I am a woman with metastatic breast cancer. My cancer was first detected as inflammatory breast cancer nearly 4.5 years ago, although I've also had invasive breast cancer, Paget's disease, and recurrences as the cancer spread to lymph nodes under my left arm (2010), to lymph nodes in the center of my chest (New Year's 2011), and then to my bones in March 2011.
Metastatic breast cancer means that cancer cells have spread from my right breast to other sites, made themselves at home, and reproduced so many times that now each cell has become a mass of cells detectable by today's x-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs. I have those tests frequently now, to determine how well my current treatment is proceeding, whether the cancer is progressing or held at bay, and when we should change treatments to something that might be more effective. Last week's tests and scans showed that there is still cancer in my neck, spine, ribs, and hips. The blood tests had been showing a reduction in the total load of cancer cells in my body, but as the numbers slowed to a standstill, they agreed with the increasing pain in my hips, left ribs, and neck, one that agrees with the scans; we will have to change treatments.
Just to survive, I spend a day at the hospital every two out of three weeks now, receiving chemotherapy through the port implanted in my chest. To lessen the pain of bone metastasis, caused by swelling of the bone as the cancer cells populate the core and push outward against its thin covering, I am undergoing pallative radiation therapy this month: each workday for three weeks. It is working – Thank God, it is working! – but it takes the whole morning to go for treatment and back, and then I sleep it off for several hours, waking when my children arrive home from school. Yes, I have two little children. It is hard to balance treatment with their care, but I am grateful for the opportunity to try. I am grateful that my body responded to treatment the first time, that my chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation in 2007-8 beat back the cancer and gave me another chance to live, to be their mom — the baby, after all, is only four-and-a-half.
But, like 30% of other breast cancer survivors, the cancer came back. I blamed myself, but we now know that the recurrence of cancer was not my fault. Researchers now say that if a cancer is going to recur, cancer cells have already escaped the breast for other parts of the body even before the primary cancer is detected by today's best methods of detection, let alone breast self-exams, the most highly recommended method of detection of breast cancers.
There are treatments that improve quality of life, like my radiation therapy this month, and chemotherapy to reduce the tumor burden that we have to struggle against, but these treatments are given to improve quality of life, not to cure. The end result, after all, is the same.
In January of this year, I participated in my first clinical trial, eager to help move research forward, excited about participating in research on metastatic disease. It was unsuccessful; by February, I was confined to bed, the soles of my feet red hot, skin peeled off, and in terrible shape. Only then did I *really* understand that a Phase I/II clinical trial first tests toxicity; the amount of drug that the body can bear within reason. The level that I was given was too much.
I started a new trial in March that compared standard-of-care injections with less frequent injections. That was fine, except I did worry whether the study would be successful, as I was assigned to have less frequent injections, and was I hurting my chances for survival with this decision? No one knew, and that was the purpose of that clinical trial. I continue receiving those injections, but was moved off the trial when the next round of scans showed that the cancer spread to my bones. My next treatment will be with a different drug.
I believe in research. I believe in it so much that I have put my body on the line, participating in clinical trials before I even understood the rarity of the opportunity. Trials for metastatic disease are few and far between — for the FDA mandates that before any clinical trial on metastatic disease start, the drug be shown effective in reducing primary breast cancers first. But many researchers are now saying that metastatic disease does not behave the same as primary disease, so what good does this regulation do for those of us whose cancer has already come back, despite the drugs we used for our primary disease?
The regulation protects us, yes. But it also makes the testing of new drugs that might work on metastatic breast cancer much rarer than it might otherwise be.
I have attended two significant events with other metastatic women this year, and each time we have asked the organizers and advocates how we can participate in more clinical trials. How we can donate tissue, or time, or our very bodies … so that others may benefit from the research, and so that we can see the community actively working toward control of — or even a cure for — metastatic breast cancer.
With everything from groceries to debit cards going pink this month, special coverage on the news and advertisements on the radio, there is money and energy flowing in for awareness, treatment, and research on primary breast cancer. But the funding for metastatic breast cancer remains at 3% of all funding for breast cancer research in the United States.
We attend the Pinktober events, the celebrations of progress for breast cancer, perhaps standing on the sidelines, quietly cheering our sisters on. We are genuinely thrilled for the progress that has been made in understanding about the importance of breast cancer self-exams; about follow up testing for everyone, no matter their ability to pay; and in the discovery of 20 or so chemotherapies that can beat back primary breast cancers, alone or in combination. We smile as our Stage I, II, and III sisters take the stage, thrilled to share their stories and years of survival since that day each found a lump in her breast, and we clap as hard as anyone else for their survival. It is, after all wonderful news. We lower our eyes in remembrance of the women that the organization has lost in the past year, and we try to cheer for the hopeful outlook of more awareness, more research that the organizers swear to us will come if we just buy one more t-shirt, sell ten more tchotchkes, write that check before you leave. We accept the pink ribbon and pin it to our shirts, but we often feel that it doesn't quite fit.
The pink ribbons and survivor pride and celebrations are parts of a wonderful day, but our day is not done, you see. When we go home, we take off our ribbons and take our pills and set our alarms, for in the morning, we have a chemo appointment. Or a follow-up visit. A scan. Or we're just waiting to see the results — has the cancer progressed since last time?
There is often deep reflection on those dark nights. We support early detection, breast self-exams, mammograms, and we smile when someone shows us their pink ribbons or tries on pin one on us. But still, we may come away from events like this with a tear in our eye, or mad as hell. If there are so many reasons to "hope," we ask, then can we please be included? If all these walks and collections and special pink hair dryers and vacuum cleaners are being sold "for the cure," is some of it, at least some of it, going to research metastatic disease?
Why is research on metastatic disease funded at a level of just 3% of all breast cancer research, when metastatic disease is the state that all breast cancer patients reach if their cancer recurs? Here's a dirty little secret: very few people die of breast cancer confined to the breast. Breast cancer deaths are caused by treatment or metastasis, after the initial cancer has spread away from the breast and into vital organs. We need to research that end of the cancer spectrum too.
Yes, let's prevent cancer. By all means, let's prevent one more woman from suffering with this disease.
But let's also research metastatic cancer, more, and faster, and let's prevent women from dying from this disease.
Over 30% of women diagnosed with Stage I, II, and III breast cancers will suffer a recurrence and become metastatic. Many more are diagnosed at Stage IV, after the initial cancer has already spread. There is no cure. And yet only 3% of the funding is focused on this end state.
This entry was posted on Monday, October 17th, 2011 at 7:49 am and is filed under breast cancer, metastasis.	You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Thanks for this post, Susan. Wow, an eye-opener, but depressing and frustrating (especially about clinical trials) I was in a clinical trial for early stage (stages 1- 2B) Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivors. The drug had actually been FDA-approved 3 years earlier for late stage TN, and I was told that that's the way it often works – drugs approved first for late stage later assessed to see if they can make more difference in disease caught earlier (maybe who they test it on first depends on the kind of cancer and or the drug?) And, btw, the one and only study I could find on the drug, called ixibipilone reported up to 2 months extended life in some of the late stage trial participants in the earlier trials. Lots of intensive side effects and unfortunately a number of deaths tied to the drug (if I recall, the deaths were associated with the severe neutropenia caused by the drug) But you're right, Susan, trials are important, It's how we have the drugs we have now.
Hope you have better days, and it's wonderful that you are appreciative for the ones you do have. It's a blessing for your family and close friends. And you know how those who come to this site appreciate all that you share.
Hi, Susan. I shared this post AND the article from Huffington on my facebook page. It is the bravery of people such as yourself that will, ultimately, make the difference between wearing pink because that's what we do in October, and funding actual research. Best regards.
A fantastic post – frustrating, but informative and right to the point. I am thrilled that your radiation treatment is giving you some pain relief. I hope the next chemo you try also beats back the cancer cells. Thank you for helping me and others become more aware of metastatic breast cancer, and the realities. I'll pass this post on as I can.
You are doing so much to create a crusade, trust that behind you we shall swell and launch your message further.
Big love and light to you.
I would love to share this on my FB page — but my best friend, recently diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer — is not in the place to read this — but so many women — so many people — are benefitting from your posts — and I just wanted to thank you for your blog. I am learning so much — and am just so grateful – more than I can probably adequately express here.
Susan, what a powerful message. Would you be willing to submit it for publication? Newspaper editorials, magazines… Your message is one that needs to be WIDELY heard. I, for one, didn't realize that funding for breast cancer doesn't typically include funding for metastatic disease. 3% is outrageous. Keep spreading the word….shout if from the rooftops! (Especially this month when news coverage is on breast cancer awareness.) You are such a powerful advocate, gather others to help you make some noise and be heard….Many blessings to you, dear Susan.
The figures are staggering, Susan! It's incomprehensible that we are fed figures that support certain views – such as making progress against the disease which imply fewer deaths – yet a different set of figures tell the horrible truth that no headway has been made against the real killer – Metestatic Disease.
I've said it before and mean it more and more each day, you are my hero… a real flesh and blood person who's very existance makes me strive to be a better version of myself. I love you, Susan.
I learn so much from reading your blog, though I so wish you had the luxury of simply teaching us about astrophysics. Cancer and it's stages and types are so complicated, just like other illness labels when you delve in because someone you know has it and it is simply mind-boggling. There does not to seem to be just one trajectory for breast cancer, as I naively thought and this is likely true for other cancers as well. Metastatic breast cancer deserves as much research as other cancers. If anything, it has the potential to be even more life-saving.
You sure look perky. And I don't think it's that Southern, "everything is fine" smile. It's a real smile. It comes from joy in the heart, even though life is tough. Thanks!
Another powerful and enlightening post, Susan. I will pass it along to others.
Thinking of you often and I am so glad that the pallative treatments are helping.
So glad your pain has eased! I am passing your post along to FB also. Hope you feel the swell of support and your smile is contagious!
I know another woman who has had her cancer spread, and she's also in trials. God bless you, both. I would do the same, to be honest. Anything to help the future of this disease. You are strong, and you are helping others just by posting. Thank you for that.
Thank you so much for this post Susan. Praying for you always, my friend!
Susan, Thank you for writing this. Like you, I am appalled by the lack of attention in general given to mets in October and all year for that matter. And the lack of funds for research, I simply don't understand the logic of practically ignoring the deadly end of the spectrum of this disease. There is so much work to be done. I can only imagine your frustration and yes, anger during Pinktober and beyond. Like others have said, there's nothing wrong with all the pink, it's just not enough. Good luck with the next treatment.
Thank you for speaking up and speaking out. It was a privilege to pass this along!
i agree with the others: a privilege to pass this along.
do you happen to know if the numbers are similar in Canada, Susan, regarding research on metastasis?
This is why I believe so passionately in being part of a change. I cry when I hear "survivor" because it diminishes the diagnosis of so many. And it's unacceptable to sit on the sidelines and say nothing. I feel like every penny raised for disease should be dedicated to advocacy or research (and not in that order)….
Money spent to help those for whom treatment would be impossible-good use of funds.
Money spent researching drugs to stop mets-good use of funds. Money spent researching why-also, good use of funds.
Money spent to tell women they need mammo's-that's where the 3% should be going…..
I am glad to hear the rads are helping with the pain!
All I can tell you Susan, is God bless you, always! You are amazing!!!
Say the words you long to hear.
But as I write, I am reminded that words may offer some comfort but they are not enough.
I do not have mets at this point, and maybe I don't understand how so many women feel who face this devastating diagnosis, because you are not the first person I've heard say they felt the word survivor diminishes those with mets. But the way I personally see it, all of us are survivors through every breath we take. While most late stage, sadly do end up eventually getting their "c" wings, I don't think it means they can no longer be called survivors -anymore so than those who don't metastasize and end up eventually passing from something else. All of us die sooner or later though some of us have the fortune of living long first. And I think survivor so well speaks to those with mets who fought, typically harder and often having to be braver, than those who get more time.
I do wish more would go into the cure for advanced cancers though. Seems like there are lots of drugs out there even for advanced, but sadly, nothing is getting it yet. Let's just keep hoping and stay united and respecting each other and speaking up for each other. And hope that one day the scientists get smarter than this *#@* disease. Susan, I never know what to say cause everyone else seems to have said it all and said it so well. You are a warrior mom, warrior wife, warrior friend, warrior educator – making a permanent mark. You will live on more than some who may possibly walk this earth longer than you.
Thank you so much for sharing this information, Susan. I am early in my learning curve about all this and am grateful for patient and thoughtful explanations that help me, as much as possible from the outside, get a clue. I'm grateful to you for taking the time to share this with us.
Such a horrible desease. I hope the research money comes. Its seems like a no brainer, but sadly we aren't much for long term thinking when it comes to research dollars. Thank you for sharing your fight and bringing this to the attention of so many people.
What an eloquent post, Susan–I am off to look up contact info for the Inflammatory Breast Cancer's research program. I am sitting here thinking about how much basic info about the science of women's lives just never gets into popular discourse. I've learned so much reading here about cancer detection, treatment, and research. Seems like much of this really ought to be better known.
Wishing you "good days" and peaceful nights.
Thank you, thank you for this post. You have opened my eyes to what needs to be changed.
Thanks for this eloquent, passionate call to action, Susan. I had *no idea* just how little of the funding (and the Pinktober attention!) went to metastatic breast cancer, and was shocked by both the figures and the lack of change in prognosis for women at stage IV over the past decades. How can we work together to change this?
And yet — if I can throw in my 0.02 here — it's not just metastatic *breast* cancer that's an orphan, although it's a particularly good illustration of the problem, given the success of awareness- and fundraising around breast cancer. It's metastatic cancer in general. According to an editorial in the European Journal of Cancer, only c. 5 percent of *all* cancer research funding targets metastatic disease. The editorial doesn't delve into why this is, although it's tempting to think it's just much sexier, and hence an easier sell to potential funders, to "cure cancer", rather than to devote research time, money and energy to managing disease and prolonging life (and quality of life) in those we don't yet know how to cure. I have also wondered whether research into metastatic disease suffers from the same problem as palliative care, in being something of an embarrassment; after all, if the initial treatment had worked, neither would be needed, right?
My mother died of a rare, highly malignant bone cancer, which metastasized almost immediately and took her life in less than two months. Tonight my father in law waits in hospital to find out whether his recently diagnosed aggressive prostate cancer has spread past the power of surgery and radiotherapy to contain it. More money for research into metastatic cancer really, truly can't come soon enough for me.
Emerging from 9 years without treatment into a recent metastatic diagnosis, it is so interesting to now be facing "the worst" that I've feared all this time. As for research and funding, it is staggering when you look at the numbers, and all the while listening to the "early detection saves lives" mantra, and the mammography debate. Thank you for opening our eyes, Susan, and know that you're not fighting alone!
Thank you Susan, for such a thorough, enlightening post. You have explained it far better than any of us can who aren't in it, much as we may be aware that it could be us at any time. I have linked to this post on my blog today, which is about the real people behind the pretty pink ribbons.
You have enough to deal with, just fighting. Taking the time to paint such a vivid, devastating picture is an act of generosity and love.
You rock lady. When I want to get lazy and stop scrapping, I think of you and get off my —.!
So glad the rads are helping.
you are amazing and wonderful and I love you babe.
Thank you for taking the time to share your story and info so eloquently.
Also, I didn't know about the FDA rule about Clinical Trials and primary breast cancer vs MBC.
We all need that 3% to grow and grow fast. I've "survived" 3 early stage primary breast cancers… I know there's no cure. I hope it's not in my future, but I know that like all my fellow early stage sisters, I'm at risk for mets.
At this point, for "Breast Cancer Awareness" to really mean something, it needs to fully encompass Metastatic Breast Cancer. By sharing your story you're helping to make that happen.
None of it's right, Susan. Absolutely none of it is right.
It almost seems as if the more scientists study cancer the more confounding it becomes. What I've personally concluded is that cancer in and of itself wants to live as much as we all do.
The other day a physician on a CancerCare webinar (on metastatic disease) suggested that it isn't just the percent of research dollars allocated to metastatic breast cancer per se but research in general that identifies the factors that trigger mutational switches from flipping. So that it may not be an actual dollar amount but greater discernment about the nature of cancer research in general. It is something to think about. All I am saying here is that I think it's bigger than simply allocating research dollars for metastatic versus primary breast cancer research. We need deeper, better research on inflammatory breast cancer as well.
I think we also need to take some of those pink dollars raised via yogurt and who knows what else and log them all into a travel fund so that women can afford to travel to locations where a particular trial may suit her particular cancer.
And on a final, personal note, I'm so glad to hear that the radiation is helping. I am with you all the way.
I would look in to the Budwig Protocol.
Thank you for saying something that needs to be said. I have often wondered just how the funds are used, and am extremely disappointed to hear only 3% goes to metastatic breast cancer.
I fervently hope the radiation therapy continues to lessen your pain. If I could give you the very bones of my body to eradicate your hurt and make this magically go away, I would. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Given the difficulty of studying metastasis, can we develop new approaches, such as engineered tissue grafts, to investigate the biology of tumor spread?
Background: Metastasis continues to be difficult to study. We have almost no reproducible systems to study this deadly process. Mouse tail vein injections of tumor cells often leads to tumor growth at various sites in a process that mimics metastasis to some degree. Some genetically engineered mouse models will metastasize, but the process is hard to stage or follow in rigorous detail. This Provocative Question calls for development of new approaches to study metastasis.
Feasibility: While the range of potential approaches to develop methods to study metastasis is left to the imagination and creativity of the community, one potential exciting approach is the construction of engineered tissue beds that could serve as sites for invasion of metastasizing tumor cells. Such sites could be modified to determine which physical or biological properties promote more successful invasive and subsequent tumor proliferation. Many parameters of metastasis could be measured if it were known when and where to follow this process, and such sites could allow more careful analysis of what events guide the development of metastasis. These types of suggestions also raise a large number of other potential approaches that might make the study of metastasis more controllable and thus more readily compared among tumor types and more readily modifiable.
Implications of success: In many ways, metastasis is the most important stage of tumor development. Developing new methods to allow its careful study would provide important new avenues to learning about this stage of tumor development.
Fascinating. What an interesting idea! One of the other early questions was submitted by Dr. Patricia Steeg and a number of us in March, hoping that NCi would take an interest in working to lift the FDA regulation that metastatic clinical trials test only drugs proven to work on primary cancers. Steeg, a working researcher who sat with us metastatic women in a room while we met – with tears in her eyes – is one of our best hopes. If this regulation is holding our best back, then it should be loosened.
Awesome that you have been right there, on the front line! Maybe you should tape yourself talking about your journey, not just with the disease, but journaling what's gone on (or hasn't gone on) with advancing the science, and what your involvment has been and why you do it.
Yes, we need to go full force on both early detection AND metastatic disease. Just seems we should be further ahead in both.
About drugs needing to be tested in front line therapy first: the drug in the clinical trial I was in (xibipione vs taxol which was the control) was already FDA approved for advanced Triple Negative Breast cancer. It was first being tested on Stages 1 and 2 TN. And maybe I heard it wrong, but my understanding had been that the PARP inhibitors now available in clincial trials are only available for advanced stage Triple Negative? Or at least I'd heard those were the only cases it was being used a year or so ago?
I had Stage I brca and positive nodes almost 13 years ago and have had several 'scares' since then. While I don't live in constant fear of metastasis, it's frequently in my thoughts. To live as you do and fight as you do — well you are amazing and make me proud. I will do what I can — write letters, ask questions, make more people aware of the situation regarding research, clinical trials, and funding. I applaud you for your courage to live a full life with your work, your family, and your disease. Bravo!
I love your fighting, advocate soul. Love it.
You said it. Me too! Fight on and God be with you.
You are amazing and so brave. You're family is lucky to have someone like you in their lives. I wish you the best of luck in your clinical trials and look forward to reading future blogs.
Susan, I applaud you for bringing this to our attention again. Your wonderfully written post really brings this message out loud and clear. I continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and I know your blog is making a difference for many people. Take care and glad to hear that the radiation/chemo is helping manage your pain.
Thanks so much, as always, Susan, for this thoughtful and thought-provoking post.
My mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer almost 7 years ago and she has been cancer-free after a year of surgery, radiation and chemo. She has always talked about metastatic breast cancer being a completely different disease from Stage III and lower.
I understand people have a hard time understanding that, but your post made it so clear, and your call to action was even clearer.
Again, thank YOU for taking the time and energy to write and engage and influence. May your influence be as big as your heart!
Big love to you and your family!
Susan – we need a TeamWhyMommy version of support for metavivors… people standing behind those with metastatic breast cancer — TeamBeyondThePink Ribbon or something. Your blog and the piece in USA Today was totally enlightening. I had no idea only 3% of breast cancer research dollars go to Metastatic Breast Cancer. Let's do this together.
I'd also like to see the numbers for profits vs percentage given to cancer research or foundation. Like how much did yoplaits profits go up compared to how many people save & send in the pink tops?
Also, are there charities to donate to where I could designate my money for metastatic disease?
Thank you for this post and for bringing awareness to metastatic breast cancer. My friend, who is 38, is dying of the disease, nearly three years after being diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in Dec. 2008. She went into hospice 2 wks ago after her disease stopped responding to treatment. It is so hard to understand how there is so much money and consciousness directed at cancer research and breast cancer research in particular, and yet it feels like so little progress has been made against this terrible disease.
So very sorry to hear about your friend. For those of us living with mets, we wonder when that day will come..,when the disease will grow stronger than the drugs…all the time. And you're right about the money, except that the lion's share of money goes to things like awareness campaigns, and even high salaries for non-profit execs. And of what does go to research, only about 3% is allocated to studies on mesateses, despite the fact that 20-30% of breast cancer will spread, and that spread accounts for 90% of cancer deaths. We must take a critical look at allocations and demand change!
Thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a year ago. I'm doing well but just starting the cancer experience. You seem so upbeat and positive. Keep fighting!
Very informative post, thanks for sharing your life with us!
You really expose a fundamental flaw in our health care system, Susan. Research institutions that don't show results just don't get money. It's much easier for them to produce evidence of results in the area of prevention than to fight for the elusive cure that produces thin evidence of results at best. But this is kind of like oiling the squeaky wheel while the quiet one is falling off, isn't it?
It is wrong, in so many ways, that budgets, and not love, drive the distribution of these funds, not to mention that probably more than 3% goes into the cost of distribution! God bless you and other heroes like you, and thank you for your amazing gift to this world!
I just came across your post and decided to read on. Thank you for sharing your struggle with others. My mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 Gastroesophageal cancer. She underwent the chemo/radiation and surgery to remove her esophagus and most of her stomach– and she is one of the miracles. She was in ICU for 6.5 weeks and can't walk again yet but is making strides. I thank God every single day that I have her for even one more day. I am going to pray for you Susan, I pray that God will heal your body and give you more time with your children. God Bless.
Thank you for this post. It is like a sobering slap in the face – people can enjoy life and rejoice under any circumstances.
May God with his infinite love and wisdom be with you every second.
This was a moving post and difficult for me to read. I lost a love one to breast cancer and witnessed the difficulties of everyday life as time went on. Family support is so important.
Thank you for sharing this and congrats on being freshly pressed.
wow. i commend you. your story is moving. my family has a history of cancer, but up to this point both my mother, my sister, and i, have all somehow dodged breast cancer. i know it's common, and i know at only 28 i'll eventually have to deal with somebody close to me (or myself) struggling with breast cancer. i can only hope that the courage and strength you exemplify is something i can exude. a wonderful share. thank you!
My aunt died of this when it entered her brain… my father is a chemist and he was trying to get DCA for her to take but the pharma companies don't sell it because there's not enough profit, even though it could help millions with cancer.
everyone needs to see this work. not to mention you are a brilliant female role model AND a survivor. awesome. thanks for all your hard work.
Do you know Jesus? That's really all that matters.
The money raised will go to help women get mammograms. Like you, I am impressed by the great strides made by awareness/early detection, and research, but it seems that now that some awareness could be raised for Mets, as well as some other very deadly cancers that also affect women, and can be detected early on with proper screens.
But heack, i did buy my nephews some pink Fire department shirts….which also will help women get mammograms, our county will have the best mammogrammed women out there.
Wow – you are so brave to share your struggle. Research is one of the most vital things, and its so costly. People do not realise!
I can't add to what has been said above but thank you so much. Very moving and informative, and you have my prayers. I wish I had more.
What courage you have, Susan. Even though you struggle with your disease you think of educating and helping others by describing your treatments and research.
I hope that all the good will and sincere good wishes shown on the responses to your blog will send enough positive energy your way to help you overcome this horrible disease.
I have been following you on Twitter since I first heard of BlogHer this year. You are truly an inspiration, and I hope to help in any way I can to improve the amount of discussion that can help get more research.
Susan: We have a family member afflicted with metastatic breast cancer as well. It has become the focus of our family, and this is also part of our new dynamic. As much as I hate it, it is our reality now, and we're struggling to find a new normal. Looking at you, and reading your words, makes me feel a little bit more at ease. It almost seems as though you have found some sense of day-to-day equilibrium amidst your struggles. I find your strength inspiring. Thank you for sharing this ~ you truly are an inspiration.
I cried as I read you post. I cried for you and I cried for me as I have my mammography tomorrow and I fear the results because of the pain I've had for awhile and should have had checked early summer. I pray for you and all women. May there some day be a cure for all forms of breast cancer.
I would love to know your thoughts on that.
videos on YouTube on Gerson Cancer treatment as well.
Oh honey, how brave you are! A total stranger, but by the sharing of your story, someone who I now hold in my heart. I will be praying in fervant faith for you, believing that God will perform the miracle you need. I'm sure you've heard things like that so many times it's now slightly galling, but I'll be praying anyway. Praying and believing. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story.
Hi Susan, You are ne of the bravest woman I have come across. I lost my mom to Pancreatic cancer this September, after having fought Cancer for almost a year. I can totally understand being a medical journalist in Canada, that how difficult it is the to participate in trials; fail and succeed finally. Hats off to you dearie…We all hear you!
Susan, you're amazing. Your poise astounds me.
You are so brave, you created more aware of metastatic breast cancer, and the realities.
Susan, thank you for sharing your story, and for your work in supporting women and breast cancer treatment.
You are an inspiration! Thanks to women like you, someday there will be advances in treatment for stage IV mets.
I am a survivor, and I am embarrassed by the pink ribbon which has only come to mean more money for big companies and manufacturers, some who don't even donate anything but can use the "pink" because they are making women "aware".
I wish I could give you a big hug for all you are doing…thanks.
I worked in Phase I, and would give anything to go back to it so I could support people like you again. I wish you a day free of pain, happiness with your children, and night of restful sleep. Be well.
Thank you for your story. I pray you are able to find "hope".
Susan, thank you so much for sharing. I am currently reading "Emperor of All Maladies: A History of Cancer" and it is very eye-opening to the history of the disease.
It also talks extensively of former treatments of breast cancer — women underwent mastectomies that rendered their arms immobile – doctors were removing as much as possible in that area. A crying shame, but at least we've made (some small) advances in Cancer treatment since then.
My thoughts are with you, you courageous soul. All the best to you & yours.
Great post. I had no idea about the differences in funding for research for metastatic breast cancer. The information in this post is so moving and informative.
Please take my best wishes. You are very brave. Thanks for sharing this with us so openly.
Wow. You are a modern day hero. My aunty had the same cancer and watching her deteriorate gave all of us a cancer too.
I admire your bravery and thank you for sharing your story; I have always considered there to be a cathartic element to writing; I hope you feel this too.


