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Special offer for Choice Privileges members. You want to top off your account to get the award you want? Book one of our Points Packages and get 1,000 or 2,000 bonus points above and beyond the normal points earned. Choice Privileges points can be redeemed for your rewards like a night at thousands of Choice Hotels properties around the world.
Terms & Conditions: Certain restrictions apply. May not be available at all Choice hotels. Must be a Choice Privileges member prior to booking. Member must book at www.Choicehotels.com, www.ChoiceHotels.ca, directly with the property, or at 1.800.4CHOICE in order to book the Choice Privileges 1,000 Points Package or the Choice Privileges 2,000 Points Package. The Choice Privileges member number must be present on the reservation. Members booking the 1,000 Points Package (PKPR1 rate plan) will pay BAR (best available) rate plus $5 for each room each night of the stay. The member will in turn receive 1,000 points for each room each night. Members booking the 2,000 Points Package (PKPR2 rate plan) will pay BAR (best available) rate plus $10 for each room each night of the booking. The member will in turn receive 2,000 points for each room each night. Points will be deposited into the members account approximately 72 hours after checkout. The 1,000 and 2,000 Points Packages can only be used to book up to two rooms per reservation; members may book additional rooms under either Points Packages but no more than two rooms per every reservation. In the event that a member has two or more Points Package reservations leading to the member having three or four rooms in their name at one hotel on any one night on these rate plans, it may take up to 10 days for the points for the third and fourth room to be deposited into the member's account. The actual BAR rate varies depending on hotel and time of purchase, is unrestricted, non-qualified, and excludes any other discount rates. Early departure fees, deposit and cancellation restrictions may apply and vary by hotel. Unless otherwise stated, quoted rates are per room per night, based on single/double occupancy and do not include taxes, gratuities, or incidental charges. This rate may not be combined with other select promotions, offers or discounts and is not valid for existing reservations or groups. Not valid at vacation rental properties. Rate is non-transferrable or redeemable for cash, and cannot be applied toward a future stay. Choice Privileges membership subject to Terms and Conditions found here: https://www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. All hotels are independently owned and operated.


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|Midwest Fertilizer PresidentMirza Feisal Beig
On November 23, 2011, the Washington Post ran a lengthy story discussing the source of crudely- made, inexpensive bombs that had been used in Afghanistan to attack American troops, injuring 3,200 by that point in 2011 alone. Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero identified the problem as a $40-fertilizer-bomb problem, a plastic jug filled with ammonium nitrate fertilizer, the key ingredient for which could easily be acquired by terrorist fighters at two fertilizer plants just across the border in Pakistan.
Almost all of the ammonium nitrate used in the Taliban's bombs comes from two big fertilizer plants across the border in Pakistan. Barbero concluded that the best way to slow the Taliban killing was to make it harder for the insurgents to obtain the fertilizer, which is banned in Afghanistan because it can be made into explosives.
In August, the general called Fawad Mukhtar, the chairman of the Fatima Group, which owns the fertilizer plants, and asked to meet with him in Pakistan.
Mukhtar replied that Barbero did not need to travel. He was planning to visit the United States to drop off his son at college and promised to stop by Barbero's office in Arlington. The two met for about 30 minutes.
Barbero told the Pakistani businessman that the fertilizer from his plants was responsible for most of the U.S. deaths in Afghanistan. Mukhtar countered that less than 1 percent of his product fell into insurgents' hands and was fashioned into bombs. The vast majority of the fertilizer was used for farming; people depended on his product to eat and live.
"He is not a radical," Barbero said of Mukhtar. "I think he wants to be part of the solution."
Mukhtar declined an interview request for this article. A spokesman for the Fatima Group praised Barbero's efforts in an e-mail. "I am sure that a person of his experience and caliber can be very effective in dealing with the issue of IED related incidents," he said, using the abbreviation for improvised explosive device.
The brief office visit was the beginning of Barbero's months-long immersion in the global fertilizer industry. He and his staff have studied how the ammonium nitrate fertilizer is made, how it can be processed into a bomb and how it might be modified to make it less dangerous or more detectable by U.S. and Afghan troops at border crossings.
A week after his meeting with Mukhtar, Barbero flew to Denver to address a global conference of ammonium nitrate plant managers. His speech included a plea for help and warnings of onerous regulation if industry executives did not find ways to make ammonium nitrate fertilizer less useful as a weapon.
The plant managers reacted coolly. "They told me how hard it was to make it non-detonable," Barbero said. "I said I got it. But you need to start working on it."In November, 2011, Barbero and members of his Joint IED Defeat organization met with fertilizer officials in Arlington, Virginia to discuss the problem according to the Post where industry representatives expressed doubts that there was little they could do to help with the problem. The Fatima Group sent a representative from one of its plants in the Punjab province. Earlier in the summer of 2011, a member of Barbero's staff and an expert on fertilizers, Bob Best, had traveled to Pakistan to tour the Fatima Group's fertilizer plant in Multan where he said he received a warm reception. A few days after his trip, the Post said a news report in Pakistan accused Best of being a CIA operative who was using a diplomatic facade to "secure niches for their spies and hit men in and around Multan," a charge denied by Best.
At the Arlington conference, Best described how the terrorists converted the fertilizer into explosives by first removing a substance added to it in the 1970s to make it less explosive, calcium carbonate, by pouring the fertilizer granules into boiling hot water, causing the substance to separate and sink to the bottom of the container. The ammonium nitrate is then dried, packed into yellow plastic jugs with blasting caps fashioned out of ballpoint pens or glass tubes full of acid. Because the bombs contain no metal, they are difficult to detect. The most promising solution the group that met at Arlington came up with for dealing with the problem was coating the granules with urea , which would make it more difficult to dry the fertilizer into an explosive powder.
According to the Post, military officials recommended that only the Fatima Group's plants should be required to add the urea coating to its fertilizer since its plants were the only source of the explosives in Afghanistan. The Fatima Group bristled at the suggestion it was the only source of the explosives. "There is a lot of trade taking place with India. There is Iran and Indonesia," Fatima Group representative Farrukh Qureshi said. "And I am not even discussing about the former Russian states. . . . The extremists will find ways to get calcium ammonium nitrate. These are very smart people."
Flash forward to January 11, 2013. The Indiana Finance Authority announces that it has issued $1.3 billion in bonds for the purpose of loaning money to Midwest Fertilizer Corp. to construct a fertilizer plant in Posey County, Indiana. According to Secretary of State records, the company was originally incorporated in Delaware on September 24, 2012 and registered to do business in Indiana only since December 7, 2012. Mirza Feisal Beig is listed as the president of the corporation with an address in Lahore Cantt, a city in eastern Pakistan where the Pakistani Army maintains two divisions. According to his bio on the Fatima Group's website, Beig has worked for major fertilizer companies locally and internationally, including Exxon/ Engro Chemicals, Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited and International Fertilizer Development Center. He has also work as an international consultant through IFDC for projects of USAID, World Bank, European Union for the development of fertilizer markets and agriculture in Asian and African countries. Indiana Finance Authority's general counsel, Jim McGoff, explained to the Evansville Courier & Press the nature of the bond transaction:
Jim McGoff, who serves as the Indiana Finance Authority's general counsel, said the Midwest Fertilizer Corp. deal was made possible because of a federal disaster relief program.
Because of flooding in 2008, Posey County was among a number of counties in Indiana and other Midwestern states to be declared a Midwestern Disaster Area under the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008. And because of this designation, McGoff said, Indiana was awarded $3.1 billion in Midwestern Disaster Area Bonds. Of that $3.1 billion, Indiana was able to use about $2.2 billion, including the bond issue for the Posey County project.
The purpose of the bond program is to spur economic development to make up for disaster-related job losses. Dec. 31 was the program's expiration date.
In this program the Indiana Finance Authority was what's known as a conduit issuer, McGoff said. This means that the state issues bonds for the benefit of a private third party, but the bonds are not considered part of the state's overall debt load. That also means that the state has no liability in the deal.
"Because it's a federal program, there is no detriment to the state. The program was set to expire Dec. 31, so we're glad a company could take advantage of it before its expiration," McGoff said.If you're starting to get the impression this was a very rushed deal, you would be correct. When the Courier & Press contacted Posey County Commission Carl Schmit about the deal, he said he didn't know much about the project. The Courier & Press also attempted to get a comment from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and a representative of Midwest Fertilizer on the proposed fertilizer plant but was unsuccessful. The Washington Times began asking more probing questions overlooked by Indiana officials.
In this deal, McGoff said, the bonds issued last month are backed by U.S. Treasury securities that mature in six months. When those bonds mature July 1, he said, they will likely be reissued for a much longer term, and those bonds will be backed by the credit of the borrower — Midwest Fertilizer Corp.
Under the terms spelled out in the bond paperwork, the company will not have access to the bond proceeds until July 1 at the earliest. In its bond application, the company said it expects that the fertilizer plant's operations will provide the cash flows needed to repay the bonds.
McGoff said the deal was structured this way because the deal was not complete by the Dec. 31 deadline for taking advantage of the disaster bonds program.
This way, McGoff said, the bonds are secured while Midwest Fertilizer Corp. works to finalize its plans.
"They still have additional work to do," he said.
In its bond application, Midwest Fertilizer Corp. said it anticipated that it will receive incentives from both Posey County and the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
Last Sunday, the Times' Rowan Scarborough broke the story in the nation's capital that the Pakistani company that had ignored Pentagon pleas to control the flow of explosives to bomb-makers was set to build a $1.27 billion fertilizer plant in Posey County with the help of U.S. taxpayers.
The Indiana Finance Authority has approved $1.27 billion in tax-exempt bonds for Midwest Fertilizer Corp. to build a nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing plant in Posey County. Midwest is a new startup company of the Fatima Group, a conglomerate headquartered in Lahore, Pakistan.
Fatima's fertilizer components are used by terrorists in Pakistan and Afghanistan to build homemade bombs — the No. 1 killer of American service members in Afghanistan.
Fatima's corporate leaders know this is happening, based on communications with Obama administration officials and military leaders, but they have refused pleas to control the flow, according to an Army general.
Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, who heads the Pentagon's Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO), bluntly criticized Fatima in testimony last month before a Senate panel.
He called Fatima "less than cooperative" in even instituting minimal controls on calcium ammonium nitrate, or CAN, a fertilizing compound that has been used in 70 percent of the homemade explosives deployed against U.S. troops.
Fatima is the only Pakistani producer of CAN, which is illegal to import into in Afghanistan.
Gen. Barbero said that nearly 1,900 Americans in Afghanistan had been killed or wounded by homemade bombs in 2012 at the time of his Dec. 13 testimony. He said the only sources for CAN are two Fatima Group plants in Pakistan.Gen. Barbero explained in his testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that all contacts with the Fatima Group had been cut off since its meeting with its representative at the Arlington conference in November, 2011. Gen. Barbero said that the company had even rejected simply adding a die to its fertilizer that would make it more detectable by U.S. security forces.
On Monday following the Times' initial report, U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) told the Times that it was "crazy" to allow a Pakistani fertilizer maker to build a new plant in the U.S. at taxpayer's expense, which he described as a "pseudo-terrorist organization that won't comply with any of our requests." We're not asking them to curtail production," said Mr. Hunter, who has been a leading voice in Congress in urging the Pentagon to come up with ways to defeat homemade bombs. "At the very least, dye it. And their answer is 'no.' And not only 'no,' but now we're going to take advantage of a tax exempt scenario and move into the American market but still creating the calcium ammonium nitrate that's going to kill Americans in Afghanistan. That is absolutely nuts." Rep. Hunter also told the Times that the Fatima Group is "influenced by bad actors" in Pakistan who want to create chaos in Afghanistan. Hunter wouldn't elaborate, but sources told the Times that Fatima is heavily influenced by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency.
Under pressure from a deal not of his making, Gov. Mike Pence announced yesterday that he was pulling the plug on Fatima's fertilizer plant in Posey County. Pence was sworn into office on January 14 just three days after the Daniels administration rushed the $1.3 billion bond deal for Fatima to market. Pence tells the Evansville Courier & Press that he was immediately briefed on the deal and apprised of national security concerns. Why Pence chose to wait to act until after the damning report by the Washington Times is unclear. U.S. Rep. Larry Buschon, who represents the district, says he has been asked to be briefed on the matter by Defense and State Department officials. Both Sen. Dan Coats and Joe Donnelly say they support Pence's decision to stop the deal.
Who exactly was the local impetus behind the siting of the proposed fertilizer plant in Posey County that promised to create 300 jobs is unclear. The Indiana Ports Commission and local economic development folks in Posey County I'm told were highly supportive of the deal. The Ports Commission owns a considerable amount of land in the area that it is trying to see developed, along with existing ethanol plants and shipping from GE plastics. It's also unclear what happens to the $1.3 billion raised from the bond sale. It looks like another economic development project pursued by the Daniels administration with reckless abandon.
UPDATE: A search of the IFA's meeting archives shows that the following resolution concerning the bonds for Midwest Fertilizer first appeared on the Authority's agenda at its November 16, 2012 meeting: "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BOND – Resolution 12-F-32 - Midwest Fertilizer Corporation." The IFA's website is piss poor when it comes to public disclosure. You have no idea what the hell the agency is doing simply by looking at its website. No documents conerning any bond agreements are posted on their websites. There is scant information about several RFPs that were issued for the Ohio River bridge projects but nothing else concerning this Midwest Fertilizer bond issue. The IFA won't win any awards for transparency. A source says Ice Miller was involved in the bond issue, but that's about all I've been able to learn.

