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From the monthly archives: December 2011
We are pleased to present below all posts archived in 'December 2011'. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try using the search box.
Washington Should Pursue New Middle-Class Stimulus Plan in the New Year
So, it's been another wild week in Washington as passage of a stimulus plan that once seemed a foregone conclusion faced unexpected defeat in the House.
You don't have to look far to see the hundreds of millions of reasons why this nation needs a stimulus package. For the unemployed now scheduled to lose their unemployment insurance benefits to America's seniors on Medicare this legislation also included critical provisions necessary for their survival.
However, this failure in Washington could have a happy ending. We say, let's use this opportunity to craft a new stimulus approach--one that doesn't use general revenue to replace diverted Social Security payroll contributions. Here's reaction from our President/CEO, Max Richtman:
“Providing a middle class tax cut to help spur the economy is the right policy but cutting the contributions that fund Social Security is the wrong strategy. The House’s refusal to pass the Senate’s compromise stimulus plan now provides Washington an opportunity to craft a stimulus package that benefits average Americans without diverting funds from Social Security.
We urge the White House and Congress to welcome the New Year with a new initiative promoting the most effective economic stimulus plan possible regardless of the partisan politics involved. There are more effective forms of stimulus which Congress should pass, such as the ‘Making Work Pay’ tax credit. Now’s the time to reframe the stimulus debate.
Allowing millions of unemployed Americans, low-income seniors on Medicare, and Medicare doctors to face massive cuts or loss of benefits through Congressional inaction is simply unacceptable. Congress should act this year to pass these measures which have bipartisan support. Rather than beginning the New Year rehashing an old debate, we urge Washington’s leaders to throw out the political playbook and fight for the strongest possible stimulus package for America’s middle-class that doesn’t divert funds from Social Security.”… Max Richtman, NCPSSM President/CEO
New political wrapping can’t hide privatization scheme in Wyden/Ryan
Senator Wyden and Congressman Ryan’s newly proposed voucher plan
offers a slight twist on the same failed approach to Medicare reform that was originally offered by the Ryan legislation and rejected by the majority of Americans – coupon care for seniors. The Ryan/Wyden
voucher plan would shift a growing share of Medicare costs to beneficiaries without reducing overall costs in the program while undermining traditional Medicare.
“While some in Washington remain convinced private insurers can provide more cost-effective coverage for seniors than Medicare, the facts prove otherwise. Private Medicare Advantage plans have already shown this to be a false promise. What this Ryan/Wyden plan would do is drive younger and healthier seniors out of traditional Medicare, leaving the government with a pool of increasingly costly beneficiaries. Medicare spending will increase and seniors who remain in traditional Medicare will see their costs go up as well.
The only winner in this privatization plan would be private insurers who would be given the ability to cherry-pick the nation’s healthiest seniors from the traditional Medicare program, allowing it to whither on the vine. America’s seniors understand how vital Medicare is to the health of our nation and want to find ways to strengthen the program for future generations. But this proposal increases costs for everyone while ignoring the core issue of rising health care costs. That’s not reform—that’s the end of Medicare as we know it.” Max Richtman, NCPSSM President/CEO
- Beneficiaries would be forced to pay more for Medicare benefits because premiums would be indexed to the gross domestic product, plus 1 percent, which historically has risen far more slowly than health care costs.
- The Ryan-Wyden plan could actually increase Medicare costs because it expands private Medicare plans that cost an average of 10 percent more than what the same coverage would cost in traditional Medicare.
- If younger retirees enter the new program and the oldest and sickest remain in traditional Medicare, the program will be faced with a pool of increasingly costly beneficiaries. Medicare spending would go up and seniors who remain in traditional Medicare would see their costs go up as well.
Let’s be really clear about one thing…the GOP plan to hike Medicare premiums for “upper income” retirees rather than raising taxes on millionaires may sound like a an effort to deal with our nation’s massive economic inequity…but it isn’t even close. The truth is this means-testing plan
will hit middle class beneficiaries.
So, once again the GOP has proposed middle class benefit cuts (these wrapped in flimsy “upper income” wrapping) to preserve tax cuts for the wealthy.
The Associated Press
has a great description of what the GOP’s plan really means. The House is expected to vote
on the GOP bill today.
Plan to raise Medicare premiums for upper-income retirees would affect middle class as well
WASHINGTON — Raising taxes on millionaires may be a non-starter for Republicans, but they seem to have no problem hiking Medicare premiums for retirees making a lot less.
The House is expected to vote Tuesday on a year-end economic package that includes increasing premiums for “high-income” Medicare beneficiaries, currently those making $85,000 and above for individuals, or $170,000 for families.
Just the top 5 percent of Medicare recipients now pay higher premiums, a policy that went into effect a few years ago. The new GOP proposal would expand that over time to include the highest-earning one-fourth of seniors.
Some would pay as much as several hundred dollars a month more for Medicare outpatient and prescription coverage. Millions who don’t consider themselves wealthy would also end up paying more.
On Monday the White House was mum on the Republican Medicare proposal, while AARP said it’s tantamount to a new tax. In the Democratic-led Senate, there’s not much enthusiasm.
The plan is modeled on a proposal that President Barack Obama submitted earlier this year to congressional debt negotiators, when he was seeking a “big deal” to cut federal deficits. Continuing pressure to curb spending means the proposal eventually could become the law of the land, even if there’s no consensus now.
“This is an idea that seems to have some traction,” said Tricia Neuman, a Medicare expert for the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.
It’s also creating a lot of confusion about who is wealthy and who is not.
For example, when Obama talks about raising taxes on the rich, he means individuals making more than $200,000 a year and families above $250,000.
But his health care law fixed the level for paying “high-income” Medicare premiums at the current $85,000 and above for an individual, $170,000 for families.
And the new Republican plan would drop the thresholds to $80,000 for an individual and $160,000 for families.
“If we’re considering raising taxes on those with incomes above $250,000, then it seems to me very awkward to raise Medicare premiums on those with much lower incomes,” said John Rother, head of the National Coalition on Health Care, an advocacy group.
Baby boomers just signing up for Medicare are more likely to be affected than long-term retirees, since incomes tend to be higher for the newly retired.
AARP calls the proposed premium increases a tax hike. “Most of the time, when you have a payment due to the government because of your income, we call it a tax,” said lobbyist David Certner. “It’s a form of a tax.” High-earning workers already pay more in Medicare payroll taxes, he pointed out.
No way it’s a tax, say Republicans. Taxpayers subsidize three-quarters of the cost of Medicare’s outpatient and prescription coverage. Reducing a subsidy for those who can afford to pay more is not the same thing as raising taxes, they contend.
“The proposal doesn’t raise taxes,” said Michelle Dimarob, spokeswoman for House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich. “The provision simply adjusts the subsidy they receive.”
The premium hikes are to help pay for broader legislation that would prevent the Jan. 1 expiration of payroll tax cuts for workers and extra benefits for the long-term unemployed, while also staving off a steep cut in Medicare payments to doctors. With time running short, lawmakers of both parties are still far apart on key aspects of the package.
Tax or not, higher Medicare premiums mean less money in the pockets of those who have to pay. Currently the high-income premiums start at 35 percent of the cost of Medicare’s outpatient and drug coverage for individuals making $85,000 year, and rise to 80 percent of the cost at the very top income brackets.
Next year, a typical Medicare recipient will pay $131 a month for outpatient and drug coverage combined, according to Kaiser. Those paying the high-income premiums will pay from $183 to $417. That means beneficiaries at the highest income levels would pay nearly $300 a month more.
The House GOP plan would increase the high-income premium by 15 percent in 2017 and lower the thresholds at which the higher fees kick in.
Most significantly, it freezes those income thresholds indefinitely, until one-fourth of Medicare recipients are paying “high-income” premiums. It’s unclear how long that would take, but currently only about 2 million out of 47 million Medicare beneficiaries pay higher premiums. Eventually that number would easily surpass 10 million.
The GOP proposal would reduce taxpayer spending on Medicare by $31 billion over 10 years; Obama’s version saved about $20 billion.
“There’s a lot of interest in asking higher-income people on Medicare to contribute more,” said Neuman.
The National Committee Urges the White House to Reject Proposals that Target Middle Class Families
We've written to President Obama and Budget Director, Jack Lew, urging the administration to protect programs vital to hard-working Americans and their families as the administration prepares its Fiscal Year 2013 budget. Social Security and Medicare provide lifelines to millions who still suffer in this economy, yet these programs continue to be targeted by those in Washington hoping to balance the budget by cutting benefits to seniors, the disabled, and their families. Our President/CEO, Max Richtman said:
“The vast majority of Americans, of all ages and political stripes, do not support cutting Social Security and Medicare to balance the budget; however, they do support allowing tax cuts for the wealthy to expire. In spite of this, benefit cuts for the middle-class continue to top the budget agenda for many in Washington. The President’s 2013 Budget will provide an opportunity for Washington to reverse the failed fiscal policies of the past and reconnect with an American middle-class still suffering in this economy. We look forward to working with the President to protect and strengthen our vital social insurance safety net. ”
Following are just some of the proposals discussed by the White House and others which the National Committee opposes and are highlighted in our letter:
Raising Medicare's eligibility age from 65 to 67.
We are also deeply concerned about a plan to cut Medicare by raising the eligibility age from 65 to 67. This would not only shift the cost saved by the federal government to 65 and 66 year-olds losing Medicare coverage, but also to employers and employees, the states, and younger people buying health insurance through the new health insurance exchanges.
Expanding Medicare means testing
. Medicare Part B has been means tested since 2007. Additional means testing would undermine the social insurance nature of Medicare, and ultimately raise costs for middle and lower-income seniors who depend on it.
Cutting the COLA by replacing the current the CPI-W with the chained-CPI
. This would have the effect of reducing the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that seniors depend on in retirement to protect their Social Security benefits’ purchasing power against the harmful effects of inflation. Recent analysis estimates that, over time, the annual benefit cut stemming from the chained-CPI will accumulate to almost $1,400. Rather than cutting the COLA for seniors we should adopt a more accurate measure of seniors’ costs, by adopting the CPI-E.
In the past few months, hundreds of thousands of concerned citizens have told Washington “Hands Off – No Cuts” during rallies, protests, marches and in email, phone and petition campaigns to Congress. Americans have engaged in the National Committee’s nationwide campaign in a big way and will continue to do so throughout this election cycle. Average Americans understand the value of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for the middle-class and they worry that Washington will turn its back on American retirees, workers and their families.
You can see our full letter to the White House on the NCPSSM website
negotiates with itself and the President
takes his case for further cutting the payroll tax on the road, there’s one key point that seems to continually be overlooked in this Washington debate. Cutting the payroll tax isn’t the only way to provide stimulus to middle-class Americans—it’s just seen as the most politically feasible
The Tax Policy Center’s TaxVox blog
provides this great overview of why the payroll tax cut extension is not the best way to provide stimulus to average Americans.
Obama Had It Right the First Time: Bring Back the Making Work Pay Tax Credit
Roberton Williams | Posted on December 5, 2011, 5:09 pm
Last December, Congress replaced the two-year-old Making Work Pay tax credit (MWP) with this year’s payroll tax cut. That change cut taxes for higher-income workers, raised taxes for some low-wage workers, and nearly doubled the amount of lost tax revenue. And it most likely provided less bang-for-the-buck economic stimulus than the credit it replaced.
Since our anemic economy still needs a boost, why not reverse course and bring back the MWP in a bulked-up form? That step would provide more powerful macro medicine for 2012.
A quick review: MWP provided a credit in 2009 and 2010 of 6.2 percent of earnings up to $400 for singles and twice that for couples. It phased out between $75,000 and $95,000 of income (twice that range for couples). That meant that most of the tax savings went to low- and middle-income workers, the group most likely to spend rather than save the extra cash.
In contrast, the 2011 payroll tax cut equals 2 percent of earnings up to a maximum of $2,136 per worker with no income limit. Tax savings for high-income recipients probably went largely into savings accounts and delivered little economic kick. On balance, the payroll tax cut almost certainly had less bang-for-the-buck than MWP but its doubled cost probably resulted in a greater overall boost to the economy.
A Tax Policy Center analysis
showed that replacing MWP with this year’s payroll tax cut raised taxes for about one-third of households (60 percent with income under $20,000) and lowered taxes for about half of households (nearly a third with income over $75,000). Shifting tax savings from low- to high-income households certainly diluted the stimulus.
Congress could revert to the original MWP or go with a beefed up MWP with double the maximum benefits–$800 for singles and $1,600 for couples. TPC analysis
shows that the latter would cost roughly the same as extending the payroll tax cut but would focus tax savings on low- and middle-income families, those most likely spend the extra money—half would go to households with income under $50,000 and 80 percent to those with income under $100,000. In contrast, 60 percent of an extended payroll tax cut would go to households making more than $100,000. Applying MWP’s greater bang-for-the-buck to the larger aggregate revenue loss would give the economy a bigger kick than continuing this year’s policy.
My own tax cut this year—more than $2,000—went straight into savings and I’m not likely to spend it until sometime in the late 2020s when my grandsons head off to college. That certainly did nothing to help the economy now. And I’m sure I wasn’t alone.
So, Congress, raise my taxes in 2012—along with the taxes of people like me—and give the money to lower-income workers who need cash today to make ends meet. They’ll spend every last cent, I’ll hardly notice the change, the economy will grow a little faster, the country will be better off, and we can all celebrate a more promising new year.
Have a Social Security or Medicare question?