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Behind Frank Quattrone's Comeback in New Tech Era
Famed deal-maker is again in high demand, but controversy lingers from his dot-com days
Frank Quattrone leaving a federal courthouse in New York in 2003. His conviction of obstructing an investigation into how shares of IPOs were steered to clients was overturned in 2006. He launched Qatalyst Partners in 2008. Deals by the firm have brought in more than $1 billion of fees.
Photo: GINO DOMENICO/BLOOMBERG NEWS
By Maureen Farrell
Dec. 20, 2015 9:12 pm ET
When Aruba Networks Inc. was considering a sale of the wireless-networking company to Hewlett-Packard Co. last year, the board of directors turned to an investment banker who made his name during the last technology boom.
Frank Quattrone worked for 4½ months trying to nail down a deal. But then there was a problem. H-P Chief Executive Meg Whitman refused to negotiate with Mr. Quattrone because he had been so difficult to deal with in previous deals, says someone close to Ms. Whitman.
Aruba brought in another investment bank to finish the $3 billion takeover agreement. That firm was paid $7.7 million for its work. Mr. Quattrone's firm got $30 million.
In this new era of rising tech stars, the 60-year-old Mr. Quattrone is again one of the biggest deal makers, often beating competing bankers at much larger firms who are a generation younger than he is.
Mr. Quattrone is still controversial and still does business much as he did in the dot-com era. A relentless networker who isn't shy about telling potential clients about the high prices he got in earlier deals, he also ruffles the feathers of adversaries by pushing beyond the usual rough and tumble of deal-making, according to some bankers and executives.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This Lancaster Table & Seating black stacking wood restaurant high chair comes unassembled, offering you great savings on shipping expense! Made of 3/4" solid hardwood, it features radius corners and fits flush to standard table heights to ensure your little guests are fully present at mealtime. A nylon safety harness and seat belt are included to keep little ones safe and secure.
Arm Rest Height: 27 1/2"