subset: commoncrawl


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It's political season. I'm a permanent California mail voter. I voted yesterday. All done.
For the first time in my life, I voted a straight Democratic ticket, including the Democrat recommendations for propositions, utility districts, judicial courts, etc. 100% no-questions-asked Blue ballot, albeit we don't get to vote on a lot of stuff out here in the East San Diego County Boondocks. I did get to vote FOR Ammar Campa-Najjar, so that was exciting. I don't expect him to win simply because of the territory (I live in a very red area in this very blue state), his name, and his opponent's advertising attacking his name.
Sadly, the Democrats did not make a recommendation or endorsement on everything on the ballot. When that happened, I checked the Republican recommendations and endorsements because they do seem to have an opinion about everything; then I voted the opposite
Delivery to the Registrar's office will occur on 10/22.
Men have been effin up the nations and world for thousands of years. I'm wanting to see a complete takeover by women. They can't possibly do worse.
Sad and depressed, I am. I no longer living in the Earthquake State….
I have always been a sucker for injured plants (and animals), so I bought this last-one-on-the-table injured golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii). Notice what's happening all around the injury, though. Lots of little pups! I will enjoy watching this one grow.
I love PB&J sandwiches. I love bacon. On these four items, though, I'm thinking No, No, No & No. Seen at BevMo.
Zoey the Cool Cat has comfy beds to sleep on, nice carpeted floors with sun spots, chairs, a love seat…………. and yet this is her choice.
They don't look happy to see me. Maybe it's my red car. Dash cam video.
Finally found that fish out of water.
Poor bird. Lost on a desert island with no music to listen to.
A couple of weeks ago I stopped by Green Thumb Nursery Super Garden Center in San Marcos CA. I had never been there. Doesn't look big from the street, but it is huge.
As far as a complete nursery, it tops the list. You name it, they have it. Lots of plants, lots of pots, tools, soil, fertilizer. Lots of interesting garden sculptures that I had never seen at a nursery before.
Zoey the Cool Cat, what do you think of President Pinocchio?
If this is the type of car that student drivers get to learn in, I'm thinking about becoming a student driver again. I bet I could pass parallel parking this time!
My best sunrise/sunset picture from the past week. East San Diego County Boondocks. October 16, 2018 sunrise.
I saw two new (to me) cactus species last week! So excited.
When I was in Fresno back in July, I saw a wild Fresno State Bulldog on the street. I kind of feel sorry for any little child walking past this thing.
"Look! Over there! It's the sun!"
One of my favorite plants is Stapelia gigantea. It has huge, star-shaped, hairy flowers that can get up to 14 inches in diameter. They also are smelly flowers, smelling somewhat like rotting flesh. Hence their common name: Carrion plant. Their smell draws billions of flies, which then pollinate the flower. Nature is wonderful….
I have learned the signs of when they are going to pop open, so when my largest plant had 21 buds on it, I decided to practice time lapse photography. Following is my best time lapse video of one of these flowers popping open, created with 1,471 pictures taken every 5 seconds over the course of 4 hours and 11 minutes.
I was an abused child after my father committed suicide. My mom remarried, and she and my stepfather, both alcoholics and drunk every day, regularly hit my oldest stepsister and me. My mom even picked me up one time and threw me threw the sliding glass door. Still have the scars on my legs from that one.
I found the following poem on Facebook. Author unknown.
On Monday, Billy didn't have his homework
And when the teacher asked him why
He said, "Because a monster ripped it up,
After I told him a lie."
"You know monsters don't exist,
And if you don't turn in your homework
No recess you will get."
On Tuesday, Billy had a stomachache
And when the teacher asked him why
He said, "A monster took away my dinner,
even my cherry pie."
"Billy, I've told you once before,
Monsters are not real.
You'll have to wait till lunchtime
Before you get a meal."
On Wednesday, Billy had a bandage,
Which covered his right eye.
When the teacher asked him how it happened,
This was his reply:
"A monster was running after me
When I ran into the door."
"Billy please," the teacher said,
"I don't want to hear any more."
On Thursday, Billy refused to sit down,
And when the teacher asked him why,
Billy said, "A monster whipped my bottom,
Because I started to cry."
"Billy," said the teacher,
"this is getting out of hand,
And if you continue with these stories,
In the corner you will stand."
On Friday, Billy didn't come to school,
And when the teacher found out why,
She said a little prayer to God
In hopes Billy would survive.
For a monster had beaten Billy
and threatened him with a knife.
Now Billy lay in a hospital bed,
Fighting for his life.
So teachers please remember,
That monsters are for real.
Listen closely to kids' stories,
A wounded heart, you may heal.
It's a good thing I had lots of practice in my youth in coloring, drawing pictures, and building things because I sure as eff don't know Chinese.
They say it's expensive to live in San Diego. Some apparently call it the "San Diego Package"………


