women with low CD4+ counts (below 50) who have used fluconazole extensively are more likely to develop candidiasis that is resistant to fluconazole, (a very potent and effective anti-fungal treatment). Many advise using local treatments first, keeping systemic therapies like fluconazole as a back-up if fungal infections become more serious and/or life-threatening.
Some anti-fungal drugs (called azoles) have been shown to cause birth defects in animal studies and as a result are not recommended for use by pregnant women. For more information, read Project Inform's publications, Oral Candidiasis, Vaginal Candidiasis, and Systemic Candidiasis.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection, most commonly caused by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Its close relative, HSV-1, causes herpes of the mouth, lips and skin, like cold sores. Genital herpes recur and there is no cure. Symptoms include single or multiple small blisters that open and become sores after a few days. Other symptoms include swelling of the vulva, fever and enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the stomach and groin area (abdomen).
The most common sites for herpes in women are the labia majora (the vagina's "outer lips"), labia minora (the "inner lips") and butt. Though herpes may lay dormant for long periods, it can appear again at anytime, especially for those with a weak immune system. Sexual contact should be avoided while sores are present because of the increased risk of passing herpes onto others. However, the virus may also shed when a person has no symptoms or sores.
For HIV-positive women, the painful sores in and around the genitals or anus tend to be more frequent, last longer and need higher doses of treatment. Having sores that persist for more than a month is considered an AIDS-defining illness.
Oral acyclovir (Zovirax) and famciclovir (Famvir) are used to treat herpes. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) requires fewer pills and thus is easier to incorporate into treatment regimens where many other pills are being used. However, it is not recommended for use in people with immune suppression. Some still use valacyclovir, however, and monitor carefully for side effects. For women with frequent outbreaks, daily acyclovir therapy may help prevent them. If herpes stops responding to acyclovir (sores don't go away within two weeks), other therapies are available. These include intravenous foscarnet (Foscavir).
Many of the same tips provided for preventing yeast infections can help in making you more comfortable and aid in healing if you are experiencing a herpes outbreak. See the box for these tips.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria, Treponema pallidum. It enters the body through tiny scratches in the skin, where it multiplies and then spreads.
Early diagnosis and treatment is important to keep the infection from progressing. In adults, genital sores from syphilis also make it easier to get or pass on HIV. There is a 2- to 5-fold higher risk of getting HIV when syphilis is present. Syphilis progresses in three stages: primary, secondary and tertiary syphilis.
Primary syphilis occurs about three weeks after an exposure. The first symptom is a hard, painless, red-rimmed sore at the site of sexual contact. It disappears after 2-6 weeks.
Secondary syphilis occurs one week to six months after the sore heals. Symptoms include widespread painless lesions, swollen lymph glands and a rash especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Tertiary syphilis may show up years later when an infected person was not treated, even people who never had symptoms. It remains in the body and may begin to damage the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. Late stage symptoms include poor muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness and dementia. This damage may cause death.
Standard treatment for syphilis is an injection of Benzathine penicillin. The dosage will depend on the stage of syphilis. For patients who are allergic to penicillin, doxcycline and tetracycline are prescribed.
A single dose of penicillin can cure a person who has syphilis for less than a year. Penicillin will kill the bacteria and prevent further damage, but it will not repair any damage already done. Several studies report that treating primary syphilis with a single dose of penicillin may fail in HIV-positive persons. Therefore, it may be necessary to treat it with higher doses or require longer courses of antibiotics. Some people have no symptoms of syphilis despite infection, so it's important to routinely screen for this and other STDs, even when symptoms are not present.
Other Common STIs
Other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas commonly occur in women with HIV. Standard treatments are used to treat these conditions. They include antibiotics such as azithromycin (Zithromax) to treat chlamydia or ceftriaxone (Rocephin) to treat gonorrhea. Both bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas are treated with metronidazole (Flagil).
When these infections occur, the vaginal acid level changes, making the area more welcoming to other infections, including HIV. Furthermore, untreated GYN conditions, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea, are common causes of pelvic inflammatory disease and cervicitis (as explained later).
Cervicitis in an inflammation of the cervix. Several conditions can lead to cervicitis, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The treatment for cervicitis depends on its cause. If you have mild cervicitis, you may not notice any symptoms. However, when they do occur, they include a pus-like vaginal discharge with an odor, painful intercourse, spotting or bleeding after intercourse, and abdominal or back pain.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a range of disorders in the upper reproductive tract, including the fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries and, in advanced stages, the abdominal lining. Common symptoms include chronic, moderate-to-severe pain; tenderness in the abdomen; irregular periods; non-menstrual bleeding; and painful and frequent urinating.
Like other GYN conditions, PID appears to be more common, severe and resistant to treatment in women with HIV, especially those with AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that HIV-infected women who develop PID be followed closely with early hospitalization and IV therapy with a recommended antibiotic regimen, if possible.
