Prayers

Aug 7, 2015

For My Babies, On Your 18th Birthday.................

Today my Babies turn 18. Wow. That went quick. If I had a dime for every time someone told me that when I was drowning in children, and up every hour of the night, I could afford car insurance for them. True story. I didn't believe it then, but I'm here to testify: it did. It did go fast. And that's not all.......I'm going to miss it. I have been missing it for several years, to tell the truth. They are pretty self sufficient these days.

Photo by Patsy Holt. Concept also by Patsy Holt. Isn't she a genius?

The day they were born was a disaster in every sense of the word. I was bleeding out, internally, and so were my babies. They were afraid to put me out, and made me sign a waiver saying I understood that I might die if they just knocked me out. This struck me as funny, even then. I *was* dying. I signed the paper and enjoyed one last laugh. Or so I thought. I'd love to see the signature I put on that release.

When I woke up, some woman, who I could not really see because I didn't have my contacts in, talked for a long time. I think she was telling me that my babies had both been born legally dead and all the complications we were now facing....... I processed none of this.

When she was done I had two questions: Where are my babies? What did I have?

I could tell by her expression (what I could see of it) that I had not passed some sort of test. I was in no mood to care. Near death experiences embolden you to stick with first things first, I guess. They showed me Polaroids of my babies, weighing 7.3 and 6.4 but too white, with blue lips and lifeless looking. This did not phase me a bit, but I was beginning to catch on. I insisted on being wheeled through the NICU on a gurney to see them. They lived, but no one knew how long they would hang on or what problems may have to be dealt with in the future. Added to this was the fact that my twins were across the room from each other. This was unacceptable, and I wondered what kind of people were in charge of taking care of not only my babies, but any babies at all! I got that changed in a hurry, let me tell you. Never be afraid to speak up, especially in a hospital. They get paid for a quiet environment and will work to maintain one. What they were thinking is beyond me. That's all I have to say about that.
This was a turning point in my life. I did not know what to even pray for. In the end I prayed for the strength and wisdom to survive this. That prayer has been answered faithfully every day since. Thy Will Be Done is easy to say, much harder to accept. Blind faith is something no one should be without, and it will come to you when you need it most. Just believe.

Twins should be kept together at all times. They don't know anything else. And if some hospital thinks anything different? Stand your ground and insist. Embrace your power. You will win.

When you find out you are going to have twins, it can be a big shock. Take heart. That shock is just training, and you are going to grow to the point where you are pretty much un-shockable. Think of it as training for special ops. You have started a roller coaster ride and you are going on it. Yelling that you did not know it was a roller coaster ride will only make it seem longer and annoy the other passengers. Sit down, strap yourself in, and enjoy it. You'll thank me for this advice some day.

New roles for everybody! One of you is still the oldest, but one of you is no longer the youngest. It's okay, Beautiful Redhead, you are still the only girl. You are going to enjoy that, eventually.

So, we had to hang around the hospital for 3 weeks, with an 8 year old boy and a 5 year old girl. We ate lots of popsicles! And the babies lived! My kids got a lot of attention, albeit in hospital lounges and cafeterias. We tried not to contemplate baby funerals, but I could see that very question circling in their eyes. Whatever tomorrow brought would be worried about tomorrow, and our days were spent making the most of every moment we had together. I have often wondered how much that time affected my older kids and hope that it affected them in the most positive way possible. Real life can be rough or smooth, but can only be gotten through one day at a time.

Notice how discreetly nursing can be done? No need to whip out your boobs, ladies. Of course you can, but I would just never do that. It's just not how I roll.

That 8 year old boy gained so much self confidence that I was astounded, eventually growing up to be my Rock Star. The 5 year old girl had a bit more of a transition, giving up her "baby of the family" status, but quickly got on board when she realized she would get to be in charge of something. Finally! This seemed to be an answer to her prayers, but I always knew she would be a Beautiful Redhead, and indeed she is, able to hear screaming babies without blinking an eye. It was always hard to upset her, but screaming babies just made her more mellow. She has always been pure joy.

"What time is it? " 6. "6 in the morning or 6 in the evening?" What difference does that make?

Our days changed. The pace slowed down but I was always up, it seemed. I felt a lot of the time that I should be doing other things. My "to-do" list in my head was always there, mocking me, and getting longer. I learned to let a lot of stuff go. Small stuff, mostly, at first. For instance, I never really cared about dust, but I did care about other people seeing mine. Stuff like that went first. Eventually things like "having a nice car" and plucking my own eyebrows went, too. Left somewhere along the roadside like so many disposable diapers. I am learning to pick some of them back up, but only occasionally. Once you make the change, you rarely go back. I don't even want to go back there. It just doesn't matter anymore to me now.
By the end almost everything was gone except "keep kids alive" and "pay bills" . I do not regret this part at all.

"Yeah, they're twins. Yeah, they're cute."

Now my days were largely spent with making sure everyone being dressed, even if only in pajamas. In fact, "pajama days" became a big thing at my house. They still are my children's favorite days and I only hope that they never realize they were born out of pure exhaustion. At first I felt kind of bad about them, but I grew to be proud of them. Many days were spent just tending to the basics of life, and "outfits that fit, or even make sense", were not on my list of the basics of life. I have no regrets in this area either.

They sucked the same two fingers, but on opposite hands. I worried needlessly about buck teeth.

We had more important things to worry about. Like bears. Each twin had a bear, and the bears could not be lost, even for a moment. Our kingdom could not run without the bears. We learned to treasure sleeping babies on our chests. Or anywhere, really. Sleeping babies.......mmmmmmmm. Is there anything better? No one could tell them apart but us, and everyone always wanted to know if they were identical. We did not know. Due to the emergency birth it was impossible to tell and we thought it was easy to tell them apart even though no one else ever could. And what difference did that make anyway? Was it needed for our survival that day? Nope. We still do not know, or care, or see what difference it makes. We can still tell them apart and few others ever can. That's our life. One thing I do find hilarious is that now the Rock Star's Wife, our own Rockette, is often confused when she sees them out of the corner of her eye. She can't tell if it's her husband or one of the twins. Never fear Rockette, they will all do your bidding. Just be careful who you grab to kiss. Or not. It will make for interesting stories in later years. hahaha

We got very creative keeping the babies safe. I blocked off the stairs with baby gates, and the babies promptly learned to crawl through the banisters. I blocked off the banisters by staple-gunning shower liners from the bottom of the stair treads to the top of the bannister. It looked a little strange and did not go with my decoration "theme". But I let that go, too. Again, no regrets. In fact, I laugh to think that I ever had a decoration "theme" to begin with. Let Martha Stewart reign in that land. It seems to make her happy and she can have it!

They eventually slid down the stairs like otters; I thought would kill them. Still they lived, without any broken ribs.

There were days when I fished half eaten bugs out of baby's mouths, despaired that they would die of poisoning, and almost set the house on fire cleaning out the wood stove because I sucked the ashes up with the vacuum cleaner and didn't have time to change the bag, or realize that there were burning ashes inside it.

That was only 1 day.

Once I almost left the house without a baby because it was asleep and everybody forgot about him. But I did learn to hunt down bats, and kill them without hesitation just because they might scare my kids. I realized that I had spent a lot of my previous life concerned with things that did not matter a bit in the grand scheme of things.

