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Mobile Apps for Cancer Care and Cancer Prevention and Screening (157)
Published on 20.11.2018 in Vol 4 , No 2 (2018) :Jul-Dec
Preprints (earlier versions) of this paper are available at https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/10703, first published April 11, 2018 .
A Novel Mobile Phone App (OncoFood) to Record and Optimize the Dietary Behavior of Oncologic Patients: Pilot Study
Till Orlemann 1 ; Dejan Reljic 1 ; Björn Zenker 2 ; Julia Meyer 1 ; Bjoern Eskofier 3 ; Jana Thiemt 3 ; Hans Joachim Herrmann 1 ; Markus Friedrich Neurath 4 ; Yurdagül Zopf 1
Till Orlemann1, MD ;
Dejan Reljic1, MA ;
Björn Zenker2, Dipl-Inf ;
Julia Meyer1, Dipl-Stat ;
Bjoern Eskofier3, PhD ;
Jana Thiemt3, MSc ;
Hans Joachim Herrmann1, PhD ;
Markus Friedrich Neurath4, MD ;
Yurdagül Zopf1, MD
1Hector Center for Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
2Embedded Systems Institute, Department of Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
3Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab, Department of Computer Science, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
4Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
Till Orlemann, MD
Hector Center for Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports
Department of Internal Medicine 1
University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg
Phone: 49 913 1854 5204
Email: till.orlemann@uk-erlangen.de
Background: Catabolism and tumor-specific therapy lead to reduced nutrient intake and weight loss in cancer patients. Maintaining a specific individualized diet can be challenging for the patient as the nutritional counseling options are limited. Monitoring of nutrient intake and frequent feedback are, however, vital for successful nutritional therapy because they support the patient's compliance and realization of dietary therapeutic goals.
Objective: This study aimed at investigating the feasibility and applicability of a novel mobile phone app to assess and evaluate dietary behaviors in oncologic patients.
Methods: To determine dietary habits and food preferences in oncologic patients, initially 1400 nutritional records were evaluated and analyzed. The results provided the basis for creating a nutritional mobile phone app. Key requirements for the app included simple handling, recording the daily intake, and a comparison of nutrient targets and current status. In total, 39 cancer patients were recruited for the study; 15 patients dropped out prior to the study. All patients received a nutritional anamnesis, nutritional analysis, and nutritional counseling. Individual energy and nutrient aims were defined. The intervention group (n=12) additionally used the app. Weight and body composition of each group were evaluated after 4 weeks.
Results: The app group gained significantly more weight (P=.045; mean weight 1.03 kg vs –1.46 kg). Also, skeletal muscle mass showed a significant increase in the app group (P=.009; mean skeletal muscle mass 0.58 kg vs –0.61 kg) compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between groups relating to the daily protein intake (P=.06). Additionally, there was a decrease in macronutrient intake during the study period in the control group.
Conclusions: Our study indicates that patients who track their daily dietary habits using a mobile phone app are more likely to reach their nutritional goals than the control patients. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these initial findings and test the applicability on a broader basis.
JMIR Cancer 2018;4(2):e10703
cancer; mobile apps; diet; nutrition; protein intake; smartphone; mobile phone
The nutritional status of cancer patients has a significant influence on morbidity and mortality [1,2]. Cancer-induced inflammatory and catabolic processes lead to a progressive degradation of the muscle mass and the body's fat deposits [3]. Up to 20% of cancer patients die as a result of weight loss and physical wasting [4]. In addition to tumor cachexia, loss of appetite, malabsorption and reduced nutrient uptake increase weight loss and further accelerate a decline in skeletal muscle mass [5]. Due to the anabolic resistance and increased turnover of muscle proteins, the need for high-quality proteins and amino acids is significantly higher in cancer patients [6]. An early start to nutritional therapy and stabilization of the body composition reduce morbidity and mortality in cancer patients [2]. According to national and international guidelines, screening of the nutritional status is recommended at the beginning of cancer-specific therapy as well as along the course of the disease [7,8]. Patients with suspected malnutrition should be given qualified nutritional therapeutic counseling to optimize their normal diet, and artificial nutrition should be provided if necessary [8]. Several studies have shown the benefits of nutritional care in cancer patients in relation to numerous aspects (malnutrition, quality of life, complications, mortality) [9-12].
The basis of any nutritional therapeutic concept is to record the individual nutrient intake of the patient. In this context, various dietary assessment methods are available. Retrospective methods have the disadvantage that their reliability strongly depends on the memory performance of patients (eg, 24-hour recall interviews, diet history interviews, or food frequency questionnaires). The gold standard of prospective nutritional protocols has long been the weighing protocol, but this is a burden for patients as all food must be weighed and recorded before being consumed. Therefore, prospective estimation records of food consumption are more patient-friendly. In Germany, for example, the Freiburg Diet Record (FB-DR) is one of the most commonly used estimation records, for which a computer-based evaluation procedure was developed (PRODI software, Nutri-Science GmbH). The database for the FB-DR is the Federal Food Key 3.02 developed by the German Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food. In the nutritional questionnaires of the FB-DR, patients record their diet on a standardized sheet. All estimation protocols have an acceptable expenditure of time because a tally list is used to note the food and drinks patients consumed during the course of the day. Qualified nutritionists use the records to determine the current energy and nutrient intake (micro- and macronutrients) of patients. This is important for individualized nutritional counseling and therapy. The food diaries are also used to detect preferences of patients for certain foods. However, none of the usual nutritional records has been developed specifically for cancer patients. Recording of the nutrient intake of oncologic patients would be very important, since dietary habits may change due to the specific disease situation and cancer therapy. National and international guidelines recommend a high-protein diet to counteract tumor cachexia and progressive muscle breakdown [8]. Due to issues relating to the disease and its therapy, appetite and taste disorders complicate the diet [13]. Thus, a special nutritional profile is typically present that must be individually tailored. However, in clinical routine, the resources for professional nutritional counseling for cancer patients are rather limited.
Mobile phone apps play an increasing role in the everyday use of electronic devices. Patient-specific data can be recorded and analyzed. These mobile phone apps are already being used successfully in other areas of nutrition consultation, and their benefit has been demonstrated in several studies [14-18].
However, in the field of oncology, comparable studies are rare and data about the usage of electronic aids are currently missing, especially the use of dedicated apps on mobile phones. Continuous monitoring of ingested nutrients and supporting individual nutritional goals by capturing individual dietary habits and dynamic changes during disease progression and tumor therapy are the target criteria of a mobile phone app for cancer patients. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and applicability of a novel mobile phone app to assess and evaluate the nutritional status of patients with cancer diseases. Furthermore, we aimed at gaining first insights into whether the app may contribute to an improved nutritional status in cancer patients.
Initially, 1400 nutritional records of 186 cancer patients from different oncology departments at University Hospital Erlangen were evaluated. The patients received nutritional care at the Hector Center for Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports in the Department of Internal Medicine 1 at the University Hospital Erlangen. For a detailed analysis of nutrient intake, an analysis of the FB-DR nutritional sheets was completed using PRODI version 6.2 organizational software for nutritional counseling and therapy (Nutri-Science GmbH). With the FB-DR, the energy and nutrient supply can be determined by using common kitchen dimensions. Including age, gender, and the number of documented days, a nutritional analysis was carried out using the DACH (Germany–Austria–Switzerland) reference values (German Society for Nutrition, Austrian Society for Nutrition, Swiss Society for Nutrition Research, Swiss Society for Nutrition). The analysis of the text logs was done externally in Java (Oracle Corporation) and Python (Python Software Foundation). The presence or risk of malnutrition was recorded using Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 [7,19-21].
The evaluation of the prospectively collected dietary charts allowed for optimizing the food selection and digital input of the daily diet into the app. The detailed recording of individual nutritional habits of cancer patients made it possible to detect foods missing from the FB-DR and preferences in food selection and develop the widest possible food choices for programming the app, based on the preferences of cancer patients. The nutritional goals were defined based on current national and international guideline recommendations on cancer nutrition [8].
Figure 1. Design of study. BIA: bioimpedance analysis.