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Receiving by way of any legal problems can be difficult, no issue what side you take or what the case is about. If you have a excellent attorney, even so, it is a minor much less terrifying. Understanding you are well represented will make a fantastic difference to you, and this article will help you locate the best lawyer.
You can stop issues by obtaining a very good retainer. This will enable you not to be beneath way too a lot force so you are capable to consider some time when you’re looking for a reliable attorney. Trying to keep a retained law firm is also beneficial due to the fact you will be capable to get skilled advice whenever you are in need of it.
Don’t enjoy “Pin the Tail on the Attorney” with the assist of the Yellow pages. Rather, you require to do sufficient analysis so that you stop up with the best achievable applicant. You may get some poor surprises if you base your choice only on a suggestion from an individual you know. It is constantly far better to be secure than sorry.
Inquire your friends and loved ones if they know any very good lawyers. Speaking to family, close friends, acquaintances, and so forth., you may well can receive superb lawyer ideas that are a good in shape for you. This can pay out a lot of advantages down the highway for you and minimizes your work.
When conference with your lawyer, question every single query you could have. A lawyer that is good will be able to make clear to you just what they are performing in the course of your scenario. If your law firm keeps you in the dim and won’t describe how your case is going, it may well be time to drop him like a undesirable routine.
After studying this post, you must have a excellent grasp on legal proceedings. Once you discover the very best lawyer for your wants, transfer forward with developing a great rapport with him or her. A great attorney can aid you productively earn your situation.
Have you located your self needing a very good lawyer to just take on your scenario? Are you questioning what can be accomplished to find a attorney that fulfills the requirements you have? This post is total of useful hints to help you in your lookup.
If you appear across a attorney who is actively hunting for you, avoid selecting them. This sort of circumstance is typically a rip-off. This is especially correct if the predicament in which you are embroiled will have a tendency to value a great offer of cash. Really research up and select a attorney that is right for you.
Take into account having a attorney on retainer to get ready for the worst ahead of it transpires. By getting a attorney on retainer, you will not have to spend time locating an attorney should an situation arise. When you keep a attorney, you have help when you require it.
Take some time to consider about specifically what your problems is prior to seeking for a lawyer. You require to know if you actually need to have a lawyer. Divorces, legal costs or getting component of a lawsuit mean you do. Even if none of these apply to you, you might require expert legal suggestions if the issue involves a sophisticated business transaction or big sums of income.
A actual estate law firm is vital for any and all true estate legal concerns. They’re going to get the situation completed and above with swiftly and positively.
Make positive your attorney and you can meet in particular person to talk about the scenario often. Numerous attorneys get employed then they vanish with out getting in touch with their clientele for prolonged durations of time. You may be capable to keep away from this if you appear up with a routine shortly soon after you employ the service of your attorney.
You will truly feel better once you have a reliable attorney on your facet. Because you have cautiously looked in excess of this report, you should be in a position to locate the best achievable lawyer. Don’t forget this details as you research lawyers.
Do you require a lawyer? If so, then you need excellent advice on deciding on the very best a single. You are not choosing a sweet bar here, so it is quite essential that you comprehend the magnitude of the scenario. Continue reading through to find out how to decide on an legal professional.
Understand about your lawyer’s earlier prior to you employ him. The truth that a lawyer passed the bar does not by itself make him a very good lawyer. Be informed of their report so you can be sure they will do a great occupation.
Get some time to believe about just what your trouble is ahead of looking for a law firm. Initial ask by yourself if you need a law firm. There are several factors why you may well want one particular. You could also need to have a attorney to give you advice about a financial make a difference.
While the high value related with the thought of choosing a professional attorney could phase you, the reality is that it will typically expense you considerably less in the stop. A general lawyer will have to commit billable hours background exploring your circumstance, so you might end up having to pay out much more in the lengthy run.
Almost everything you tell your lawyer will remain private. In other phrases, any details associated to your personalized existence or business are not able to be disclosed to your competition.
You and your law firm require to function jointly to arrive up with a regular time that you two can contact foundation. Lots of lawyers function for consumers without having speaking to them for a whilst. Location a routine from the start off is a great way to sidestep this sort of troubles.
Use these ideas to uncover a reputable law firm who is certified to aid you. Bear in mind the tips offered right here as you go about employing an attorney. You may be content that you’ve situated this info due to the fact this is anything that’s important to go above.