So I started just concentrating on the grand scheme. All the little stuff worked it's way off my list, plus I began to understand why men got into hunting. There is definitely a thrill to that chase, especially when you are chasing a bat in your house, and killing it makes you feel very powerful indeed. All in all, I'm for it and think it holds important lessons you may not understand until a time in the future, but you'll be glad you learned them then. Trust me on this.

People were always saying "I don't know how you do it!" like I was special. I was not. I was a mother, and mother's just do it. They have no choice, which probably makes it look even more special, but from the inside they are just marking things off their "to-do" list. There list may be different from yours. Their list contains such items as "Check babies mouths for 1/2 eaten insects" and "count kids in car before you leave the house", or even "look at self in mirror before you leave the house". Still, it's just a list and it must be conquered. I'm not even going to mention how many items on your list will have something to do with poop. You'll figure it out when it's time. You will learn many multitudes of things to do with digestion in all it's glorious phases and have to remind yourself not to talk that way at the table.

Happy Birthday Bro. Let's have a cake fight.

Time passed. Before long the twins were throwing their food on the floor like champs and the new carpeting had a new pattern from juice stains spilled, nay, sprinkled from tippy cups. I just rearranged the furniture until I realized it would be better to have areas of concentrated stains and areas of just clean carpet. This led to odd furniture arrangements that I totally lied about and blamed on the kids making forts, with a straight face . I was not questioned further and I sold that house, wished the new owners good luck with stain removal, and a business card from a reliable source for installation and purchase of new carpet.

I didn't care about carpet. My babies were growing, laughing, crawling, and smart! Too smart, on most days, but that was a blessing! I still didn't know what would happen in the future but I had learned to take one day at a time, and to roll with the punches.

Some baby rabbits, about to be loved to death. Literally. RIP baby rabbits.

I found two babies not to be much more trouble or time consuming than one. It is hard not to compare them, but I got better at it. The way they worked together was amazing to me, with one twin being more dominant and figuring things out, then somehow communicating this to the other twin and getting them to do it. Classic distraction. I think I might have learned it from them, and they were pro's at it by the age of 2.

I learned to fear silence, in the few moments I tore my attention away to, say, put away the clean dishes. I should have let the dishes go. During one particular silence I went to check on the twins playing outside, in a fenced yard. I was sure they were fine but I couldn't see them, so I had to check. This time I was greeted by them playing in the mud. I didn't even sweat it.

We're playing in the mud, Mom!! I can see that! Indeed you are!

I did eventually take off the clothes they were wearing so I could hose them off and during that time, they just kept playing. From these boys I learned to be calm and carry on, and not blink an eye when someone flew past without a stitch of clothes on.

Alrighty, then, just give me your clothes and carry on, my sons!

It was easy, considering this was just mud. Mud is clean compared to the first time this had happened to me. That time I had found the them putting things in the stool and then fishing them out and eating them. Is that the most disgusting thing? It still has top honors in my life. Hopefully it will keep it's place of honor because if there is something worse than that, I don't want to know what it might be.

Yep. They did that. And they lived. The blue stuff under the one on the right? No clue at all.

Our days were ruled by these twins. But I was not the only one they ruled. Oh no, they ruled us ALL. I had a lot of good help, all along the way. People who loved me, and those babies, and took time to get to know the differences between them. People who gave their attention and help, and became a part of our lives without even thinking it over. We had so much fun, even on the bad days.

We had so many catastrophes that my kids stopped getting caught up in the catastrophes and had contests for solutions instead. To this day they will remain calm when everyone else is obsessing over details that seldom matter. Growing up in a large family is a gift that is self-sustaining. I always wanted 3 or 4 kids, but I had decided one boy and one girl was perfect. I am so glad that I got to have 4, now. I would have had 10 more if I could have. That might be a lie, but metaphorically speaking, it is the truth. I took the economical route and just started raising other people's when I got the chance. It has worked out very well.

This face ruled all our lives for several years. My Youngest Baby. He made us dance like monkeys. .....and we danced, like a wave on the ocean......we danced and danced and danced.

The Youngest Baby, the one who had more trouble getting started, turned out to have a will that simply would not be denied. You could not get anything past this kid. He was born "street smart", and I feared he was smarter than me. Years of buying 2 exactly alike things only to have him decide one was better, and his brother, the Oldest Baby, buying into this, this.............ILLUSION. It drove me nuts! But look at that face! These days I can almost cry when I remember what it was like to scoop him us and kiss his neck and have him tell me his outrageous stories that were total lies. I would do it all again. He used to say, every night, "love ya ta-marra, mom". It's one of my most treasured memories. I'll always love you tomorrow, too, babe.

And this face, mmmmmm. He never made us dance. He was our little snuggler, and would sit with us for hours. He is also the one we had to drag through KCI airport on top of his winter coat at 2 am because we couldn't get him to wake up. We made it work, fearful of being turned in for neglect.

The Oldest Baby, on the other hand, was easy going and calm. Gullible, too, sadly.....when it came to his brother. It took me years to show him that he could have another toy, or another color of vitamin, and live a happy life. He finally caught on but until then he was dancing right along with the rest of us. I found it exhausting but also very funny and it kept me thin. He had a speech impediment as a small child, and once toddled up to me with his bear and his blanky and I lay on the couch, threw back my covers and announced "I'm gonna FWEEP with my MOMMY", sending us all into peals of laughter and then wanting to know what was so funny. You can still sleep with me anytime, kid, even though it makes you smile uncomfortably to hear me say that now. Muahahahahahahahaha. I remember the days when you used to beg to sleep with me every night! The day he looked at his brother and said, in a tired tone "Oh, please, Airnon......" (that was how he pronounced "Aaron" for several years) I knew life was going to be easier from that point on. He was no longer buying into the illusion.

Look at how the tree is decorated. hahaha

We had our challenges, but we just met them. Notice there are no decorations on the bottom half of the Christmas tree in the picture above? This was progress! The year before we put the tree inside the play pen. I don't know if they even still make play pens, but their uses were legion.

They made us laugh every single day. Some times it was hard to explain why we were laughing and some times it wasn't.

I'm sorry, OK boys? But I won't say which one this is, and who can ever resist a baby butt?

Potty training, which was never my strong suite, took 4 years with the twins. Because they were boys? Because I suck at potty training? I don't know, I guess it was just my karma or something, but I paid the dues. I PAID THEM IN BLOOD. I was so proud when I got them to pee outside at 2 and then spent the next two years embarrassed because they peed outside ANYWHERE, ALL THE TIME, EVEN ON MAIN STREET DURING PARADES, and convinced that every time they pooped their pants, they were doing it ON PURPOSE because they were getting even for something. I never could pin down what. In the end I just had to wait them out. I can still change diapers on the fly, traveling at sonic speeds through distances that do not bear examination. It's an odd skill, I will admit, but there you have it. Sometimes you just have to tip the guy who picks up your trash. Especially when you run a daycare despite the fact that you can't even get your own kids potty trained. Especially in the summer. Garbage men do make good money, and they earn it, let me tell you. I think we should probably pause and thank God for garbage men right now.

Brothers. There is no substitute.

One year I am ashamed to say that when I found out on Sunday evening that my Youngest Baby was supposed to be a knight in a play the next day, I just sent two rolls of aluminum foil to school with him, told him to "wrap it everywhere" and called it good. I did not have time for that crap. And I don't think anybody else did, either. "Ain't got time fo that" wasn't even a saying yet, but it would have fit perfectly. I dearly wish I would have said it to a packed auditorium before a Bell Game, but alas, I did not. I regret that. It was the time of noticing that we spent our time and energy on stupid stuff that did not matter in the world, but not wanting to be the first to say it. I don't miss those days, and they were a waste of time anyway.