Human Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that causes abnormal growth of tissue on the feet, hands, vocal chords, mouth, anus or genitals. Two kinds of abnormal growth can occur: genital warts or dysplasia.
Genital warts are soft, moist, red or pink swellings on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix or thigh. Dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape or appearance of the cells that line the cervix. Although dysplasia is not cancer, if left untreated it can turn into cancer.
There are many ways to treat HPV, including surgery, electric current (electro-cautery), chemicals, lasers and the topical cream imiquimod (Aldara). Treatment can be painful and may need to be repeated.
Recent studies caution against using cryotherapy, which involves freezing off the warts or abnormal cells. It can cause normal tissue to heal over deeper areas of dysplasia. In this case, future screenings may appear normal while abnormal tissue grows undetected. Also, many women report that the time after cryotherapy can be very painful.
For women living with HIV, there are additional challenges to consider when diagnosed with HPV. Many women may respond poorly to standard therapies, especially those who have low CD4+ cell counts or HGSIL (see Reading Pap Smear Results). Multiple treatments using different methods may be needed.
Menstrual Changes
Changes in periods are common, for both HIV-positive and negative women. Many of these changes in HIV-positive women include irregular, heavier or lighter periods; worsening of symptoms from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS); darkening of menstrual blood; and no periods for more than 90 days (amenorrhea). In some studies, amenorrhea was more frequent among women with CD4+ cell counts below 50.
It is not known exactly how HIV disease affects the reproductive system, hormones and menstrual cycles. It is also not known how the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, interact with the immune system. Studies show that substance abuse, chronic illness and major weight loss can impair the hypothalmus. (The hypothalmus is the part of the brain that controls sex hormone secretion and can affect menstruation.) It is presumed that problems with a woman's immune system due to HIV cause changes in her hormones and results in menstrual problems.
HIV-positive women with changes in menstrual bleeding should seek medical attention to determine its cause. Heavy bleeding or painful periods can be associated with PID. They may also be explained by low platelets (the part of the blood involved in clotting and immune response) from HIV infection.
Your doctor can order a complete blood count (CBC) to determine your platelet count. If your platelet count is low (under 50,000), be sure to review your meds with your doctor. Some medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen, may affect your body's blood clotting process. Many treatments are used for platelet counts below 20,000, including AZT, corticosteroids, intravenous gamma globulins and platelet transfusions. Alcohol should also be avoided because it may block platelets and interfere with normal blood clotting.
Anemia is also common among HIV-positive women and can cause fatigue. Heavy and/or frequent menstrual bleeding (dismenorrhea) can cause anemia, or low red blood cells, which can also lead to amenorrhea. While the symptoms of dismenorrhea and amenorrhea are opposite, they both may be caused by anemia. Anemia can be treated with Epogen (Epoetin alfa).
It is important to check into all possible causes of amenorrhea. These may include anemia, pregnancy, ovarian cysts, opportunistic infections, menopause or other GYN conditions. Other factors may include using some anti-HIV therapy and other meds (like megestrol), street drugs (especially heroin and marijuana) and poor nutrition. Finally, body weight changes, stress and too much exercise can interrupt the menstrual hormone necessary for normal periods to occur.
There are several ways to ease many of the symptoms that come with common menstrual problems. Cramping before and during periods usually responds to over-the-counter medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Some women choose to treat their symptoms with hormone replacement therapy or herbal and nutritional therapies. Birth control pills that mimic normal menstrual cycles are also used. Finally, reducing your stress, adding vitamins to your diet, exercising regularly and maintaining good nutrition can be included in any treatment plan.
Menopause -- the end of menstruation -- is a natural phase for women. It occurs because of natural changes that happen over time (usually 10-15 years) in a woman's reproductive system. These changes include the declining production of estrogen. Without enough estrogen, the uterine lining cannot thicken to prepare for an embryo. Therefore, no ovulation occurs (the passing of an egg from the fallopian tubes into the uterus walls) and menstruation stops.
Women usually experience menopause between the ages of 38-58, and most enter it around the age of 50. There's some evidence that women with HIV may experience menopause earlier. This may be due to many factors such as anemia, lower hormone production, chronic illness, weight loss, anti-HIV drugs, street drugs and smoking. However, the symptoms of menopause appear to be the same for both HIV-positive and -negative women. They include heavier, irregular or missed periods; hot flashes; vaginal dryness; and other changes of the vagina.
Many women undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in order to replace the estrogen lost during menopause. As with any therapy, HRT has its risk and benefits. For women living with HIV, there are still many questions as to the impact of HRT. Unfortunately, there's not enough research yet to point to the dangers or benefits of HRT in women with HIV.
The Use of HRT
Below are both the benefits and risks associated with HRT use. Remember, the bottom line is that this is your decision, and the best one for you may differ from someone else's. This does not make one right or wrong. A decision to start HRT or not is an individual one and one you can make in your own time.