This study (see Figure 1 for flow diagram) recorded food intake over a 4-week period. After an initial nutritional analysis, both groups received professional nutritional advice with the aim to achieve the individually determined energy and nutrient requirements. Because of its explorative character, no explicit case number estimation was made.
In group 1 (app group), food intake was initially recorded using the FB-DR. In addition to the paper protocol, the participants were provided with a mobile phone with an Android operating system and the OncoFood app for nutritional documentation. To ensure that no entries were forgotten, the app reminded the user with an acoustic signal. The patient had the opportunity to check the current state and development of their energy and nutrient supply in the app.
In group 2 (usual care), food intake was recorded using a standardized paper record (FB-DR). Study participants completed the protocol for 3 days according to a given classification of the different foods. The nutritional analysis of the documented food was completed using PRODI software. The patients implemented the nutritional aims for the next 4 weeks by themselves.
Setup of the App
OncoFood for Android mobile phones was developed in Java with Android Studio specifically for this study and programmed for the mobile phone Huawei Y6 (Huawei Technologies Co Ltd). Mobile phone selection was based on the average battery life and acquisition costs. Of course, the app can also be used on any other Android-based mobile phone. The app contains a database of more than 1300 nutrition facts for foods based on the German Nutrition Society's nutritional value table [22]. The version used was updated based on the Federal Food Key 3.02.
Oncologic patients require high-calorie fluids, so 24 artificial, high-calorie liquids were added to the database with the appropriate nutritional values. Furthermore, foods listed by the cancer patients but missing from the top 200 foods in the FB-DR nutritional protocols in the preliminary evaluation were added. For each listed food, the water, energy, proteins, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber components were stored, which allowed a detailed nutritional calculation. Subjects were asked to enter the ingested foods and drinks into the app daily. The foods could either be entered by the screen keyboard or voice input. The last recorded foods could be saved and quickly revisited in a favorites list. Alternatively, the food could be selected from 16 categories such as fruit or bread spread. Compound and regularly scheduled meals (eg, spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, or bread and butter) could be selected and saved for later reuse. The app reminded patients to enter their food intake every day at 9 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm. In case of a missed entry, the reminder function went off every 3 minutes (between the hours of 8 am and 10 pm only). Once a week, at 5 pm, patients were reminded with an acoustic signal to enter weight and appetite parameters collected to record the clinical status of the patient.
Use of the App
After individual nutritional status was recorded, OncoFood was configured individually for each patient by a physician and a nutritionist. For this purpose, nutritional goals and current weight were entered into the app (Figure 2). The mobile phone was then given to the patient. Patients entered consumed food daily; meals were stored separately and presented in an overview (Figure 3). Once the food was entered, charts showed whether patients reached their daily nutritional goals (Figure 4). The use of traffic light colors and symbol diagrams helped patients interpret what they had achieved. For example, a green cup represents the fact that a nutritional goal has been achieved with a nutrient. This aimed at motivating the patient to adhere to their nutritional plan.
Bioimpedance Analysis
Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is an easy-to-use, noninvasive method for determining the body composition of a patient. Each patient, regardless of group affiliation, received a measurement at the beginning and end of the study. The BIA is based on the measurement of body resistance against an electrical alternating current caused by the application of a voltage source. The BIA device used (Medical Body Composition Analyzer [mBCA], seca GmbH) is a multifrequency (5, 50, and 100 kHz) device with a hand/foot resistance of <300 ohm and a sandwich resistance of <30 ohm. Based on measured resistance and reactance values, the device calculates body cell mass and extracellular mass including intracellular water and extracellular water. In addition, the body fat mass is determined and the phase angle is calculated. The phase angle from the BIA measurement has been reviewed in several clinical trials and shown to be a useful prognostic marker for various diseases such as cirrhosis, HIV infection, and cancer [23]. With the modification of the phase angle to the standardized phase angle, its statement becomes more specific because it is related to the population (age, body mass index, nationality) [24]. The prognostic statement of the phase angle becomes more precise through the modification.
Figure 2. Nutritional goals and weight.
Figure 3. Daily input of consumed food.
Figure 4. Record of daily nutritional goals met.
For categorical variables, numbers and percentages were determined and tested for baseline differences using the chi-square test. For continuous variables, averages and standard deviations were calculated at the beginning and end of the study in both groups (app subjects, controls). All the nutritional variables were given in the actual amount relative to the agreed target size. All continuous variables were tested with the Wilcoxon sign-rank test for differences within the groups before and after intervention. Differences in the final and starting values were calculated and tested using the Mann-Whitney U test. All analyses were performed with the statistical package R version 3.3.1 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing).
Of the FB-DR protocols initially evaluated to interpret the dietary habits of cancer patients, 47.8% (89/186) were of women and 51.2% (97/186) were of men. Patients with different tumors (prostate, breast, esophagus, bronchi, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, liver, ovaries, colon, cecum, rectum, papillae, blood and hematopoietic system, lymphatic system, skin, or pleura) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 58.4 years (range 27-90 years). An average nutritional risk score of 3 points was determined.
Averages of 7.5 (SD 4.7) protocols per patient were completed. Although more than 7 protocols per patient were analyzed, no additional nutritional information could be evaluated. In particular, there were no differences in the number of specified foods recorded using the protocols (59.2 [SD 23.6]; Figure 5). Missing among the top 10 (Tables 1-3) foods most frequently mentioned in the FB-DR were beef and pork and their by-products. Drinks, fruit and fruit preparations, bread products, and dairy products were often consumed. Of the 172 foods listed in the FB-DR, 169 were recorded by the patients.
Out of the top 200 foods cited by our cancer patients as being preferred foods, 31 were missing from the FB-DR. Three foods (liquors, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers) that can be marked in the FB-DR were not even selected by oncologic patients (Table 4).
Figure 5. Increase in the number of different foods in terms of the number of protocols delivered.
Table 1. Top 10 food choices documented by the participating cancer patients (excluding water and tea).
Position Food Terms (N)
1 Butter 155
2 White coffee 147
3 Coffee 136
4 Apple 126
5 Tomato 123
6 Milk, 1.5% fat 108
7 Banana 104
8 Espresso 94
9 Hen's egg, cooked, with salt 83
10 Carrot 80
Table 2. Top 10 most consumed drinks documented by the cancer patients (including water and tea).
1 Water 520
2 Herbal tea 266
3 Mineral water 206
8 Coffee cream, 10% fat 63
9 Apple spritzer 59
10 Soft drinks 57
Table 3. Top 10 food choices documented by the cancer patients (excluding drinks).
6 Carrot 80
7 Cucumber 79
8 Rye whole grain bread 74
9 Jam 71
10 Red pepper 70
The app's food database was programmed based on recorded nutrition protocols and the database of the German Nutrition Society [22]. Of the 39 patients (15 men and 24 women) originally recruited, 15 patients cancelled their participation before initiating the study. The most common reason for this was an inpatient admission. A total amount of 24 participants took part in the app study during the 4-week intervention. Twelve participants were assigned to a control group and 12 patients to the app group. This is still an appropriate sample size for this pilot investigation [25]. The group of patients suffering from a gastrointestinal tumor (n=16) was most frequently represented. Significant differences could be identified with regard to the achievement of the defined nutritional therapeutic goals. Thus, the protein and fat intake in the control group at the end of the study does not differ compared with the start of the study (P=.91). Fiber intake (P=.34), carbohydrates (P=.27), and total energy intake (P=.42) even show a worsening of the initial situation after 4 weeks. The patients who used OncoFood during the 4-week period achieved more than 100% of nutritional goals, especially with regard to protein and fat intake, as well as the total amount of energy (Figures 6 and 7) in comparison with the control cancer patients. They also achieved an adequate carbohydrate intake. The amount of fiber alone fell slightly compared with the previous value. The evaluation of the data shows a significant increase in skeletal muscle mass (P=.009; mean skeletal muscle mass 0.58 kg vs –0.61 kg; Figure 8) and fat-free mass (P=.03; Figure 9) for the app-using patients during the 4-week treatment. Weight gain and body mass index during the study period were significantly higher in the app subjects (P=.045; mean weight 1.03 kg vs –1.46 kg; Figure 10).