Yeah, they're twins. I wish they would take a nap. Sigh.

The Beautiful Redhead found being the only girl really fun, especially after the twins got older. In fact, she never saw the guy checking her out when we took the float trip the year she was 20. She never saw My Oldest Baby, who in 3rd grade chose to label himself as a "middle child", give the guy checking her out a direct look, a nod of his head, and an "How ya doin" that clearly said "Get away from that girl, or suffer the consequences". He was as big as a 20 year old at the time. She never saw the poor guy scuttle off, afraid of her 16 year old brother, either. But that all happened. It was hilarious and I enjoyed it very, very much. He never said a word to her about it. It was just a day in the life of a brother, I guess.

Influencing a new generation. They are well prepared.

Now they are 18. They are starting their senior year. What does the future hold? Still unknown. What is known is that they have many people who love them, who showed up and taught them what they needed to know, even when the lessons were hard. I think they are well prepared and this world is very lucky to have them in it.

Need a ride? Hop in.

I know I'm their mother, but I've known it all along. I am so thankful for the lessons they have taught me. Also, the father's day cards are a nice touch, boys. ;) But let us not forget the angels that have always been there. Never forget them. Never forget to be them, when you need to. It all comes back around.

Whatever happens, I know that you will do well. I love you more than you will know until you have kids of your own. I can't wait for that to happen, of course, but there is plenty of time. And if I should somehow miss your kids? Know that I am there, inside you, always, and that you will do fine because you were well prepared by a woman who knew what was really important and never looked away for more than a few seconds. ( Just because she really needed to go to the bathroom.)

Here's to the next 18 years. Don't worry. We will handle it just like we've handled everything else. Laughing all the way and taking one day at a time.

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These are my thoughts, which sometimes drive me crazy and sometimes keep me sane, but are always entertaining. I call this Lace Your Days With Hope because I can't find enough hope to make an entire quilt out of. Stay tuned, and add your own!

About Me

momiss: I am very lucky to be an American woman who is living in very exciting and downright terrifying times. I feel like I looked away to raise a family and the whole world went to hell while I wasn't paying attention. I aim to do my best to remedy that. These are my thoughts, which sometimes drive me crazy and sometimes keep me sane, but are always entertaining. I call this Lace Your Days With Hope because I can't find enough hope to make an entire quilt out of. Stay tuned.


Today's Mudline

December 9, 2016

Donald Trump tweet on SNL: "Unwatchable! Totally biased, not funny...sad."....Response tweet from Danielle Muscato: "Jesus f***ing Christ. You are the president-elect. Pick your f***ing battles, man. You're embarrassing yourself."....Sarah Palin on Trump's Carrier deal: "Crony capitalism."....Kellyanne Conway on Dems: "A bunch of crybabies and sore losers."....Sean Hannity on Dems: "Their sub-par, crooked, corrupt candidate lost."....Seth McFarlane on Trump: "[Hollywood people] learned to recognize the blustery showmanship of a lying con man because we encounter it every day in our business."....Trump's lawyers on Michigan recount: "Lawless, insulting...Farce."....CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla on Trump fraud claims: "Absurd. His reckless tweets are inappropriate and unbecoming of a president-elect."....Bernie Sanders on Trump's voter fraud claims: "Disgraceful and unfounded nonsense."....Mark Hamill on Trump staff and cabinet appointees and candidates: "A who's-who of really despicable people."....Asawin Suebsaeng on Trump: "Behaves as if he were a nightmarish caricature dreamed up by some bored ACLU staffers."....Trump on Sen. Elizabeth Warren: "Just a terrible person. Everybody in the Senate hates her."....Rep. Chris Collins on Mitt Romney: "A self-serving egomaniac."....Newt Gingrich: "You have never, ever in your career seen a serious adult who's wealthy, independent, has been a presidential nominee, suck up at the rate that Mitt Romney is sucking up."....Jon Stewart on Trump: "[Said Hillary Clinton] was an unqualified Secretary of State because of the way she handled classified material. His selection for Secretary of State will be David Petraeus, who pled guilty to mishandling classified material. He said she was unqualified because she gave a speech to Goldman Sachs. His Secretary of the Treasury is somebody from Goldman Sachs. We're in post-accountability."....

The fourth book in the Wounded Warriors series, *Mel's Story* manages to find humor and humanity in a tale of suffering, and sheds serious light on one of the most pressing and undermining problems in our military today.


'Kill Bill' helped women in their lives: Uma Thurman

Actress Uma Thurman, who is best known for her action role in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" film series, said the movie has had a positive impact on women.

The 47-year-old actress played Beatrix Kiddo, aka The Bride, in the movies, who seeks out revenge for the murder of her friends and her fiance.

Thurman said women come up to her all the time and tell her how the movie helped them in their lives, reported Variety.

"Women would come up to me and they would say that somehow or other they'd share a little bit that that film helped them in their lives, whether they were feeling oppressed or struggling or had a bad boyfriend or felt badly about themselves," she said.

"... that that film released in them some survival energy that was helpful, and that is probably one of the most gratifying things that I have ever experienced in response to a piece of art."

Talking about the reaction of her father, who was ordained as a Buddhist monk, to the violent role she played in "Kill Bill," Thurman said, "I don't remember. Being a father of an actress is probably a challenge. You know, it's strange."

Asked to name which of her films her three children liked best, Thurman was interrupted by her son, Roan Thurman-Hawke, sitting in the balcony of the theater, who shouted "Pulp Fiction.


Getting sick is definitely a bummer. But besides feeling icky and being stuck in bed, viral infections may cause us to actually be depressed. While scientists have been clued into this connection for a while, there was little data on how everyday viral infections, like the flu, might mess with our moods.

Now, data from a new mouse study shows that common viruses may spur sadness by causing the cells that line the blood-brain barrier to release signals that hush the chatter between neurons in the area of the brain responsible for mood. The findings, published this week in the journal Immunity, may finally explain the link between infections and mental health problems, and it could point researchers towards new strategies for treating depression and other mood disorders.

Researchers have been collecting hints of the connection between mental health and infections for years. Though it was first dismissed as people simply being blue about getting sick, doctors now accept that there is a condition called “sickness behavior.” This condition is marked by cognitive deficits, drowsiness, general malaise, and other depression-like symptoms in those with an infection. Moreover, in a 2013 Danish study, researchers found that people who had been treated for a severe infection were 62 percent more likely to suffer from mood disorders. Perhaps related, those that had an autoimmune disease were 45 percent more likely to have such a mental health issue.

Researchers began suspecting that infections might be causing the immune system to run amok in the brain. Specifically, researchers hypothesized that sickness behavior might be triggered by immune signals, called cytokines, that somehow made their way to the brain and altered the activity of neurons. However, researchers didn’t know what those signals and the cells that emit them were.

Researchers in Germany, led by Marco Prinz at the University of Freiburg, began to unravel the mystery by noting a similarity between sickness behavior and depressive-like symptoms of people taking cytokines called type I interferons (IFNs) as part of a cancer treatment. Viruses, the researchers realized, also trigger the release of type I IFNs.