Relieves symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
Reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
May reduce the risk of heart disease.
May help to improve memory.
Can have some unpleasant side effects like bloating, irritability, breast tenderness, cramping and sometimes spotting or return of your monthly periods for a few months or years.
May increase the risk for breast cancer -- long-term use appears to pose the greatest risk.
An increase in the risk of developing blood clots.
Since women with HIV have high rates and generally more severe cases of GYN conditions, it's important to get frequent and regular screening.
Pap Smear
A Pap smear is a standard part of the routine GYN exam. This is a test in which a doctor will collect cells from your cervix or anus. A Pap smear can detect any inflammation, and in most cases predict abnormalities in cervical cells. For women living with HIV, if your CD4+ cell count is below 300 or has been dropping, it is suggested that you have a Pap smear every six months. If you have an abnormal Pap smear, further evaluation with a colposcopy is suggested.
The Pap smear usually may cause a sensation that feels like pressure on the cervix. However, when there is tenderness or swelling, even a Pap smear can cause pain and discomfort. While the Pap smear is fairly non-invasive, some experts are beginning to question its usefulness. This is especially true when it's used to screen for cervical cancer in women with HIV.
The problem with Pap smears is that 15-30% of the results that come back as "normal" are, upon doing further tests, actually abnormal. These are called false-negative results. In other words, abnormal cell growth that may need further examination or immediate treatment may pass undetected. This problem has led some healthcare providers to suggest colposcopy as a more accurate procedure, especially for HIV-positive women when early detection of GYN problems is critical.
A solution of diluted vinegar is applied to the cervix/anus to remove the mucus and highlight the abnormal cells. Using a light and a microscope (called a colposcope, or anoscope if they're looking at anal tissue), the doctor can look at the tissue closely. The vinegar makes the abnormal cells white and the normal cells appear pink. Lesions, warts and inflammation are usually visible during the colposcopy, however it is difficult to determine if the changes are mild or severe. If abnormal cells are seen a biopsy is usually done.
This procedure may cause discomfort, however, it usually isn't painful. A colposcopy needs to be done by a specialist. It may also be done with a biopsy, there is a risk of infection and bleeding.
A biopsy is when a small amount of tissue is taken from the area where abnormal cells are found. A biopsy can tell the difference between a mild lesion and a severe lesion. A biopsy can be uncomfortable and painful. Some women experience mild bleeding after the procedure.
Standard GYN Screening for Women
|Pap smear
|Pap every 12 months.
|Pap smear
|Pap every 3 months.
|Pap smear
|Abnormal cells (dysplasia)
|Colposcopy, biopsy; Pap every 3 months.
NOTE: For women with symptomatic HIV infection and/or CD4+ cell count below 200, a Pap smear is suggested every 6 months.
|Bethesda System
|CIN System
|What does this mean?
|Negative for Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions or Dysplasia
|Not Applicable
|There are no abnormal cell changes detected.
|Atypical (unusual) Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS)
ASC-H is a new category added which means atypical squamous cells and high-grade lesions cannot be ruled out.
|There may be inflammation in the cervix; however, it cannot be determined if the cells are normal or abnormal. Suggest follow-up with a colposcopy.
|Low Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (LGSIL)
|Mild cell abnormalities (dysplasia) are present on the surface of the cervix. For women living with HIV, treatment is not considered standard; however, careful monitoring is strongly suggested.
|High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HGSIL)
|Moderate to severe dysplasia and/or precancerous lesions. Treatment is recommended.
Understanding Your Immune System
Your immune system is your body's defense against infections and diseases. If a germ -- like bacteria, fungus or virus -- gets into your body, a variety of cells respond by fighting off and killing the organism, or at least keeping it in check so that it doesn't cause disease. Understanding this response helps to better understand HIV, GYN conditions and other diseases.
The immune system plays an important role in controlling symptoms of infection. In fact, you can have an infection without having a disease. A good example of this is herpes. Many are infected with the virus, but only when it becomes active and sores appear does someone actually have the disease.
In this case, acyclovir helps the immune system keep the herpes virus as inactive as possible. However, drugs are not a substitute for the immune system. Generally, drugs work with the immune system to prevent or treat disease. When a person has a weakened immune system, a drug alone will not work as well in controlling the disease.
In some ways, HIV is similar to herpes in that you can be infected with HIV and not have symptoms. The difference, however, is that HIV is slowly attacking and destroying your immune system. It destroys important cells that help to control diseases. So even though you may feel good and have no symptoms of HIV disease, a doctor might recommend you start anti-HIV meds. They can help keep HIV from severely damaging your immune system and potentially from getting symptoms of HIV disease.