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Send announcements, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to email@example.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
The Loudoun County Fire-Rescue system and the Loudoun Career Firefighters' Association is participating in the 59th Annual Toys for Tots Campaign, which is sponsored by the U.S. Marines.
From Nov. 18-Dec. 24, fire-rescue stations will be collecting new, unwrapped toys; they will not accept any toys that resemble weapons or could be used as a weapon (e.g., toy guns, knives, etc.). The toys collected will be distributed to local children of all ages.
Contact Loudoun County Fire-Rescue's Toys for Tots coordinator, Technician Nicole Hankin at 703-430-7010 or the Toys for Tots campaign at www.toysfortots.org.
Tickets for the 19th Annual Chocolates Galore & More fund-raiser for the YMCA Loudoun County go on sale Dec. 1. Tickets are $50 in advance; $55 at the door. The event takes place Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at Lansdowne Resort. Includes desserts and hors d'oeuvres, silent and live auctions and live music. Call 703-777-YMCA.
Santa will ride through Ashburn on a fire truck, Dec. 9, from 6-9 p.m. Any group or organization that is interested in participating in the parade, contact Dan Davidson at 703-729-0006.
Loudoun County Animal Care & Control is joining the Community Holiday Coalition by holding a Pet Pantry to provide donated pet food and supplies to families in need during the holiday season.
Families who are picking up food, clothes and toys at the Holiday Coalition Store will also be able to visit the Pet Pantry for pet food and supplies. The Pet Pantry is stocked solely through donations from citizens and businesses. The Animal Shelter is accepting donations of unopened pet food, treats, and new or gently used toys through Dec. 18. Cat food is in especially high demand.
The Community Holiday Coalition's Christmas Store is Dec. 14-19, at the Dulles Trade Center in Sterling. Visit http://www.loudoun.gov/dss/holiday or contact Animal Care & Control at 703-777-0406 or via e-mail at email@example.com.
The Christmas in the Loudoun Valleys brochure provides information where residents can go to cut their Christmas tree. The brochure also features holiday floral products such as wreaths, roping, poinsettias and other products grown and produced on Loudoun farms.
The guide is available at the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association in Leesburg and all Loudoun County libraries. To have a brochure mailed, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com or call the Department of Economic Development at 703-777-0426. For further information, visit www.LoudounFarms.org.
First Night Leesburg, a family-focused celebration of the arts held in downtown historic Leesburg on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, is sponsored by the Bluemont Concert Series in cooperation with the Town of Leesburg, the County of Loudoun and a host of Loudoun business and civic organizations.
The entertainment committee is seeking artists, performers and performing groups who would like to be considered to be part of First Night Leesburg, especially artists and performers from Loudoun County and particularly from local schools.
Contact Entertainment Committee, First Night Leesburg, P.O. Box 203, Leesburg, VA 20178, call 703-777-6306 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
The Sterling Lions Club of Sterling are seeking applicants for its annual James Bland Music Scholarship Competition. Applications available at Melodee Music in Sterling or by request from the club by calling 703-723-0077, writing Sterling Lions Club, P.O. Box 45, Sterling, VA 20167-0045 or e-mailing email@example.com. Packet includes rules and application, which is due Jan. 4.
Open to residents of Virginia who attend elementary through high school or are being home schooled at those levels. For more information visit www.valions.org/sterling/bland.html.
The 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization Youth Music Preservation and Promotion Association is getting ready for the upcoming launch of a music outreach program in the city of Leesburg. The Society Youth Orchestra (SYO) will begin offering free music instruction through orchestra to underprivileged and at-risk children and youth, starting January.
Loudoun Volunteer Services (LVS) is seeking nominations for outstanding student volunteers, to be recognized as Student Volunteer of the Month.
The qualifying student, or group of students, must be enrolled in Loudoun County public, private or home-school grades kindergarten through 12th. Nominees must demonstrate contributions to the Loudoun County community through exceptional volunteer service.
Students who are selected as Student Volunteer of the Month will receive recognition through their school, the media and Loudoun Volunteer Services' Web site and will receive a $100 donation to a local nonprofit of the student's choice. Recognition is given monthly, during the school year, September through June.
For a written description of the nomination process and criteria, contact Lisa Rose, volunteer coordinator, at 703-777-0113 or visit www.loudoun.gov/pio/volunteer.htm.
The grassroots nonprofit organization, Operation Pinecone, based in South Riding, strives to support the service members and their families by sending care packages abroad and delivering comfort items and providing support in various ways to service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. There are collection boxes for donations for this cause throughout Loudoun County. Visit Operation Pinecone, www.operationpinecone.org.
The Loudoun School Community Coalitions sponsor the "Parents Who Host Lose the Most" campaign to reduce underage drinking and is asking parents to take a survey by visiting www.loudoun.k12.va.us, and click on the "for Parents" button, then "Coalitions," then the George Mason University survey button. It takes about three minutes, then hit the submit button.
Sponsored by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Loudoun Volunteer Services (LVS) has teamed with the White House to become a certifying organization for the "President's Volunteer Service Awards," a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. Issuing the award is the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Sens. Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs and composed of leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofit and volunteer service organizations and community volunteering. As one of the certifying organizations, LVS hopes to encourage and strengthen youth volunteerism in Loudoun County. Students in grades kindergaren-12th can visit their school's guidance office for a Student Volunteer Hours form, or go to www.loudoun.gov/pio/volunteer.htm.
The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, is collecting unused eyeglasses to be recycled foe people who cannot afford to purchase eyeglasses. Call 703-430-2397.
The Loudoun Youth Advisory Council is recruiting youth representatives in grades ninth-12th, for the 2006-2007 school year. The Loudoun Youth Advisory Council is a consortium of youth representatives from Loudoun County's public, private, parochial and home schools who promote leadership and advocate for youth issues to community leaders and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.
Council meetings are held the second Monday of each month in the Board of Supervisors meeting room of the Loudoun County Government Center, located at 1 Harrison St., S.E., Leesburg.
The application can be found on the Loudoun Youth Initiative Web site at www.loudounteens.org. For more information about the Youth Advisory Council or the Loudoun Youth Initiative, contact Angela Johnson, Loudoun Youth Initiative at 571-258-3135 or by e-mail at email@example.com.
The Loudoun County Disability Services Board (DSB) is looking for members. Those who are interested in serving on the board will be provided with a member job description and application. Duties listed on the job description include attendance at board and committee meetings, active participation in the compilation and development of the DSB Needs Assessment every three years and participation in public relations and advocacy activities. Contact Flor Gibson at 703-737-8755.
The Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association (LCVA) announces the publication of its new visitor brochure, "Towns & Villages of Loudoun County, Virginia." This 50-page guide offers visitors a cultural overview of Loudoun's seven incorporated towns and several villages. It also introduces them to the people, places and stories that make them unique.
To obtain a free copy, visit the Loudoun County Visitors Center, 222 Catoctin Circle, S.E., Suite 100, Leesburg or request one online at www.VisitLoudoun.org.


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Patients with cancer receiving strong chemotherapy
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NEUPOGEN may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects experienced in patients receiving NEUPOGEN:
These are not all the possible side effect of NEUPOGEN®. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-332-1088.
Please see the NEUPOGEN® Patient Information for additional information.
The last dose of NEUPOGEN® (filgrastim) should be injected at least 24 hours before your next dose of chemotherapy. NEUPOGEN® should be injected at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or nurse.
You must always use the correct dose of NEUPOGEN®. Too little may not protect you against infections, and too much may cause too many neutrophils to be in your blood. If you are giving someone else NEUPOGEN® injections, it is important that you know how to inject, how much to inject, and how often to inject.
For more information, please see the NEUPOGEN® Patient Product Information and talk to your doctor.
No use NEUPOGEN® durante las 24 horas anteriores ni las 24 horas posteriores a la administración de quimioterapia fuerte. NEUPOGEN® debe inyectarse a la misma hora todos los días. Si se salta una dosis, póngase en contacto con el médico o el enfermero.
Es indispensable que use siempre la dosis correcta de NEUPOGEN®. Una cantidad insuficiente quizás no ayude a reducir el riesgo de contraer infecciones, y un exceso podría generar demasiados neutrófilos en la sangre. Si usted le administra las inyecciones de NEUPOGEN® a otra persona, es importante que sepa cómo inyectar el medicamento, las dosis que debe inyectar y con qué frecuencia debe poner las inyecciones.
Para obtener más información sobre cómo preparar y administrar una inyección de NEUPOGEN® consulte la información del producto para los pacientes y la información de prescripción de NEUPOGEN®. Si tiene preguntas, deberá hablar con su médico.


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We had fun again this year seeking out and nominating the most maker-friendly "mainstream" companies to recognize for their outstanding contributions to DIY/DIWO culture. The nominations are now closed and the polls are open! Tell your friends, family, and hackerspace comrades. Vote to determine which of our sixteen nominees will receive a MAKE Magazine Industry Maker Award at Maker Faire New York (Sept 29 & 30).
Polls close at 11:59PM PT on September 24.
Thanks again to all our nominees for going that extra mile. No matter who takes home the trophies, none of you would have been nominated if you hadn't already distinguished yourselves, in some way, by embracing and/or inspiring maker culture.
Good luck! And see you in New York City!