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The OAISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability, or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities.
The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:
Human Rights Officer, Human Resources Department
13565 Port Sheldon Street
Position Statement on Equity
Ottawa Area ISD remains committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, both in policy and in practice. We are invested in the students, families and communities we serve, with our efforts aimed at promoting civility and prosperity for our community.
Recent events and tragedies – from COVID-19 devasting our most vulnerable communities to the heartbreaking deaths of Ahmaud Arbury, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd – affirm that more needs to be done to address inequities and systemic racism.
Ottawa Area ISD supports efforts across our communities and nation to evoke meaningful change. Simply put, we reject racism in all its forms and are committed to 'Doing More. Together.' to address racial and ethnic injustices. Admittedly, we do not have all of the answers, but we do believe that we are part of the solution and we believe the students we are helping to educate are part of the solution. We are dedicated to doing the work so urgently needed to make our students' future more equitable.
We encourage our staff members to actively educate themselves on the inequalities in our community and county, to actively listen to the lived experiences of community members and students, and to consider the role implicit bias may play in their classrooms.
We support and foster an environment where multiple viewpoints may be expressed, heard and respected; where students can explore, ask questions and find their voice within a safe space; and ultimately, where our children and team members are kept free from harm, including discrimination and harassment.
Ottawa Area ISD leaders are committed to being an active voice against systemic racism. We will continue to thoughtfully review and improve our practices, recognizing that discrimination takes many forms. We look forward to sharing with you the steps and actions we are taking to do better by our students, our community and each other.
Please contact Julie Gillespie, Ottawa Area ISD Human Rights Officer, for inquiries at jgillesp@oaisd.org or 616-738-8940 ext. 4091.