To test the hypothesis that these cytokines may spark mood problems, the researcher started experimenting with mice, looking to see if they could induce then alter signs of depression in the rodents. The tested for depression using a standard swim test method, which basically works by dropping the rodents into a container of water and measuring how long they frantically splash around to try to get out. Depressed mice give up more quickly.

Infecting normal mice with a common, mild virus made the mice depressed, the researchers found. Next, the researchers tried the swim test with genetically engineered mice whose brain cells couldn’t respond to type I IFNs. Still, the mice got depressed.

Going back to the drawing board, the researchers hypothesized that perhaps the cytokine didn’t actually get into the brain, but instead it could relay signals through the blood brain barrier. They next tried the depression test using mice engineered so that the cells that line their brains’ surfaces and blood vessels couldn’t respond to type I IFNs. When those mice were infected with the virus, they didn’t get depressed.

Tracking the activity of those blood brain barrier cells in normal mice, the researchers found that the cells were activated by type I IFNs and released another cytokine called CXCL10 directly into the brain. In the brain's hippocampus (the area that’s responsible for controlling mood), CXCL10 hampered neuron firing, quieting electrical pulses in that area of the brain.

While more work needs to be done to validate the results and determine if they're relevant to human health, the authors are hopeful that finding ways to block CXCL10 could lead to a treatment for certain mood disorders.

Immunity, 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2016.04.005 (About DOIs).


A new feature lets people simplify how they phrase their questions to the search engine

Microsoft has added some new smarts to its Bing search engine that lets you phrase queries in a way that feels more natural.

The company said the new functionality makes using Bing more like "having a conversation."

[ The Web browser is your door to the world -- and to many security threats. Learn how to secure your browsers in InfoWorld's "Web Browser Security Deep Dive" PDF guide. | Cut to the key news for technology development and IT management with the InfoWorld Daily newsletter, our summary of the top tech happenings. ]

It lets you ask questions sequentially that build off each other, so you don't have to keep repeating the topic you're asking about.

For instance, if you ask Bing, "Who wrote Dracula"? "Bram Stoker" pops up at the top of the screen. You can then ask, "Where was he born," and it gives the answer "Dublin, Ireland."

Microsoft said it answers the questions by combining "conversational understanding" with its database of knowledge about people, places and things.

It comes as Bing's largest competitor, Google, is working to make its own search engine better at understanding queries in natural language.

Google also has a conversational search mode that works in a similar way, though currently it only works when doing voice searches in Chrome and in Google's mobile search app.

Bing's new feature works well, and you can take the questions far. After asking about Bram Stoker "Where was he born," you can also ask, "When did he die?" Answer: April 20, 1912. Or, "How did he die?" Syphilis. (But, asking simply "how?" did not work as well.)

In Bing, the feature works on the desktop as well as on mobile devices.

Microsoft has worked to make Bing more useful over the years, partly by integrating a wider range of information from outside sources into results. Data from social sites like Twitter and Facebook plays a part in this, as well as data from services like IMDB and Netflix.

Earlier this year Bing expanded its index of the Web to include more information about professionals like doctors, lawyers and real estate.

With nearly 70 percent market share in the U.S., Google is still by far the dominant player in search, according to comScore. Microsoft's Bing has just under 20 percent share.

But Bing's new feature could give it a leg up against Google when it comes to search, at least for now.


/******************************************************************************
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 *  Copyright 2013-2019 Paphus Solutions Inc.
 *
 *  Licensed under the Eclipse Public License, Version 1.0 (the "License");
 *  you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
 *  You may obtain a copy of the License at
 *
 *      http://www.eclipse.org/legal/epl-v10.html
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 *  distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
 *  WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
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package org.botlibre.web.rest;

import javax.xml.bind.annotation.XmlAccessType;
import javax.xml.bind.annotation.XmlAccessorType;
import javax.xml.bind.annotation.XmlAttribute;
import javax.xml.bind.annotation.XmlRootElement;

/**
 * DTO for XML user friends config.
 */

@XmlRootElement(name="user-friends")
@XmlAccessorType(XmlAccessType.FIELD)
public class UserFriendsConfig extends Config {
	@XmlAttribute
	public String action;
	@XmlAttribute
	public String userFriend;
	@XmlAttribute
	public String friendship;
}


Borderline viability resuscitation cases.
Decisions on whether to resuscitate severely premature infants are especially difficult in "borderline viability" cases--those where the probability of survival is slim, and where, if survival is possible, multiple co-morbidities and severe disabilities are likely. The 2000 International Guidelines on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation are comprehensive, yet leave open some of the more difficult ethical questions that must be addressed by decision-makers. This paper recommends evidence-based, clinical ethical guidelines for neonatal resuscitation, drawing on one large Catholic health system's approach, arguing from the perspective of the Catholic moral tradition and the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (the ERD are policy for all of Catholic health care in the U.S.). The paper presumes that there is an inherent dignity of the human person to be respected and protected regardless of the nature of the person's health problem or social status. But it also presumes and argues that treatments can be justified only by a proportionate benefit to the patient. In maintaining a holistic view of the human person, two extremes are avoided: a "vitalistic" approach where life is preserved at all costs; and the "easy" alternative of euthanasia. Several principles of medicine, theology, ethics and Anglo-American common law are applied to three categories of preterm infants, each of which calls for a different basic response: Category I - infants with a confirmed gestational age of < 23-0/7 weeks; Category II - infants with a confirmed gestational age between 23-0/7 and 25-0/7 weeks; and Category III - infants with a gestational age > 25-0/7 weeks. Studies show that survival rates and outcomes vary dramatically for these three groups, even with the availability of the latest technologies.


Academic & Other

Academic Rank:

Professor

Department:

Pediatrics

Year Appointed at Stony Brook:

1982

One of the "Doctors of Excellence" featured in the previous and latest edition (2013) of the Castle Connolly Guide, Top Doctors:New York Metro Area.
Selected for inclusion in New York Magazine's Best Doctors 2013 listing
2002 - New York Magazine: One of New York's Best Physicians
Selected for inclusion in New York Magazine's Best Doctors
2010 listing
2000 - Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, LI Chapter: Service Award
1999 - New York Magazine: One of New York's Best Physicians
1998, 1999 - Medical Student award for outstanding teaching
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002 -Resident award for outstanding teaching

Gender:

Male

Locations

This provider's complete Provider Profile (which may contain updated information,) may be
viewed on the Stony Brook Medicine University Physicians website at www.stonybrookphysicians.com. Provider
Profile pages viewed on our website will also display medical conditions treated/areas of interest,
and insurance plan participation for each provider.

Personal Statement

There are 800+ physicians and other health care providers practicing within 18 different clinical entities, or specialty groups that are affiliated with
Stony Brook Medicine University Physicians (University Physicians). Together, these providers offer patients of all ages a comprehensive range of high quality medical services,
from primary care to advanced specialty care.
In their capacity as faculty of the Stony Brook School of Medicine, they also educate medical students, interns, residents and fellows in many specialties and sub-specialties, and engage in research and clinical trials that help to advance the science of medicine.

These physicians and health care professionals are committed to excellence in service and leadership in clinical care for their patients. University Physicians supports and coordinates this mission and maintains this website for patients, physicians and staff.

The Stony Brook Medicine University Physicians website is primarily an informational and educational resource.
It should not be used in place of medical advice and recommendations you receive from your health care provider.
If you have, or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please seek the advice of your
health care provider.