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Popular Emmy-winning drama about a sage general practitioner and his headstrong younger partner. In the 1970-71 season, this became the first ABC show to finish first in the Nielsen ratings. Welby was a compassionate traditionalist, and his colleague, Steven Kiley, a more progressive type who seemed to be cynical but really wasn't. Which is probably why the two got along so well, and seldom encountered an ailment they couldn't successfully treat.
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text:
THAT'S NOT MY® series
That's Not My Dinosaur Book and Toy
Meet five friendly dinosaurs in this classic, much-loved, touchy-feely book for babies, which comes packaged with a cuddly toy specially-made to match the dinosaur on the cover. Babies and toddlers will love touching the textured patches as they meet dinosaurs with fuzzy tails, bumpy teeth and soft spines. The bright pictures and textures to stroke are designed to help develop sensory and language awareness.
"This range of touchy-feely books have been baby and toddler must-haves for 20 years."
The Sun
£16.00 Out of stock
Age: 6 months+
Illustrator: Rachel Wells
Fiona Watt is an Editorial Director and writer at Usborne Publishing. She graduated from Exeter University with a Bachelor of Education in Art and Design. She taught for three years at a primary school in Kent, before spending two years at a British school in The Netherlands. She started working at Usborne in 1989 and has written and edited hundreds of books including baby and novelty, sticker, art and craft, cookery, science and activity books. She has written all the titles in the award-winning 'That's not my….' series and many in the highly successful Sticker Dolly Dressing series. She is the sixth biggest-selling UK children's author, with over 10 million of her books sold in the UK since records began.
This range of touchy-feely books have been baby and toddler must-haves for 20 years.
The Sun
These wonderful books are awesome for helping children to develop. The stories are perfectly interactive and their simplicity means even the youngest readers will enjoy them and relate to them.
The Sun
The hardwearing pages, simple illustrations, repetition and lovely touchy-feely elements to each page make the [That's not my...] books ideal for reading with your child.
The Independent
Unlike other board books, there are swatches of different textures on each page designed to encourage your little one to explore and play independently.
That's My Baby blog


text:
Export 6 results:
Filtres: Author is Ferland, Guylaine [Enlever les filtres]
The Tyrosine Phosphatase STEP Is Involved in Age-Related Memory Decline. Curr Biol. 2018;28(7):1079-1089.e4.
Glutamate presynaptic vesicular transporter and postsynaptic receptor levels correlate with spatial memory status in aging rat models. Neurobiol Aging. 2015;36(3):1471-82.
Normative data for the Rappel libre/Rappel indicé à 16 items (16-item Free and Cued Recall) in the elderly Quebec-French population. Clin Neuropsychol. 2015;28 Suppl 1:S1-19.
Normative data for the Rey-Osterrieth and the Taylor complex figure tests in Quebec-French people. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2015;30(1):78-87.
Glutamatergic signaling and low prodynorphin expression are associated with intact memory and reduced anxiety in rat models of healthy aging. Front Aging Neurosci. 2014;6:81.
Normative data for a computer-assisted version of the auditory three-consonant Brown-Peterson paradigm in the elderly French-Quebec population. Clin Neuropsychol. 2014;28(2):317-32.


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When they're in molten potassium chlorate, of course! This quick demonstration shows a gummy bear wailing away while setting off a fire that looks like the inside of the sun. All done with potassium chlorate and a test tube.
Potassium chlorate is that most sought-after material for all pyromaniacs, an oxidizer. It has a potassium atom, a chlorine atom, and three oxygen atoms per molecule, and it is very willing to lend those oxygen atoms out. In fact, all you need to do is melt it down, and all three of those oxygen atoms detach, leaving a solid salt of potassium and chlorine behind. (As it is melted, not all is broken down to gas and salt, just enough to make what happens next spectacular.)
If you were to add sugar to this mixture, you would have a miserable time. Some sugar molecules would react with the hot oxygen and burn. This burning sugar would fly through the air to touch the next bit of sugar, which would also burn. The entire thing would expand into a violent explosion. If only there were a source of firmly anchored sugar.
Enter the unfortunate gummy bear. The sugars in the gummy bear are all glued together. So when they come into contact with the oxygen and the extreme heat (potassium chlorate doesn't melt until it hits between three hundred fifty and four hundred degrees centigrade), the bear burns fast but stays together as it does. And when I say burns, I mean goes off like a road flare, but more violent. There is smoke, as the ash of the sugar escapes the tube, along with the rapidly expanding air. That expanding air, and the way it whistles through the tube and the decaying bits of gummy bear, can make a loud screaming sound, earning the entire experiment the morbid nickname, "The Screaming Gummy Bear."
In England, where they call gummy bears "jelly babies," the title of the demonstration sounds even more ghastly.
Via Digital Dapp.


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Hey, let's start a thread of non-RP specific discussion!
Namely, what's your mood music for roleplaying?
I'll begin by citing my first venture into the field being the Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption Soundtrack as my very first soundtrack. It's not extremely good, but it did have a suitable amount of medieval / modern music to use, and you must always start off somewhere.
The Baldur's Gate games, Planescape : Torment and especially Arcanum (I love violins) influenced me greatly when picking sounds to GM too, and I began to choose specific songs for what I had planned. Fable has some VERY good songs to round off with, especially the darker ones.
Recently, in my Vampire : The Masquerade campaign I begun a month ago, I've been trying to implement real-life hits after being particularly influenced by the Watchmen film. I started using Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, Classical Music (violin symphonies of Mozart a particular favorite) and something that's called Absolute Music (don't know if it exists outside of Sweden), which has released a TON of albums over the years and present very time-specific one-hit wonders. Since my campaign's in 1997, that's excellent for me.
Finally, I recently stumbled upon Nox Arcana, and that... That is amongst some of the best mood music I've ever heard. They have songs for EVERYTHING, and even if you can't find something specific, there's so much generic moody music to make up for it. I really recommend these guys.
Anyway, what about you guys?