So what does this have to do with GYN health? Getting more GYN conditions could be a sign that your immune system is weakening and is beginning to lose its ability to keep viruses, fungi and bacteria under control in your vagina and genital tract. Repeated symptoms, like yeast infections or skin problems, tell you that your immune system is damaged and the infections only make the situation worse. Preserving your immune system before these conditions occur is critical.
Therefore, it's also important to treat the real underlying problem -- a weakened immune system. If HIV continues to damage the immune system, the GYN conditions and many other infections will become more of a problem.
Intervening when complications do occur by seeking treatment and care for all of HIV disease, including GYN conditions, is key to preserving, promoting and enhancing your immune health. Taking care of and treating your HIV disease can rebuild your immune system, making it better able to fight off infections in the long-term. It's never too early to take charge of your health! Knowing and understanding what your body is telling you is the first step!
Stress and How it Affects Your Immune System
When people are under stress they may develop more infections, common colds, herpes outbreaks, yeast infections or other diseases. Why does this happen? It's partly because the chemicals released in your body when you experience stress actually weaken your immune system. As well, the organ that produces important immune cells, called the thymus, becomes damaged.
In other words, both the cells as well as the source for new cells become weakened by these chemicals. Finding ways to ease stress -- such as going for a walk, talking about your feelings with a close friend, taking a bath, doing meditation or getting a massage -- can help to strengthen your immune system.
The ways that stress affects other parts of our lives can also weaken the immune system. Sometimes when we feel stressed out we also get depressed, don't eat regularly, don't sleep well or find it difficult to take care of ourselves on a daily basis. All of these can further weaken your immune system.
Understanding health as it relates to your whole body -- and including stress reduction, improved diet, healthful exercise, normal sleep patterns and steps to improve your general well-being -- are important. Managing your HIV disease is not just about anti-HIV drugs, viral load and GYN conditions. It's a broader picture about many parts of your life!
Some Final Words
Many GYN problems that HIV-positive women experience also affect negative women. For HIV-positive women, GYN conditions tend to be more frequent and are more serious and difficult to treat. GYN conditions may further damage the immune system. Therefore, it's very important that your healthcare provider monitor, diagnose and treat these conditions as early as possible.
If your healthcare provider isn't skilled at screening and diagnosing GYN conditions, it's important that you ask for a referral to a specialist, like a gynecologist. If you go to a specialist, be sure that your HIV doctor is aware of results from GYN screening tests and any treatments you might be on for GYN conditions. Make sure that your gynecologist is aware of what medications you are taking for other conditions.
Regular exams, like Pap smears and colposcopies, are crucial since many GYN conditions lack obvious symptoms and can persist undetected. Detection and treatment at these early stages is a critical step in preventing a GYN condition from progressing. It's just as important to monitor your own GYN health and advocate for yourself.
Project Inform provides a treatment resource guide, including national publications, hotlines, web sites and education programs. Call our toll-free National HIV Treatment Information Infoline at 1-800-822-7422 and request Guide to HIV/AIDS Related Resources (PDF). We provide many other publications including Day One and Making Decisions About Therapies. In addition, we publish PI Perspective which provides updates on advances in HIV research and treatment, advocacy and policy issues. These and other materials are free of charge to all those who need them. For more information, contact our Infoline. The following list contains national resources. For local and regional resources, contact your local AIDS service organization.
Women Specific Programs and Newsletters
Women Alive
Women Alive is a national treatment-focused, non-profit organization by and for women living with HIV/AIDS. They publish a quarterly newsletter and are active in policy and treatment issues, as well as providing a range of services for women living with HIV.
1566 Burnside Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90019
213-965-1564 or 1-800-554-4876
WORLD (Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Diseases)
WORLD is an information and support network for women with HIV. WORLD has several programs for HIV-positive women and their families.
414 Thirteenth Street, 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Iris House
Iris House provides services to women and their families who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Services include prevention, case management, nutrition, social support, child care, education and information, housing and a variety of health and wellness services.
Main Office
2348 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.
New York, NY 10030
646-548-0100 fax 646-548-0200
e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
SisterLove is a reproductive and sexual health organization focusing on HIV/AIDS, providing a host of educational, prevention and support services to women and their families in the United States and around the world.
PO Box 10558
1285-A Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30310
Other Resources for Women
AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA)
ACRIA is a non-profit community-based AIDS research and treatment education center working in collaboration with recognized leaders in AIDS research and treatment, primary care providers and people living with HIV/AIDS.
230 W 38th Street, 17th Floor
New York NY 10018
Information on the Internet for HIV-Positive Women
AIDSmeds.com is dedicated to providing people living with HIV the necessary information they need to make empowered treatment decisions.
National Women's Health Information Center
The Center was established in 1991 within the US Department of Health and Human Services and coordinates the efforts of all the HHS agencies involved in women's health. The Center works to improve the health and well-being of women and girls in the United States.