Table 4. Foods from the top 200 list from cancer patients that are not in the Freiburg Diet Record compared with foods from the Freiburg Diet Record that are not in the top 200 list of foods from cancer patients.
Position Food
1 Liquora
2 Hamburgera
3 Cheeseburgera
74 Formula diets
130 Pretzel
139 Vegetarian pastries
153 Gingerbread
158 Fried egg
159 Linseed
161 Malt beer
164 Doughnut
166 Soy milk
169 Avocado
170 Apple puree
172 Protein bread
173 Cheesecake
174 Mozzarella
175 Cappuccino
176 Lamb
177 Scrambled eggs
178 Tiramisu
182 Apple spritzer
183 Wheat bran
184 Espresso
185 Fruit salad
187 Feta cheese
190 Kefir
191 Goat cheese
192 Pita bread
193 Smoothie
194 Whole grain toast
195 Shandy
199 Tomato juice
200 Shrimp
aFoods in the Freiburg Diet Record that are not in the top 200 list.
Figure 6. Four-week overview of nutritional goals reached by cancer patients using the app.
Figure 7. Four-week overview of nutritional goals reached by control group cancer patients.
Figure 8. Skeletal muscle mass before and after intervention (app vs control).
Figure 9. Fat-free mass index before and after intervention (app vs control).
Figure 10. Weight before and after intervention (app vs control).
Challenges Using the App
The Android devices are owned by the clinic and were configured with a parental control app, allowing the subjects to access nothing but the OncoFood app and simplifying the task for them. Still, getting used to the new phone and app required effort and could be challenging for the individual subject. Nevertheless, the patients adapted easily to the phones and the OncoFood app running on them.
Users' Opinions
The patients in the group using OncoFood were asked to provide suggestions for improvement as well as positive and negative feedback. One particularly positive bit of feedback was that all meals in the database of the app were available. Also, the overview of the daily goal of nutrient intake was praised. Some noted that using the app would take too much time. One request was that the voice input of the app (via an activated internet connection) should also work offline. Additionally, many users also wished for recipe suggestions and the ability to make changes to existing and past data on foods and prepared meals.
On the basis of nutritional protocols, we were able to present for the first time that cancer patients not only show a changed diet but, in particular, have insufficient protein intake than is necessary for them. The analysis of standardized nutritional protocols showed that meat, for example, was not listed among the 25 most commonly consumed foods by tumor patients. Fish consumption was named last. However, not all of the preferred foods consumed by cancer patients were found in the standardized nutritional protocol. With adapted nutritional documentation and individualized nutritional care, the use of app assistance was associated with optimized nutritional status and could stabilize the body composition in cancer patients compared with conventional nutritional assistance.
Meat consumption has a higher priority in the healthy population compared with cancer patients. Meat is considered to be an important source of protein and contains a relevant amount of vitamins, trace elements, and minerals. A disturbed taste perception in cancer patients seems to be responsible for the avoidance of meat. In particular, the taste disturbance with the quality of bitter seems to increase the aversion to meat proteins [26]. This is especially unfavorable, as cancer patients require increased protein intake to counteract muscle breakdown caused by systemic inflammation and malignancy catabolic status.
A systematic recording of nutrition is the basis of nutritional treatment. We could show that standardized nutritional protocols such as the FB-DR may require special attention to specific dietary needs of specific disease populations. Among the 200 foods most commonly consumed by cancer patients, 31 foods were not included in the nutritional protocol. Artificial foods, such as enteral nutrition, were completely missing on the FB-DR. The results of our cancer database nutrition protocols served as a basis to optimize the food documentation of the OncoFood app.
The possibilities of nutritional counseling are often very limited in clinical practice due to the lack of sufficient consultation hours and human resources. In clinical routine, paper documentation is used to record the nutritional status, which is often completed retrospectively. This can lead to missing information about the daily food consumption.
A timely and detailed review of nutrient intake is very difficult to implement with the analogue protocol. In addition, the 1 to 3 day nutritional protocols do not provide complete records of the patient's actual nutrition as a function of disease progression. In particular, tumor patients may have extremely high fluctuations in terms of nutrient uptake due to their tumor-specific therapy and the dynamic course of their disease. Not only the tumor cachexia but also the antitumor therapy (eg, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical therapy) influence food intake. A timely and continuous recording of these fluctuations in nutrient uptake by conventional nutritional protocols will hardly be possible.
So far, only Coughlin et al [27] have used a mobile phone app to record the nutritional status and activity levels in breast cancer patients. In this study, the participants were provided with an app that stores the information from 2 commercially available apps (Fitbit device for monitoring physical activity and the LoseIt! mobile phone app for monitoring and tracking diet and nutrition) and additionally contains information and tips for the prevention of breast cancer.
However, the patients did not initially receive professional dietary advice from dieticians who conducted an individual nutritional analysis and nutritional goals calculation as in our study. The data collection was based on the inputs of the patients in commercially available apps that were not specifically designed for cancer patients. Comparable to the OncoFood app used in our study, users were given a nutritional goal and a reminder to improve their compliance. In contrast to the OncoFood app, the option of a voice function was not available. A detailed analysis on which database the nutritional recommendation was based on was not reported. The use of apps in cancer patients has been studied mainly for the detection of cancer pain [28]. The benefits of the electronic input and regular monitoring of nutritional treatment were also reflected in our results. We could demonstrate that app users were able to achieve their previously defined nutritional therapeutic goals. The protein and fat intake as well as the total amount of energy were achieved more than 100%.
Compared with the app users, patients with conventional nutrition monitoring could not improve their nutritional status. In some cases a deterioration of the diet was recorded, so that the agreed nutritional goals could not be achieved. Thus, the protein and total energy intake of the control patients at the end of the study period was lower than at the beginning.
The skeletal muscle mass of patients with conventional nutritional intervention decreased over the 4-week study period (P=.06). In contrast, close monitoring of the nutritional status in the app group even resulted in significant weight gain (P=.05). In particular, skeletal muscle mass was significantly improved (P=.03).
Optimal management of nutritional therapy with significant improvement in body composition can otherwise only be shown with very close nutritional supervision. However, this proves to be difficult to perform in clinical routine. Time constraints, organizational circumstances, and socioeconomic aspects don't allow an optimal and individual management of the patient. In this feasibility study, we could demonstrate that individually defined nutritional goals have a relevant influence on the eating behavior of the patients. Due to the easy handling and operation of the app, there was a high level of compliance and acceptance among our cancer patients. This allowed a fast and effective response to any changes in the nutritional needs of cancer patients. The considerable advantage of a mobile phone–controlled app has already been confirmed for other diseases, some of them lifestyle diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity [15,29-31].
For example, Ryan et al [15] developed a mobile phone app for people with type 1 diabetes. The aim was to positively influence glucose metabolism by giving patients the opportunity to incorporate the daily glucose measurements in an app and thus to provide a history overview.
There were also time advantages over traditional personal documentation by the patient. In the long term, the app users in this study showed an improvement in glucose parameters in type 1 diabetes patients. In contrast to our study, however, a nutritional recommendation based on type 1 diabetes was not offered.
Using new technology is one way to bridge the gap between what patients need and what health care can offer. This study evaluated a new digital health care platform. The use of a mobile phone app can be an effective and feasible method to improve the nutritional status of cancer patients.
Since the tumor collective in our study was very heterogeneous, it would be interesting to investigate the app for a uniform tumor disease. In addition, the 4-week study period can only provide an overview. Therefore, a longer observation period should be chosen in future studies. Prospectively, we want to shed light on the physical activity of tumor patients, so further studies are required.
In accordance with national and international guidelines, cancer patients should follow a high-protein diet. We were able to show that closely guided nutrition therapy on a digital platform can not only improve the realization of the nutritional aims but also stabilize weight and skeletal muscle mass. The app was rated predominantly positively by the patients in terms of user satisfaction. Also, in relation to time and personnel costs, it offers advantages compared with traditional nutritional counseling and therapy. The app may be used in addition to conventional nutritional advice and therapy but also as a replacement for conventional therapy in every oncology patient. Further evaluation of the OncoFood app should be tested for validation in a larger collective of cancer patients.
This study was supported by grants from the Hector Foundation II.