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David S Senchina. American Scientist. Volume 101, Issue 2. Mar/Apr 2013.
Athletes' use of herbal supplements has skyrocketed in the past two decades. At the top of the list of popular herbs are echinacea and ginseng, whereas garlic, St. John's wort, soybean, ephedra and others are also surging in popularity or have been historically prevalent. According to a publication by the American Botanical Council, herbal supplement sales grossed $5.3 billion in the United States during 2011, a 4.5 percent increase from the preceding year. Despite their increasing popularity, recent events have illuminated possible concerns regarding efficacy and safety of herbal supplements. Remarkable sports performances at the end of the 20th century raised suspicions about supplement use by athletes, prompting the formation of the World AntiDoping Agency, or WADA. Shortly thereafter, the deaths of two professional athletes raised concerns that an herbal supplement, ephedra, may have contributed to their deaths. These events and others have prompted clinicians and scientists to reevaluate the role of herbal supplements in athletics.
The meaning of the term herbal supplement is itself nebulous. Some use it to refer to products derived directly from plants, whereas others use it to mean any product containing molecules of botanical origin, such as caffeine pills. Herbal supplements are variously called botanicals, phytomedicines, dietary supplements, nutritional supplements or nutraceuticals. In this article, the term herbal supplement refers to plant-derived products containing multiple bioactive chemicals, with some exceptions for products of fungal or bacterial origin (which are technically not "herbal" but are often treated the same).
Although industry has kept pace with athletes' interests and simultaneously spurred them, research has lagged behind and many questions linger. Why do athletes consume these herbs? Do they use the product as directed on the label or by a doctor? What claims are made about these supplements, and does clinical research support them? How can scientists and sports medicine personnel best design experiments to answer these questions, and what obstacles do they encounter?
A Multidisciplinary Framework
Herbal supplement sales, the number of available herbs and the number of preparation types have all grown in recent years, and many of these are popular among American athletes. Despite this burgeoning industry, research on supplements' effects on human biology remains inconclusive overall, and athletes are often left to trust manufacturers' claims or teammates' advice when it comes to making choices about what supplements to take and whether to take them.
Early studies of any herbal supplement are almost exclusively of the clinical variety. They strive to address questions of efficacy by testing supplements available for over-the-counter purchase. Studies often include detailed information on subjects' characteristics, dosing regimens, methods for assessing efficacy and, in athletic studies, aerobic endurance exercise or anaerobic strength training regimens. But such studies frequently lack information about the chemical contents, botanical origin or agricultural provenance of the supplements. In addition, medical pilot studies are often characterized by small sample sizes, and a paltry number of studies typically exist for a given herb. This complex interplay of factors makes results hard to replicate or interpret and makes it difficult to identify confounding variables among studies.
Even when every study for an herb is stalwartly reviewed, one is typically forced to conclude that the data are equivocal—for every study that supports efficacy, another refutes it, even after controlling for demographics, dosing and so forth. The predictable outcome is confusion and miscommunication within the sports science community.
Dovetailing botany, chemistry and medical disciplines from cell biology to physiology is absolutely critical to the advancement of research on herbal supplements in athletic contexts. In addition to many others' work on this subject, collaborators from Drake and Iowa State Universities Nisarg Shah, Danielle Doty, Cole Sanderson, Justus Hallam and I have developed novel experimental data on previously neglected preclinical factors. The species of plant chosen, the location from which the plant was gathered, the specific organ extracted or the extraction method may in large part explain the heterogeneous clinical outcomes.
One of the biggest challenges such a multidisciplinary approach presents is conceptualizing the myriad preclinical and clinical factors that can potentially influence a trial. In a 2009 article in Exercise Immunology Review, we proposed a conceptual model for this multidisciplinary approach. We originally categorized factors in our model by botanical, chemical and clinical disciplines. Our revised seed-to-stomach model incorporates these as well as commercial factors to better reflect the societal context of herbal supplement research. The model discourages the mistaken conclusion that equivocal is synonymous with ineffectual, moving the field from simplistic questions of "Does a given supplement 'work'?" to "Under what conditions does a given supplement produce a given outcome?"
Why Athletes Use Herbs
Exercise is a physical stress. If the athlete's body can manage the stress, it adapts by increasing muscle mass, optimizing metabolism or improving motor performance. If the athlete's body cannot manage the stress, then muscle soreness, malnutrition or declines in performance may manifest. Thus exercise can serve as either a positive or negative stressor.
For example, the J-curve model proposed by David Nieman of Appalachian State University shows that individuals who exercise regularly at moderate intensities have lower incidence of upper respiratory infection events than their sedentary or rigorously training counterparts. Individuals who train moderately—for example, people who run three times a week for 30 minutes—demonstrate decreased incidence of such infections compared to sedentary counterparts. On the other hand, elite athletes often demonstrate increased incidence of such infections due to the stress of their demanding training schedules. The category "very high" in Figure 4 includes individuals such as professional or Olympic athletes, but from a medical standpoint it could encompass any athletes who train at levels beyond what their bodies can accommodate. These athletes may include college and high school athletes and even so-called (often erroneously) amateur recreational athletes.
Herbal supplements appeal to the sports community because of their potential for improving performance capacity either through conferring ergogenic benefits or through offsetting the deleterious effects of rigorous training regimens. Most herbal supplements, such as ginseng and echinacea, are available over the counter, making them both legal and readily available; others, such as ephedra or ma huang, are now illegal. Whether a given supplement is illegal varies by country and sports regulatory agency; within the context of sports, illegality is often declared if a supplement engenders an unfair ergogenic benefit ("doping") or constitutes a health threat. Ephedra, for example, is banned because it has no confirmed ergogenic benefits yet contains toxic alkaloids.
Importantly but not surprisingly, athletes' rationales for choosing and using any given supplement are often discordant with contemporary indications, as evidenced by surveys of U.K. athletes performed by Andrea Petróczki at Kingston University, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Birmingham and Swansea University. Their work has shown that professional athletes may use supplements for reasons other than their purported purpose; ignore advice from medical professionals despite the fact that athletes consult those professionals for advice more frequently than coaches or trainers; misunderstand side effects or assume a supplement is safe because it is "natural"; and sacrifice health benefits for perceived performance benefits. Circumstances may be different for nonprofessional, noncollegiate athletes. Many people assume that the Food and Drug Administration regulates herbal supplements, but in the United States the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows most herbal supplements to be sold without FDA approval. Vendors position herbal supplements on store shelves alongside regulated items such as vitamins, which may perpetuate this perception.
Popular Herbs
The extent of athletes' herbal supplement use is unclear. Part of the problem is that few studies address this topic. Surveys of athletes' supplement use exist, but herbal supplements are often relegated to a category called "other." And when supplements are identified as a separate category, the specific supplements used are often unreported. In the United States alone, 17 to 61 percent of athletes reported using herbal supplements, although the categorization of herbal supplement varied across surveys, and this likely explains the huge discrepancy. Although these numbers should be interpreted cautiously, it appears safe to conclude that athletes' use of herbal supplements is higher than in the general public.
Purportedly performance-enhancing herbs include those that benefit both endurance and strength athletes, such as ginseng (Panax species or Eleutherococcus senticosus), ephedra (Ephedra sinica) and arctic root (Rhodiola rosea). They also include herbs such as caltrop (Tribulus terrestris) that may primarily benefit strength athletes. Ephedra and ginseng are also considered central nervous system stimulants along with guaranà (Paullinia cupana). Herbs taken primarily to boost immune function include echinacea (Echinacea species.), elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and milk vetch (Astragalus species). Other herbs, such as caltrop, soy (Glycine max) and sarsaparilla (Smilax species), are believed to contain plantproduced compounds capable of modulating anabolic steroidal pathways. And some supplements are promoted as having more specialized functions, such as the supposed metabolism-enhancing fungus, Cordyceps sinensis. Still others are treated as multipurpose food ingredients, for example, the cyanobacterium Spirulina (Spirulina species).
The organisms mentioned above demonstrate that these supplements are taxonomically diverse and include flowering, seedless vascular and nonvascular plants, fungi and algae with distinct evolutionary histories. The bioactive molecules attributed to each taxon are equally diverse, although most are classified as secondary metabolites, chemical compounds produced by living organisms but not required for their primary functions. Many herbs used in sports supplements or energy drinks contain alkaloids—small, nitrogen-based compounds that encompass many notorious naturally derived molecules, from morphine to cocaine—that act as stimulants. Examples include . caffeine from the kola plant (Cola species), ephedrine and pseudoephedrine from ephedra, guaranine from guaranà, and theobromine and theophylline from the chocolate plant (Theobroma cacao).
Current research on the dozens of botanical dietary supplements used by athletes all suffer from the problems outlined above. Two of the most well known of these supplements, echinacea and ginseng, will serve as representative examples.
Echinacea is purported to boost defense against upper respiratory infections, so athletes use it primarily to offset the deleterious effects of intense training on immunity. Although the general public uses the genus name as the common name, genus Echinacea is comprised of nine species (some divided into subspecies). The three species most often used commercially are Echinacea angusti/olia, E. pallida and E. purpurea.
Bioactive molecules produced by these species include alkamides, organic molecules made of fatty acids often found in plants, and phenols, another class of organic molecules also dubbed carbolic acids that are known for their acidity. Phenols encompass caffeic acid derivatives, echinacoside and ketones; distributions and quantities of these molecules vary by species. It is important to differentiate these . molecules because the body processes them differently and they have different effects. Alkamides move from gut to bloodstream apparently unmodified within an hour. Complex carbohydrates have largely been discounted by multiple studies due to their inability to move from gut to bloodstream without modification. Roots contain the highest levels of these compounds, but oftentimes manufacturers will instead harvest aboveground parts, such as leaves and stems, to allow the plants to regrow and thus provide multiple harvests per planting. In North America, echinacea is most widely consumed as capsules or tablets.
Only five studies have been published concerning in vivo dosing of athletes with echinacea supplements. Studies by Aloys Berg of Albert Ludwigs University and collaborators and Heather Hall of Elmhurst College and collaborators reported reduced incidence or duration of upper respiratory infection events after intense exercise (such as competitive sprint triathlons or laboratory sprint cycling) in athletes dosed with E. purpurea supplements for four weeks either before or after a scheduled bout of exercise. The reduced incidence of infections was corroborated by molecular immunological data from blood, saliva and urine samples, demonstrating increases in circulating concentrations of certain antibodies and changes in circulating concentrations of several signaling molecules important in regulating inflammation (see Figure 6). White blood cells are the cells associated with the immune system, but no changes in white blood cell subsets or counts were identified. Taken together, the findings suggest that echinacea may reduce incidence and severity of upper respiratory infections by changing the quantities of immune molecules produced by white blood cells, rather than changing other aspects of white blood cells, such as their rate of multiplication or specific functions. In further support of the link between echinacea, exercise and upper respiratory infections, Roland Schoop and colleagues at Bioforce AG in Switzerland reported reduced incidence and duration of self-reported upper-respiratory-infection symptoms in athletes dosed in a similar manner to those in the previous two studies, when compared to a control group generalized from control data in previous studies.
Looking at physiological parameters important in athletic performance, Malcolm Whitehead, now at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas, published two reports with colleagues from Troy University, College of Charleston and the University of Southern Mississippi on a recreational group of athletes, dosed with E. purpurea for four weeks and compared to placebo-treated controls. They found that common measures of aerobic performance—maximal oxygen consumption (V02max), running economy (oxygen use efficiency) and erythropoietin (a hormone that controls red blood cell genesis)—were higher among the echinacea-treated group than among controls. However, the authors reported no differences in total red blood cell count, hemoglobin (the molecule within red blood cells that carries oxygen) or hematocrit (packed red blood cell volume) between the two groups. The fact that there were no changes in red blood cell-associated parameters but there were changes in performance parameters is difficult to interpret but may suggest that echinacea supplementation influences performance by modulating oxygen dynamics or metabolism at body sites distinct from the red blood cells themselves. Other scientific teams report relatively good tolerability and low side effects from echinacea supplements, although interactions with certain prescription medications have been documented.
In contrast to studies in athletes, studies of echinacea supplementation in the general population have yielded conflicting findings, likely due to the confounding factors discussed previously. Our team has endeavored to reduce the problem of preclinical factor variation by translating the concepts from our seed-to-stomach model into an experimental design adapted for athletic applications. We opted for an ex vivo approach, where white blood cells were taken from study participants before and after an acute exercise bout and then treated with echinacea extracts in the laboratory. This method, although less representative of the organismal context, allows us to more tightly control some variables.
We initially worked with white blood cells from resting donors to establish the effects of key preclinical factors. Several interesting findings accrued; for example, our lab and others have repeatedly demonstrated that different echinacea species vary in the way they modulate the immune system, probably because of differences in plant chemistry. We showed how deliberate choices in species, plant organ, solvent and extraction method influenced cell growth rates and production rates of immune system signaling molecules.
After the work in resting subjects we incorporated an acute exercise component, still controlling for the preclinical factors as we had in our previous studies. Early work conducted on teams of wrestlers and soccer players showed that the different species of echinacea plant, given in tincture form to the players' white blood cells cultured under laboratory conditions, resulted in different effects on signaling molecules important during infection. We also showed that acute exercise changed how echinacea supplements interacted with the white blood cells. However, we have since switched to testing athletes individually on treadmills and stationary bicycles so we can better ensure that the amount of exercise is more consistent across subjects.
Collectively, data from studies of echinacea in athletes suggest that different species of echinacea have different effects on the human body, that exercise changes these effects and that effects are cell- and body site-specific. The work also suggests that preclinical factors have not been adequately accounted for across studies; further, preclinical factors are expected to vary greatly between manufacturers and even between batches from the same manufacturer. Given that awareness, and the understanding that so few studies have been conducted and often with small sample sizes, one cannot conclusively argue for or against the use of echinacea by athletes.
Like echinacea, ginseng is taken to augment immunity, but its primary indication is to improve performance. The name ginseng refers to any of approximately a dozen species within the genus Panax, three of which are used most often commercially (P. ginseng is used most frequently, but also P. pseudoginseng and P. quinquefolius). Ginsensosides, from the plant steroids' saponin subgroup (plant-derived chemicals that in solution produce soaplike foaming when shaken), are the classically recognized bioactive molecules in ginseng. Roots are used most often, typically in dried or powdered form. So-called Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, is sometimes confused with ginseng and is also frequently used by athletes, although it has different bioactive molecules and may be less effective in the context of performance enhancement.
Unlike echinacea, studies of ginseng or Siberian ginseng in athletic contexts have yielded conflicting results owing to differences in experimental design or outcomes measured. Systematic reviews by Johannah Shergis and colleagues at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, and Michael Bahrke of Human Kinetics along with collaborators at University of Wisconsin-Madison, have concluded that human studies have not convincingly demonstrated any ergogenic benefits of ginseng supplementation in athletes, although supplementation may transiently alter cardiological or pulmonary function. Side effects and prescription drug interactions appear to be more severe and extensive than those associated with echinacea and may include insomnia, gastrointestinal upset and heart palpitations.
Less contentious but more complicated are findings regarding the effects of ginseng supplements on immune function in athletes. From eight different studies that used no fewer than four different ginseng preparations along with a spectrum of exercise modalities, no clear overall patterns emerge. This lack of clarity is probably due to interexperimental variability. Indicators of immune system activity including white blood cell counts, subsets and activities, as well as interactions with signaling molecules associated with the immune system, were variously upregulated, downregulated or unaffected. Conservatively, these facts together indicate ginseng is likely a modulator of immune system activity, but the specific effects that different preclinical factors have on clinical outcomes are poorly understood. Thus, although ginseng is a much more popular herbal supplement than echinacea in the United States and globally, experimental data supporting its use in athletic contexts are currently weak.
Contrasting echinacea studies with ginseng studies reveals that immunological findings from the echinacea studies were more consistent, whereas those from the ginseng studies were more variable. There are fewer studies of echinacea's effects on athletes than ginseng's effects on athletes, so variation in the effects of ginseng may be better documented than the variation in echinacea's effects. Echinacea studies mostly focus on aerobic performance, whereas ginseng studies mostly focus on anaerobic, strength athletes' performance. Although the names echinacea and ginseng encompass multiple species each, studies of them in the context of athletic performance focus on one species each (£. purpurea and P. ginseng, respectively). Why a clearer pattern emerges from the literature on echinacea's effects on athletes is not known, but the difference in variability may be because the echinacea studies used herbal preparations that were more consistent in species, plant part used and other preclinical factors. Both the echinacea and the ginseng studies drew their participants from diverse populations in terms of age, gender and physical activity levels. Future studies of ginseng and Siberian ginseng preparations may elicit stronger and more consistent findings if both preclinical and clinical factors are controlled better.
Full Speed Ahead
Promising strides have been made in our understanding of herbal supplements in exercise and sport contexts. However, several irksome and perhaps insoluble problems remain. It would be quixotic to expect a single investigative team or lone experiment to address each individual factor—and some factors may not be possible to accurately measure or may be beyond manufacturers' control. Preparations containing several herbs and other ingredients, such as those used in traditional Chinese medicine, may compound the difficulty of identifying preclinical factors. And analytical chemists have shown repeatedly that the contents of retail herbal supplements are often inconsistent with their own product labels in terms of ingredients or quantities, even when manufacturers make claims of standardization. Given these realities, even the most diligent clinical or bench scientists cannot accurately report their findings and may unwittingly report false data.
Directions for future research are innumerable. Hundreds of herbal supplements are currently used by athletes and nonathletes alike, and most of those substances have not been clinically tested. Those herbs need to be explored further. For instance, elderberry is an herbal supplement that is increasingly popular in sports contexts, and it appears to have immune-modulating attributes similar to those of echinacea and may provide similar benefits. Compounds associated with antioxidant activities, called lectins and anthocyanins, are found in elderberry and may interfere with influenza binding to human cells. One report by Sepp Porta from the University of Graz and colleagues suggested elderberry extracts may lower exercise-induced lactate levels.
Many herbal supplements have the potential to improve both human health and athletic performance, but as the examples show, the potential benefits are greatly influenced by preclinical factors, necessitating an interdisciplinary approach to studies of herbal supplements. Scientists and sports medicine professionals are taking steps toward such an approach, which we hope will improve our understanding of how supplements work, or don't work, to aid human performance.