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'GST coming in 6-8 months, J&K must participate': Haseeb Drabu
Categories: GST Recent News
Predicting that Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime would come in 6-8 months, Jammu and Kashmir government today expressed its willingness to join it but said the state would have to protect its constitutional position which allows it to tax services in the state.
Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu, who was speaking in the Legislative Council in the context of new Industrial Policy, said, "..after 6-8 months, GST is coming" and the state will benefit greatly from it.
"We must participate, but we shall do so protecting our constitutional position especially the State Assets Act 1962 which gives us the power to tax services," Drabu said.
"I do not believe in the fact that we should trade our power to tax with the share in taxes," he said.
"So we are trying to find the modalities on how do we participate in the GST because as an importing state, the state that consumes more and produces less, we will benefit from GST greatly," the minister added.
The long-pending GST bill, which is aimed at overhauling the taxation system in the country, is expected to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha during the upcoming Monsoon session due next month.
Read more at: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/gst-coming-in-6-8-months-jk-must-participate-haseeb-drabu/articleshow/52905624.cms
GST composition scheme: Taxpayers have to opt by 21 July
Chennai businessman held for Rs 61 crore GST evasion
SDM orders FIR for not passing on GST benefit to consumer
Demonetisation: Mamata Banerjee asks colleagues to raise objections over GST implementation
Cut GST on lithium-ion batteries: IESA


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Paranoid schizophrenic Jeffrey Barry found guilty of murdering his neighbour
Barry stabbed Kamil Ahmad 25 times and chopped off his penis
Geoffrey Bennett
A jury has found a paranoid schizophrenic guilty of murdering his neighbour.
Jeffrey Barry, 56, was charged with the murder of Kurdish refugee Kamil Ahmad in July last year.
He pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Bristol Crown Court.
Trial judge The Honourable Mrs Justice May DBE considered passing sentence today, October 17, but it has been decided Barry will be sentenced on November 10.
Barry, a paranoid schizophrenic, had told support workers in the weeks leading up to the death that he wanted to be 'notorious' and harm members of the public, including his victim, the court was told.
Both Barry and Mr Ahmed lived in supported-living flats for people with mental health illnesses on Wells Road in Knowle, run by Milestones Trust.
Mr Ahmad was found in the early hours of July 7, 2016, by police who discovered him lying next to his own penis.
Adam Vaitilingam QC, prosecuting, described how CCTV footage from inside the block of flats shows Barry leaving his room on the ground floor around 1.30am before taking the stairs to the second floor where Mr Ahmad lived.
After knocking on his neighbours' door twice, Mr Ahmed opens the door and Barry goes inside emerging 40 minutes later covered in blood.
The chilling 999 call murderer Jeffrey Barry made moments after killing his neighbour
Resident Anthony Brink, who lived opposite Mr Ahmad, reported hearing the victim say "oh no not you" before hearing the sound of rushing, fighting and screaming which continued for 15 to 20 minutes.
He then heard someone being strangled before everything went silent.
Mr Ahmed's body was found in his flat, run by Milestones Trust, in Wells Road
Barry then made a 999 call to the police telling them what he had done and two police officers went to the scene and found Mr Ahmad dead.
Pathologist Amanda Jeffrey said Mr Ahmad had suffered as many as 25 stab wounds to his body and facial area including his eyes.
But she concluded he had died from three fatal stab wounds, one to his stomach, upper arm and left wrist.
Handwritten notes found in Jeffrey Barry's home (Image: CPS)
Mr Ahmad's penis was also found to have been cut off after he had died in an "act of mutilation".
Altercations between the two men had been documented by police and mental health services for years before the incident.
In December 2013 Mr Ahmad reported being assaulted by Barry and later told police he was scared of him.
Barry rang the police six weeks before the killing and reported that Mr Ahmad had raped a vulnerable person.
He also claimed he was a paedophile and terrorist in Iran.
He is reported to have been drinking heavily and smoking cannabis and in the days before had been admitted to a secure psychiatric facility after masturbating in public.
He was released a day before he killed Mr Ahmad.
Consultant forensic psychiatrists called by the prosecution and defence clashed on whether Barry was suffering from diminished responsibility due to his mental health at the time.
A spokesman for Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust said:
"On behalf of the Trust, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Kamil Ahmad at this difficult time. This was a tragic and brutal death. We remain committed to close cooperation with all agencies in an effort to prevent such an event happening in the future.
Psychiatrist says man charged with murder should not have been free to live in community
"We have reviewed and strengthened our ways of working with other service providers, including the Police, to improve our sharing of clinical and additional relevant information. "
A spokesperson for the Milestone Trust added: "We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Kamil Ahmad and everyone affected by this tragedy.
"Milestones Trust is an independent provider of housing and support to people with mental health needs. At our Wells Road Supported Living property, where Kamil Ahmed and Jeffrey Barry lived, our role is to support tenants to live independently in the community and, where necessary, to report any concerns that raise safeguarding issues.
"We are conducting our own internal review as well as working closely with NHS England and Bristol Safeguarding Adults Board (BSAB) as they undertake their investigations, to ensure we take on board any learnings for us from this tragic event and incorporate them into our future practice.
"We do understand this is a very difficult time for those involved but believe we should now wait until the results of these investigations are known before we comment further."
Alex Raikes, strategic director of SARI, said: "I know for Kamaran and the family, today's verdict is the right verdict although nothing can bring Kamil back.
"We will be continuing to support the family to deal with the impact of this race hate crime.
"We will be continuing to work with the family to seek justice for Kamil but also other such vulnerable people because I know for the family, they want there to be as many lessons as possible from what has happened.
"This heinous crime exposes the failings in the system when single, asylum seeking men are attacked and brutalised.
"Their voices need to be heard. Lessons need to be learned by all the authorities involved to ensure better measures are in place to protect refugees and asylum seekers when they face hate crime and discrimination."


For generations, traditional Wall Street investment companies have had a lock on telling us what we can and can't do to invest and save for retirement. There's so much more potential to generate much larger returns by using real estate within your retirement accounts. Preston Despenas shares more in this FlipNerd.com Flip Tip.
Mike: Hey, it's Mike Hambright from FlipNerd.com, and we have a quick VIP tip to share with you from Preston Despenas who's going to share a tip on how to maximize your retirement account.
Preston: Thanks, Mike. For most of you investors out there, you probably don't understand that with your IRA or with your 401(k) you can actually self-direct and purchase real estate, but more importantly, what you can do with those dollars when you are able to take advantage of what's called "non-recourse financing". Now, non-recourse financing will give you the ability to take 40% down payment on 100% of your purchase price with 60% of that financed. You are able to really diversify yourself and create much better returns based off the dollars that you invest. So it's pretty phenomenal the power that that non-recourse financing has, and I would invite everyone to check us out and learn a little bit more about it.
Mike: Awesome, awesome. Preston, thanks for sharing, yeah. If you're interested, go to GrowthEquityGroup.com. We'll add a link down below the video here.
Thank you for joining us for another FlipNerd Flip Tip.


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Jaime Câmara (Jardim de Angicos, 16 de julho de 1909 — Goiânia, 29 de outubro de 1989), foi um jornalista, empresário e político brasileiro.

História
Seu berço de nascimento foi o município de Jardim de Angicos, onde nasceu em 1909, de lá saiu ainda bem jovem para tentar a sorte no sul do Brasil, ficando em Goiás, velha capital, cidade que então lhe oferecia oportunidades de expansão de seus sonhos de empresário e empreendedor, embora fosse fechada na aceitação do novo e do forasteiro, uniu-se ao idealismo de outros tantos e fundou a AGI pelo trabalho de Albatênio Caiado de Godoi.

No jornal A Razão, propiciou a discussão de fatos da época, embora de limitadas proporções. Vitoriosa a Revolução de 1930, a velha capital de Goiás, o reacender da velha e controvertida ideia de transferência da Capital para local de melhor acesso.Mudada a Capital, integrou a corrente de pioneiros que sonharam os sonhos de Pedro Ludovico Teixeira e aqui fundou em 1938 o Jornal O Popular que até hoje continua sendo o maior veículo de comunicação da capital goiana, de insuperável prestígio.

Aqui se uniu ao talento de Célia Câmara e criou a família, empresário, interligou-se à vida política de Goiás, eleito Prefeito Municipal de Goiânia em 1958, Deputado Federal dez anos depois, em 1968, pela ARENA e, mais tarde, eleito novamente em 1982, pelo PDS, com expressiva votação.Fundou a Rádio Anhanguera, O Jornal de Brasília em 1964, Televisão Anhanguera e todo o complexo de comunicação. Teve o mandato de Deputado Federal cassado e os direitos políticos suspensos por dez anos, na legislatura 1967-1971, em face do disposto no art. 4 do Ato Institucional nº 5, de 13 de dezembro de 1968.