National Women's Health Resource Center
Since the late 1980s, the Center has helped millions of women educate themselves about the health topics that concern them the most. The organization, dedicated to helping women make informed decisions about their health, encourages women to embrace healthy lifestyles to promote wellness and prevent disease.
Project Inform
Project Inform is a national HIV treatment information and advocacy organization. A subsection of its website is devoted to women-specific issues.
The Well Project
The website includes fact sheets, profiles of women living with HIV, discussion boards, descriptions of HIV-related events/conferences, and how-to guides to assist those working in HIV care.


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Pirates-O's rained out; makeup set for Thursday
BALTIMORE -- Tuesday's matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles has been rained out. The scheduled makeup date is Thursday at 7:05 p.m. ET.
Pittsburgh enters Baltimore having lost five of six games. Charlie Morton, scheduled to open the two-game series on the mound for the Pirates, will instead start on Wednesday.
Morton (0-3, 4.35) has lost his last three starts, including a 5-2 setback against the Cincinnati Reds last Wednesday. He walked a season-high five batters in the setback while allowing four runs -- three earned -- and four hits in six innings.
Morton will face fellow right-hander Chris Tillman (3-1, 3.38 ERA) on Wednesday. The Pirates originally had righty Brandon Cumpton (0-1, 2.57) set to start the second game of the series against Bud Norris (1-2, 4.44).
"At the end of the day, the game takes care of those who take care of the game," manager Clint Hurdle said pregame about his struggling squad. "If you're not taking care of the game, it's hard to win. We've got to do a better job of taking care of the game and meeting those demands."
Baltimore has won three of its last five games. The Orioles are expected to activate third baseman Manny Machado from the disabled list. The rising star has not played a Major League game this season after undergoing knee surgery last September.
Last season, Pittsburgh finished with a MLB-best 15-5 record in Interleague Play.
Tickets for Tuesday's game will be honored for Thursday's game, the Orioles announced.


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Former Cape attorney faces new charges related to child pornography
A former Cape Coral attorney accused of sexually exploiting two boys is facing new charges in connection to an alleged child pornography ring that shared explicit material via online chat rooms.
On Nov. 21, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana announced that John Rex Powell, 42, of Fort Myers, had been charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute and receive videos and images of child exploitation. Eleven men were indicted in the case, according to officials.
"This conspiracy allegedly stretched across the country and around the world, using sophisticated techniques to hide the orchestrated abuse of dozens of child victims," U.S. Attorney Joseph Hogsett said via a prepared statement. "As these men have learned, though, you aren't anonymous online."
"If you engage in this type of behavior, you will be identified and you will face justice," he said.
According to officials, the conspiracy began in 2000 and continued until April 2002. The men ran various online chat rooms that were protected by a password that was available only to the involved parties. They were used to share child pornography and to discuss and promote child exploitation.
The indictment alleges that many members had amassed large collections of explicit material. They used the rooms to expand their collections and evade law enforcement with data encryption software.
In addition, at least four defendants allegedly conspired to sexually exploit children and produce new videos and images of the abuse, which could then be distributed to the members of the conspiracy.
Hogsett reported that nearly 100 children worldwide have been identified as victims of abuse.
The 11 defendants all face up to decades in prison if convicted, according to officials. They also could face significant fines, as well as a lifetime supervised release and registration as a sexual offender.
Powell was previously charged with conspiracy to sexually exploit a child and five counts of sexual exploitation of a child by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana for reportedly sexually exploiting two boys between 2009 and 2011. As of Tuesday, his jury trial was set for Jan. 6.
According to court documents, Powell and three other men were involved in an international child exploitation conspiracy that involved a boy between the ages of 5 and 6. Powell and Jason Bettuo, 36, were participants in the scheme, orchestrated by Mark Jonathan Newton, 42, and Peter Truong, 36.
Newton, an American citizen living in Australia, and Truong, an Australian citizen and Newton's domestic partner, were the legal adoptive parents of the victim. They traveled to the United States and elsewhere with the boy to allegedly meet with other men and record sexual abuse against the boy.
During the scheme, Newton and Truong allegedly engaged in a conspiracy to transport the child pornography produced during the encounters to individuals around the world, including to people in Anderson, Ind., and Arlington, Va. Powell is alleged to have participated in the porn conspiracy.
Officials reported that it was the trafficking of materials that alerted United States Postal Service inspectors and investigators in Indiana to the case, launching a two-year investigation into the men.
"Powell's alleged involvement in both schemes was key in dismantling this conspiracy," Hogsett said, referring to the more recent case involving the online chat rooms.
According to the documents, Powell obtained access to a second boy between 2009 and 2011 on multiple occasions, so that he could repeatedly engage in sexually explicit conduct with the child. The boy, who was between the ages of 8 and 9 at the time, was also used to create child pornography.
In June, Newton was sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to sexually exploit a child and conspiracy to possess child pornography under an agreement with prosectors.