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BIA: bioimpedance analysis
FB-DR: Freiburg Diet Record
Edited by H Wu; submitted 11.04.18; peer-reviewed by C Chen, K Eguzo; comments to author 05.06.18; revised version received 26.07.18; accepted 14.08.18; published 20.11.18
©Till Orlemann, Dejan Reljic, Björn Zenker, Julia Meyer, Bjoern Eskofier, Jana Thiemt, Hans Joachim Herrmann, Markus Friedrich Neurath, Yurdagül Zopf. Originally published in JMIR Cancer (http://cancer.jmir.org), 20.11.2018.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in JMIR Cancer, is properly cited. The complete bibliographic information, a link to the original publication on http://cancer.jmir.org/, as well as this copyright and license information must be included.
Orlemann T, Reljic D, Zenker B, Meyer J, Eskofier B, Thiemt J, Herrmann HJ, Neurath MF, Zopf Y


How do you best pocket an object ball frozen to a rail? This is a question asked by many billiard beginners, and a question that can be answered relatively quickly. Both the angle of approach and the use of English are noteworthy items in explaining now to pocket an object ball that is frozen to the rail.
Basically, the sharper the angle of approach becomes, the more difficult it becomes to make the shot accurately. The reason for this, is that when you are shooting straight on, your "target" is larger, and relatively easy to shoot at. As your shot angles out more and more, the area of the object ball you want to hit becomes smaller and more difficult to strike accurately. You can only improve here with practice, but just know that it gets more difficult as the angle becomes sharper. Additionally, the degree of difficulty increases as the distance of the object ball increases from the pocket.
In order to send the object ball straight down the rail, you must try to contact the rail and the object ball precisely at the same time with the cue ball. Use of "running English" is known to help in making this type of shot, and the sharper your angle becomes, the more running English you will need.
We hope this article has been useful for helping you understand the unwanted situation of having an object ball frozen to a rail. If there are any other tips for this type of shot that you know of, please contact us with them.
Can you please provide a better explanation of running English?
I believe that you must contact the rail first with the cue ball. Striking them both at the same time would drive the object ball off the rail.
We all know that English on the cue ball will throw the object ball in the opposite direction (e.g. left English will throw the object to the right of "straight").
Applied to a shot at an object ball frozen on or close to the rail, you'd want to put left or right english on the cue ball (depending on which rail the object is on) to throw the object ball slightly toward the rail, so that the object ball "hugs" the rail on the way to the pocket.
Putting the opposite english on the cue ball would throw the object ball off of or away from the rail, and too much of the proper english will force the object ball into the rail, causing it to bounce out or off of the rail, so this use of English is delicate.
You can also see the definition of running English in the billiard glossary section of this site.
One thing that I found helpful comes from Ray Martin's book, 99 Critical Shots in Pool.
He suggests that when shooting at an angle (maybe 35-75 degrees to the object ball) to use inside/running English, hitting the rail first, as close as possible to the object ball. This throws the cue ball directly into the spot necessary on the object ball to make it glide right down the rail and into the pocket. His explanation is better, so check out the book.
So, lets say that I am playing stripes and the 9 ball is frozen to the rail. Can I hit the 9 ball and let the cue ball hit the same rail that the 9 ball is frozen to? Is that a good shot?
Actually you can make this shot with almost no english or even with none at all. It depends on your desired "leave" for the next shot. Which option you decide upon will determine the adjustment you must make on your aim.
With no English you want to hit the rail about one half of the cue ball length of the rail above the object ball. This is your starting point and it will hit both the object ball and rail about the same time.
If you are cutting the object ball left, you should use center to left english and visa versa if your cutting to the right.
If you need to use the opposite english for position then you'll need to aim more at the object ball than the rail as your cue ball will travel a little away from your actual aiming point before contact. A center shot will bring your cue ball back straight across the table.
You can gauge where you need to go from that point. If you need more to the left, then you will use left english, and how much depends on how far left you need it to go. Back up table you'll need to use the opposite with more lower english.
Basically though you need to hit the rail first but almost exactly at the same time as the object ball. I aim where the edge of the object ball intersects 90 degrees to the rail with a center ball hit. No matter what, if you hit the object ball first, it will bounce off the rail but if the object ball has correct english and hit soft enough it can come back. There is no one exact way other than rail first, it depends on the leave you need for your next shot.
The use of English on these shots can be a problem, as the English may affect the cue ball, which needs to hit rail and ball in an extremely precise place. DEFINITELY do not plan to use a soft stroke, nor any English, unless you feel able to compensate for the throw that will be produced. A hard stroke may prevent the deflection from occurring prior to contact with the ball/rail.
Locating the exact point to strike the ball on these shots, and watching the rail hugging object ball heading for the pocket can be a VERY satisfying feeling (particularly if the ball scoots safely past a side pocket on its journey).
It is almost impossible to hit the rail and the object ball at "precisely" the same time consistently. It is good to hit rail first with inside English. When the cue ball hits the rail, the rail actually absorbs the impact and pushes the rail "in" for a millionth of a second. This combined with inside English will send the object ball along the rail perfectly every time. Some people call it "walking the doggy".
In my opinion, adding top spin to the cue ball allows the object ball to hug the rail until it enters the pocket.
To get the ball down the rail, you have to hit the cue ball high center, and aim for rail and object ball equally. It will take it on down to desired pocket every time.


Matching is a procedure for first year students who want to apply for a bachelor. If you want to apply in the year 2019/2020 for a bachelor without a central (ballot system) and decentral selection procedure, you have to do this before May 1st. That is a statutory requirement. When you have applied, you have the right to participate in a matching activity. During a matching activity you can find out if you and the study applied for 'match'.
Matching is a procedure for first year students who want to apply for a bachelor. If you want to apply in the year 2019/2020 for a bachelor without a matching procedure, you have to do this before May 1st. That is a statutory requirement. When you have applied, you have the right to participate in a matching activity. During a matching activity you can find out if you and the study applied for 'match'. The Faculty of Spatial Sciences offers you the opportunity to make an matching assignment, however, this is not obligatory. You can choose yourself whether you would like to do this. If you would like this, you can contact the study advice department via study.advice.fss@rug.nl.
Matching is a procedure for first year students who want to apply for a bachelor. If you want to apply in the year 2019/2020 for a bachelor without a selection procedure, you have to do this before May 1st. If you apply after May 1st and have a Dutch preliminary education, doing a matching assignment becomes obligatory. This means you do have to hand in a matching assignment in order to get admitted to the programme (after, of course, meeting the other entry requirements). You can email the study advice department via study.advice.fss@rug.nl for more information about the assignment.
Please keep in mind that we let students with a Dutch preliminary education participate in the matching assignments until the end of July. After August 1st 2019, students can no longer participate in matching and therefore can no longer be admitted to the programme.
If you have an international preliminary education you cannot be admitted to the programme after May 1st.
Last modified: 04 April 2019 11.30 a.m.