Naturais de Jardim de Angicos
Jornalistas de Goiás
Deputados federais do Brasil por Goiás
Prefeitos de Goiânia
Empresários de Goiás
Membros da Aliança Renovadora Nacional
Membros do Partido Democrático Social

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Eventos
 Construção do Monumento aos Açorianos em Porto Alegre, Brasil.
 Fundação do Museu Naval de Chania em Chania, Grécia.

Nascimentos

Falecimentos

1973 na arte


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YOUR SOURCE FOR CUTTING EDGE NEW MUSIC
It's Friday! So in keeping with recent traditions we're gonna leave you with some new music for your week-end. We know you guys love that...
I usually make it full on dance tracks but this week I found a lot of cool mellower stuff as well, so what I'm gonna do is put the 3 dancey tracks first under Day then the 3 mellower tracks under Night. Feel free to mix and match.
I'm loving the Rich Girls track by the Virgins that I'm putting first. Might do a full post on them next week.
I also got a new Devendra Banhart track in Spanish to end the post. He's amazing! Does mostly english tracks but he'll throw in a couple spanish singing tracks on each album and they usually end up being my favorites.
The Main Drag sounds very Radio Dept'ish and will appeal to fans of that band. Like Me!
Also in this Post a new Swayzak track! People already starting to compare that album to The Knife's Silent Shout as a possible contender for electronic album of the year.
Great Stuff...Enjoy and have a great/safe Labor Day week-end!
MP3: Rich Girls - The Virgins (YSI)
MP3: Tonight I Killed Somebody - Summer Went To Soon (YSI)
MP3: Made Her Smile - FrankMusik (YSI)
MP3: Smile and Receive - Swayzak (YSI)
MP3: Love During Wartime - The Main Drag (YSI)
MP3: Carmencita - Devendra Banhart (YSI)
By Ray Milian on 8/31/2007 Labels: dance, mellow, mix tape
Music Archives May 2020 (1) May 2018 (1) November 2017 (4) October 2017 (5) June 2017 (1) April 2017 (1) February 2017 (2) January 2017 (3) December 2016 (4) October 2016 (3) September 2016 (3) August 2016 (2) July 2016 (7) June 2016 (5) May 2016 (4) April 2016 (3) March 2016 (6) February 2016 (6) January 2016 (4) December 2015 (1) November 2015 (6) October 2015 (4) September 2015 (5) August 2015 (12) July 2015 (6) June 2015 (5) May 2015 (7) April 2015 (9) March 2015 (1) February 2015 (9) January 2015 (7) December 2014 (6) November 2014 (7) October 2014 (17) September 2014 (25) August 2014 (21) July 2014 (11) June 2014 (4) May 2014 (4) April 2014 (6) March 2014 (1) February 2014 (8) January 2014 (8) December 2013 (12) November 2013 (6) October 2013 (6) September 2013 (14) August 2013 (16) July 2013 (24) June 2013 (24) May 2013 (22) April 2013 (19) March 2013 (23) February 2013 (20) January 2013 (26) December 2012 (18) November 2012 (27) October 2012 (43) September 2012 (34) August 2012 (47) July 2012 (24) June 2012 (41) May 2012 (40) April 2012 (37) March 2012 (39) February 2012 (48) January 2012 (38) December 2011 (24) November 2011 (39) October 2011 (37) September 2011 (47) August 2011 (40) July 2011 (34) June 2011 (30) May 2011 (39) April 2011 (45) March 2011 (58) February 2011 (42) January 2011 (51) December 2010 (29) November 2010 (50) October 2010 (59) September 2010 (50) August 2010 (56) July 2010 (55) June 2010 (65) May 2010 (44) April 2010 (56) March 2010 (56) February 2010 (58) January 2010 (38) December 2009 (29) November 2009 (35) October 2009 (34) September 2009 (36) August 2009 (30) July 2009 (26) June 2009 (27) May 2009 (27) April 2009 (24) March 2009 (19) February 2009 (29) January 2009 (34) December 2008 (25) November 2008 (26) October 2008 (19) September 2008 (10) August 2008 (13) July 2008 (19) June 2008 (19) May 2008 (14) April 2008 (20) March 2008 (18) February 2008 (11) January 2008 (14) December 2007 (15) November 2007 (24) October 2007 (28) September 2007 (23) August 2007 (32) July 2007 (37) June 2007 (41) May 2007 (27) April 2007 (1)
Ray Milian
offtheradarmiami@gmail.com


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Fronius UK Ltd
Fronius U.K. Ltd, a subsidiary of Fronius International GmbH, provides the UK welding market with solutions for MIG/MAG, TIG, electrode, laser, plasma and resistance spot welding and automation. Its new state of the art facility in Milton Keynes extends over 3,500 square metres and houses the Tech Support team, Repair Center, warehouse and a training area, and epitomises the importance of being able to deliver a first-class service to customers. Fronius UK have mnore recently opened a new facility in East Kilbride to support their Northern customers.
Sales and service teams, both at head office and regionally, ensure that customers are supported as quickly as possible on their own premises. In addition, customers benefit from services such as calibration, a warranty extension and a maintenance contract.
For decades Fronius has made significant contributions to advances in welding technology. The company is still in family ownership and its welding technology division is now one of the world's technology leaders in the arc welding market segment. It is also the market leader in Europe.
Welding Technology is one of three Fronius divisions. Since the 1940s Fronius has been creating technologies and solutions for monitoring and controlling energy in battery charging systems, and since 1992 the same in solar electronics. The mains-connected inverter, the unique Fronius Service Partner programme and products for monitoring photovoltaic systems make Fronius one of the leading suppliers in the field of solar electronics.
Maidstone Road
MK10 0BD
52° 2' 22.974" N, 0° 40' 55.2612" W
hink.wolfgang@fronius.com
Manual Welding Product Guide
Virtual Welding - Education for the Future
TPS/i: Trans Process Solution


The US based auto giant, General Motors, stated that it will increase its car prices by 2-3 percent in January. It will also withdraw the discount offers on its cars next month. "We have been offering a discount scheme on our models for an extended period from October. We can no longer take a hit on our bottomline and hence we have decided to effect an upward revision in the prices of our car models. The prices will be increased on all our models from January," said P Balendran, Director and Vice President (Corporate Affairs), General Motors.
General Motors had been offering huge discounts on all its models since October 2008. The company has recently launched its Chevrolet U-VA in Bangalore recently to introduce its model in South India. GM had been offering discounts ranging from Rs. 20000 to 58,000 on its different models. It had also been offering further discounts of Rs. 3000 to Rs 5000 to the State and central government employees. All discounts will be withdrawn from January 2009.
GM has sold 65000 units from January to November marking a growth of 8.2 percent compared to last year's sales figures during the same period. It hopes to clock 20 percent growth by end of 2008 by selling 72000 – 75000 units across India.


You are here: Home / Business / Do You Have an Offline Marketing Plan?
With millions upon millions of people using the internet every single day, it's very easy as a business owner to get caught up in how to market your business online. But offline marketing is equally important for your business success and shouldn't be ignored. The two factions really should work hand in hand for ultimate success.
Marketing your business in real life isn't much different than doing it online except you're not hiding behind a computer screen. This idea can be extremely intimidating, especially for introverts, but the more you practice your real life interactions, the easier it becomes.
One tip to remember: Marketing does not equal sales. Marketing is about building relationships or planting seeds about your business, so when the time is right, a prospect will remember your name and contact you. You do not need to be in a constant state of selling; answer questions about your business but also ask questions to learn more about your contact's businesses. You won't honestly know if you can help each other without listening to what they do.
Begin searching for local networking groups or events. Many groups, such as BNI, allow visitors to attend meetings free of charge so ask about that option. After one or two visits, you'll know if the group will be beneficial to you; if so, join up. If not, search for your local Chamber of Commerce, small business meetups, or other professional networking groups. Use the same criteria for joining local groups as you would for joining Facebook or LinkedIn groups: who is in the group; how you can contribute in a meaningful way; and how will the group benefit you?
Many local organizations or charities look for sponsors to keep their programs running. Check out your Little League or other youth sporting clubs to sponsor a team or purchase an ad in their outfield. Look for youth theater groups – or even drama clubs in different schools – and pay for an ad in their playbills. Ask if your local places of worship have a weekly bulletin that accepts advertisements. Be smart with your choices; ultimately you still want to target your ideal clients but paying it forward in your community will also bring about some name recognition.
Does your town or those surrounding you have Community Days? Ask about setting up a booth to showcase your business. Print some pamphlets and business cards to hand out. Better yet, create an inexpensive swag bag with your printed material inside, along with a treat for those who stop by your booth. Remember to visit the other vendors and introduce yourself, much like you would at a networking event. Sometimes vendors will become your clients, all because they met you at a local event.
In the end, interacting with your local community and business owners is much like interacting with online followers. Be helpful, be attentive, and be visible to attract clients naturally.
Knowing your ideal audience is important but knowing what they struggle with will help you refine your marketing message even further. Now you can narrow your market even more by telling them how you can help, once you identify those pain points.


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Egli apparve in una piccola parte nel film horror L'esorcista del 1973 diretto da William Friedkin, in qualità di tecnico radiologo. La scena alla quale partecipò, dove viene svolto un esame medico specialistico alla protagonista Regan, con una considerevole quantità di sangue mostrato sullo schermo, fu, secondo molti spettatori, una delle più disturbanti dell'intera pellicola; e vari medici specialisti la lodarono per il suo realismo.

Nel 1979 Bateson fu incarcerato per l'omicidio del giornalista Addison Verrill e condannato a una pena detentiva di un minimo di 20 anni; nel 2003 è stato rilasciato in libertà condizionata. Prima del processo di Bateson, la polizia e gli inquirenti lo implicarono in una serie di delitti insoluti svoltisi nell'ambiente della comunità gay di Manhattan. Tuttavia, nessuna incriminazione ufficiale è stata mai emessa nei suoi confronti relativamente ai fatti in questione. Il caso di Bateson ispirò il regista William Friedkin a girare il film Cruising (1980) che, sebbene basato su un romanzo di dieci anni prima, incorpora alcuni aspetti della storia di Bateson, omosessuale dichiarato.