Stony Brook Medicine University Physicians provides marketing advice and consultation to the clinical Faculty associated with the University Faculty Practice Corporations (UFPCs). It does not provide medical care directly or indirectly nor does it oversee, direct, manage or supervise the medical care provided by any of the individual Practices. The individual Practices are responsible for the medical care each Practice provides to its patients. Please note that the Practices listed below are separate University Faculty Practice Corporations (UFPCs).


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Simultaneous use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and left ventricular assist devices in patients with severe heart failure.
More patients who are receiving therapy with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) also have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The aim of the present study was to describe the outcomes and device interactions of simultaneous therapy with an ICD and a LVAD. We evaluated 76 patients with class IV heart failure (age 52 + or - 12 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 0.13 + or - 0.05%, 88% men, 61% nonischemic cardiomyopathy) with both an ICD and a LVAD. The median follow-up with both devices was 156 days. A LVAD with a pulsatile and continuous flow pump was used in 53 (70%) and 23 (30%) patients, respectively. Of the 76 patients, 12 (16%) received a total of 54 ICD therapies. Of the ICD therapies, 88% were appropriate. Of the 76 patients, 55 (72%) underwent heart transplantation a median of 146 days after LVAD implantation. Twelve patients (16%) died during simultaneous ICD and LVAD therapy. Interactions between the LVAD and ICD occurred in 2 patients (2.7%) with continuous flow pumps (HeartMate II). In both cases, telemetry failure occurred after LVAD implantation with 2 different models of ICDs from the same manufacturer. No ICD therapies occurred because of device-related interactions. In conclusion, simultaneous ICD and LVAD therapy in patients with severe congestive heart failure is safe and clinically feasible. Interactions between the devices are uncommon and appear limited to specific models of ICDs.


Professor Linzey has written many acclaimed books but
this is surely his most important to date. It is an exhilarating read and
its lucid and persuasive style and cogent marshalling and presentation of
his powerful central arguments make it a classic philosophical and religious
vindication of animal rights. (Feargus O'Connor, faith and Freedom 63:1 )

The book is excellently done... with exhaustive scholarship, meticulous
argumentation, and clear organization, making it very suitable as a
textbook... one can only welcome Linzey's latest book, which admirably
reinforces why we ought to care enough about animal suffering at human hands
to strive to end it. (Joel Marks, Philosophy Now )

Those skeptical
folk who doubt that anything of practical importance could issue form a
theology department will be confused by this book. Linzey, a theologian and
director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, here adopts a strategy of
rational ju jitsu... A rights-based approach to animal welfare, he succeeds
in showing, is not the only game in town. (Steven Poole, The Guardian )

Why Animal Suffering Matters sets out to show us that anthropogenic
suffering is both real and morally relevant... [Linzey] combines arguments
familiar in animal ethics with his own viewpoints - a mixture that provides
an alluring introduction to the topic... The book is greatly enhanced by
Linzey's lucid style of writing. Such lucidity is much needed in the
contemporary society that tends to approach animals via what has been called
"moral schizophrenia", within which essentially similar animals are treated
in radically different ways based on their use-category (thus, pet dogs are
members of the family, while cognitively similar pigs are food). Consistency
and clarity rarely enter the picture... Linzey offers us a convincing
alternative... Linzey's book provides a fine introduction to why animal
suffering matters. It could, and arguably should, be utilised by
universities, schools and laypeople alike. (Elisa Aaltola, Times Higher
Education )

informed and balanced... Why Animal Suffering Matters
offers a broad, engaging argument on an important, complex issue. Linzey
writes his theory with knowledge and clarity, making this book accessible
for newcomers as well as those who are already familiar with Linzey's work.
(Georgina Lea, The Vegan )

Product Description

How we treat
animals arouses strong emotions. Many people are repulsed by photographs of
cruelty to animals and respond passionately to how we make animals suffer
for food, commerce, and sport. But is this, as some argue, a purely
emotional issue? Are there really no rational grounds for opposing our
current treatment of animals? In Why Animal Suffering Matters, Andrew Linzey
argues that when analyzed impartially the rational case for extending moral
solicitude to all sentient beings is much stronger than many suppose.
Indeed, Linzey shows that many of the justifications for inflicting animal
suffering in fact provide grounds for protecting them. Because animals, the
argument goes, lack reason or souls or language, harming them is not an
offense. Linzey suggests that just the opposite is true, that the inability
of animals to give or withhold consent, their inability to represent their
interests, their moral innocence, and their relative defenselessness all
compel us not to harm them. Andrew Linzey further shows that the arguments
in favor of three controversial practices--hunting with dogs, fur farming,
and commercial sealing--cannot withstand rational critique. He considers the
economic, legal, and political issues surrounding each of these practices,
appealing not to our emotions but to our reason, and shows that they are
rationally unsupportable and morally repugnant. In this superbly argued and
deeply engaging book, Linzey pioneers a new theory about why animal
suffering matters, maintaining that sentient animals, like infants and young
children, should be accorded a special moral status.

Reverend Andrew Linzey: A Brilliant ethicist gets to the root of social
mechanisms that perpetuate animal suffering & why it is important to
recognize animals as sentient individuals & why animal suffering matters.
This book should be among the number one choice books of all books on behalf
of animals. This book is also an in-depth study of how our past & current
western views on animals have influenced & influence the way things are as
well as an in-depth & comprehensive study of our how society excludes
animals and why this should not be the case. This book is not a theological
account but rather very much a comprehensive study & a very deep
non-religious ethical study that does include theological theories. Says
Philosopher Joel Marks in his review of this book, "Linzey is very much the
analytic philosopher in the way he employs logic to assist his opponents in
being hoisted by their own petards. This is where philosophers typically
come into their own, since the premises of an argument often rely on
empirical knowledge, which is not our accustomed turf. Linzey must be
especially commended, therefore, for the extensive groundwork he has done in
researching the factual territory of his case studies."

I am a HUGE
fan of Reverend Andrew Linzey who is both an accomplished ethicist and
theologian. In this book Reverend Andrew Linzey DEEP DIVES into EVEN MORE
powerful intellectual, ethical and theological arguments on behalf of
valuing animal suffering and WHY IT DOES INDEED MATTER VERY MUCH (See Animal
Gospel by Andrew Linzey). It is not enough to recognize that animals suffer,
but it is crucial to learn WHY their suffering has value. WITH VERY SOLID
ARGUMENTS on behalf of animals and why they should be viewed as special or
exceptional cases, Linzey sets very solid grounds for why animal suffering
matters. Reverend Andrew Linzey examines animal exploitation and suffering,
views past and present philosophers, clergy, ethicists, etc., gets to the
very roots of the problem, and states a very very powerful and complete case
on behalf of animals who suffer at the hands of human beings. I want to
stress the importance of education in the fight against the oppression of
animals. Without proper knowledge and the willingness to learn about the
mechanisms behind control and oppression of animals, the battle for animal
liberation will not be won. There are just too many hidden determinants not
always understood by the average activist. That is why I stress reading
these highly educational books. Only through education does one learn what
is behind oppressive attitudes, actions and speech, and only through
education does one learn how to respond and help change the world.