text: Randy Travis has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated in connection with a one-car accident near his home in Tioga, Texas, according to WFAA-TV in Dallas. After entering the plea in state district court in Sherman, Texas, on Thursday (Jan. 31), he was sentenced to 24 months of probation, a $2,000 fine and a 180-day suspended jail sentence. The singer avoided a maximum sentence of up to two years in jail and a $4,000 fine. A state trooper arrested Travis after law officers received a call about a naked man lying in the road. Leaving the courthouse Thursday, Travis told reporters, "I'm glad to have this behind me, and I'm looking forward to going out and making some music." His next concert is scheduled on March 1 in Biloxi, Miss.


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Four-day strike at Auckland container terminals; it will achieve nothing, says Port
Press Release – Ports of Auckland
Tomorrow's strike action by the Maritime Union of New Zealand – Local 13 (MUNZ) will achieve nothing, Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson said today.
Mr Gibson said mediation talks to date had been unsuccessful. "In a further effort to avert the industrial action, during yesterday's talks Ports of Auckland offered that, rather than having industrial action this weekend, the union instead hold a full stop work meeting of its members on Friday with all being paid for the day. Unfortunately this offer was declined."
Mr Gibson said the company now expected the industrial action to proceed and was working closely with Port of Tauranga and KiwiRail to minimise the disruption to importers and exporters.
The port's container terminals will close for a four day stoppage from 10.30 pm tomorrow.
"Six ships are impacted by the December 1-5 stoppage," Mr Gibson said. "Three are diverting to Tauranga, one is bypassing Auckland and going straight to Wellington, another has chosen to wait in Auckland and one is still finalising arrangements and may go to Tauranga if it can get in."
"Around 4,700 containers are impacted and the estimated revenue loss to Ports of Auckland is up to $1.2 million."
Mr Gibson said that if the situation continued there was a significant risk Ports of Auckland could lose a shipping line service entirely, and jobs could go as a result.
"A further seven ships and as many as 7,500 containers are potentially impacted by the second stoppage, scheduled for 8-12 December. This is a very serious situation."
"This industrial action will achieve nothing other than to put jobs at risk, hurt hard working New Zealand businesspeople and lose union members money."
"It would be far better for all concerned if the union would lift their strike notice. We would then lift our lockout notice and we could all get back to bargaining without the threat of industrial action hanging over us. I urge them to do so."
Mr Gibson said striking in the busy pre-Christmas period was a tactic the union had used many times before. "It is designed to cause as much havoc as possible and it is hugely disappointing to see this sort of disruptive action yet again on the waterfront."
Mr Gibson said the company had agreed to meet with the union again for further mediation next week.
The company's Bledisloe and Fergusson container terminals, and associated road and rail services, are affected by the industrial action. Ports of Auckland's multi-cargo wharves, cruise business, vehicle import trade, marine services, Onehunga seaport, Wiri Inland Port and Seafuels barge Awanuia are not affected. The on-dock empty container depot will also remain open.
The proposed action involves 327 employees out of a total of 580.
Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
Original url