Nel 2012, Friedkin raccontò di avere fatto visita in carcere a Bateson prima del processo, e di avere discusso con lui degli omicidi insoluti nella comunità gay, che lui avrebbe alla fine confessato. Tuttavia, non esistono prove della colpevolezza di Bateson che, nonostante questo, viene spesso inaccuratamente definito il "serial killer dei gay".

Ad oggi, non è ben chiaro se Bateson sia ancora vivo o meno, poiché ha fatto perdere le proprie tracce dopo la scarcerazione. Nel 2018 Friedkin dichiarò in un'intervista di aver sentito che Bateson vive da qualche parte a New York. Un registro del servizio sanitario nazionale statunitense indica che un tale "Paul F. Bateson" con la stessa data di nascita e un numero di previdenza sociale emesso in Pennsylvania, è morto il 15 settembre 2012.

Primi anni e carriera
Bateson nacque il 24 agosto 1940 e crebbe a Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Nei primi anni sessanta svolse il servizio militare, durante il quale prese l'abitudine di bere in maniera smodata a causa della noia mentre era di stanza in Germania, diventando infine un alcolizzato. Dopo il congedo tornò a Lansdale e smise di bere.

Nel 1964 si trasferì a New York, dove cominciò una relazione con un uomo (anche se in seguito si descrisse "non esclusivamente gay" all'epoca) facente parte dell'industria musicale. La relazione fu segnata dalla ricaduta nell'alcolismo, con frequenti bevute di cocktail e feste sfrenate nella casa della coppia. Cinque anni dopo, la madre di Bateson morì d'infarto e suo fratello minore si suicidò.

Successivamente Bateson frequentò un corso universitario come tecnico di laboratorio per radiologia neurologica e cominciò a lavorare nel settore sanitario. Quando la relazione amorosa ebbe fine nel 1973, si trasferì nel quartiere di Brooklyn, dove fu assunto dal New York University Medical Center (NYUMC), in qualità di tecnico radiologo.

L'esorcista
Alla fine del 1972 il regista William Friedkin visitò il NYUMC durante la lavorazione del suo film L'esorcista, l'adattamento dell'omonimo romanzo di William Peter Blatty. Egli voleva assistere ad alcune procedure mediche in quanto stava prendendo in considerazione l'idea di inserirle in una scena del film. Inoltre stava anche cercando qualche membro dello staff che potesse lavorare come comparsa. Il dott. Barton Lane invitò il regista ad assistere a un esame di angiografia cerebrale.

All'epoca, alcune angiografie venivano eseguite perforando l'arteria carotide del paziente (sulla gola) così da inserire un catetere con un liquido di contrasto per rendere i vasi sanguigni maggiormente visibili ai raggi X. Nei momenti tra la puntura arteriosa e l'inserimento del catetere, il sangue fuoriesce liberamente dalla bocca del tubo a ritmo con il battito cardiaco del paziente. Friedkin restò sufficientemente impressionato da dire immediatamente a Lane che voleva inserire tale procedura nel film, e che voleva fosse proprio lui a recitare davanti alla telecamera, assistito da un'infermiera e da Bateson, il tecnico di laboratorio presente all'esame.

Pochi mesi dopo, Friedkin e la sua troupe cinematografica tornarono in loco per girare la scena, bloccando parte del reparto radiologia dell'ospedale per due fine settimana consecutivi. Fu questa una delle prime scene girate per il film, nella quale il personaggio di Regan (Linda Blair) si sottopone a degli esami medici per indagare gli strani comportamenti (rivelatisi poi effetto di una possessione demoniaca) della ragazzina.

Nella scena, è Bateson ad avere più battute, dando sfoggio del tono rassicurante che spesso utilizzava con pazienti bambini nella realtà. Può essere visto sullo sfondo, mentre Regan viene portata nella stanza, aiutandola a metterla sul tavolo e attaccandole i fili alle spalle. Mentre il film mostra il viso di Regan in primo piano, alternato a riprese della procedura in fase di completamento, incluso il suo sangue che schizza in aria macchiando il suo camice chirurgico (come era avvenuto nella procedura osservata da Friedkin), la voce di Bateson si sente fuori inquadratura, mentre la istruisce, avvertendola che la puntura carotidea farà male e rassicurandola mentre lei fa una smorfia subito dopo.

Fin dall'uscita nei cinema de L'esorcista alla fine del 1973, la scena è diventata celebre come una delle più disturbanti per il pubblico, nonostante la totale assenza di qualsiasi contenuto soprannaturale o horror, in virtù del suo realismo.

1973-1977
Nel periodo di uscita de L'esorcista, l'alcolismo di Bateson peggiorò nuovamente, finendo per ripercuotersi sulla sua vita sociale e professionale. «A nessuno piacciono gli ubriaconi», egli disse in seguito al The Village Voice. Nel 1975 fu licenziato dal suo impiego presso il NYUMC.

Da lì in poi Bateson si mantenne con lavori di fortuna, impieghi di poco conto come riparatore di lampade e pulizie negli appartamenti nei pressi della sua abitazione nel Greenwich Village, o venditore di biglietti in un cinema a luci rosse. Si recava spesso a riunioni degli Alcolisti anonimi, e riuscì a restare sobrio per qualche periodo. Socializzò con altri omosessuali con problemi di alcolismo con la speranza di dare inizio ad una nuova relazione sentimentale stabile.

Tuttavia, nel 1977 ricominciò a bere pesantemente, anche più di prima.

Nello stesso periodo cominciò a frequentare vari locali gay improntati alla "subcultura leather".

Omicidio di Addison Verrill
Il 14 settembre 1977, Addison Verrill, un reporter che si occupava di cinema per la rivista Variety, venne trovato morto nel suo appartamento di Horatio Street a New York. Era stato picchiato ed accoltellato; e c'erano alcuni segni di strangolamento. Tuttavia, nulla di valore era stato rubato. La polizia credette che la motivazione dell'assassinio fosse stata una rapina finita male.

Non erano presenti segni di scasso. Verrill aveva lasciato entrare il suo assassino nell'appartamento; dove furono rinvenute parecchie lattine di birra vuote e due bicchieri pieni a metà di liquore. L'attivista per i diritti dei gay e giornalista Arthur Bell, amico di Verrill, scrisse un articolo sul The Village Voice ponendo l'enfasi sul problema più ampio di come gli omicidi di omosessuali, molti dei quali avvenuti ogni anno nel Village, fossero raramente presi sul serio dalla polizia o riportati dai media poiché erano visti come il risultato di incontri sessuali andati male. La polizia, scrisse Bell, aveva appreso che Verrill era stato al "Mineshaft", un popolare gay-bar, fino alle 6 del mattino, parlando con molti altri clienti.

Telefonate, confessione e arresto
Bell terminò il suo articolo dando il numero di telefono della sezione omicidi del New York Police Department, chiedendo di mettersi in contatto con loro a chiunque avesse informazioni utili circa il delitto. Otto giorni dopo qualcuno chiamò invece lui affermando di essere l'assassino, apparentemente per correggere le affermazioni di Bell circa la sua convinzione che il killer fosse uno psicopatico con tendenze omofobe. «Mi piace il tuo articolo e come scrivi», disse lo sconosciuto, «ma non sono uno psicopatico».

La storia fu riportata sulla prima pagina del Village Voice, rendendo noto che lo sconosciuto aveva raccontato come si erano svolti i fatti la notte dell'omicidio di Verrill. «Sono gay e ho bisogno di soldi e sono un alcolizzato», disse. Dopo tre mesi di sobrietà, si era recato al "Badlands", un bar su Christopher Street, nelle prime ore del mattino del 14 settembre dove Verrill, che non conosceva, si offrì di comprargli una birra, e lui accettò. Le birre divennero parecchie, e i due sniffarono cocaina insieme.

Alle 3 del mattino, lasciarono il "Badlands" per spostarsi al "Mineshaft", dove proseguirono l'assunzione di alcol e droga. Lo sconosciuto disse a Bell di essere rimasto sorpreso da quanto fosse popolare il suo accompagnatore. «Non avevo capito che era così famoso, e volli andare a casa sua». Dopo due ore, presero un taxi fino all'appartamento di Verrill.

Dopo aver consumato un rapporto sessuale, verso le 7:30, resosi conto che Verrill cercava solo una fugace storia di sesso, decise di aggredirlo con un coltello trovato in cucina, dopo averlo stordito colpendolo in testa con una padella. «Avevo bisogno di soldi e odio i rifiuti».

Dopo l'omicidio, lo sconosciuto disse di aver preso 57 dollari, la carta di credito e il passaporto di Verrill, e qualche vestito. Usò il denaro per comprare una bottiglia di liquore e si sbronzò per il resto del giorno.

Lo sconosciutò offrì a Bell alcune informazioni sulla propria personalità, raccontò di essere figlio di un direttore d'orchestra, di avere una moglie a Berlino che non capiva la sua omosessualità, e un figlio adolescente. Era inoltre interessato all'arte, e da ragazzino avrebbe voluto diventare un ballerino.

Quando Bell contattò la polizia riferendo della telefonata, gli dissero che sembrava il primo indizio solido nel caso. Il chiamante era a conoscenza della carta di credito rubata, un dettaglio che la polizia non aveva reso pubblico, e descrisse una sostanza bianca trovata sul pavimento dell'appartamento di Verrill come Crisco, un grasso alimentare spesso usato all'epoca dai gay come lubrificante sessuale. La polizia non era stata finora in grado di identificare tale sostanza e non aveva nemmeno reso pubbliche le informazioni sul ritrovamento della stessa.

Gli inquirenti sospettarono che lo sconosciuto avrebbe potuto chiamare ancora Bell, e si recarono nel suo appartamento per aspettare la telefonata. Alle 11 di sera squillò il telefono; non era lo stesso sconosciuto della prima chiamata ma un uomo che si identificò come "Mitch". Egli disse a Bell che l'assassino di Verrill era Paul Bateson, che aveva conosciuto al St. Vincent's Hospital qualche mese prima. Sebbene credeva che Bateson non fosse il suo vero nome, dal momento che sapeva che l'uomo aveva usato lo pseudonimo "Johnny Johnson" a un certo punto, egli disse che Bateson era un tecnico radiologico disoccupato e che lo aveva chiamato in precedenza confessandogli il delitto.