domain: law


In the ever-evolving realm of electronic music, certain collaborations stand out as groundbreaking, pushing boundaries and redefining the sonic landscape. The recent collaboration between DJs Innellea and Colyn has sent shockwaves through the industry, captivating listeners with its mesmerizing soundscape. Released on the prestigious Afterlife label, their new track titled "Downfall" is a testament to the artists' collective prowess and their ability to craft an immersive auditory experience.
The Rise of Innellea and Colyn:
Before diving into the magic of "Downfall," it's essential to acknowledge the individual journeys of Innellea and Colyn. Both artists have carved out their niches in the electronic music scene, earning acclaim for their distinctive styles and innovative approaches.
Innellea, the German duo comprised of Michael and Daniel, has been gaining momentum with their unique blend of melodic techno and electronica. Their previous releases on labels like Innervisions and Afterlife have solidified their position as trailblazers in the genre.
Colyn, hailing from the Netherlands, has been making waves with his emotive and atmospheric productions. Having released on esteemed labels such as Afterlife, Rose Avenue, and DGTL Records, Colyn has garnered a reputation for his ability to create immersive sonic landscapes.
The Afterlife Connection:
Afterlife, founded by the iconic duo Tale Of Us, has become a symbol of cutting-edge techno and electronic music. With a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the intersection of melody and melancholy, Afterlife has become a beacon for forward-thinking artists. Innellea and Colyn finding a home on this esteemed label is a testament to their alignment with Afterlife's vision.
"Downfall": A Sonic Journey:
"Downfall" is a sonic journey that unfolds with an otherworldly allure. From the first beat, listeners are transported into a realm where time seems to stand still, and the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. The track is a delicate balance of ethereal melodies, pulsating basslines, and intricate sound design, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful.
The collaboration between Innellea and Colyn is a seamless fusion of their individual styles. Innellea's penchant for intricate melodies and Colyn's emotive storytelling converge to create a musical tapestry that captivates from start to finish. The track's progression is a testament to the artists' meticulous craftsmanship, as they weave layers of sound into a rich and dynamic composition.
"Downfall" has quickly become a sensation within the electronic music community, earning praise from fans and fellow artists alike. Its inclusion in sets by renowned DJs has further propelled its rise, solidifying its place as a standout release in the ever-expanding catalog of Afterlife.
Innellea and Colyn's collaboration on "Downfall" is a testament to the power of artistic synergy. As the electronic music scene continues to evolve, artists like Innellea and Colyn push the boundaries, reminding us of the boundless possibilities within the realm of sound. "Downfall" stands as a shining example of the magic that can happen when creative forces align, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of electronic music.


Hennessey pays tribute to the 1966 Ford GT40 Mk. II chassis P/1046 that gained the 24 Several hours of Le Mans with the tuner’s new Legend Edition Ford Mustang GT. Like the typical race car or truck, this a person wears a black physique with white stripes on the hood, roof, entrance fascia, and alongside the sides.
Mechanically, the Legend Edition Mustang GT receives a three.-liter supercharger with an air-to-drinking water intercooler. For comparison, the Mustang Shelby GT500 takes advantage of a supercharger with a 2.7-liter displacement.
Just setting up a major supercharger is not sufficient to make far more ability reliably, while. Hennessey also installs upgraded gas injectors, a new gas pump, a superior-movement intake, and a stainless steel cat-again exhaust.
The updates push the Mustang to 808 horsepower (602.5 kilowatts) and 677 pound-feet (917.nine Newton-meters). In comparison, a normal Mustang GT has 460 hp (343 kW) and 420 lb-ft (569.4 Nm), and a Shelby GT500 makes 760 hp (566.7 kW) and 625 lb-ft (847.4 Nm).
This receives the Legend Edition Mustang to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in three.three seconds and as a result of the quarter-mile in around ten.7 seconds at 132 mph (212.43 kph). The leading speed is above 200 mph (321.87 kph).
Past the powertrain, you will find a reduced suspension. The Mustang rides on twenty-inch, ten-spoke wheels with a black end and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires. As an selection, there are Brembo 6-piston calipers with 15.1-inch rotors in entrance.
The exterior sections also include a carbon fiber entrance splitter, facet sills, and rear spoiler with a gurney lip.
Hennessey didn’t launch pricing information for the Legend Edition. The enterprise intends to make fifty of them.


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Retirement Accounts When You Change Your Job
This video discusses issues related to your retirement accounts when you move on from your job.
Have A Question About This Topic?
Probate can be a completely public process, or it can be managed to include as little information as possible.
Roth 401(k) plans combine features of traditional 401(k) plans with those of a Roth IRA.
The true cost of raising a child may be far more than you expect.

domain: economics


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A compassionate memoir about a father’s relationship with his children, the healing power of a small act of kindness, and the proof that love is everlasting.
Love you, Dad. Miss you so much. Steph.
A brokenhearted daughter scribbled those words on a sky lantern before sending it off to her father in heaven who had passed away. Halfway across the country, Steph’s lantern landed in Matt Mikalatos’s yard.
As a father of three daughters, Matt could not let that heart-wrenching note unanswered, so he posted an open letter to her on his blog, which went viral overnight. Little did he know how that small act of kindness would lead him to the real Steph and change his family’s life in remarkable ways.
A poignant and lyrical account of the beauty and wonder found in domestic life, Sky Lantern shows how the miraculous events that followed Matt finding the sky lantern in his yard—and the widespread and lasting impact his letter had—prove that the bond between a parent and their child can last forever.
Matt Mikalatos works for a non-profit dedicated to helping people live better, fuller lives. He has done non-profit work all over the world, and he and his family lived in Asia for several years. He currently lives in the Portland, Oregon area with his wife and three daughters.

domain: literature


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LePage says Mills should push Biden harder on tapping heating oil reserves
HERMON — Former Gov. Paul LePage called on the administrations of Gov. Janet Mills and President Joe Biden to do more to address a potential heating crisis this winter in Maine.
During a press conference at the busy Dysart’s truck stop along I-95 in Hermon, LePage said Mills should be pushing harder for the Biden administration to release heating oil from a federal stockpile. The Republican, who is challenging Mills in next Tuesday’s election along with independent Sam Hunkler, also urged her to sign a waiver to allow the sale of heating oil with higher sulphur content and to work with other governors on solutions.
"We just need to solve this issue,” said LePage, who was joined by Republican congressional candidate Bruce Poliquin. “And it's not about politicking and it's not about fighting. Janet, let's work together to figure out how we can get heating oil, an adequate supply of heating oil, for the winter months."
Poliquin, meanwhile, accused Biden of driving up oil and gasoline prices by blocking construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline immediately after taking office. The former two-term congressman also sought to accuse his opponent next Tuesday, Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, of enabling higher energy prices by supporting the Democratic agenda. But Golden, who votes opposite of his party leadership more than any other Democrat, has called on Biden to allow for more domestic oil exploration and drilling. Golden and Poliquin are joined on Tuesday’s ballot by independent Tiffany Bond in what will be a ranked-choice election.
Heating oil was averaging $5.42 a gallon statewide last week, which is more than 70% higher than the same week last year. Oil dealers are reporting tight supplies and there are concerns throughout the state that this winter could bring more fatalities in Maine as residents either succumb to the cold or are killed trying to keep their houses warm through unsafe methods.
A spokesman for Mills said the governor is already pursuing all of those avenues and others as winter approaches.
For instance, Mills joined the other New England governors in personally urging President Biden and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to release oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. Former President Obama created the 1-million-gallon stockpile in 2012 following Hurricane Sandy but it has only been tapped once as part of the federal response to the superstorm.
Mills spokesman Scott Ogden said the governor is also already talking with federal officials about the process of receiving a waiver to allow sales of higher-sulphur oil and is ready to issue another waiver to allow delivery drivers to work longer hours, if necessary.
“Governor Mills is way ahead of Paul LePage already,” Ogden said. “Her Administration has been working on these issues for weeks now, and we will continue to work on them to ensure that Maine people are able to stay safe and warm in their homes this winter. While LePage is holding press conferences, Governor Mills has been taking action.”
Energy and electricity issues have emerged as a top issue in gubernatorial and congressional races across New England. Supplies of both heating oil and natural gas, which is used to generate most of New England's electricity, are tight globally because of lower production and the market disruptions caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced Maine would receive an additional $43 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program – something that Mills and members of Maine’s congressional delegation have been urging for some time.
But LePage says only a small share of Mainers qualify for LIHEAP.
"We're talking about the majority of Maine — the majority of Maine people, and LIHEAP doesn't go to everyone,” LePage said.
State Rep. Joe Perry, D-Bangor, agreed that Maine is in a crisis. Perry said the Mills administration has been working to address these issues, including by sending $850 inflation relief checks to most Maine taxpayers earlier this year. And he said newly elected lawmakers should consider additional steps as soon as they are sworn in December.
"The economy is still really strong, revenue is coming in strong,” Perry said in a response to the LePage-Poliquin press conference. “That gives us a lot of options to tackle this problem and help Mainers. The $850 checks went a long way to help people. Maybe that's the next step: doing that again."
The Biden administration did not immediately respond to a question about whether the president is considering tapping the northeastern heating oil reserve.