Andrew Linzey transcends all narrow Christian views, and this book is indeed
suitable and recommended for people of all faiths and especially the non
religious who are indeed serious about learning about animal suffering in
today's society. There are indeed a few strictly Christian views, and the
identification with the crucifixion of Jesus as the crucifixion of love and
compassion, the blameless, the innocent and the pure is indeed a central
part of this thesis, but as a whole, this book transcends Christianity, and
I highly recommend Andrew Linzey's books as MUST BUYS! As a person who has
lived in Italy, I want to stress, as does Reverend Linzey, that the Church's
role in animal oppression should not be underestimated or disregarded. In
fact, the Church's silence indeed sends a very forceful message of control
and oppression.

In this book, Reverend Andrew Linzey goes into deep
hell researching almost all aspects of negative human attitudes and theories
toward animals that justify cruelty toward animals and then shines a
brilliant light on these failings that leave abusers absolutely no place to
hide.

Here below I will include some excerpts or samples of Andrew
Linzey's writings taken from this book. I believe the best way to sell sweet
grapes is to offer samples, so here goes:

"The practical upshot is
that we cannot continue to privilege human suffering as if it stands alone
as a unique source of moral concern. Some animal friendly philosophers
advance solicitude for animals on the basis that they are, inter alia, like
us. But my thesis is that their very alterity in many respects should
underpin their moral claim."

I am including very few selected
passages of John Henry Newman, vicar of St. Mary's University Church in 1842
that are a part of this book.

"but there is something so very
dreadful, so satanic in tormenting those who have never harmed us, and who
cannot defend themselves, who are utterly in our power, who have weapons
neither of offence nor defence, that none but very hardened persons can
endure the thought of it."

Andrew Linzey continues: ". . . why should
the suffering of vulnerable, innocent, unprotected, defenceless beings be
judged to be theologically significant?--the answer must be that there is
something Christ-like about such suffering."

"Few institutions are
morally neutral as regards animals because they reflect and reinforce past
attitudes. They act as agents of thought control. What is required is the
cultivation of a critical perspective to help counteract the dominant
ideology about animals perpetuated by the media in particular."

"(i)
Discovering the facts. By learning how facts are distorted or
misrepresented, we are enabled to see the underlying perspective that the
distortions serve. Fact cannot deliver values, but are important in order to
begin ethical analysis."

"(ii) Retaining the focus on the ethical.
Defenders of exploitation are adept at sidestepping the ethical issue . . .
This is also helped by popular utilitarianism among media spokespeople,
based on the assumption that only human suffering really matters."

"The institutions that govern our lives are the result of past vision, or
lack of it. But they can and should change."

Animals have been
controlled and oppressed by manipulative definitions that distort our
perceptions.

"The power of mis-description"

"The first is what
Denys Turner has called 'that most powerful of human tools, the power of mis-description.'
In a paper provocatively titled 'How to Kill People,' he argues:"

"'
. . . if we propose to kill a fellow human being and justify it, we have to
re-describe him in such a way that he no longer belongs to us, becomes an
alien being . . . . and in that way the inhibition against killing is
effectively weakened.'"

Reverend Andrew Linzey makes reference to the
media's connection in animal suffering. Indeed, I wrote the TV stations
letting them know they should not treat hunting as if it were a matter of
course. Bow and arrow hunting and any form of recreational hunting is a
ghastly form of cruelty. It is a culture of cruelty and violence disguised
under a heap of euphemisms and misrepresentations.

There is reference
to the fact that it has been argued animals lack language as possessed by
human beings. To this argument it is justly argued by Linzey that human
language is not an unambiguous good: it can be used to spread falsity and
deceit and is not an unmixed moral good. "The apparent inability of animals
to deceive themselves might, on a less prejudiced understanding of the
world, place them in a higher moral category." I believe it is an Eastern
view that silence is the most perfect speech. In fact, love is given in
silence--it does not require speech. (See Power vs. Force--a book.) Linzey
in his Conclusion states: " . . . I haven't outlined the full case for
animals, which now increasingly accepts scientific evidence that they are,
for example, rational to some degree and display greater capacities for
cognition and self-awareness than previously supposed." He later continues:
"I fully accept that the case for animals may, and probably will, be
buttressed by the further questioning of at least some of the differences
that are now widely accepted." Then he later continues: "The case, even and
especially dependent only on traditional formulations, is strong enough to
deserve a hearing now, and should result in major changes to the way we
treat animals."

In Chapter 2 titled: How We Minimize Animal Suffering
and How We Can Change, Linzey's aim is to: "identify and illustrate what
might be described as . . . "intellectual mechanisms that prevent us form
recognizing sentience in animals or that help to limit its significance."
"Second, I aim to consider ways in which animal abuse is socially
perpetuated through the phenomenon called 'instutionalisation.'"

Under the subtitles of 1. The power of mis-description, 2. The power of
misrepresentation, 3. The power of misdirection, 4. The power of
misperception, Linzey goes to great lengths in analyzing social mechanisms
that minimize and perpetuate animal suffering.

Another excellent
point from this book:

"But is it true that rational comprehension
always or generally heightens suffering? The general claim is less well
founded." Linzey later continues, "They experience the raw terror of not
knowing." " . . . the frustration of their natural freedoms may well induce
more suffering than we allow. Human suffering, on the other hand, can be
softened by an intellectual comprehension of the circumstances." Linzey, of
course, continues with more very insightful ethical examples and arguments.

In the Conclusion, Linzey points out defects in Singer's ethical
arguments (PETA's Singer): "1. flies in the face of the historic trajectory
of concern for animals and children as constituting a common cause; 2. fuels
the popular, but misguided, view that concern for animals is misanthropy or
leads to the displacement of human rights; and 3. places in juxtaposition
one of the strongest theoretical commonalities of ethical concern." (I know
some hunters like to use the misanthropy "card" so they can continue having
"rights" to laugh and enjoy shooting arrows into the faces of deer). This is
what I dearly love about Linzey: he transcends Christianity and even
transcends today's leading animal-friendly ethicists.

Andrew Linzey
is an accomplished ethicist in his own right, and he is also an accomplished
theologian. Linzey is a genius--he's absolutely brilliant, and you will NOT
find a better leader or author in the animal liberation movement. He has
dedicated more than 40 years to the animal liberation movement, has
incredible insight, knowledge, does incredible research, and I HIGHLY
recommend two of his other books, "Animal Gospel" another unbelievably
excellent book, and "Animal Theology."

I suggest to fully appreciate
this very brilliant man, brilliant ethicist, British Priest, Professor, and
theologian who has great knowledge, a great mind, who does incredible
research, represents Christianity as it should be, gets to the very roots of
animal abuse and puts it all in writing. All you have to do is read this
book. How easy does it get?! As I have mentioned in my previous reviews on
Andrew Linzey's books, we did not have such studies and powerful allies to
the animal rights movement back in the 60's. There were people and
organizations that were unfolding, but I felt totally alone at 15 when a
doctor defended vivisection by stating animals do not suffer--only humans
suffer. Today, this statement is viewed as rubbish, but I felt helpless and
angry at the time. Young people should take full advantage of the education
available and spiritually powerful and educated people and
writers--especially Andrew Linzey--to learn from and spread this knowledge.
All the darkness in the universe cannot snuff out the light of a single
candle. In fact Linzey says, "Ever more sophisticated arguments, with
greater and greater nuance, can be devised in defence of the indefensible,
so even breathtakingly obvious acts of barbarity can acquire an appearance
of intellectual respectability." Activists need these kinds of books and
allies as intellectual ammunition to cast light upon the darkness.