Mitch chiese a Bell di incontrarlo di persona, ma la polizia gli disse che era meglio di no per ragioni di sicurezza. Invece, gli agenti arrestarono Bateson, trovandolo completamente ubriaco nel suo appartamento; quando gli chiesero se sapeva il motivo per il quale lo stavano arrestando, egli indicò una copia del Village Voice aperta sull'articolo di Bell. Alla fine Bateson diede alla polizia una confessione scritta dichiarandosi colpevole dell'omicidio di Verrill.

Bateson fu incriminato con l'accusa di omicidio di secondo grado e rimase in carcere in attesa del processo. Bell intervistò Bateson in prigione un mese dopo il suo arresto, visitandolo a Rikers Island. Bateson parlò della sua vita in generale, cosa che dichiarò di fare spesso. Il carcere, egli disse, lo stava aiutando a restare sobrio; il suo maggiore rimpianto circa l'essere detenuto in carcere era che stava perdendosi la nuova stagione del Joffrey Ballet, all'epoca di scena a New York.

Sospetto serial killer
All'epoca dell'arresto di Bateson, la polizia di New York stava investigando su una serie di omicidi nell'ambiente omosessuale avvenuti nei due anni precedenti, da loro ritenuti opera di un unico individuo per la somiglianza nel modus operandi. Erano stati rinvenuti 6 cadaveri di uomini, smembrati, chiusi in alcuni sacchi gettati nel fiume Hudson. Nessuno era stato identificato, ma la polizia collegò dei brandelli di abiti indossati dai cadaveri a dei negozi nel Greenwich Village frequentati dalla comunità gay. Dal momento che secondo quanto riferito i sacchi avevano una dicitura che li collegava al dipartimento neuropsichiatria del New York University Medical Center, e lo smembramento dei corpi sembrava essere stato fatto da qualcuno abile nell'uso di un coltello, gli inquirenti cominciarono a suggerire pubblicamente che Bateson potesse essere sospettato come autore degli omicidi.

Questi omicidi furono il soggetto di un'altra intervista rilasciata da Bateson, non resa pubblica fino al 2012. William Friedkin, che si ricordava di Bateson dalla sua prima visita al NYUMC in occasione delle riprese dell'angiografia per L'esorcista, descrivendolo un "bel giovanotto" che si distingueva per l'orecchino e il braccialetto borchiato che indossava, nessuno dei quali era un accessorio maschile comune all'epoca; lesse un lungo articolo sul caso apparso sul Daily News. Sorpreso che il gentile Bateson potesse essere un omicida, si recò alla prigione di Rikers Island per avere un colloquio privato con lui, dietro permesso del suo avvocato.

In un'intervista concessa a The Notebook, Friedkin disse che Bateson ammise di avere ucciso Verrill, anche se il regista sbagliò nel riportare incorrettamente che Bateson aveva smembrato il corpo e gettato i pezzi del cadavere in dei sacchi nel fiume. Bateson raccontò che il pubblico ministero gli aveva promesso delle attenuanti se avesse confessato di essere il "killer dei gay". Egli disse a Friedkin di essere indeciso se accettare o meno l'offerta.

Prendendo spunto dalla sua conversazione con Bateson, Friedkin decise di girare l'adattamento cinematografico del romanzo Cruising del 1970, scritto dal giornalista Gerald Walker del New York Times, basato sulla storia di un agente di polizia infiltrato nella comunità gay per catturare un serial killer.

Processo
Attraverso mozioni preliminari, Bateson, su consiglio del suo avvocato, cercò di ritrattare la propria confessione. Egli dichiarò che era ubriaco al momento della stessa, e che la polizia non gli aveva letto i propri diritti. Bateson negò anche di avere telefonato a Bell, affermando che la sua presunta confessione si basava unicamente su quanto aveva letto nell'articolo di Bell sul Village Voice.

Bateson andò a processo agli inizi del 1979. Come prove contro di lui furono presentate la sua confessione scritta e l'articolo del Voice. Contrariamente alle previsioni di un lungo procedimento penale, Bateson fu condannato dopo soli quattro giorni, il 5 marzo 1979.

Alla lettura della sentenza un mese dopo, il pubblico ministero William Hoyt definì Bateson uno "psicopatico" e reiterò il suo pensiero di ritenerlo pienamente responsabile dei sei omicidi irrisolti. Anche se Hoyt ammise che non esistevano "prove concrete" a supporto di tale informazione, egli dichiarò Bateson aveva confessato i crimini nel corso di una conversazione con Richard Ryan, un amico al quale aveva detto di aver ucciso Verrill. Ryan testimoniò al processo. Da parte sua, Bateson negò ogni coinvolgimento negli altri omicidi.

Il giudice Morris Goldman condannò Bateson a un minimo di vent'anni di carcere, cinque anni in meno rispetto a quanto richiesto da Hoyt. Il giudice non prese in esame le presunte accuse relative agli omicidi insoluti, ritenendole troppo effimere.

Detenzione e rilascio
Bateson trascorse in carcere 24 anni e tre mesi, prima di essere ritenuto eleggibile per la libertà condizionale nel 1997. Il giorno dopo il suo sessantatreesimo compleanno, nell'agosto 2003, fu rilasciato dall'Arthur Kill Correctional Facility di Staten Island. Fu rimesso in libertà nel novembre 2008. Da allora Bateson ha fatto perdere le proprie tracce; non è conosciuto il suo luogo di residenza o se sia ancora vivo. In un'intervista dell'epoca sul suo podcast, Friedkin disse di aver sentito che Bateson viveva da qualche parte a New York.

Un registro del servizio sanitario nazionale statunitense indica che un tale "Paul F. Bateson", con la stessa data di nascita e un numero di previdenza sociale emesso in Pennsylvania, è morto il 15 settembre 2012.

Riferimenti in altri media
Bateson è stato interpretato da Morgan Kelly nella seconda stagione della serie televisiva Mindhunter di Netflix.

Note

Collegamenti esterni


text:
[![Bitters](http://images.thoughtbot.com/bourbon/bitters-logo.svg)](http://bitters.bourbon.io)

[![Gem Version](http://img.shields.io/gem/v/bitters.svg?style=flat)](https://rubygems.org/gems/bitters)

## Scaffold styles, variables and structure for Bourbon projects.

Bitters helps designers start projects faster by defining a basic set of Sass variables, default element style and project structure. It's been specifically designed for use within web applications. Bitters should live in your project's root Sass directory and we *encourage* you to modify and extend it to meet your design and brand requirements.

Bitters is made to work alongside a CSS reset; not replace one. Our suggested reset is [Normalize](http://necolas.github.io/normalize.css).

- **[Demo](http://bitters.bourbon.io)**
- **[Changelog](https://github.com/thoughtbot/bitters/releases)**
- **[Issues & Bugs](https://github.com/thoughtbot/bitters/issues)**

Follow the [@bourbonsass](https://twitter.com/bourbonsass) Twitter account
for updates.

## Requirements

- [Sass](https://github.com/sass/sass) 3.4+ or [LibSass](https://github.com/sass/libsass) 3.1+
- [Bourbon](https://github.com/thoughtbot/bourbon) 5.0+
- Ruby 1.9.3+ (required to install Bitters from the command line)

## Installation

For command line help, visit our wiki page on Bitters' [command line interface](https://github.com/thoughtbot/bitters/wiki/Command-Line-Interface).

1. Install the Bitters gem using the [RubyGems](https://rubygems.org) package manager:

  ```bash
  $ gem install bitters
  ```

  *If you use [rbenv](https://github.com/sstephenson/rbenv), be sure to run `rbenv rehash` without any errors.*

2. Install [Bourbon](https://github.com/thoughtbot/bourbon#installation)

3. Install the Bitters library into the current directory by running the following command at the command-line. If you're using Ruby on Rails, run the command in `app/assets/stylesheets`:

  ```bash
  $ bitters install
  ```

  A `base` directory will be generated which contains all of the Bitters files.

4. Import Bitters after Bourbon in your `application.css.scss` or main manifest file. All additional stylesheets should be imported below Bitters.

  ```scss
  @import "bourbon";
  @import "base/base";
  ```

5. Once Bourbon and Bitters are set up, you can begin to import your styles below them.

  ```scss
  @import "bourbon";
  @import "base/base";
  @import "my-project-styles";
  …
  ```

## Using Bitters

### Sass structure & default style
The Bitters directory should contain styles for all the basic elements used throughout the project. It also contains directories for custom mixins and extends for your site as well. Add code to the existing files or add new files to the directories. Customize Bitters for your site as you see fit.

### Variables
This houses all variables that are used, or will be used, in more than one file in your site. Variable names in Bitters that are used outside of the variables file start with `$base` to indicate that they are the most basic variables.

### Typography
All type is based on `$base-font-size` which is set to 1em (16px) by default. The spacing around type is based on `$base-line-height` so as to keep a semi-baseline grid. All sizes are scaled up or down by a factor of `0.25`.

### Lists
All lists have stripped out styles. No bullets, no left padding.

### Forms
Adds basic styles all form elements. The variables at the top of the file all inherit from the variables file but make it really easy to be overridden.

### Buttons
Basic style for `button` and `input[type="submit"]`. Base button styles can be
changed by modifying the styles applied to `button` and `#{$all-button-inputs}`
in `base/_button.scss`.

## Contributing

For more information on contributing to Bitters, check out our
[contributing guide](https://github.com/thoughtbot/bitters/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md).