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Aim: To describe paediatric postdischarge concerns manifesting in the first 96 hr after hospital discharge.
Design: Analysis of nursing documentation generated as part of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of a nurse home visit on healthcare re-use.
Methods: We analysed home visit records of 651 children (age <18) hospitalized at a large Midwestern children's hospital in 2015 and 2016 who were enrolled in the trial. Registered nurses documented concerns in structured fields and free-text notes in visit records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize visit documentation. Free-text visit notes were reviewed and exemplars illustrative of quantitative findings were selected.
Results: Overall, nurses documented at least one concern in 56% (N = 367) of visits. Most commonly, they documented concerns about medication safety (15% or 91 visits). Specifically, in 11% (N = 58) of visits nurses were concerned that caregivers lacked a full understanding of medications and in 8% (N = 49) of visits families did not have prescribed discharge medications. Pain was documented as present in 9% of all visits (N = 56). Nurses completed referrals to other providers/services in 12% of visits (N = 78), most frequently to primary care providers. In 13% of visits (N = 85) nurses documented concerns considered beyond the immediate scope of the visit related to social needs such as housing and transportation.
Conclusion: Inpatient and community nurses and physicians should be prepared to reconcile and manage discharge medications, assess families' medication administration practices and anticipate social needs after paediatric discharge.
Impact: Little empirical data are available describing concerns manifesting immediately after paediatric hospital discharge. Concerns about medication safety were most frequent followed by concerns related to housing and general safety. The results are important for clinicians preparing children and families for discharge and for community clinicians caring for discharged children.
目的: 描述出院后96小时内出现的儿科出院后问题。 设计: 分析作为随机对照试验的一部分生成的护理文档,评估护士家访对再利用医疗护理的影响。 方法: 我们对2015年和2016年在中西部某大型儿童医院住院的651名儿童(十八岁以下)的家庭探访记录进行分析。注册护士在结构化字段中记录问题,并在探访记录中提供自由文本笔记。采用描述性统计方法对探访记录进行总结。对自由文本探访笔记进行评估,并挑选了说明定量研究结果的样本。 结果: 总体来看,在56%的探访中(N=367),护士记录了至少一个问题。最常见的情况是,他们记录了对药物安全性的担忧(15%或91次探访)。具体来说,在11%的探访中(N=58),护士担忧照护人员缺乏对药物的全面了解,在8%的探访中(N=49),未对访问家庭开出院用药。在所有探访中,9%(N=56)记录有疼痛情况。护士在12%的探访中完成了转诊给其他医疗服务提供者/医疗服务机构(N=78),其中最常见的是转诊给初级医疗服务提供者。在13%的探访(N=85)中,护士记录了在探访即时范围之外考虑的与住房和交通等社会需求有关的问题。 结论: 住院部及社区护士、医师应做好出院药物的协调和管理工作,评估家庭用药行为,并预测从儿科部出院后的社会需求。 影响: 很少有经验数据可用于描述儿科医院出院后立即出现的问题。药物安全性相关担忧问题最多,其次是对住房和一般安全性的担忧问题。本项研究结果对临床医生使儿童和家庭做好出院准备以及社区医生照顾出院儿童具有重要意义。.
Keywords: discharge planning; home visit; hospital discharge; medication safety; nurses; nursing; paediatrics; postdischarge; transitions.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

domain: medical


text:
Root canal therapy is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected through tooth decay or damaged by an injury to your mouth or issues from a previous filling. This infection may spread through the root canal system, which could eventually lead to an abscess, and cause a great deal of discomfort. If root canal therapy is not carried out, the tooth may need to be taken out.
At Dentist on Shakespeare, we are here to save your tooth whenever possible and it may be that your painful tooth needs a root canal treatment. But don’t worry, we are here to make it easy for you.
Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:
- Efficient chewing
- Normal biting force and sensation
- Natural appearance
- Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain
A root canal treatment is a medical procedure to remove a seriously injured or diseased pulp.
The pulp is in the middle of the tooth and it contains the blood vessels and the nerve that helps grow the tooth during its development. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Once the infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly disinfected. Whilst RCT can be completed in a single appointment, it is beneficial to the success of your treatment to complete it over two or three appointments.
At the end of the root canal treatment, we will restore a tooth with a permanent filling, but sometimes the tooth may need a crown to properly restore its strength and prevent it from breaking. We will carefully explain this need if required.
Modern root canal treatment is usually a painless procedure that feels no different than a regular filling. We always aim to achieve really good anaesthesia of the tooth before beginning any treatment like this.
If you feel nervous about any dental treatments, you can also talk to our dentists about the sedation options we offer at our clinic to help anxious patients feel calm and relaxed.
Although you will most likely be numb for 2-4 hours following the procedure, most patients are able to return to school or work directly following a root canal treatment.
Taking some pain killers immediately after is advised to prevent any post-op discomfort.
Root canal therapy is highly successful; the procedure has more than a 95% success rate. Once restored appropriately, be that with filling or dental crown, many teeth fixed with a root canal can last a lifetime.
The only alternative to a root canal procedure is having the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These alternatives not only are more expensive than a root canal procedure but require more treatment time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.

domain: health


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The water-cleaning engineering produced by a Slater-based mostly organization has captivated the consideration of a group of Iowa buyers, who’ve poured $6.5 million into Gross-Wen Technologies.
Gross-Wen’s primary draw is a patented procedure that utilizes algae to thoroughly clean wastewater.
ISA Ventures and Iowa Farm Bureau’s Rural Vitality Fund led the expenditure in Gross-Wen, along with a half-dozen other venture cash entities.
Eric Engelmann, a common lover at ISA Ventures, stated the team is proud to commit in a “groundbreaking enterprise and its technology, led by an fantastic workforce, to speed up Gross-Wen Technologies’ development in Iowa.”
He mentioned increasing substantial pounds for a firm that is hitting its stride with the correct know-how at the appropriate time is “big news for Iowa and for central Iowa’s startup ecosystem.”
The investors feel the timing is appropriate, in element, due to the fact quite a few municipalities and companies are seeking for considerably less pricey, effective options to meet up with stricter federal and state h2o high-quality needs.
Gross-Wen utilizes a process it calls revolving algal biofilm to value-effectively satisfy new wastewater discharge permits.
The RAB method makes use of algae to get well vitamins these as nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater in a extra very affordable fashion than traditional approaches. The algae consume carbon dioxide and deliver oxygen, both equally of which are nutritious processes to struggle local weather modify.
The harvested algae are then turned into pellets that are prosperous in nitrogen and phosphorus and can be utilised as fertilizer or bioplastics.
The approach has reduced costs for vitality and operation, and it does not have to have expensive carbon or chemical inputs.
“There is a great opportunity for sustainable drinking water procedure systems. This funding will supply GWT the funds to expand our existing existence in Iowa and the Midwest and present us the sources to develop new markets across the U.S.,” Martin Gross, co-founder and president of Gross-Wen, mentioned in a information release. “We are thrilled to add ISA Ventures, Rural Vitality Fund and Following Degree Ventures as our most recent shareholders at GWT. These firms depict the leading undertaking funds corporations in Iowa and we seem forward to their direction as we expand our small business.”
Gross and his professor, Zhiyou Wen, developed the patented course of action while Gross was a graduate pupil at Iowa Condition College. Gross and Wen co-established the enterprise in 2014. Wen proceeds as a technical skilled.
Slater implemented Gross-Wen’s algae-dependent engineering at a price savings of $1 million as it enhanced its wastewater treatment facility to meet a lot more stringent Section of All-natural Resources necessities.
Gross credits the town and Mayor John Kahler for staying ahead-pondering in picking Gross-Wen in December 2018.
“Slater was looking at a $6 million choice,” Gross explained. “However, I’m happy to say by utilizing our process, the group saved over $1 million.”
In December 2019, Gross-Wen opened its headquarters on Slater’s Most important Street.
The setting up at 404 Most important St. was dilapidated when Gross-Wen purchased it from the town for $1. A $100,000 Catalyst grant from Iowa in 2019, together with a facade grant from Tale County, helped spruce up the developing, building an industrial truly feel with the use of steel and greenhouse glass like that made use of in Gross-Wen’s algae-centered nutrient recovery stations.
“We want buyers who are prepared to commit in compact communities,” Engelmann mentioned. “And we need to have companies who are prepared to track down there. Absolutely, Martin Gross has completed some actually cool get the job done putting Gross-Wen ideal there on Main Avenue.”
Also included in the funding of Gross-Wen are Subsequent Amount Ventures, Mid-American Angels, Ankeny Angels, Ag Startup Motor, Oman Ventures and 1330 Investments.
The ISA Ventures fund was designed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Engelmann reported.
“The fund only invests in Iowa organizations, and we selected Gross-Wen as just one of the hefty hitters we seriously preferred to back,” he said.
ISA Ventures is set up to make investments in organizations early, when other undertaking resources tend to not want to enjoy, Engelmann said.
Engelmann grew up in Davenport, graduated from the University of Iowa and got his first work in Cedar Rapids, where by he life.
“About 1-third of our revenue is likely to be invested terribly early in firms — that is not Gross-Wen, to be very clear,” he reported. “But I believe that is an fascinating element about our product, mainly because we tend to be the incredibly very first look at you ever receive as a founder and then we continue on to spend in excess of time, bringing in more substantial money when you seriously strike it big.
“We system an essential function in the ecosystem of determining superior-opportunity founders early and aiding them make their organizations right here in Iowa.”