Truong had pleaded guilty and was awaiting sentencing on charges of conspiring to sexually exploit a child and possessing child pornography. He is scheduled for sentencing Monday.
Bettuo also pleaded guilty and was sentenced Oct. 28 to 25 years in prison, officials reported.


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Chronic progressive dysarthria: difficulty in articulation of words. See detailed information below for a list of 15 causes of Chronic progressive dysarthria, Symptom Checker, including diseases and drug side effect causes.
» Review Causes of Chronic progressive dysarthria: Causes | Symptom Checker »
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Speech symptoms (1393 causes), Communication symptoms (1386 causes), Neurological symptoms (9575 causes), Mouth symptoms (6864 causes), Throat symptoms (3410 causes), Brain symptoms (2787 causes), Respiratory symptoms (5166 causes), Nerve symptoms (9132 causes), Breathing symptoms (3381 causes), Breath symptoms (3023 causes), Head symptoms (10192 causes), Face symptoms (8109 causes)
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Stroke (192 causes), Painful mouth ulcers, Poliomyelitis (5 causes), Myasthenia gravis, Enlarged tongue (29 causes), Friedreich's ataxia, Spinocerebellar ataxias
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Abortion Drones
The Abortion drone flies abortion pills from one country to women in another country. Using the different legislations and regulations it makes the reality of women in countries where abortion is restricted visible by creating access to the abortion pills.
Abortion drone Ireland, 2016
June 21 th, 2016. The Abortion Drone flew from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland at Narrow Waters Castle. After the drone landed safely two women took the pills. At the same time Women on Waves employed a RC speedboat to send over more pills for the women. Making abortion illegal will… Więcej »
Dron aborcyjny


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At 8:30 Elyse Doerflinger gave a great presentation on organizing digital Stuff. If you don't know her, she's dynamic, knowledgeable and young. I'm sure that the attendees in the almost full room were very glad they found at seat in this 8:30 session. Thank you Elyse.
I had some good sessions and one I wish I had skipped, even though the room was full. I know that sometimes timing of a presentation gets off, but I really feel that all of us deserved more than a 30 minute presentation in an hour time period.
I feel my mind is overloaded. I'm having trouble remembering the classes I took today, much less the past two days. But I have notes and I bought some DVDs and CDs of many presentations that I was unable to attend. It's going to take me weeks, I'm afraid, to really analyze and organize what I have heard/learned.
If you haven't been to Jamboree, think about next year. For all of us who live in the west, this is the premier genealogy conference. It's close, across from the Burbank (Bob Hope) airport; it's reasonably priced; it's convenient (the hotel is next to the convention center); there are restaurant options with a block walking distance. AND the SCGS volunteers put on a great, well-planned, well-organized conference that is FUN!!!!!!!


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RED SOX: Baltimore Orioles shut out Boston Red Sox
BALTIMORE >> There's still more than half a season left to play, so there's no reason for the Baltimore Orioles to become overly excited about their current situation.
Then again, what harm is there in enjoying the moment?
Chris Tillman took a two-hitter into the seventh inning, Chris Davis hit his major league-leading 22nd home run and the Orioles blanked the Boston Red Sox 2-0 Friday night in a duel between the top two teams in the AL East.
Manny Machado had three hits for the Orioles, who have won five of six -- including the first two in this four-game series. Baltimore moved within 11/2 games of the division-leading Red Sox, the closest the Orioles have been to first place since May 13.
"Obviously you want to continue to play as well as you can, no matter if you're at home or on the road, if it's early or late in the season," Davis said. "But we know we're close. And any time a division rival comes in, you want to try to take as many games as you possibly can. I think we're pleased with the way things have gone so far, and hopefully we can continue it."
Tillman (7-2) allowed three hits and four walks in six-plus innings. The right-hander permitted only one runner to get past second base in winning his third straight start.
After bouncing between the majors and minor leagues last year, Tillman has emerged as Baltimore's most steady starter.
"I said it in the spring," manager Buck Showalter said. "Chris came in full aware that he was out of options. But he pitched like a guy who had three and didn't want to go to (Triple-A) Norfolk. And that shows a lot of maturity, because he wanted to be a guy for us this year -- and he has been so far."
After Jose Iglesias chased Tillman with a leadoff double in the seventh, Darren O'Day got three successive outs. Tommy Hunter worked a perfect eighth and Jim Johnson completed the three-hitter to earn his 24th save.
Making his first career appearance at Camden Yards, 36-year-old Ryan Dempster (4-7) gave up two runs and five hits in 7 2-3 innings. He was victimized by a lack of offensive support -- the Red Sox have gone 15 straight innings without scoring a run, and in this one they got only one hit after the fourth.