## The Bourbon family

- [Bourbon](https://github.com/thoughtbot/bourbon): A simple and lightweight mixin library for Sass
- [Neat](https://github.com/thoughtbot/neat): A lightweight semantic grid framework for Sass and Bourbon
- [Bitters](https://github.com/thoughtbot/bitters): Scaffold styles, variables and structure for Bourbon projects
- [Refills](https://github.com/thoughtbot/refills): Prepackaged patterns and components built with Bourbon, Neat and Bitters

## License

Copyright © 2013–2015 [thoughtbot, inc](http://thoughtbot.com). Bitters is free software, and may be redistributed under the terms specified in the [license](LICENSE.md).

## About thoughtbot

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Bitters is maintained and funded by thoughtbot, inc.
The names and logos for thoughtbot are trademarks of thoughtbot, inc.

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See [our other projects][community] or
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
2A: Civil Legal Aid as a Component of Rural Health Equity
2A Civil Legal Aid as a Component of Rural Health Equity
This session highlights the role of civil legal aid in addressing rural health equity. Civil legal advocates are critical but often unconsidered collaborators in the continuum of health, society and rural community wellbeing. In addition to providing legal resolution for low-income rural residents, legal practitioners often act as trusted liaisons, connecting the concerns of clients to broader networks of health and social service providers.
Michele Statz, PhD
University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth
Michele Statz, PhD is an anthropologist of law and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth. Dr. Statz is also the PI on a three-year study of rural access to justice across northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Funded by the National Science Foundation, this research examines how the socio-spatial dimensions of rurality influence legal advocacy and individual and community health.
Robert Friday, JD
Minnesota District Court Judge
Minnesota Judicial Branch
Robert Friday, JD is a Minnesota District Court Judge in Virginia, Minnesota. Prior to his appointment to the bench he was Director of Advocacy at Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, where he represented indigent clients in family law and juvenile court matters. Mr. Friday has served as a member of the Consolidated Block Grant Advisory Board, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, and the President of the Range Transitional Housing Board of Directors.
Terrence Aronson, JD
Honorable Terrence M. Aronson (retired 2016) was a Minnesota District Court Judge in Virginia, Minnesota for over fifteen years. His primary focus was family law and juvenile protection cases. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Aronson was in private practice and was also a former staff attorney at Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota.


text:
Pub applies to stay open until 2am
The White Lion pub on Pottery Street, Castleford. (Picture Google Maps)
A pub in Castleford has applied to open until 2am on Friday and Saturdays.
The proprietors of the White Lion Hotel on Pottery Street also want permission to open until 1am from Monday to Thursday, and midnight on Sundays, as well as playing live music during those extended hours. One resident has objected to the application, saying it would only increase noise and "drunken activities."
The issue will be discussed at Wakefield Council's licensing sub-committee meeting on Monday. A pub in Castleford has applied to open until 2am on Friday and Saturdays.
Plans to convert former Castleford nightclub into 20 apartments approved
Suspect 'threw alkaline on man' during South Elmsall robbery
Man jailed after urinating on Pinderfields Hospital floor and abusing NHS staff
Haribo to create 50 new jobs in Castleford
Inquest opens into the deaths of married couple killed in head-on crash
New micro pub approved at tattoo studio
More from Pontefract and Castleford Express


Earned the For the Can (Level 31) badge! Earned the Land of the Free (Level 51) badge!
Jake G.: See there's a mid Thursday afternoon beer!
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Earned the Cheers to Independent U.S. Craft Breweries (Level 35) badge! Earned the Photogenic Brew (Level 73) badge! Earned the Heavy Weight (Level 6) badge! Earned the To The Port (Level 2) badge!
Todd C. is drinking a Double Fuzzy Baby Ducks by New England Brewing Co. at Chow Food and Beverage Co.
Purchased at Chow Food and Beverage Co.
Earned the Middle of the Road (Level 43) badge! Earned the Hopped Up (Level 12) badge! Earned the 2X (Level 14) badge!
Todd C. is drinking a Fuzzy Baby Ducks by New England Brewing Co. at Chow Food and Beverage Co.


Our services include rebar detailing and estimating where we work directly with contractors, installers and engineers.. Our services include: Field Placement/Shop Drawings, 3D Modelling of Rebar, Connection Sketches, Bar Listing, Project Co-ordination Weight and/or Cost Change Tracking and Submitting.
We create models with real time computer aided construction simulation resulting in accurate, 3D modelling phases. We are one of the world's largest virtual construction firms and strive to remain our reputation as one of the most innovative companies in the industry. The planning, construction and productions models are all integrated into our Virtual Construction.
BDS VirCon is a virtual construction company where BIM processes are a vital part of our construction projects. BIM is a virtual model of a structure which shows the phyisical characteristics of a building. BIM are designed by engineers, architects and surveyors before being handed over to the contractors. BDS VirCon are BIM experts, we invest in the latest technology to consistently be industry leaders in virtual construction.
A mixed use development comprising 490,000 sqft of offices and residential space, designed by Terry Farrell and Co. on a 2.5 acre area on the west side of Regent's Place. This development will include 60 residential units, a community theatre and additional retail provision around a new public square. Ten storey beam and column structure with a scenic lift structure consisting of plate girders and rolled sections and temporary handrailing.


text:
'Are You My Mother?'
Things are not always what they seem, and the lessons learned out of heartache are immeasurable.
Excerpted from "Listening for God" by Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems with permission of Simon & Schuster.
I have flip-flopped over the years between being angry at God (the gods) for allowing my mother to abandon me and blaming myself for not being the kind of daughter a mother would want to stay and protect. But as always, in anger and in guilt the truth looks simple. But it is not. It is far more complex.
It's as complex as knowing three decades later that God did not will my mother to walk out on her family and probably didn't try to change her mind. Leaving was her fate. Generations of abuse in her family and years of having no outlet to talk about it left her no choice as a frightened, defeated woman but to leave when the time came to decide.
My mother left, and for good reasons I've discovered over the years. But to say that God didn't make my mother leave is not to say that God wasn't present in her leaving. God was present, like a weaver spinning a complex but fanciful pattern on her loom, offering her, me, and our family the possibility of healing and laughter beyond our pain. That's as close to what faith means to me as I can think of-that is, learning to make peace with all that has happened to me in the past, but especially what happened at thirteen, and trying to wrest from that past a blessing for me, my family, and those who look to me. Sometimes we think God is silent when in fact we are the ones who remain silent to God by our refusal to listen to what our memories are trying to tell us.
We think we're gotten over the past and then something happens that lets us know we haven't gotten over it; we've just outlived it. But the memory, the sting, the sorrow never lags far behind; it sneaks up and seizes us at the most unlikely times, though we're too weary to think about it or too parched spiritually to find any worth in it. But there it is, demanding a hearing.
When a friend recommended a book about a baby bird combing the countryside in search of his mother as a good bedtime reading for my daughter, I promptly went out and bought it. A baby bird hatches and comes into the world alone and embarks on a perilous journey in search of its mother. Despite appearances, however, the baby bird is not motherless. The mother bird took off moments before the baby bird hatched, in an anxious search for food. (There's no mention of the father bird.) Hatched and hungering for a mother figure, the baby bird tumbles from its nest and sets out from one creature to the next and from animals to inanimate objects in search of its mother. Not knowing for sure who or what to look for, not knowing his own kind, but driven by the need to connect and be nurtured, the bird greets the kitten, hen, dog, and cow, among others, with the same plaintive question: "Are you my mother?" (which is also the book's title).
I was hooked on reading the book as my daughter was on hearing it read. The baby bird's question struck a chord in me. But one day when I noticed that my daughter was becoming inconsolable every time she overheard that I had to go out of town, I knew that the time had come to retire our favorite book. It was time to make her understand that there are different kinds of leaving, even though the author never bothers to make the distinction. There's a difference between a mother going to work (like the mother bird and me) and a mother going away for good (like my mother): that was my daughter's lesson.
But in a lesson for a then three-year-old was enfolded a revelation for her then forty-something mother. There is a difference between a mother leaving her daughter because she doesn't love her and a mother leaving a vicious cycle of abuse and neglect that makes her think she is unfit, incapable of caring for her five children whether she stays or leaves.
"Eventually it comes to you": what wounds us the deepest has also the power to bless us most profoundly. This is, as one writer put it, a saving mystery. Reversals occur in unexpected quarters. Whoever I have become-certainly the bad parts, but also the very, very good stuff-can be directly traced back to my mother walking out of our home thirty years ago. But whoever I have become is also more than the trauma of that memory. Also at work in me have been the gifts of love, patience, humor, tears, and dignity that were planted in me by other women (and men) sent by God to soothe my pain. What I, my sister, and my brothers lost when our mother left can never be fully tallied, and most certainly never recaptured. But what I and they found in one another, and in the people, church, and community that welcomed us motherless children, can never be taken away from us either.


Today we will be talking about #3. We'll look at fixed and variable expenses, explain everything in a video and give you some tips to get started. If you want to charge more, check out our How to Charge More and Be Worth Every Penny blog post.
We talked about a lot of things in that video. Let's break them down into actionable steps to control the fixed and variable expenses in your business.
For reference, here's the picture of the board we used in the video above.
Before you get started, have your accountant or CFO services firm print off a list of all the transactions for the prior month; group them by vendor to be more efficient. Then write "fixed" or "variable" next to each vendor. How do you know? If you incur the cost in order to sell a product or generate a service, it's variable; examples would include materials and direct labor. If you incur the cost regardless of selling your products or services, then it's a fixed cost; examples would include rent, insurance, and administrative payroll.
Now that you've labeled your costs, create a budget for them and make sure to enter that plan into your accounting software. As you incur actual costs throughout the month, you can track your performance against your plan. Too many business owners create a budget in Excel and leave it there. These kinds of budget plans never work out. Make your software do the work.
In the video, we assumed that the company had a product that cost them $5 to make. Given that they have $50,000 in variable costs, that would mean that they sold 10,000 units.
Notice that by saving $1 on their cost per unit ($1 x 10,000 units reduces variable costs from $50,000 to $40,000) and by cutting $5,000 out of their fixed costs, we reduced their break even point by nearly $17,000 a month!
I hope this blog post and video helped you get a better understanding of the costs in your business. If you're ready to take your profits to the next level, don't forget to book a free 30 minute session with one of our profit coaches and CFOs by clicking the orange button below.