(I
had anticipated using the title of this review, "Raising the Bar" and
"Beyond the Expected" for "Levitate," Bruce Hornsby's new album, but I will
instead use this title to honor this far more deserving book. (See my take
on hunting & Bruce's lyrics in my "Levitate" review and in my profile.
Linzey's ethics on Hunting in my "Levitate" review are included in this
book.)

Note: Vivisection in Italy is done on fully-awake dogs--their
vocal cords are cut in order that they do not disturb the medical students
at the medical schools. This is still going on today as it was going on 40
years ago--under the eyes of the Catholic Church.

States Mark
Rowlands, Professor of Philosophy, University of Miami, "This book, I
believe ranks as one of his finest works--perhaps even the finest."


Which hitters are most likely to be moved at the MLB trade deadline?

Plenty of established hitters, some of whom are big names, could be dealt at the MLB trade deadline. But let’s focus on a particular 79 home runs and 216 RBI.

No, those aren’t numbers from a superhuman combination of Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman Cody Bellinger and New York Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge. It’s the combined total from five players who should be on the move by July 31 because of their teams’ inconsistent or poor performances. Which hitters are most likely to pack their bags and join new teams in a little over a month? Let’s dive in.

1. J.D. Martinez, Detroit Tigers:

While Martinez waited until mid-May to make his 2017 debut because of a foot injury, the 29-year-old right fielder has asserted himself once again. His slash line sits at a stout .294/.380/.622 with 12 home runs and 27 RBI, but his more impressive feats lie under FanGraphs’ hard contact rate, which indicates the percentage of balls hit with “hard speed.” Martinez isn’t eligible to rank under the stat yet because of his limited plate appearances, but he’d currently sit first (52.4 percent) on the list, ahead of sluggers Miguel Sano, the aforementioned Judge, Paul Goldschmidt and teammate Miguel Cabrera.

Since he’s set to become a free-agent in 2018, the Tigers (33-43) likely wouldn’t receive a prosperous amount of talent in return. One sneaky trade partner for Martinez could be the Toronto Blue Jays, who are only 3.5 games back of the second AL wild-card spot after finding themselves 10 games under .500 in early May.

2. Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals:

Following a torn ACL in 2016, the 28-year-old third baseman has proceeded forward with a strong first half. He boasts a .268/.305/.532 slash line with 19 homers and 46 RBI. Those power numbers put him on pace to shatter his previous career-high (22) long balls with 42. Moreover, Moustakas’ slugging percentage has already toppled his previous peak (.470 in 2015) in a full season.

The Royals (37-37) sit just 2.5 games back of first-place in the AL Central and two games out of the second AL wild-card spot. However, with Moustakas, outfielder Lorenzo Cain, first baseman Eric Hosmer and shortstop Alcides Escobar all set to become free-agents in 2018, they hold a slim chance of re-signing them, especially their star third baseman. Given the Boston Red Sox’s struggles at the hot corner, general manager Dayton Moore appears to already have a perfect match for the star.

3. Yonder Alonso, Oakland Athletics:

The 30-year-old first baseman has transformed into much more of a presence at the plate five seasons after collecting a career-high 62 RBI with the San Diego Padres. Alonso possesses a respectable .289/.386/.588 slash line thus far, along with amassing 17 homers and 38 RBI thus far. On top of that, he places fourth (159) under wRC+ (weighted runs created), defining a hitter’s value through runs that he has generated on a weighted scale. Only Judge, the Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman and Goldschmidt rank higher.

With the A’s (34-42) committed to a rebuild, the potential All-Star appears to be on his way out. Alonso would be a cheap rental, worth under $2 million for the remainder of the season. After the Yankees designated first baseman Chris Carter for assignment on Saturday, as well as dealing with Greg Bird’s bone bruise, manager Joe Girardi’s club seems like an ideal fit for the Cuban native.

When the White Sox dealt starter Jake Peavy to the Red Sox in July 2013, the franchise expected its focal point of the trade to pan out. Last season, Garcia totaled a mere .245/.307/.385 slash line, once again failing to exhibit similar production to his early days with the Tigers. But the 26-year-old right fielder has entrenched himself as a revelation in 2017, racking up a .336/.377/.540 slash line with 11 homers and 40 RBI. Plus, he’s tied for third in BABIP (batting average on balls in play) at .407. A chunk of those improvements can be credited to his newfound approach at the plate, increasing his pull rate (46.7 percent) by 10 percent from a campaign ago.

Tied for last in the AL Central, the White Sox (32-42) have been in a clear-cut rebuild mode since dealing starter Chris Sale to Boston in the offseason. With no one off-limits at the trade deadline, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, the organization should capitalize on his value while his numbers last. He’s under team control for the next two seasons as well, so the return could be considerable if GM Rick Hahn pulls the trigger before skepticism begins to creep into his peers’ minds.

5. Marcell Ozuna, Miami Marlins:

Marcell Ozuna with the solo shot for his 20th home run of the year #Marlins

Similar to Garcia, Ozuna has developed into a rock-solid player a bit later than expected. Nevertheless, he showcases a .319/.383/.575 slash line with 20 homers and 54 RBI, and his power isn’t because of luck, either. The 26-year-old left fielder is tied for fifth among hitters in barrels (26), accounting for how often a batter strikes a pitch with an exit velocity of at least 98 mph and a minimum launch angle between 26 to 30 degrees. Hence, he’s becoming one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. His 2.8 WAR also ranks 11th among hitters.

Although Ozuna is under team control for the next two seasons, the Marlins’ future remains in flux because of their impending ownership change. Whoever takes over the franchise could force a rebuild, and with agent Scott Boras representing the Dominican Republic native, his chances of staying in Miami (34-40) are extremely slim. If Ozuna departs, the organization could rapidly begin its youth movement.


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      <dependentAssembly>
        <assemblyIdentity name="System.Web.Mvc" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" culture="neutral" />
        <bindingRedirect oldVersion="0.0.0.0-4.0.0.0" newVersion="4.0.0.0" />
      </dependentAssembly>
    </assemblyBinding>
  </runtime>

The version of System.Web.Http referenced by the project is 5.2.3.0.
I think I added this redirect before to fix this exact issue, but now it's not working. Any ideas?
Contents of packages.config...
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<packages>
  <package id="AspNetMvc" version="4.0.20710.0" targetFramework="net4" />
  <package id="CommonServiceLocator" version="1.3" targetFramework="net461" />
  <package id="JsonValue" version="0.6.0" targetFramework="net4" />
  <package id="Microsoft.AspNet.Mvc" version="4.0.30506.0" targetFramework="net461" />
  <package id="Microsoft.AspNet.Razor" version="2.0.20715.0" targetFramework="net4" />
  <package id="Microsoft.AspNet.WebApi" version="5.2.3" targetFramework="net461" />
  <package id="Microsoft.AspNet.WebApi.Client" version="5.2.3" targetFramework="net461" />
  <package id="Microsoft.AspNet.WebApi.Core" version="5.2.3" targetFramework="net461" />
  <package id="Microsoft.AspNet.WebApi.WebHost" version="5.2.3" targetFramework="net461" />
  <package id="Microsoft.AspNet.WebPages" version="2.0.20710.0" targetFramework="net4" />
  <package id="Microsoft.Web.Infrastructure" version="1.0.0.0" targetFramework="net4" />
  <package id="Newtonsoft.Json" version="6.0.4" targetFramework="net461" />
  <package id="Unity" version="4.0.1" targetFramework="net461" />
  <package id="Unity.Mvc4" version="1.6.0.0" targetFramework="net461" />
  <package id="Unity.WebAPI" version="5.2.3" targetFramework="net461" />
</packages>

A:

Many hours later I discovered that this error only appears on my default route and only on my dev machine. It was probably doing it all along and I assumed that something had changed after I re-checked out the code.
What is a word for this?