text:
House Subcommittee : Veterans' Affairs|Education, Training and Employment
1. H.R.4861 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) Employment Enhancement Reform Act Sponsor: Rep. Zeliff, William H., Jr. [R-NH-1] (Introduced 07/29/1994) Cosponsors: (35) Committees: House - Agriculture, Education and Labor, Veterans' Affairs, Ways and Means Latest Action: House - 09/16/1994 Referred to the Subcommittee on Select Education and Civil Rights. (All Actions) Tracker:
2. H.R.4776 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) Veterans' Employment Act of 1994 Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 07/18/1994) Cosponsors: (8) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 10/07/1994 See H.R.5244. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1994-08-01 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. [externalActionCode] => 8000 [description] => Passed House )
3. H.R.4768 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) Veterans' Education and Training Act of 1994 Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 07/14/1994) Cosponsors: (8) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs, Armed Services | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee Reports: H.Rept 103-631 Part 1 Latest Action: 10/07/1994 See H.R.5244. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1994-07-28 [displayText] => Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 103-631, Part I. [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1994-08-01 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. [externalActionCode] => 8000 [description] => Passed House )
4. H.R.4761 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize educational assistance for alternative teacher certification programs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Tejeda, Frank [D-TX-28] (Introduced 07/14/1994) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/10/1994 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
5. H.R.4701 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) Filipino Veterans Equality Act of 1994 Sponsor: Rep. Filner, Bob [D-CA-50] (Introduced 06/30/1994) Cosponsors: (9) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 07/11/1994 Referred to the Subcommittee on Compensation, Pension and Insurance. (All Actions) Tracker:
6. H.R.4572 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend the definition of disabled veteran in chapter 42 of title 38, United States Code, for purposes of employment and training benefits. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 06/13/1994)(by request) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 07/07/1994 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
7. H.R.2782 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To transfer the Veterans' Employment and Training Service from the Department of Labor to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 07/28/1993)(by request) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/06/1993 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
8. H.R.2781 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend educational assistance benefits to dependents of veterans with a service-connected disability of 80 percent or more. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 07/28/1993)(by request) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/06/1993 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
9. H.R.2780 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the delimiting date for spouses and surviving spouses eligible for benefits under chapter 35. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 07/28/1993)(by request) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/06/1993 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
10. H.R.2777 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal the 12-year limitation of eligibility for the vocational rehabilitation program. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 07/28/1993)(by request) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/06/1993 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
11. H.R.2774 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend title 38, United States Code, to require recipients of Federal financial assistance to take affirmative action in the employment of qualified special disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 07/28/1993)(by request) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/06/1993 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
12. H.R.1791 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To restore reductions in veterans benefits made by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. Sponsor: Rep. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT-At Large] (Introduced 04/21/1993) Cosponsors: (4) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 04/27/1993 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
13. H.R.1415 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) Combat Merchant Mariners Benefits Act of 1993 Sponsor: Rep. Hochbrueckner, George J. [D-NY-1] (Introduced 03/18/1993) Cosponsors: (10) Committees: House - Merchant Marine and Fisheries, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/31/1993 Executive Comment Requested from DOT. (All Actions) Tracker:
14. H.R.1365 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize accelerated payments for short-term, high-cost courses taken by veterans pursuing post secondary education, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Rahall, Nick J., II [D-WV-3] (Introduced 03/16/1993) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/25/1993 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
15. H.R.1201 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide an opportunity for those service members on active duty who enlisted between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, to enroll in the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 03/03/1993)(by request) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/16/1993 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
16. H.R.1193 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) National Voluntary Service and Educational Opportunity Act of 1993 Sponsor: Rep. Kennelly, Barbara B. [D-CT-1] (Introduced 03/03/1993) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Armed Services, Education and Labor, Foreign Affairs, Veterans' Affairs, Ways and Means Latest Action: House - 05/19/1993 Executive Comment Received from Veterans' Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker:
17. H.R.996 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a veterans education certification and outreach program. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 02/18/1993) Cosponsors: (8) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: Senate - 05/25/1993 Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans. (All Actions) Tracker:
18. H.R.995 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 02/18/1993) Cosponsors: (15) Committees: House - Post Office and Civil Service, Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee Reports: H.Rept 103-65 Part 1 Latest Action: 10/13/1994 Became Public Law No: 103-353. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1993-04-28 [displayText] => Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 103-65, Part I. [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1994-09-28 [displayText] => Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S13642) [externalActionCode] => 20500 [description] => Resolving Differences )
19. H.R.731 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) Patriots of Peace Service Act of 1993 Sponsor: Rep. Owens, Major R. [D-NY-11] (Introduced 02/02/1993) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 11/19/1993 Unfavorable Executive Comment Received from DOD. (All Actions) Tracker:
20. H.R.313 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend title 38, United States Code, to remove the time limitation for the use of chapter 34 educational assistance benefits. Sponsor: Rep. Quillen, James H. (Jimmy) [R-TN-1] (Introduced 01/05/1993) Cosponsors: (2) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 01/27/1993 Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment. (All Actions) Tracker:
21. H.R.44 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1993 Sponsor: Rep. Fields, Jack [R-TX-8] (Introduced 01/05/1993) Cosponsors: (241) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 10/01/1993 Executive Comment Received from Veterans' Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker:
22. H.R.35 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994) To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that persons considered to be Commonwealth Army veterans by reason of service with the Armed Forces during World War II in the Philippines shall be eligible for full veterans' benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep. Gilman, Benjamin A. [R-NY-20] (Introduced 01/05/1993) Cosponsors: (21) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 01/25/1993 Referred to the Subcommittee on Hospitals and Health Care. (All Actions) Tracker:
23. H.R.5087 — 102nd Congress (1991-1992) Veterans' Readjustment Benefits Improvement Act of 1992 Sponsor: Rep. Penny, Timothy J. [D-MN-1] (Introduced 05/06/1992) Cosponsors: (13) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs, Armed Services | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee Reports: H.Rept 102-751 Part 1 Latest Action: Senate - 09/28/1992 Message on Senate action sent to the House. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1992-09-25 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate in lieu of S. 2647 with an amendment by Voice Vote. [externalActionCode] => 17000 [description] => Passed Senate )
24. H.R.4342 — 102nd Congress (1991-1992) To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand job assistance programs for Vietnam era veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Penny, Timothy J. [D-MN-1] (Introduced 02/27/1992) Cosponsors: (17) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs, Armed Services | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee Reports: H.Rept 102-547 Part 1 Latest Action: Senate - 06/12/1992 Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1992-06-04 [displayText] => Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 102-547, Part I. pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule X. [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
25. H.R.1404 — 102nd Congress (1991-1992) Veterans Entrepreneurship Promotion Act of 1991 Sponsor: Rep. McDade, Joseph M. [R-PA-10] (Introduced 03/12/1991) Cosponsors: (2) Committees: House - Small Business, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 05/15/1991 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker:
26. H.R.1108 — 102nd Congress (1991-1992) To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to restore certain education benefits of individuals serving as part of Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 02/25/1991) Cosponsors: (9) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: 10/10/1991 For Further Action See S.868. (All Actions) Tracker:
27. H.R.821 — 102nd Congress (1991-1992) Persian Gulf Conflict Education Equity Act Sponsor: Rep. Richardson, Bill [D-NM-3] (Introduced 02/05/1991) Cosponsors: (33) Committees: House - Armed Services, Education and Labor, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/20/1991 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker:
28. H.R.4089 — 101st Congress (1989-1990) Veterans Educational and Vocational Counseling Amendments of 1990 Sponsor: Rep. Penny, Timothy J. [D-MN-1] (Introduced 02/22/1990) Cosponsors: (36) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/15/1990 Similiar Provisions Included In H.R.1199 (Section 205). (All Actions) Tracker:
29. H.R.4088 — 101st Congress (1989-1990) Veterans Recruitment Authority Act of 1990 Sponsor: Rep. Penny, Timothy J. [D-MN-1] (Introduced 02/22/1990) Cosponsors: (36) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: Senate - 06/13/1990 Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans. (All Actions) Tracker:
30. H.R.4087 — 101st Congress (1989-1990) Veterans Employment and Training Amendments of 1990 Sponsor: Rep. Penny, Timothy J. [D-MN-1] (Introduced 02/22/1990) Cosponsors: (36) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: Senate - 07/12/1990 Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans. (All Actions) Tracker:
31. H.R.3390 — 101st Congress (1989-1990) To amend title 38, United States Code, with respect to certain veterans' education programs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Penny, Timothy J. [D-MN-1] (Introduced 10/02/1989) Cosponsors: (39) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: Senate - 05/01/1990 Referred to the Committee on Veterans by unanimous consent. (All Actions) Tracker:
32. H.R.3199 — 101st Congress (1989-1990) Veterans Health Professionals Educational Amendments of 1989 Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] (Introduced 08/04/1989) Cosponsors: (55) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/15/1990 Provisions Included In H.R.1199 (Section 205). (All Actions) Tracker:
33. H.R.3053 — 101st Congress (1989-1990) To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to issue exemplary rehabilitation certificates for certain individuals discharged from the Armed Forces. Sponsor: Rep. Bennett, Charles E. [D-FL-3] (Introduced 07/31/1989) Cosponsors: (40) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, Education and Labor Committee Reports: H.Rept 101-561 Part 1 Latest Action: House - 06/27/1990 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 101-561, Part I. (All Actions) Tracker:
34. H.R.2486 — 101st Congress (1989-1990) Veterans Recruitment Authority Act of 1989 Sponsor: Rep. Penny, Timothy J. [D-MN-1] (Introduced 05/24/1989) Cosponsors: (37) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: 11/20/1989 See H.R.901. (All Actions) Tracker:
35. H.R.1358 — 101st Congress (1989-1990) To amend title 38, United States Code, with respect to the Montgomery G.I. Bill, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Penny, Timothy J. [D-MN-1] (Introduced 03/09/1989) Cosponsors: (42) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs, Armed Services | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee Reports: H.Rept 101-68 Part 1; H.Rept 101-68 Part 2 Latest Action: Senate - 11/24/1989 Committee on Veterans received executive comment from Department of Veterans Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1989-09-26 [displayText] => Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Armed Services. H. Rept. 101-68, Part II. [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
36. H.R.3460 — 100th Congress (1987-1988) Veterans' Employment and Training Act of 1987 Sponsor: Rep. Dowdy, Wayne [D-MS-4] (Introduced 10/09/1987) Cosponsors: (37) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: 04/27/1988 Certain Provisions Included in S.999. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1987-10-21 [displayText] => Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Report No: 100-387. [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1987-10-27 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in House: Passed House (Amended) by Voice Vote. [externalActionCode] => 8000 [description] => Passed House )
37. H.R.3208 — 100th Congress (1987-1988) Montgomery GI Bill Improvement Act of 1987 Sponsor: Rep. Jontz, Jim [D-IN-5] (Introduced 08/07/1987) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 11/23/1987 Executive Comment Received From DOD. (All Actions) Tracker:
38. H.R.3180 — 100th Congress (1987-1988) A bill to amend chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, with respect to the Montgomery GI Bill. Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] (Introduced 08/06/1987) Cosponsors: (14) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 11/23/1987 Executive Comment Received From DOD. (All Actions) Tracker:
39. H.R.3001 — 100th Congress (1987-1988) A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, with respect to the Montgomery GI Bill. Sponsor: Rep. Dowdy, Wayne [D-MS-4] (Introduced 07/23/1987) Cosponsors: (5) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 09/01/1987 Executive Comment Received From DOD. (All Actions) Tracker:
40. H.R.2950 — 100th Congress (1987-1988) A bill to amend the Montgomery GI Bill with respect to flight training. Sponsor: Rep. Dowdy, Wayne [D-MS-4] (Introduced 07/15/1987) Cosponsors: (3) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 10/14/1987 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker:
41. H.R.1504 — 100th Congress (1987-1988) Veterans' Employment, Training, and Counseling Amendments of 1987 Sponsor: Rep. Dowdy, Wayne [D-MS-4] (Introduced 03/10/1987) Cosponsors: (42) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 05/20/1988 For Further Action See S.999. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1987-06-30 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in House: Passed House (Amended) by Yea-Nay Vote: 417 - 7 (Record Vote No: 232). [externalActionCode] => 8000 [description] => Passed House )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1987-08-04 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate in lieu of S. 999 with an amendment by Voice Vote. [externalActionCode] => 17000 [description] => Passed Senate )
42. H.R.1085 — 100th Congress (1987-1988) New GI Bill Continuation Act Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 02/11/1987) Cosponsors: (195) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Committee Reports: H.Rept 100-22 Part 1; H.Rept 100-22 Part 2 Latest Action: 06/01/1987 Became Public Law No: 100-48. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1987-03-11 [displayText] => Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Armed Services. Report No: 100-22 (Part II). [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1987-03-17 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in House: Passed House (Amended) by Yea-Nay Vote: 401 - 2 (Record Vote No: 31). [externalActionCode] => 8000 [description] => Passed House )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1987-05-08 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate in lieu of S. 12 with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 89-0. Record Vote No: 99. [externalActionCode] => 17000 [description] => Passed Senate )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1987-05-13 [displayText] => Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate concurred in the House amendment to the Senate amendment by Voice Vote. [externalActionCode] => 20500 [description] => Resolving Differences )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1987-06-01 [displayText] => Became Public Law No: 100-48. [externalActionCode] => 36000 [description] => Became Law )
43. H.R.4384 — 99th Congress (1985-1986) A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, with respect to veterans' readjustment appointments. Sponsor: Rep. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD-At Large] (Introduced 03/12/1986) Cosponsors: (12) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 10/07/1986 Certain Provisions Included in H.R.5299. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1986-06-11 [displayText] => Reported to House by House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Report No: 99-627. [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1986-06-17 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in House: Passed House by Yea-Nay Vote: 413 - 0 (Record Vote No: 170). [externalActionCode] => 8000 [description] => Passed House )
44. H.R.3747 — 99th Congress (1985-1986) A bill to amend chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, to provide for educational assistance for apprenticeship or other onjob training under the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program. Sponsor: Rep. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD-At Large] (Introduced 11/13/1985) Cosponsors: (36) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs, Armed Services Committee Reports: H.Rept 99-1015 Part 1 Latest Action: House - 10/18/1986 Referred to House Committee on Armed Services Sequentially, for Consideration of such provisions of the Bill. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1986-10-18 [displayText] => Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Report No: 99-1015 (Part I). [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
45. H.R.2798 — 99th Congress (1985-1986) A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit discrimination in employment because of the status of certain individuals as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or as a member of the National Guard. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 06/18/1985) Cosponsors: (3) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 10/07/1986 Certain Provisions Included in H.R.5299. (All Actions) Tracker:
46. H.R.1408 — 99th Congress (1985-1986) Veterans' Employment Amendments of 1985 Sponsor: Rep. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD-At Large] (Introduced 03/05/1985) Cosponsors: (43) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: Senate - 05/22/1985 Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1985-05-15 [displayText] => Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Report No: 99-108. [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
47. H.R.4648 — 98th Congress (1983-1984) GI Bill Rate Amendments of 1984 Sponsor: Rep. Leath, Marvin [D-TX-11] (Introduced 01/25/1984) Cosponsors: (2) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/01/1984 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended). (All Actions) Tracker:
48. H.R.2355 — 98th Congress (1983-1984) Emergency Veterans' Job Training Act of 1983 Sponsor: Rep. Leath, Marvin [D-TX-11] (Introduced 03/24/1983) Cosponsors: (88) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: 08/15/1983 Became Public Law No: 98-77. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1983-06-07 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in House: Passed House (Amended) by Yea-Nay Vote: 407 - 10 (Record Vote No: 171). [externalActionCode] => 8000 [description] => Passed House )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1983-06-15 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate in lieu of S. 1033 with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Voice Vote. [externalActionCode] => 17000 [description] => Passed Senate )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1983-08-03 [displayText] => Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed House amendments to the Senate amendments. By Voice Vote. [externalActionCode] => 20500 [description] => Resolving Differences )
49. H.R.1944 — 98th Congress (1983-1984) Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 1983 Sponsor: Rep. Edgar, Robert W. [D-PA-7] (Introduced 03/07/1983) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/09/1983 Unfavorable Executive Comment Received From VA. (All Actions) Tracker:
50. H.R.1400 — 98th Congress (1983-1984) Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 1983 Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 02/10/1983) Cosponsors: (46) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Committee Reports: H.Rept 98-185 Part 1 Latest Action: House - 10/31/1983 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1983-05-16 [displayText] => Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Report No: 98-185 (Part I). [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