text:
> Yesterday, when I got home from school, I saw a tweet regarding Corey Hart and how much he hates Spring Training, but I didn't take it literally. So I tweeted a joke about how I'd be waiting to hear the news about more of his knee injuries come ST.
But I wouldn't have to wait very long. In fact, a few seconds later, I checked out the MLB news of the day- something I probably should have done first- and found that Hart will be out for 3-4 months with knee surgery.
Yep, we can't catch a break. This is the third straight ST in which Hart will have been injured for at least part of the time, and the second time over the past three years that he'll miss at least the first month of the season.
Anyway, this injury certainly affects how I view the possibility of the Brewers extending Hart. While he's been a power-threat in the Brewers' lineup ever since his break-out 2010, I don't know how much longer the team can put up with his constant early season injuries. Also, if Hart misses more than just the first month of the season- which some speculate he will- it'll hurt the sort of deal he gets, should he hit the free agent market at the end of 2013.
As for the Brewers, though, it would appear they're going to give Mat Gamel yet another chance to start at first base. First base prospect Hunter Morris might get a closer look during ST, but it's unlikely the Brewers would burn one of his options just so he could fill in for Hart for a month or so. Another internal option is Taylor Green, who, along with Gamel, was supposed to be fighting for a bench role going into ST.
Bottom line is, though, that this was a year Hart should have been a bit more careful. There's evidently chronic issues with his knee that should have been fixed for good by now.
> The Brewers' list of World Baseball Classic players grew after the rosters for each country were announced on Thursday. 14 players were chosen: Ryan Braun (USA), Jonathan Lucroy (USA), Yovani Gallardo (Mexico), Marco Estrada (Mexico), Martin Maldonado (Puerto Rico), Hiram Burgos (Puerto Rico), Carlos Gomez (Dominican Republic), Jeff Bianchi (Italy), Hainley Statia (Netherlands), Mike Walker (Australia), John Axford (Canada), Jim Henderson (Canada), Green (Canada), and Rene Tosoni (Canada). All but three of the players- Statia, Walker, and Tosoni- are currently on the Brewers' 40-man roster.
> The club has also avoided arbitration with all of its eligibles. Gomez received $4.3 million, Axford $5 million, Estrada $1.955 million, and Burke Badenhop $1.55 million. All were one-year deals. The Brewers had already avoided arbitration with their other eligible, Chris Narveson, a few weeks back.
> The Brewers signed catcher Robinson Diaz to a minor league deal.
> Former Milwaukee Braves shortstop Johnny Logan is going to be inducted into the Brewers' Walk of Fame.
> Today was an extremely sad day for baseball: former Orioles manager Earl Weaver and Cardinals legend Stan Musial both passed away. Weaver was 82 while Musial was 92.
> Minor moves:
Padres: Re-signed Will Venable, Joe Thatcher, and Everth Cabrera to one-year deals; signed Brad Hawpe and Lucas May to minor league deals.
Red Sox: Signed Mike Napoli to a one-year deal; re-signed Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Joel Hanrahan, and Jacoby Ellsbury to one-year deals; re-signed Craig Breslow to a two-year deal.
Rangers: Signed Matt Harrison to a five-year extension; re-signed Neftali Feliz to a one-year deal.
Twins: Re-signed Drew Butera to a one-year deal.
Pirates: Designated Zach Stewart for assignment; re-signed Garrett Jones to a one-year deal.
Diamondbacks: Re-signed Tony Sipp and Ian Kennedy to one-year deals.
Astros: Signed Rick Ankiel to a one-year deal.
Mets: Re-signed Bobby Parnell and Ike Davis to one-year deals; signed Landon Powell to a minor league deal.
Reds: Re-signed Logan Ondrusek to a two-year deal.
Nationals: Re-signed Drew Storen and Craig Stammen to one-year deals.
Yankees: Re-signed Joba Chamberlain to a one-year deal; signed Bobby Wilson and Reegie Corona to minor league deals.
Athletics: Re-signed John Jaso and Seth Smith to one-year deals.
Angels: Re-signed Alberto Callaspo to a two-year deal; re-signed Jason Vargas to a one-year deal.
Cubs: Re-signed Matt Garza to a one-year deal.
Giants: Re-signed Jose Mijares, Hunter Pence, and Buster Posey to one-year deals.
Indians: Re-signed Drew Stubbs and Chris Perez to one-year deals; signed Ryan Raburn to a minor league deal.
Orioles: Re-signed Matt Wieters to a one-year deal.
Blue Jays: Re-signed Josh Thole to a two-year deal.
Tigers: Re-signed Rick Porcello to a one-year deal.
White Sox: Signed Tony Pena Jr. to a minor league deal; signed Matt Lindstrom to a one-year deal.
Marlins: Singed Matt Downs to a minor league deal.


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Banner Equestrian Centre
BHS AIRE Approved
Welome to Banner Equestrian. We are a family run equestrian venue set in 100 acres of rolling countryside and secluded wooded areas in the Burren Region of County Clare, Ireland. Our facilities include an impressive indoor riding school, spacious outdoor showjumping and practice arenas, cleverly designed and carefully constructed cross country course with simple fences for beginners and challenging obstacles to suit even the most advanced and adventurous horse and rider combinations.
Alternatively we offer quiet, relaxing treks through the 100 acres of farmland, down winding country lanes and through our woodland which is densely populated with Ireland's best known wildlife providing ample opportunity to de-stress in the heart of the peaceful countryside and to really feel at one with nature.
Visit us on Facebook!
19. Mai 2015
Noelle Barry is now sponsored by Bluegrass Horse Feeds.
27 July 2014
7th place for Noelle Barry at the FEI European Championships in Arezzo
28 January 2014
Banner Equestrian won National Centre of the Year Award 2013.
1 July 2013


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It's Friday, so it's time for a little fun. This week's Name That Council has two major clues:
- The flat, wide-open terrain.
- The fella with the hat.
We realize this isn't exactly the easiest Name That Council. That's why we're giving you until after the Thanksgiving break to figure it out.
We'll pick one lucky winner from the correct responses to receive the patch seen above. Good luck!
Here's a reminder about the rules and how to send us your guess:
- Guess the name of the council whose members wear the patch shown.
- Submit your guess by e-mail.
- Make sure the subject line reads "Name That Council November 19"
- Only one entry is allowed per person.
Include the following information with your entry:
- Your name.
- Your unit number.
- Your council name.
- Your mailing address. (Don't worry, we won't publish or use this info. We just need to know where to send your patch if you win.)
The contest closes at 9 a.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 29.
We'll announce the winner and the correct answer soon after the deadline. Good luck!


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SUV smashes through post office wall
No injuries were reported after a driver struck the U.S. Postal Service branch on Emerald Bay Road with an SUV Tuesday morning.
South Lake Tahoe police received a report of a vehicle into the building about 11 a.m. When authorities arrived, they found a Ford Explorer crashed into the south side of the post office.
The driver told police she was pulling into a parking space when the accelerator on the vehicle stuck, causing her to lurch forward and crash into the building, officer Donna Kingman said.
The driver also reported she was able to back the SUV out of the building, but then attempted to put the vehicle in neutral and mistakenly put it back into drive, causing it to run into the post office again, Kingman said.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The incident is a civil issue and does not amount to a crime, Kingman said. Much of the southern wall of the building was damaged in the crash. The Explorer received major damage to its front end, Kingman said.
About 400 post office boxes were affected by the incident, said Postal Service spokesman David Rupert. Mail typically delivered to the boxes is secure and can be picked up at the front counter of the post office.
The branch will keep regular hours as the building is fixed, Rupert said. He did not have an immediate cost estimate for damages.


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A rich history, friendly people and the scenic beauty of the valley are just a few of the reasons Ellensburg, Washington has become a cherished location for residents and visitors alike. Annual events including the Ellensburg Rodeo, Jazz in The Valley and Paint Ellensburg draw visitors from all over the world.
VisitEllensburg.com will help you find the perfect restaurant, lodging and entertainment to make your trip enjoyable.
So stay tuned! The new website is on its way!


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With just ten days to go for the high-profile Indian Premier League, the governing council of the T20 tournament is yet to take a decision on the participation of Sri Lankan players in Chennai in view of the prevailing anti-Sinhalese sentiments in Tamil Nadu.
The BCCI is monitoring the situation and is also in touch with the state government and a final decision is expected to be taken soon.
Protests have been going on various cities of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai over the UN resolution on Sri Lankan war crimes against Tamils.
There are reports that some of the IPL franchises have requested the Governing Council to drop Chennai as a venue, citing security of the Sri Lankan players.
A top IPL official, however, however, dismissed these reports as "baseless" and insisted that there was no proposal to remove Chennai as a venue.
"We are aware of the situation in Tamil Nadu and we will take a decision soon. But as of now, we are not thinking of shifting matches out of Chennai", the official said.
Altogether 13 Sri Lankan players, two of whom are captains of their respective teams, are taking part in the sixth edition of the league which will start from April 3.
The upcoming elections in Karnataka could also force the IPL to tinker with the schedule as some of the matches in Bangalore may be affected during the run-up to the election.
There have been instances where a venue has been changed due to a political crisis. In 2010, at the height of the Telangana crisis in Andhra Pradesh, the IPL governing council had moved matches out of Hyderabad.
It is learnt that the Governing Council has advised the IPL franchises that they may have to leave out the Sri Lankan players when they play their matches in Chennai if the agitation continues.
But the franchises are not too happy with this suggestion as dropping Sri Lankan players for games scheduled in Chennai will definitely take a hit in team compositions.
If such a thing happens, then Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils and Hyderabad Sunrisers will have to bench key players like Lasith Malinga, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, respectively.
Sri Lankans in the IPL:
CSK: Akila Dananjaya and N Kulasekara,
Delhi Daredevils: Mahela Jayawardene (captain) and Jeevan Mendis.
Knight Riders: Sachithra Senanayake.
Mumbai Indians: Lasith Malinga.
Pune Warriors India: Ajantha Mendis and Angelo Mathews.
Rajasthan Royals: Kusal Janith Perera.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Muthaiah Muralitharan and Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Kumar Sangakkara and Thisara Perera.
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Pappardelle Bolognese
By á-174942
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon diced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 pound ground veal
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cans beef broth - (14 oz ea)
- 1 1/2 cups canned tomato puree
- Salt to taste
- Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pappardelle or mafaldine pasta
- Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Servings 4
Step 1
Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add bacon; sauté until beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic, and thyme; sauté 5 minutes. Add veal and pork; sauté until brown and cooked through, breaking up meat with back of fork, about 10 minutes. Add wine and bay leaves. Simmer until liquid is slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Add broth and tomato puree.
Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until sauce thickens, stirring often, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Bring to simmer before using.)
Boil pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring often. Drain. Transfer to pot with sauce; toss. Serve with Parmesan.
This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.