domain: news


A long-time Saugeen Shores fundraiser has come to an end.
After 24 years the Rotary Club of Port Elgin has announced the end of the Jeff Preston Celebrity Golf Tournament which raises fund for Muscular Distrophy.
Port Elgin Rotary Club President Steve Dennison says "with Jeff Preston and his family's blessing we would like to thank our community for 24 years of amazing support. Together we helped raise $1,500,000 for MD research with our annual Celebrity golf tournament every July. From the golfers to the sponsors to the volunteers who came out year after year, we thank you. This was a local effort to try and tackle a global problem."
He adds that when the tournament began Preston was the Easter Seals "poster child" and was "famous in his own right".
"After all these years Jeff has grown into a man. He holds a PHD, is married and is a professor at University of Western Ontario in London."
Jeff Preston will continue to raise funds for MD as he is the Board Chair of Jesse's Journey, a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-specific research charity.


Xinjiang's education bureau said that the policy will be implemented in September, China Education Daily, a newspaper affiliated with Ministry of Education, reported on Friday.
Chinese Law on Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language states that Putonghua is the standard spoken and written Chinese language.
The report said that all 2.94 million students in the nine-year free education period - primary and middle school - will receive Putonghua education.
Xinjiang is heavily populated by Uygur ethnic minority people. The regional government has been providing bilingual education to help spread Putonghua, the Xinhua News Agency reported in 2015.
In 2017, Putonghua was taught to 1.88 million students in the free education period, an increase of 1.05 million from the previous year, the newspaper said.
However, spreading Putonghua in some ethnic minority regions is challenging because of the lack of qualified teachers, Xiong Kunxin, a professor at Tibet University, told the Global Times previously.
China's education authorities released a plan in December 2017 to send more than 10,000 experienced teachers to Xinjiang as well as Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, to guide and train local teachers and to help improve the quality of local education.
According to a development plan released by the Xinjiang education bureau in 2017, more than 98 percent of children will have access to three years of free preschool education.
By 2020, students from ethnic minority groups in this region will have a basic command of standard spoken and written Putonghua, the development plan said.


Hyundai Veloster Turbo JP Edition Concept at 2012 SEMA [Photo Gallery]
Blacked-out Ray’s Gram Lights Xtreme57 Wheels shod in Toyo Proxes T1 Sport tires fill in the bright mint green TS Designs fender flares by Jon Sibal.
Hyundai calls the concept a “Veloster” but it’s actually the Turbo model, judging by the bod and the exhaust on the car. However, they didn’t leave it at that, and the 1.6-liter engine features a ARK performance exhaust, while the suspension adds KW coilovers, Whiteline sway bars and anti-lift kit, and a Brembo big brake kit.
“In creating the JP Edition Veloster, we were inspired to take the Veloster’s distinctive design cues and accentuate them with an iris-warping brilliant mint green exterior finish” said John Pangilinan. “The JP Edition Veloster concept takes the production car into ultra-exclusive tuner-car territory.”
❐ Check out the Hyundai Veloster JP Edition Concept photo gallery


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“Bimbo’s Initiation is a 1931 Fleischer Studios Talkartoon animated short film starring Bimbo and featuring Betty Boop. It was the final Betty Boop cartoon to be animated by the character’s co-creator, Grim Natwick.
“Bimbo is walking down the street when he suddenly disappears down an open manhole. He lands in an underground clubhouse of a secret society. The leader asks Bimbo if he’d like to be a member, but Bimbo refuses and is sent through a series of dangerous events. He is repeatedly asked by the leader to join their society, but keeps refusing. Bimbo is brought through a series of mysterious doors that lead him into yet another sub-basement. Bimbo flees through various death traps before landing in front of the mysterious order’s leader again. Bimbo still refuses to become a member, but finally accepts the invitation when the leader reveals to be the real Betty Boop and the rest of the society members remove their costumes, showing that they are all Betty clones and Bimbo dances with all the Betties to celebrate.
“The song Wanna Be A Member? is parody lyrics written to the 1919 song The Vamp (or Vamp A Little Lady).
“The surreal, nightmarish atmosphere of Bimbo’s Initiation has made it one of the most renowned Fleischer Studios shorts. Leonard Maltin described it as “the ‘darkest’ of all” the Fleischers’ cartoons. In 1994 it was voted #37 of the 50 Greatest Cartoons of all time by members of the animation industry.” sez Wikipedia