51. H.R.613 — 98th Congress (1983-1984) Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 1983 Sponsor: Rep. Hammerschmidt, John P. [R-AR-3] (Introduced 01/06/1983) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 04/12/1983 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker:
52. H.R.64 — 98th Congress (1983-1984) Education Assistance Act of 1983 Sponsor: Rep. Bennett, Charles E. [D-FL-3] (Introduced 01/03/1983) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/01/1983 Executive Comment Received From VA. (All Actions) Tracker:
53. H.R.6440 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) Veterans Employment Assistance Act of 1982 Sponsor: Rep. Edgar, Robert W. [D-PA-7] (Introduced 05/20/1982) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 07/21/1982 Clean Bill H.R.6794 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. (All Actions) Tracker:
54. H.R.6190 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that educational assistance provided by the Veterans' Administration under the GI Bill shall be disregarded in determining the needs or qualifications of any person under any educational assistance program financed in whole or in part with Federal funds. Sponsor: Rep. Edgar, Robert W. [D-PA-7] (Introduced 04/28/1982) Cosponsors: (59) Committees: House - Education and Labor, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 08/04/1982 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker:
55. H.R.5673 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) Veterans Rehabilitation and Education Adjustment Act of 1982 Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 03/02/1982)(by request) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 07/21/1982 Clean Bill H.R.6794 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. (All Actions) Tracker:
56. H.R.5209 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that the period for which an employer is required to grant an employee who is a member of the National Guard or Reserves a leave of absence in order to allow the employee to perform required active duty for training is any period of up to 12 consecutive months. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 12/14/1981) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 07/20/1982 Clean Bill H.R.6788 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. (All Actions) Tracker:
57. H.R.3423 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) Veterans Training and Business Loan Act of 1981 Sponsor: Rep. Edgar, Robert W. [D-PA-7] (Introduced 05/05/1981) Cosponsors: (28) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: 11/03/1981 For Further Action See H.R.3499. (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1981-05-19 [displayText] => Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Report No: 97-78. [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
Array ( [actionDate] => 1981-06-02 [displayText] => Passed/agreed to in House: Passed House (Amended) by Yea-Nay Vote: 352 - 41 (Record Vote No: 58). [externalActionCode] => 8000 [description] => Passed House )
58. H.R.2399 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) Armed Forces Educational Assistance Act of 1981 Sponsor: Rep. Hunter, Duncan [R-CA-42] (Introduced 03/10/1981) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/11/1982 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker:
59. H.R.2391 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide education and training opportunities for certain Vietnam-era veterans to assist those veterans in gaining employment. Sponsor: Rep. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD-1] (Introduced 03/10/1981) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 05/12/1981 For Further Action See H.R.3423. (All Actions) Tracker:
60. H.R.1811 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 1981 Sponsor: Rep. Gonzalez, Henry B. [D-TX-20] (Introduced 02/06/1981) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/11/1982 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker:
61. H.R.1400 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) Veterans' Educational Assistance Act of 1982 Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 01/28/1981) Cosponsors: (128) Committees: House - Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs Committee Reports: H.Rept 97-80 Part 1; H.Rept 97-80 Part 2; H.Rept 97-80 Part 3 Latest Action: House - 06/10/1982 Supplemental Report Filed by House Committee on Armed Services. Report No: 97-80 (Part III). (All Actions) Tracker:
Array ( [actionDate] => 1982-06-10 [displayText] => Supplemental Report Filed by House Committee on Armed Services. Report No: 97-80 (Part III). [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced )
62. H.R.1206 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) Armed Forces Educational Assistance Act of 1981 Sponsor: Rep. Whitehurst, G. William [R-VA-2] (Introduced 01/22/1981) Cosponsors: (49) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/25/1981 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker:
63. H.R.1138 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend for two years the period of eligibility for veterans readjustment appointments in the civil service for veterans of the Vietnam era. Sponsor: Rep. Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS-3] (Introduced 01/22/1981) Cosponsors: (3) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: 05/12/1981 For Further Action See H.R.3423. (All Actions) Tracker:
64. H.R.135 — 97th Congress (1981-1982) A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide a new educational assistance program for persons who enlist, reenlist, or otherwise enter the Armed Forces after December 31, 1981, to provide for the cancellation of certain education loans in the case of individuals who perform service in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of an Armed Force, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Bennett, Charles E. [D-FL-3] (Introduced 01/05/1981) Cosponsors: (2) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: House - 03/25/1981 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker:
Floor Consideration [21]
Passed One Chamber [21]
Labor and Employment [2]
Reported by [25]
Department Operations and Nutrition [1]
Military Forces and Personnel [4]
Military Personnel and Compensation [16]
Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Education [1]
Employment Opportunities [1]
Human Resources [2]
Labor Standards, Occupational Health and Safety [1]
Postsecondary Education [2]
Postsecondary Education and Training [2]
Select Education and Civil Rights [2]
Merchant Marine and Fisheries
Merchant Marine [1]
Post Office and Civil Service
Civil Service [1]
Compensation and Employee Benefits [1]
Compensation, Pension and Insurance [5]
Education, Training and Employment Remove
Hospitals and Health Care [5]
Housing and Memorial Affairs [5]
Montgomery, G. V. (Sonny) [D-MS] [19]
Penny, Timothy J. [D-MN] [8]
Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD] [4]
Dowdy, Wayne [D-MS] [4]
Edgar, Robert W. [D-PA] [4]
Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ] [23]
Evans, Lane [D-IL] [21]
Hefner, W. G. (Bill) [D-NC] [20]
Richardson, Bill [D-NM] [20]
Edwards, Don [D-CA] [18]
Independent [1]

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The vernal equinox is what marks the official start of spring. The reason we have seasons is all due to the tilt of the earth's axis.
Earth is tilted at a 23.5 degree angle. The angle causes some areas on our planet to receive more sunlight and some to receive less, depending on the time of year.
During the equinox, there is an equal amount of daylight and darkness. In other words, we see 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. This is true no matter your location on the planet.
We have our vernal equinox as we transition to spring and our autumnal equinox as we transition to fall.
The days start to get longer after the vernal equinox where we live. In other words, the north pole is tilted toward the sun. This results in more daylight and shorter nights.
The opposite is true for the autumnal equinox and winter in the north pole.
For 2019, the vernal equinox will occur at 5:58 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20.


NEW ORLEANS-- Mechacon took over the Hyatt Regency downtown this weekend. It's an Anime convention, where fans came out decked out as their favorite anime characters. The convention also allows fans to play games based on those characters like cosplay chess, and scavenger hunts.
Mechacon's attendance keeps going up each year. Last year, nearly 17-thousand people attended, and this year organizers expect to surpass that number.
For more information about Mechacon, click HERE.


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Marketing automation for sports enables you to create a personalised experience for each fan. Reach new fans through automated social media management and keep fans coming back with reminders, special promotions and contests.
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As a founder member of Wordwatchers, Pam was encouraged by the group to write her first novel, Angel Hill. Angel Hill is a typically peaceful Berkshire Village inhabited mainly by commuters and retired people with a sprinkling of eccentric characters. The story relates what happens to this unexceptional village community when a child disappears and the village suddenly becomes the focus of media attention. Four further novels have followed –The House at Bridgend, Getting A Life and Thirty Days, now re-named Auntie Pru's Legacy, published, and available from Amazon.co.uk. She has written numerous short stories, including "A Night To Remember", which was runner up in the 2003 Woman and Home Short Story Competition.
Pam has written one non-fiction book, The history of the Grotto House, which was published in September 2003 and is available from Amazon.co.uk.


Best way to scan an external drive you think is infected?
Say you have a large external drive with data but probably a few viruses as well. These viruses were acquired under WinXP if that matters.
I want to start using this drive on a new Win7 system with kaspersky as the antivirus.
Is it a bad idea to just plug the drive in and do a complete scan? Is there a step that keeps virii from jumping over before/during scanning? Or is this how it's done?
Re: Best way to scan an external drive you think is infected?
Once autoplay is disabled, you can plug in the drive without anything on it automatically running. Then scan it using at least two different scanners. So once with Kaspersky, then another time with a free scanner like Malwarebytes.
Be sure not to open any files until the scans are done.


text:
Manchester United Women: Three players who need new contracts ASAP
An alarming number of players are on deals expiring after this season, here are three who need to be offered new deals right away...
By Colin M. Damms@Colintheshots95 Sep 20, 2022, 9:00am BST
Share All sharing options for: Manchester United Women: Three players who need new contracts ASAP
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United Women have only just begun their 2022/23 FA Women's Super League campaign, easily handling Reading 4-0 in front of their biggest crowd ever at Leigh Sports Village. There is plenty of optimism around the team after a positive transfer window and a good vibes summer for England in their UEFA Euro 2022 victory at Wembley. However, the sudden departure of midfielder Jackie Groenen is a stark reminder that the squad assembled is not set beyond this season, and the club will have to match the ambition of their players if they have any hope of keeping this project together.