Open up to reasons far deeper then you expected to locate the region of sexual frustration.

My husband is a very touchy feely type of man. 90% of time that he passes by me in the house he touches me in some way. This may be a soft and gently caress across the back or this can also be a hand sliding down my shirt to touch, well lets call it what it really is, grab my boobs. I know he just wants to touch me and show me that he is sexually attracted to me still...after 13 years together...this is meant to be a beautiful gesture BUT at times this can activate an anger in me that feels like I could literally rip his arm off at the shoulder. WHERE does this emotion come from? I love my husband. He is my best friend. He is my partner in life. I want him to want to touch me, so where does this anger come from?After some deep thought as well as speaking openly with my Mom, I found out where this comes from. Could this be an inherited emotion that my Mom use to feel when my biological abusive father, use to grab her in this way? She was pregnant with me and would experience this exact emotion. The rage, the anger, the sadness of a man that treated her wrongly touching her in this sexual way. Could this emotion become a characteristic that I took a hold of? I took this pain and placed it firmly within my sexual dialogue. I felt this emotion when I was in the womb as well as seeing my mom respond this way the first year or two of my life. Sex was not a beautiful amazing moment for her and these thoughts, feelings and emotions have found a place into my sexual life as well.

When I first became sexually active ,at the age of 17, I was always under some form of substance control. I loved smoking pot. For the next 4 years of my life there was pounds of pot, this also lead to cocaine, with an occasional mushroom trip splashed with a few acid trips, that turned into smoking crack which turned into the place where most drug users end up...the world of crystal meth. I got out with determination, will power and having a daughter that I know deserved a wonderful sober Mother. I have been drug free for 13 years now. I now know that a lot of this substance abuse was to mask the pain I felt sexually.

Even in my marriage there was a good part of the time that I would prefer to have a drink so I could be more liberated and open with my sexual self. There is this sexual diva that comes out strong when I have had a beer or 2 or a few crown and cokes. This sexual tigress arrives and she is on fire with passion, drive, determination and dominance.

So I have choose to release the pain and sadness that I unconsciously decided to become part of my sexual story. I am still working through this process but now that I understand where it comes from it will be easier for me to release. This is just one small part of my sexual self. I have many other emotions and some sexual traumas as well that have really shifted my ability to see sex as I wish but I know I can get to that place with dedication, determination and will power.

Where have some of your sexual emotions came from? Take a moment and see if you can find some answers. You can also email me at Cameo@mbsglow.com or message me on facebook @ www.facebook.com/mma4all ...I would love to give you insight and my opinion.

We don't often hear that word at all anymore. It is usually referred to as some mystery word that has no correlation with the vagina itself. We hear words like " down there", your girl parts and other silly terms...when my girls where little I always used the word foofur! I have since learned the importance of calling this what it is...the vagina . When boys enter this world they are directly connected to their penis. They can see it, touch and they are immediately exploring how this miraculous body part works. How it hangs, what makes it move, they can stand and pee and they are in love with it from day one. I have a son and have witnessed this first hand. Even when he was little he always had his hand down is pants holding this wonderful body part called the penis. As girls we have to be a private investigator when it comes to the vagina. It is all tucked away and hidden so we do not have a direct relationship with it from the moment we are born. When girls are babies the pee and poop can seem like they come from the same place and cause a early disconnect from the beautiful vagina. When boys are babies there is a clear distinction between the penis, where pee comes out and the anus, where poop comes out. Girls can also create feelings of resentment and anger. I am not saying we all have " penis envy" but men are so proud of their sexual organ. They talk about it, they know which way it hangs , they know what excites it and what doesn't. They love their penis. As women we get to spend time exploring this sexual organ called " the vagina". What makes it wet? what makes it happy? what makes it feel like receiving sexual pleasure? Do you like it shaved? Do you like it with a racing stripe? Do you like it full and bushy? The only way you are going to know the answers to these questions is to spend time on each question. Try different things and you will know what you like and do not like. The vagina is a gift to women. We get to love the vagina as much as men do. Become dedicated to connecting to this beautiful, sexual body part. The vagina connected with the mind can give you unlimited pleasure. It is not shameful and it is not bad. The vagina is beautiful, amazing, sexual, and it gets to receive the manly penis. Get comfortable using the word vagina and get comfortable allowing yourself to receive pleasure from this glorious body part called....THE VAGINA!!!

Author

My name is Cameo .I have been married for 16 years and with my husband for 17.5 years. I know that the sexual connection in a marriage can create strength and happiness and I also know the lack of a sexual connection can leave you feeling empty and dissatisfied. Lets get real open and become sexually satisfied in our marriages!


Q:

Retrieve base64 image stored as a CLOB from derby with Worklight adapter

I am trying to retrieve an image stored as a CLOB in a Derby DB via a Worklight SQL adapter.   I would like to do something similar to what was written up here:
https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/community/blogs/dhuyvett/entry/jsonstore_revisited_in_worklight_v6_part_1_the_adapter?lang=en
except for the referenced article the author is using DB2.  Does anyone know how I can do this in Derby?  Currently when I go to retrieve the image doing a SQL Select, the string returned is
"IMAGE": "org.apache.derby.impl.jdbc.EmbedClob@2d236"
I would also consider mysql as an alternative.   Thanks for any suggestions.
JT

A:

org.apache.derby.impl.jdbc.EmbedClob is a java.sql.Clob, so if you have the CLOB in a var, you should be able to get the data with:
var dataAsString = theClob.getSubString(1, theClob.length());  // Assumes all CLOBS are < 2G


Black Panther Review

Fellow movie-goers: Absolutely one of the best superhero movies Marvel has given us.

10Plot: Fantastic origin story, top notch writing.

10Acting: Boseman and Jordan bring the house down.

8Directing: Coogler does a great job bringing the newest hero to life.

9Cinematagraphy: Awesome shots, especially the fight scenes.

10Pacing: Never dull, keeps your attention to the end.

9.4

Post Views: 8

Here’s the premise: After the events of Captain America: Civil War, King T’Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader. However, T’Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from factions within his own country. When two foes conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as Black Panther must team up with C.I.A. agent Everett K. Ross and members of the Dora Milaje, Wakandan Special Forces, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.

From the explosive beginning, right to the awesome ending, BLACK PANTHER will hold your attention and at times, keep you on the edge of your seat. While we got to see BLACK PANTHER in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, it left us wanting more…and now we have it. Where CIVIL WAR showed a little what our hero can do, the BLACK PANTHER film magnifies this and shows exactly why he is a crucial part of the MCU.

Chadwick Boseman does a phenomenal job as T’Challa, aka BLACK PANTHER, he brings a confidence to the role that says “Don’t mess with me!!!” in bold print. He not only takes on outsiders, but has to battle for his position in his own community, these fight scenes are some of the best I have seen, very well done. Ringing in as the villain is Michael B. Jordan, who is awesome, as usual. Michael is one of my favorite young actors coming out of Hollywood today, and while I hated to see him as a villain, he actually brings something a little extra to his character that makes us understand why he is the way he is.

This is a great movie and should be seen on the big screen, I highly recommend it!!!