domain: entertainment


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Welcome to an exciting journey through history as we explore one of the most influential types of weaponry – the polearm. Polearms, a category of weapon that may not be as widely recognized as the sword or bow, have nonetheless played a crucial role in human conflict and the evolution of warfare across civilizations.
Polearm weapons, characterized by a blade or striking point mounted on a long shaft, were birthed in a time when reach, flexibility, and the need for formations were becoming paramount on the battlefield. Their length made them ideal for keeping adversaries at bay, offering the wielder a significant advantage in combat. From the spear-wielding phalanxes of Ancient Greece to the formidable Swiss pikemen in the Middle Ages, polearm weapons have repeatedly proven their worth in the theater of war.
In the course of this post, we’ll delve into the history and details of an assortment of polearms such as the spear, pike, halberd, glaive, naginata, guandao, and many others. We’ll also touch on their significance, the tactics associated with them, their presence in popular culture, and their enduring appeal in the modern age.
So, if you’ve ever wondered about the weapon in the hands of a medieval knight in a museum, or the unusual sword wielded by your favorite video game character, read on. We’re about to embark on an exciting exploration into the world of polearm weapons.
The Origin and Evolution of Polearm Weapons
The dawn of polearm weapons can be traced back to our prehistoric ancestors, whose need for survival and hunting led to the creation of the first rudimentary polearms. This took the form of sharpened wooden stakes or stones affixed to sticks, designed to extend the wielder’s reach, enabling them to engage threats from a safer distance.
Over time, these initial inventions transformed into more sophisticated tools of war as humans began to forge metals. One of the earliest and most enduring polearms was the spear. Originating as a simple sharpened stick, it evolved into a weapon with a pointed metal head. The spear became a universal weapon, found in every culture and on every continent, due to its simplicity, versatility, and effectiveness.
The evolution of polearms continued through the centuries, seeing increased specialization and adaptation to specific combat roles and environments. The Bronze Age and Iron Age brought about polearms such as the pike, a very long spear designed for use in massed formations, and the halberd, a multi-purpose weapon combining an axe blade, a spear point, and a hook for dismounting cavalry.
During the Middle Ages, the evolution of polearms reached its peak, driven by the need to penetrate the increasingly sophisticated armor of knights. This era saw the advent of numerous polearms like the glaive, a long blade on a pole, and the voulge, similar to a glaive but with a shorter, sturdier blade for chopping as well as slicing.
Each type of polearm played pivotal roles in many historic battles and significantly influenced the strategies and tactics employed. For instance, the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 saw the effective use of pikes by the Scottish against the English cavalry. Similarly, the Swiss halberdiers’ successful engagements throughout the late Middle Ages illustrated the power and tactical flexibility of these weapons.
Polearms may not be the first weapon that comes to mind when we think of warfare, but their impact on the course of history is undeniably profound. They have shaped not only the outcomes of individual battles but also the evolution of warfare and military tactics across different cultures and eras.
Understanding Polearm Weapons
Polearm weapons encompass a broad category of melee weapons that typically consist of a head or blade mounted on a long shaft or pole. The defining characteristic of a polearm is its reach; by mounting a blade or other offensive feature on a pole, the weapon can engage targets from a distance, providing a strategic advantage in various combat scenarios.
The construction of a polearm varies depending on its type, but a general composition includes a head, a haft, and often a butt end. The head, which carries out the actual damage, can be a blade, a point, a hammer, an axe, or even a combination of these, such as in a halberd. The haft is the pole or staff part of the weapon, giving the polearm its extended reach and acting as a conduit for the force delivered in the weapon’s swing or thrust. The butt end, while sometimes unadorned, can also be weaponized as a secondary striking point or equipped with a ferrule for durability.
Materials used in crafting polearms have changed over the ages, reflecting the overall evolution of weapon-making. Early polearms were made using readily available materials, with hafts often made of wood and heads of sharpened stone or bone. As metalworking techniques developed, bronze, iron, and eventually steel replaced stone and bone for the head of the weapon, offering greater durability, sharpness, and versatility. The shafts or hafts, while typically remaining wooden due to the material’s combination of strength, light weight, and accessibility, have also been made from metals in some instances or reinforced with metal bands.
Polearm weapons are a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability in warfare. Each type of polearm, be it a spear, a pike, a halberd, or a naginata, reflects the tactics, technology, and cultural characteristics of the people who created and used them. The range of polearms developed across cultures and time periods is a fascinating study in the diversity and development of martial technology.
Breakdown of Various Types of Polearm Weapons
- Description: Spears are one of the oldest and most versatile polearm weapons. They consist of a long shaft with a pointed head, typically made of metal. The head can have different designs, including a simple pointed blade, a leaf-shaped blade, or a triangular shape with two cutting edges.
- History: Spears have been used since prehistoric times and were prevalent in numerous civilizations, from Ancient Egypt to Classical Greece, Medieval Europe, and beyond. They were favored by infantry due to their simplicity, ease of use, and effectiveness in both thrusting and throwing.
- Usage: Spears were primarily used for thrusting attacks, allowing soldiers to maintain distance from their adversaries while inflicting significant damage. They were often employed by foot soldiers, phalanxes, and formations where spearmen would create a formidable wall of points against charging enemies.
- Description: Pikes are long polearm weapons characterized by their extended length. They feature a sharp point at the top, usually made of metal, and a long shaft, often measuring around 10 to 25 feet in length. Pikes were designed for use in massed formations, where soldiers would stand side by side, forming a wall of spears.
- History: Pikes gained prominence during the late medieval and Renaissance periods, notably used by Swiss mercenaries and later adopted by various European armies. Their effectiveness in repelling cavalry charges made them an essential weapon in the battlefields of the time.
- Usage: Pikes were primarily used in tight formations, such as the famous Swiss pike squares, where rows of pikemen would lock their weapons together to create a nearly impenetrable barrier. Their long reach allowed them to strike at enemies from a safe distance, making it difficult for cavalry or infantry to break through their defensive line.
- Description: Halberds are polearms that combine elements of an axe, a hook, and a spear. They feature a pointed or axe-like blade on one side, a hook or spike on the other, and often a smaller protrusion resembling a spearhead on the top. The head is mounted on a long shaft, providing reach and leverage.
- History: Halberds gained popularity during the late medieval and Renaissance periods and were widely used by European infantry and guards. Their versatility made them effective against both armored and unarmored opponents, allowing soldiers to thrust, chop, and hook with a single weapon.
- Usage: Halberds were primarily used by infantry as versatile weapons that could be used for thrusting, slashing, or hooking an enemy combatant. They were often employed in formations as well as for guarding important individuals.
- Description: Glaives are polearm weapons with a curved, single-edged blade mounted on a shaft. The blade has a cutting edge on the concave side and often a hook or point on the opposite side. Glaives have a slightly shorter reach compared to other polearms but offer excellent maneuverability.
- History: Glaives originated in China and spread to other regions, such as Europe and Southeast Asia. They were used by both infantry and cavalry and saw significant use during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
- Usage: Glaives were versatile weapons suitable for both slashing and thrusting attacks. The curve of the blade allowed for more effective cuts, while the hook could be used for disarming or grappling opponents. They were often employed by elite guards, as well as foot soldiers and cavalry.
- Description: Naginatas are Japanese polearm weapons featuring a curved blade with a single cutting edge on the concave side. The blade is mounted on a long shaft, typically made of wood, with a length ranging from around 4 to 7 feet. Naginatas often have a small guard (tsuba) separating the blade from the shaft.
- History: Naginatas were prominent during feudal Japan, particularly during the Heian period (794-1185) and through the Sengoku period (1467-1603). Originally used by samurai women for self-defense, they later became standard weapons for foot soldiers and even mounted warriors.
- Usage: Naginatas were versatile weapons, allowing both cutting and thrusting attacks. They offered an extended reach and were effective against opponents wielding swords due to their ability to keep them at a distance. Naginatas were used in formations, defending against cavalry charges, and were favored by warrior monks and female warriors.
- Description: The guandao, also known as the yanyuedao or crescent moon blade, is a Chinese polearm characterized by a large, crescent-shaped blade mounted on a long shaft. The blade can vary in size, with the inner curve resembling a crescent moon and the outer edge typically sharpened.
- History: The guandao originated in ancient China and gained prominence during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD) when it was famously wielded by the general Guan Yu. It continued to be used throughout Chinese history, particularly during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
- Usage: The guandao was a versatile weapon with both cutting and hooking capabilities. Its size and weight made it effective for sweeping strikes and disarming opponents. It was commonly used by infantry and cavalry, and its association with Guan Yu has elevated its status as an iconic weapon in Chinese martial culture.
- Description: The partisan is a European polearm weapon with a long shaft and a spear-like blade featuring two cutting edges. The blade is typically broader at the base and tapers to a point. The backside of the blade can be either straight or curved.
- History: The partisan originated in medieval Europe and saw use from the 15th to the 17th century. It was a favored weapon of both infantry and cavalry due to its versatility and effectiveness in close combat.
- Usage: The partisan was primarily used for thrusting and cutting attacks. Its two cutting edges allowed for versatile strikes, and the length of the weapon provided an extended reach. Partisans were often employed by infantry in formations and were effective against armored opponents due to their piercing capabilities.
- Description: The bardiche is a polearm weapon that features a large axe blade mounted on a long shaft. The blade is typically elongated, with a single cutting edge and a bearded shape, meaning it has a hook-like protrusion at the base of the blade opposite the cutting edge.
- History: The bardiche originated in medieval Europe and gained popularity in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was particularly prevalent in Eastern Europe and Russia, where it became associated with infantry forces and became a symbol of military prowess.
- Usage: The bardiche excelled in delivering powerful, chopping strikes due to its size and weight. It was effective against armored opponents, as its forceful blows could bypass or crush armor. Bardiches were used by infantry soldiers and were often employed as anti-cavalry weapons due to their ability to disable or unhorse mounted adversaries.
- Description: The bill is a polearm weapon with a hooked blade resembling a combination of a spear and an axe. It consists of a long shaft with a blade that has a pointed tip, a sharpened edge, and a hook or billhook at the back of the blade.
- History: The bill originated in England during the medieval period and gained popularity from the 14th to the 16th century. It was commonly used by infantry, particularly by English militias and mercenaries, due to its versatility and effectiveness against both armored and unarmored opponents.
- Usage: The bill was designed for versatile combat, enabling soldiers to thrust, hack, and hook their adversaries. Its pointed tip allowed for effective thrusting attacks, while the hook could be used for disarming, tripping, or entangling opponents. The bill was often employed in formations and was renowned for its ability to counter armored opponents by targeting weak points.
- Description: The Lochaber axe is a Scottish polearm weapon characterized by its long shaft, a large axe blade, and a spike or point at the back of the blade. The axe head has a curved or concave shape and a cutting edge, while the spike is positioned opposite the cutting edge.
- History: The Lochaber axe originated in the Highlands of Scotland during the 16th and 17th centuries. It was primarily used by Highland clansmen and became associated with their distinctive warrior culture.
- Usage: The Lochaber axe was primarily used as a close-quarters weapon, suitable for both cutting and thrusting attacks. The axe blade allowed for powerful chops, while the spike could be used for thrusting or grappling opponents. Its versatility and effectiveness in Highland warfare made it a favored weapon for both offensive and defensive actions.
- Description: The voulge is a polearm weapon with a long shaft and a blade resembling a large, wide cleaver or sickle. The blade has a single cutting edge and a convex curve, often tapering to a point at the tip.
- History: The voulge emerged in Europe during the late medieval period and gained popularity in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was used primarily by infantry soldiers and became a common weapon among Swiss and German troops.
- Usage: The voulge was designed for cutting and slashing attacks, utilizing its curved blade to deliver powerful strikes. It was effective against lightly armored opponents and was often used by infantry soldiers in both open-field battles and castle sieges.
- Description: The ranseur is a polearm weapon featuring a long shaft with a triangular blade and two flanking prongs or tines. The blade has a central ridge and two cutting edges, while the tines are often spear-shaped or fork-like in appearance.
- History: The ranseur emerged during the 15th and 16th centuries in Europe and was commonly used by cavalry. It was designed to counter heavily armored opponents by bypassing or trapping their defenses.
- Usage: The ranseur excelled in thrusting attacks, utilizing its tri-pronged head to pierce or entangle opponents’ armor. The central blade provided additional cutting capabilities. The weapon was mainly employed by cavalry soldiers for dismounting or disabling enemy horsemen and was effective in close-quarters combat.
The Role of Polearm Weapons in Warfare
Polearm weapons have played a significant role in warfare throughout history, offering tactical advantages that have shaped the outcome of battles and influenced military strategies. Understanding their advantages, historical usage, and eventual transition to firearms provides valuable insights into the evolution of warfare.
The tactical advantages of using polearm weapons
- Extended Reach: Polearms provide a longer reach compared to most other melee weapons, such as swords or axes. This extended reach allows the wielder to engage enemies from a safer distance, reducing the risk of being counterattacked.
- Versatility: Polearms often combine different weapon features, such as blades, hooks, or spikes, into a single weapon. This versatility enables a variety of attack techniques, including thrusting, slashing, hooking, and disarming, making polearms suitable for various combat scenarios.
- Formation Tactics: Polearm weapons were well-suited for organized formations, such as phalanxes or pike squares. These formations relied on overlapping or interlocking polearms to create a barrier that could repel charges from cavalry or infantry, creating a formidable defensive line.
- Armor Penetration: The design and construction of certain polearm weapons, such as the bill or halberd, allowed for effective strikes against armored opponents. The combination of stabbing, chopping, and hooking actions enabled soldiers to exploit gaps in armor or disable adversaries by targeting weak points.
Famous historical battles and the polearm weapons used
- Battle of Agincourt (1415): The English longbowmen and their defensive stakes proved instrumental in repelling the French knights, who were vulnerable to the longbows and the longspears known as “billhooks” used by English infantry.
- Battle of Nagashino (1575): In this battle during Japan’s Sengoku period, Oda Nobunaga’s troops employed spears and matchlock firearms to successfully repel cavalry charges led by Takeda Katsuyori. The combination of long spears (yari) and firearms proved effective against mounted warriors.
- Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297): Scottish forces led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray used longspears and pikes to great effect against the English cavalry, trapping and overwhelming them in the narrow confines of the bridge crossing.
The shift from polearms to firearms and the reasons behind it
The advent of firearms gradually led to the decline of polearm weapons on the battlefield. Several factors contributed to this shift:
- Increasing Firepower: Firearms provided a significant increase in firepower, enabling soldiers to engage enemies from even greater distances and with greater force than polearms.
- Simplicity and Ease of Use: Firearms required less training and skill to operate compared to polearms. The relative ease of training and mass production made firearms accessible to larger armies.
- Changing Tactics: Firearms offered new tactical possibilities, such as concentrated volleys of fire, which made traditional formations using polearms vulnerable to sustained gunfire.
- Technological Advancements: Advancements in firearms technology, such as the development of more reliable ignition systems, rifling, and cartridge ammunition, further improved their effectiveness and reduced the advantages of polearm weapons.
Polearm Weapons in Popular Culture
Polearm weapons have made their mark in popular culture, appearing in various forms of entertainment such as films, TV shows, and video games. These representations often bring polearms to life in exciting and dramatic ways, albeit sometimes deviating from their historical accuracy. Additionally, the influence of polearm weapons can be seen in the realm of fantasy literature and role-playing games, where they have become iconic and integral to the worlds and characters created.
Representation of polearm weapons in films, TV shows, and video games
- Films: Polearm weapons frequently appear in historical and fantasy films, portraying epic battles or showcasing martial skills. Examples include the portrayal of spears and pikes in the battle scenes of movies like “Braveheart” or “Gladiator,” and the fantastical glaives in “Krull” or “The Chronicles of Narnia” series.
- TV Shows: Polearm weapons are often featured in TV shows that depict medieval or ancient warfare. Shows like “Game of Thrones” prominently display various polearm weapons, including the iconic longspears of the Unsullied or the halberds used by knights.
- Video Games: Many video games incorporate polearm weapons as selectable or usable items. Games like the “Total War” series or the “Mount & Blade” series offer players the opportunity to command armies utilizing polearm units. Additionally, role-playing games such as “The Elder Scrolls” series often include a wide array of polearm weapons for players to equip and wield.
Accuracy of representations compared to historical counterparts
While polearm weapons in popular media may capture the essence of their historical counterparts, artistic liberties are often taken for dramatic effect or gameplay mechanics. Design elements, proportions, and functionalities of polearm weapons are sometimes exaggerated, modified, or combined with fictional elements to enhance their visual appeal or utility in the context of the medium.
Influence of polearm weapons on fantasy literature and role-playing games
Polearm weapons have had a significant influence on fantasy literature and role-playing games, shaping the lore, character archetypes, and combat mechanics. Many fantasy novels, such as the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, include polearm weapons as integral components of the weaponry used by various races and cultures. In role-playing games like “Dungeons & Dragons,” polearm weapons often have distinct characteristics, abilities, and fighting styles attributed to them, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of polearm-wielding characters.
Polearm weapons have become symbols of martial prowess, nobility, and fantastical combat in popular culture, enriching storytelling and gameplay experiences while paying homage to the historical roots and enduring appeal of these formidable weapons.
The Art and Sport of Polearm Weapons Today
Polearm weapons, with their rich history and enduring allure, continue to captivate enthusiasts in the modern era. Today, the art of polearm combat is kept alive through various martial arts disciplines, while sports and reenactment events provide opportunities for individuals to engage in the thrilling experience of wielding these formidable weapons.
Modern martial arts and the use of polearm weapons
- Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA): HEMA focuses on reconstructing and practicing historical European martial arts. Many HEMA schools and organizations offer training in polearm techniques based on historical treatises and manuals. Practitioners study and learn the intricacies of various polearm systems, including spear, halberd, and other polearm styles.
- Asian Martial Arts: Some traditional martial arts from Asia, such as Japanese Naginatajutsu or Chinese Guandao techniques, continue to be practiced today. These martial arts preserve the techniques, forms, and philosophies associated with polearm combat in their respective cultures.
Sports and reenactment events involving polearm weapons
- Historical Reenactment: Reenactment groups and societies organize events that recreate historical battles, allowing participants to engage in combat using historically accurate weapons and equipment. These events often feature polearm weapons, and participants can experience firsthand the tactics and techniques employed by warriors of the past.
- Modern Polearm Sports: Some organizations and clubs have developed sportive activities centered around polearm combat. These activities, often inspired by historical forms, offer a competitive platform for practitioners to test their skills in sparring, forms, or simulated battles using safe and padded equipment.
Where interested readers can learn more or get involved
- Martial Arts Schools: Seek out martial arts schools or organizations that offer training in historical European martial arts, Asian martial arts, or specific polearm systems. Experienced instructors can guide students through the techniques, footwork, and strategies associated with polearm combat.
- Historical Reenactment Groups: Join local historical reenactment groups to immerse yourself in the world of historical battles and weaponry. These groups often have experienced members who can teach you about polearm weapons, their usage, and the historical context.
- Online Resources: Utilize online resources, including instructional videos, forums, and websites dedicated to historical martial arts or specific polearm weapons. These platforms can provide valuable insights, training tips, and resources to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Polearm weapons continue to captivate and inspire people today, both as an art form and as a sport. Through modern martial arts practices and the participation in reenactment events, individuals can explore the rich heritage of polearm combat and experience the thrill of wielding these iconic weapons. Whether you are drawn to the historical accuracy, the physicality of combat, or the cultural significance, the world of polearm weapons offers a fascinating journey into the past while providing a vibrant and engaging pursuit in the present.