In this piece we'll look at three players who are crucial to United but have expiring contracts that need to be extended. Like Groenen, these players are key contributors, and the club cannot afford to lose any more key contributors.
For a full contract breakdown of Manchester United Women, you can check out Jamie Spencer's list here for 90min.
Mary Earps
Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
While goalkeeper Mary Earps technically has an option for a further year in her current contract, her contributions and reputation are significantly different now than they were when she signed the contract in 2019. Her heroics for England in their UEFA Euro 2022 triumph got her a spot in the team of the tournament, which on top of her performances for United have raised her profile in the women's game, and she'll expect that to be reflected in her next contract, wherever that is.
United should make sure it's with them.
Finding a goalkeeper is a difficult and often messy task, and while the position itself can often be peripheral as a need to more high profile roles it is vitally important to find quality and continuity at the position. Earps offers that, and her play has made a big difference in keeping United's goals conceded at or around 1 per game in each of their FA WSL seasons. United were the third best defense in the league last season in that category, and Earps' 10 clean sheets was fourth best in the league.
At 29 years old, Earps still has some good football left to play in her career. She's spent her most competitive years with United, becoming England's no. 1 for their first ever major tournament win in the process. Having to replace her, among probably several other first team and squad players, is not an ideal prospect for the club in a summer when they will already have a lot to address. They can use the +1 extension if needed, but she really is a player they should want to lock down for several more years.
Ona Batlle
Photo by Tim Markland/PA Images via Getty Images
There's no getting around it, Ona Batlle is one of Manchester United's most important players.
The Spanish full-back is a menace for opposition from either wing, but has really settled in as the first choice right-back. On opening day against Reading she was nearly unstoppable alongside her compatriot Lucia Garcia, assisting Russo for the fourth goal in the process. Over the last year she's been one of the best ball progressors in the FA WSL, and she's a reliable defender as well who presses often and successfully.
Her rise has seen her not only cement her role in United's team, but also saw her honored in the 2021/22 PFA WSL Team of the Year, the first United player to do so. She's also the starting right back in a star studded Spain national team, further raising her profile in women's football.
United had to ward off interest in Batlle this summer, particularly interest from Spanish power FC Barcelona, who eventually moved for Lucy Bronze instead. Her contract, which expires next summer, made her a target like Jackie Groenen for a step up to a Champions League level club. Batlle, like the other two players in this piece, is very much on the radar of top teams, and if Manchester United aspire to have a top women's team she is exactly the kind of player they need to retain.
Batlle's profile and links to Spain mean that part of keeping her at United could be the team's ability to challenge for trophies and qualify for the Champions League. This might make the process more complicated, as well as extend it through the end of the season, but they likely wouldn't be in a position to push for Europe without Batlle in the first place.
Alessia Russo
Manchester United Women's 2021/22 top scorer and Player of the Season. UEFA Euro 2022 winner with England and 3rd place in the tournament golden boot race.
Alessia Russo is ascending as a star in the women's game.
Her attacking partnership with Ella Toone was a major boost for United as they pushed to qualify for the Champions League last season, and progressed to the League Cup semi-final courtesy of a late winner from Russo against Arsenal.
She's already off the mark this season, opening her account with the fourth goal against Reading on Saturday courtesy of the player just above her in this article.
Did anyone think she wouldn't score? #MUWomen #MUFC pic.twitter.com/xSoqJq3QpC
— The Busby Babe (@TheBusbyBabe) September 17, 2022
Russo's powerful presence up top doesn't just provide goals, it creates space and opportunities for her teammates and gives direction to the team's attack. Toone and Leah Galton benefitted from that space last season, and new signing Garcia benefitted from it at the weekend. She's made the team stronger through her play, and at just 23 years old she's got plenty more football ahead of her.
There is no further option to extend, Russo's contract expires summer 2023. She scores, she creates, and she is only getting started.
Pay her what she wants.
Manchester United sign Lisa Naalsund The Norwegian midfielder arrives on a permanent move from SK Brann...


text:
5 invaluable tips on how to resist from a first-time activist.
Lisa Raymond-Tolan spent much of Election Night, and the week that followed, frozen.
Still reeling from her election-induced catatonia, Raymond-Tolan, an occupational therapist from Brooklyn, began noticing posts from friends on Facebook urging people to call their local elected officials. There were Trump's proposed appointments to oppose, the Electoral College to lobby, investigations into Russian election interference to demand. It was overwhelming at first, and scary, but she willed herself to pick up the phone.
"I was so nervous. My heart was pounding. I have real phone anxiety. But I had to call them and complain about X, Y, and Z. And so I started doing it," Raymond-Tolan says.
Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn — where Raymond-Tolan attended her first community meeting. Photo by David Shankbone/Wikimedia Commons.
The next step was a meeting at a local synagogue, where she joined a working group. That working group eventually became Indivisible Brooklyn, a committee of about a dozen local activists, which Raymond-Tolan helps coordinate and whose Twitter feed she runs.
Like many Americans, Raymond-Tolan had engaged in precisely zero kinds of activism before Nov. 8, 2016.
Since then, she's been placing calls to elected officials around the clock, juggling a now-busy phone and organizing schedule with a full-time job and her role as a parent of two boys. As a first-time activist, she understands the fear — and inertia — of getting started.
Photo by Lisa Raymond-Tolan.
"I was deeply apathetic. I'm only one person, and all these other people are doing these things, so I don't need to. I was that person just a few months ago, so I definitely understand it," she says.
For the many Americans wondering what to do next, Raymond-Tolan's advice — from a fellow novice who's taken the leap — is an invaluable guide.
Here's what she suggests for anyone looking to make their voice heard, but who isn't quite sure where to start.
1. Remember: You're not responsible for changing everything overnight immediately on your own, so just focus on what you can do.
Raymond-Tolan (L) at a tabling event in Brooklyn. Photo by Lisa Raymond-Tolan.
The key to surmounting the notion that there's just too much to do and overcome? She suggests picking one activity, even if it's small, and adding it to your daily routine.
"I want people to make a phone call every day," she says. "And I think that's doable. Take one thing and just make that phone call. It's your daily practice. If you meditate, you do yoga, you exercise, you make a phone call."
2. Start with the thing you care most about.
"Do you care about education? There's plenty of phone calls to make about Betsy DeVos. Do you care about the Affordable Care Act?"
Raymond-Tolan's group bases much of its strategy on the Indivisible Guide, a document on how to apply Tea Party tactics to anti-Trump resistance, compiled by four former congressional staffers. Among it's main conclusions? Resistance begins at home.
"You want to be focusing on your local representatives," she says. Out-of-state elected officials don't care much about people who won't affect their re-election.
3. When you get your elected representatives on the phone, remember that you are the one holding the cards.
"These people work for us, so if you think of yourself as the boss, you can call them up and tell them what you think and what you expect from them," she says.
For those who are still intimidated to dial a U.S. government office, realizing that you'll likely be speaking to a 22-year-old intern certainly doesn't hurt either.
4. Don't underestimate the stress-relieving power of bothering congressmen.
"You can call Paul Ryan! You can do that and tell him what you think. Does it matter because you're not his constituent? Probably not. Does it feel good? Absolutely."
Early on, Raymond-Tolan called the office of outgoing Wyoming Rep. Cynthia Lummis — a Republican former member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform — to demand investigation into then-President-elect Trump's conflicts of interest. She expected to reach an intern, only to wind up on the phone with the congresswoman's chief of staff. They wound up speaking for 45 minutes — debating their political philosophies and getting to know one another personally.
"I still email with him from time to time," she says.
5. But, seriously, do the work — because it's not that hard.
"My grandfather, he was always really big on voting," Raymond-Tolan recalls. "He always said, 'If you don't vote, you can't bitch.' So if you want to complain about something, but you didn't make any phone calls, you really shouldn't complain."
For three months now, she's been heeding his advice. With a little nudge, she thinks many more — including you — can too.
"If I can inspire one person to do one thing, that feels like a win to me," she says. "So let's make some phone calls."