"The guy just pitched his tail off over there," Dempster said. "Sometimes you just get outpitched. There is really nothing you can do about. We don't get shut out very often. It's kind of a rarity. ... I felt good about my outing, for sure. I felt like I pitched well. The other guy just pitched better than me."
Boston has lost two in a row for the first time since May 28-29 against Philadelphia, and its streak of winning four consecutive series is over. The Red Sox are 1-4 against the Orioles this season and have won only four of the last 17 games between the clubs.
Davis led off the second inning with an opposite-field drive into the left-field seats, his sixth homer in the last eight games against the Red Sox.
"I think Chris knows he doesn't have to get into pull mode to be effective," Showalter said. "That's been good for him."
Baltimore made it 2-0 in the third. Nate McLouth walked, took second on a single, advanced on a fly ball and scored when Adam Jones reached on a two-out dribbler down the third base line.
Tillman issued a walk in each of the first four innings but kept the Red Sox at bay. After Boston got runners on the corners with one out in the fourth, Will Middlebrooks hit a short fly to right and David Ross struck out.
"We did get a couple of guys on base over the course of the game, but it was a night where we couldn't bunch anything together," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "He did issue the four walks to give us a couple of opportunities. Still, when you take (Iglesias) out of the mix, where he got two out of three hits in that ballgame, Tillman did a good job of keeping us in check."
NOTES: Machado hit two doubles to increase his majors-leading total to 30. He also extended his hitting streak to 12 games, a new career high. ... The Red Sox recalled RHP Rubby De La Rosa from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned RHP Alex Wilson to the same club. ... The Orioles recalled RHP Jake Arrieta to fill out their weary bullpen. ... After being designated for assignment Monday, Boston INF Pedro Ciriaco was traded to San Diego for a player to be named or cash. ... John Lackey will start for Boston on Saturday against Baltimore and Freddy Garcia. Lackey is 11-4 lifetime against the Orioles and Garcia is 10-4 vs. Boston. ... J.J. Hardy went hitless against Dempster and is 2 for 30 lifetime against the right-hander. ... Iglesias has hit in 15 straight games in which he has a plate appearance. ... The Orioles reinstated LHP Tsuyoshi Wada (elbow) from the 60-day disabled list and optioned him to Norfolk. ... McLouth stole his 23rd base, tying a career high.


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FORT WORTH, Texas, April 5 (UPI) -- The first F-35 Lightning II for the Netherlands rolled off the Lockheed Martin production line in Texas this week, a milestone in a program in turbulence.
In Canada, the auditor general issued a report critical of the way the government made its decision to purchase the fifth-generation aircraft.
"National Defense did a good job of managing Canada's participation in the U.S.-led Joint Strike Fighter program to design and develop the F-35," said Auditor General of Canada Michael Ferguson.
"However, the department did not acknowledge that the decision to purchase the F-35 was well under way four years before it was officially announced."
Reports say the audit found that budgeting for the aircraft didn't take into account factors such as obtaining replacement aircraft.
In Britain, a report in the House of Commons indicated that the government, which changed its mind on which variant of the aircraft to buy, may change course again amid criticism over costs involved in adapting the decks of aircraft carriers to operate the carrier variant chosen.
The Canadian and British situations are just the latest wrinkles in the F-35 program, which is being affected by the world economic downturn and the pressure on defense ministries for belt tightening.
The F-35 is an advanced jet with a maximum speed of more than 1,900 miles per hour, a range of 1,200 nautical miles and a combat radius of 584 nautical miles. It carries advanced avionics and a full range of weapons.
The United States is the prime bankroller for the program but more than a half-dozen other countries contribute funds to its development.
Amid the economic downturn, Italy has downgraded the number of aircraft it had decided to buy from 131 to about 90; the United States is slowing its procurement of F-35s and Britain is reassessing its position. Other countries are said to be reconsidering the number of aircraft to obtain and how soon to obtain them.
In reply to the Canadian audit, Minister of Industry Christian Paradis noted that "since 1997, Canada has worked with our allies in a unique multinational program to develop and manufacture the F-35. Our participation has generated $435 million in contracts for 70 Canadian companies resulting in skilled work that otherwise would not exist, with more opportunities to come."
Canada had planned to buy up to 65 aircraft over six years, beginning in 2017, but hasn't signed purchase orders. The government said it will institute a number of procedures before it would do so.
Among the steps: freezing of the funding envelope allocated for acquisition of the F-35; establishing an F-35 Secretariat within the Department of Public Works and Government Services to coordinate replacement of the country's CF-18 aircraft; providing parliament with annual updates on forecasted costs of the F-35; and continued evaluation by the Department of Defense on the country's jet fighter capability fleet.
"Canada will not sign a contract to purchase new aircraft until these steps are completed and developmental work is sufficiently advanced," the government said.