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Shawn Thorsson, of Petaluma, CA, has done it again. We wrote about his Predator costume a few weeks back. Now he's made a whole freaking army, or at least a squad, of Red vs. Blue Master Chief costumes. A three year effort. Insane, indeed. And by insane, we mean awesome!
[More pics after the jump]
My HALOween Project is Finally Finished
Predator Halloween costume
Inside the Halo armor with Vrogy


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Bigglesworth MD
Robert-Ian Caldwell*
Dear Aunt Ethel,]]> Since January 2007 I have occupied one of the specialist posts available to the major disciplines for the Outreach Programme based at Grey's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg. This is a programme of interaction between the tertiary hospital and the district hospitals it sub-serves.
A perk of the job is being accompanied to the hinterland by elective students, who take the first experience of a small plane in their stride and man the statistics clipboard with alacrity. Dr Jack (whose Polish surname has too many consecutive consonants to be user-friendly), veteran of Vryheid Hospital, greets our arrival: 'Dokkiterr Kaldi-val: again you have the company of beauty-full vimmen: why you so luck-key?'
Dublin-based Canadian students Ashley, Dena and Megan showed me their medical school journal, and set perceptive questions.
1. What is the population served?
There are three health areas in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN). Ours is Area 2, which covers the western half of the province and has been designated as a pilot area for liaison between Grey's Hospital and 20 district hospitals. The population is 3 million, mostly relying on public health services.
2. When was it established?
Stalwarts like Jim Muller (Internal Medicine) and Neil McKerrow (Paediatrics) have had Outreach in Area 2 on the go for 25 years. The formal agreement 10 years ago between the KZN Department of Health and the Red Cross Air Mercy Service put transporting on a firm foundation. In 2006 posts were created at principal specialist level in all the major disciplines specifically for Outreach.
3. How many specialists participate in the programme, and how is their participation organised?
Three posts are currently filled, with clinical, educational and communication responsibilities over a vast geographical region. Every district hospital should have a regular monthly visit with only one discipline per visit. The day should be structured, with clinical and teaching rounds and a formal tutorial for all medical staff.
It is not feasible for an individual consultant to achieve this. In a well-established department like Internal Medicine, where there are 14 consultants, the aim is therefore for each doctor to 'adopt' a hospital to visit regularly, or to rotate through different hospitals, especially if the consultant has a subspecialty. A majority 'buys in' to this concept: a minority does not. Currently there are half-a-dozen hospitals consistently under my care, one or two too many.
4. How is the programme funded?
Funding is from the KZN provincial health budget. This pays the salaries of the Outreach consultants and the transport bill. The programme is co-ordinated by Red Cross but overseen by a provincial committee. Organised air and road transporting is key to its success. The single turbo-prop Swiss Pilatus planes are robust and reliable, the pilots outstanding, and Kogie and her Red Cross team ever amenable. We have a Nissan X-Trail with a regular driver, for hospitals closer to Pietermaritzburg.
5. What are the goals of the programme?
Interaction between the tertiary hospital and the district and regional hospitals that fall into its area includes the development of support, with emphasis on clinical monitoring and educational activities. Goals include co-ordination of specialist services to ensure equitable distribution of all resources and achieve optimal patient care.
The theoretical side fits in very well with the government's 'BATHO PELE people first' principles: Consultation, Service Standards, Accessibility, Courtesy, Information, Transparency, Redress, Value for money, Innovation and reward thereof, Impact on 'customer', Leadership and strategic direction.
6. What are the major problems facing rural health care in KZN? What is being done to alleviate them? What more needs to be done?
AIDS/TB is a simple answer: South Africa is world champ for the combination. The government is now being proactive in combating the former.]]> The discrepancy between what is available at peripheral hospitals compared with central ones is stark, even though a primary health care system has long been successful in rural KZN. Outreach is part of the attempt to address this issue. Much more needs to be done: the surface is barely scratched. Political will and commitment to service delivery are vital.
7. What has been the impact of the Outreach programme?
Not sure yet, overall. However, regular visits improve the indications for, and the standard and ease of, referral. One sees a rise in morale and enthusiasm of recipient doctors within months.
8. Are there any success stories or personal experiences from the Outreach programme that stand out in your mind?
We established that it was a silent heart attack that caused an octogenarian to fall off her bicycle during her daily round-town jaunt. Last week granny was back on her bike, having walked for a month on doctor's orders.
At remote COSH Church of Scotland Hospital at Tugela Ferry, where XDR-TB reared its ugly head stability is ensured by three doctors whose combined service there exceeds 60 years. Similarly, at Emmaus Hospital an excellent young doctor has guaranteed tenure by marrying a local farmer.
Who will forget a sunset over the Drakensberg at Glenside while hoping that the remaining passenger will arrive before darkness prevents take-off? The airstrip's resident cat stalks Poppy, our felinophobic flight co-ordinator.
On our first arrival at Kokstad Hospital: a sister in casualty picks up the phone and yells: 'The flying doctors are here!'
Wow. Half-Wings-Physician Bigglesworth at your service.
I did get half-wings: at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Red Cross AMS/KZN-Health liaison. Although merely representative of those who fly with AMS, I was unexpectedly emotional about it. Something to do with a navigator uncle I never met because he was shot down aged 20: half-wings he could not land aeroplanes. And a father who had much Red Cross involvement as a mine doctor became a deputy commissioner shortly before he died. And another uncle who flew Lancaster bombers with a DFC to his name. On behalf of the family: and AMS flight co-ordinator Trish, who at 70 still looks after us, having volunteered for the Red Cross aged 14.]]>
9. How has the HIV epidemic changed health care in KZN? How has it impacted on your career specifically?
In 1988 I had the dubious distinction of being in charge of the first female inpatient diagnosed with AIDS at Edendale Hospital. Within 3 years 70% of the occupants of that ward would have HIV-AIDS, and this now applies in public hospital medical wards throughout the province. Because doctors in peripheral hospitals are so accustomed to dealing with AIDS/TB-related problems, the patients we review often have other diagnoses, more familiar to physicians accustomed to First-World medicine.
10. How did experience overseas compare with medical practice in KZN?
These were locum hospital consultant jobs, mainly in the UK NHS. The level of sophistication is much greater than that of public health services in South Africa, and the government should be wary of introducing an unaffordable national insurance system before putting its own health service in order. That will take some doing.]]> Instead of jet-setting, one now prop-hops. Travel abroad confirmed the beauty and importance of South Africa, and how much further one might contribute here.
Now don't let that geriatric cyclist give you any bright ideas, Aunt E
Yours affectionately
Robert (Doc) Caldwell is a physician living in the mist-belt of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. After a quarter-century of private practice in Pietermaritzburg, he did locums round the world for six years. At the start of 2007 he exchanged jet-setting for prophopping, via Red Cross AMS flights. He writes erratically to his Aunt Ethel.
* Corresponding author: R Caldwell (email@example.com)


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PAWHUSKA, Okla. (KFOR/CNN) - An Oklahoma family is warning others after they say their 2-year-old had to be rushed to the emergency room when she contracted E. coli while swimming in a state lake.
Mother Jessye Millard says her 2-year-old daughter Lili started acting strangely after the family spent Memorial Day swimming at Bluestem Lake in Osage County, Okla.
"She was actually sitting still with us and watching TV, and we're like, 'This isn't Lili,'" Millard said. "She started getting really irritable and screaming off the top of her lungs. We finally were just like, 'I think there's something wrong.'"
Because of those symptoms, Millard took the toddler to the doctor.
"That's what kind of pushed me to take her in, just because it wasn't my child," she said.
Millard says the doctor came back with shocking news, telling them to get Lili to the emergency room as quickly as possible. The toddler had tested positive for Shiga toxin Type 2, a type of E. coli.
"There was a lot of fighting back tears, especially through the process of giving blood, because it took five of us just to hold her down. That's a traumatic experience just in itself," Millard said.
Lili's 8-year-old cousin is also suffering health complications after swimming at the lake.
The family is now warning others about the frightening experience, which left them afraid to let their kids back in the water.
"It's kind of sad because it's kind of taken that away because we're all scared to let them swim again," Millard said.
City officials confirmed the water is being tested.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality is not working this specific incident but reminds people not to swim in flooded areas, to avoid swallowing water when swimming and to pay attention to signage around lakes.
Copyright 2019 KFOR, Tribune, Family photos via CNN. All rights reserved.