domain: history


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Hopes run high in the afternoon shadows as women offer their wares in a Ghanaian market. John Atta Mensah paints an everyday scene from Ghana, selecting a palette of warm earth colors. "I depict two market women waiting for customers," he says. "This applies in one's life when expectations and hopes do not come our way."
This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.
This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.
Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.
This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.
This artist supports children under the age of 18.

domain: artistic


text:
In the Patagonian steppe, years with above-average precipitation (wet years) are characterized by the occurrence of large rainfall events. The objective of this paper was to analyze the ability of shrubs and grasses to use these large events. Shrubs absorb water from the lower layers, grasses from the upper layers, intercepting water that would otherwise reach the layers exploited by shrubs. We hypothesized that both lifeforms could use the large rainfalls and that the response of shrubs could be more affected by the presence of grasses than vice versa. We performed a field experiment using a factorial combination of water addition and lifeform removal, and repeated it during the warm season of three successive years. The response variables were leaf growth, and soil and plant water potential. Grasses always responded to experimental large rainfall events, and their response was greater in dry than in wet years. Shrubs only used large rainfalls in the driest year, when the soil water potential in the deep layers was low. The presence or absence of one life-form did not modify the response of the other. The magnitude of the increase in soil water potential was much higher in dry than in humid years, suggesting an explanation for the differences among years in the magnitude of the response of shrubs and grasses. We propose that the generally reported poor response of deep-rooted shrubs to summer rainfalls could be because (1) the water is insufficient to reach deep soil layers, (2) the plants are in a dormant phenological status, and/or (3) deep soil layers have a high water potential. The two last situations may result in high deep-drainage losses, one of the most likely explanations for the elsewhere-reported low response of aboveground net primary production to precipitation during wet years.
- Aboveground net primary production
- Patagonian steppe
- Water stress
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

domain: geography


Manage series 1052720
By FACTS you didn't need to know and Marty and Vic. Discovered by Player FM and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Player FM, and audio is streamed directly from their servers. Hit the Subscribe button to track updates in Player FM, or paste the feed URL into other podcast apps.
Each week we finger and flick our way through a book of facts Marty has spent the past eighteen months of her life collecting... Putting the 'WTF' in serendipity.