While controversy continues, production of the fighter continues. Lockheed said the F-35 for the Netherland's will undergo systems tests and then be deployed to a U.S. Air Force Base in Florida, where Dutch pilots and maintenance staff will be trained.


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This week's restaurant reviews
In this week's Newsday, Joan Reminick reviews Cucina di Vargas in Hewlett. The eponymous chef-owner, Narciso "Bien" Vargas, spent years at the helm of Hewlett's now-departed Matteo's, which "earned him a sizable local following. Now, at the Italian restaurant that bears his name, he proves he hasn't lost his touch."
Peter M. Gianotti visits the revamped Rein at the Garden City Hotel. Both the hotel and the restaurant are under new management, and "chef Michael Mandato prepares some very good food here." But "the dining room itself is beginning to show wear" and most of the very expensive New American menu "remains risk-averse, general-interest and notable mainly if you're staying at the hotel."


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from Robert Rothwell Oct 13, 2010 Category: EventsOne of the dangers that often goes unrecognized in the church today is the problem of the tyranny of the weaker brother. On Wednesday afternoon at our pastors conference, Dr. R.C. Sproul gave a timely lecture on the subject. His main text was Romans 14. Keep Reading
2010 Ligonier Pastors Conference - Mark Dever (VI)
from Robert Rothwell Oct 13, 2010 Category: EventsDr. Mark Dever began our conference program on Wednesday with a lecture outlining the mandate for Christians not to avoid controversy if the gospel is at stake. This is what he had to say in his message "Here We Stand." In July 1519, the famous Leipzig disputation between Johann Eck and Martin Luther was held in Germany. Luther had become convinced that the medieval church had been teaching some falsehoods in regards to the clarity of Scripture and other matters, and Eck took the counter position. After the debate, a written record of the exchange was sent to the theologians at the University of Paris, and they determined that Eck had won the debate. In response they also published ten theses: Keep Reading
2010 Ligonier Pastors Conference - Round Table Discussion (V)
from Karisa Schlehr Oct 12, 2010 Category: EventsWe closed the first day of the 2010 Pastors conference with Mark Dever moderating a round table discussion with the four conference speakers. Dever: We heard four messages today dealing with four things. We began with R.C.'s treatment of one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. The third one is more of an implication of unity, wouldn't you say? Keep Reading
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from Scott Devor Oct 12, 2010 Category: EventsIn his lecture titled "Respectable Sins," Dr. Steven Lawson, senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Ala. and teaching fellow for Ligonier, speaks about subtle sins that can often be overlooked in ministry. Before looking at specific "respectable sins," Dr. Lawson began his lecture by looking at what the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:20–23. Keep Reading
2010 Ligonier Pastors Conference - Mark Dever (III)
from Karisa Schlehr Oct 12, 2010 Category: EventsMark Dever started off the afternoon with a session expounding on conversion. Biblical faithfulness entails apparent exclusivity in our churches. The common wisdom among pastors today is that that is not the case. Keep Reading
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from Chris Donato Oct 12, 2010 Category: EventsWhat does it mean for the church to be "confessional"? This is the question Mark Dever sought to answer during his first session at the Ligonier Pastors Conference. The title of this lecture, "No Creed but Christ?" represents, unfortunately, a widespread sentiment across the American Christian landscape. Typically, there are two types of critiques of creeds and confession—one liberal, one conservative. Keep Reading
2010 Ligonier Pastors Conference - R.C. Sproul (I)
from Keith Mathison Oct 12, 2010 Category: EventsR.C. Sproul opened the 2010 Pastors Conference speaking on one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. We are looking at the Nicene Creed's description of the church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. A cynic might suggest that it is hard to imagine how the contemporary church could be described as such. Our church today is fragmented. There is dissention. The cynic would say that there is anything but unity, sanctity, catholicity, and apostolicity. Instead, the church is fragmented, corrupt, parochial, and modernistic. Keep Reading
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from Chris Larson Sep 30, 2010 Category: EventsIf you are headed to Minneapolis this weekend for the Desiring God conference, members of the Ligonier team will be there and would like to meet you. Come learn more about the ministry, Dr. Sproul, Tabletalk magazine, Ligonier Academy and more. Keep Reading
A reminder about our Pastors Conference and a speaker update
from Karisa Schlehr Sep 29, 2010 Category: EventsOur Pastors Conference is fast approaching and we invite you to join us here in Florida October 12-14 at Saint Andrew's. Open to anyone, there is still time to register for this encouraging event that will strive to give a better understanding of what it takes to keep the local church unified, holy, and at peace. Keep Reading
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from Robert Rothwell Sep 19, 2010 Category: EventsDr. Robert W. Godfrey delivered our final conference lecture on the topic of statism. This is what he had to say on this important and timely subject. What is statism? It is the claim or exercise of the power of the state as absolute over society. Statism insists that no other entity has rights except those derived from the state. It says that the state is supreme over all things. Keep Reading