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The Barrhead Leader in Alberta attends class to learn more about Roots of Empathy and our tiny teachers:
Currently in the program, which is in about its 10 week, the students have focused on getting to know the baby. In future weeks ROE will move on to more general discussions about human behaviour, liking it to a psychology course.
“We don’t tell the kids, but that is what empathy is,” Hiemstra said. “It’s all about how we read other people’s feelings and react with understanding and compassion.”
Barrhead Elementary School (BES) associate principal Julie Smith is also a big supporter of the program, adding in some form or another it has been at the school for over a decade.
“I know some of the children who were the Roots of Empathy babies, are actually going through the program as students,” she said.

domain: sociology


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Hello everyone! It’s Monday, which means that it is time for a brand new reflective journaling sheet. This week’s sheet asks you to think about your reading habits in terms of time era. Do you prefer to read the classics or do you prefer to read contemporary novels?
While I enjoy reading a classic novel every now and then (I adore the Bronte sisters), I do prefer to read more contemporary novels gravitating towards those that deal with family relationships.
What about you, do you prefer to read classic or contemporary?
You can access this week’s sheet here:
-Jessica, Adult Services & Acquisitions Librarian


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Holiday Gifts from Prism & Pen
Prism & Pen stories — December 20, 2020
This year has been nightmarish, but with it almost over maybe we can all relax with some stories and a hot cup of tea or coffee. Unless you prefer something stronger! Whether you like fiction or non, we’ve got great gifts for you.
Liam Heitmann-Ryce offers both fiction and memoir about his travels in Germany. theoaknotes (I’m trans nonbinary, mixed black and white, queer, the child of two moms, a Gen Z, a K-pop fan, a practicing minimalist, a college student, a dancer, a reader, a philosopher, and an expert cuddler) gives us some of their their favorite queer quotes of the year.
And James Finn tells a story about Grandma Finn and how she taught him that religion must never excuse bigotry — all while exposing bigotry in a supposedly charming southern events center.
There’s so much to get into this week! So, let’s get started with our Editor’s Picks!
Editor’s Picks —
I’ll Have Just One of Those Brownies
Ever been curious to try marijuana? Loren A Olson MD writes about how some untimely experimentation almost cost him his marriage, military career and profession. Don’t expect an anti-drug piece, but DO expect to be entertained!
I opened the door, stretched out my hand, and invited him to descend first. As he passed in front of me, I experienced an overwhelming urge to touch this young man, to feel his body, to kiss him, to fuck him.
Ever felt like a ghost? I think almost all queer people remember times they’ve felt invisible. And that first time we feel truly seen? Incredible!
“I… I can’t…. Accept…” and that’s all I got before I burst into tears. After months and months of turning myself off for my own protection, settling for being ignored over being abhorred, she finally saw me. I’m not invisible.
What If I Rather Be Ice?
Rather than feeling invisible, GB Rogut imagines what it is like to be ice, to grow cold to protect yourself from the hurt.
I know what it feels like
to stand under freezing rain,
no home to go to,
no arms to cry in,
Creative Non Fiction Selections —
The difficulty of navigating a room choked with cigarette smoke and densely packed with strangers is significantly worsened when all speak a language of which I have only the most cursory understanding. I felt as though they begrudgingly spoke to me in English in the same one way placates a lost child until they can be offloaded onto their parents.
Take these quotes, and put them in places where you’ll be reminded of them. Journal them down, write them on sticky notes that can go on your desk or your door, make a desktop wallpaper with them, or set alarms with them. Affirm yourself and those around you, think back and enjoy the bright rainbow spots in 2020, and let’s collectively give 2021 hell.
I’d grown up laughing at the “men in dresses” jokes I’d seen in TV and movies. But I hadn’t known that people like that actually existed. As I started reading through their blogs, I was spellbound, particularly by reading the experiences of nonbinary people. I hadn’t heard of them before, but as I learned more and more about them, I began to think that term might apply to me.
These are my five queer New Year’s resolutions. They all contribute to my broader goal of continuing to deepen my understanding of my various “non-normative” identities through writing out my lived experiences and reading and listening to those of others.
In the battle social justice, there should be no tribes. There are only those who have equality and those who have not. So, regardless of where you fit into our worldwide family of queer, know that there are people out there thinking of you during these festive days, and wishing you all the very best.
Grandma [Finn] didn’t respect tradition, and she didn’t respect religious dogma. She wanted to life to become better, more just, and more kind — no matter what any religious leader had to say.
Denying Lesbian Couple Access to Events Venue is Legal
But owner’s ‘traditional Christian values’ are immoral
Fiction Finds —
Matt’s eyes narrowed and seemed to darken, a sharp transition from hazel to black that Hannah found disquieting. This repertoire of threatening facial expressions seemed to be something else he had acquired from money, something to earn him kudos in board meetings, perhaps, as the new-money yuppie with something to prove in his Ralph Lauren shirt and Fred Astaire shoes. But Hannah saw through that. His cheeks were still too pink, his brown hair too curly; he was, for all intents and purposes, the same thirteen-year-old boy who caught geckos in lunchboxes on Auntie Gina’s veranda.
Poetry Picks —
…how does one thaw a frozen ocean
without threatening a tsunami of emotion?
All being equal
We share much more than we know-
Female Male so what?
Master Classes —
Another note to remind you that author and creative writing professor David Wade Chambers will offer a workshop in January on the queer crime fiction genre, if interest is strong. Don’t miss his fascinating introductory essay, and please reach out to Wade in the comments to let him you’d like to participate.
In the pages below, I have provided a very brief, mostly non-literary, introduction to some of the more interesting writers in the queer detective genre currently available to readers. The great majority of the authors identify as queer themselves or at least would place themselves somewhere on the non-binary lgbtq spectrum
That’s all for today. Sending you all the warm wishes for the holidays. For now, adieu!
Until next week,
Esther Spurrill-Jones, BFoundAPen, Zayn Singh, Ainsley L, Kathy Lee Tolleth, Brian Pelletier, Fred Shirley, Ikedi Oghenetega, neil chapman, David Wade Chambers, Artemis Shishir, alto, Sean Stephane Martin, Gabriela Penelope Carolus, Lois Shearing, b.henriques, Carl Rebeiro 🏳🌈, Rodney Frazier, Simon, Carl Rebeiro, Brian Fehler, Deneishia Jacobpito, Chris Hedges, Ronald C. Flores-Gunkle, Kathy Lee Tolleth, Brian Pelletier, Alex David Bevan, Ikedi Oghenetega, David Wade Chambers, Sean Stephane Martin, Gabriela Penelope Carolus, Lois Shearing, Valentine Wiggin, b.henriques, Carl Rebeiro, Rodney Frazier, Simon Z. Brian Fehler, Cassie Brighter, Deneishia Jacobpito, Ronald C. Flores-Gunkle, James Patrick Nelson, Brigid Maloney, Gabriela, Presley Thomas, Evan McCoy, Loren Olson, Ken Wilson, Chandler Myer, NaNa’sworld, Arabelle J., Liam Heitmann-Ryce, Edis Rune, Prickly Pam, Dawn McGrath, Jonathan | sex & theology, Tabitha Lowndes, Emma Nwosisi, Melissa Speed, Dr. Thomas J. West, Till Kaeslin, Dave Smurthwaite, Ellie Rebecca, Zoey Milford, Edris Quinn C., Dennett, Michael Constable, Jim Martens, Stephen Foster, Kravitz M. Kristen Nadel, William Kuhn, Denisa Bogdan, MSci, Rafaela Mempin, Tre L. Loadholt, theoaknotes, Rachel Brindell, Elle Fredine, Jess Darnell, Emma Holiday, Gabe Evaristo, Joshua Mackey, Steve Alexander, Stevie Wilkinson, Andy Killoran, Nick Bundarin, ElMehdi El Azhary, Bradley Wester, Stella Luna (they/she?), Chuy G. Gonzalez, MS, Aaron W. Marrs, Zada Kent, Tima Loku, Cam, The Transgender Therapist, Sean Bennett, Ty Bo Yule, Abbie Drake