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While we are transfixed by the latest “shiny object”–the latest betrayal of long-time allies, the emergence of emails documenting the White Nationalism of the White House, Trump’s approval of war crimes, the daily evidence that our President is quite insane, and of course the Impeachment hearings–the current administration stays busy behind the scenes destroying both democratic norms and constitutional barriers.
I have previously posted about a number of these assaults–generally, they are being led by the unqualified and ethically compromised individuals currently ensconced in cabinet and other administrative positions. Recent reporting, however, locates one such offensive in the White House itself: efforts by wannabe theocrat Mike Pence to further erode the First Amendment’s separation of church and state.
As ProPublica reports
Last November, a top Trump appointee at the U.S. Agency for International Development wrote a candid email to colleagues about pressure from the White House to reroute Middle East aid to religious minorities, particularly Christian groups.
“Sometimes this decision will be made for us by the White House (see… Iraq! And, increasingly, Syria),” said Hallam Ferguson, a senior official in USAID’s Middle East bureau, in an email seen by ProPublica. “We need to stay ahead of this curve everywhere lest our interventions be dictated to us.”
The email underscored what had become a stark reality under the Trump White House. Decisions about U.S. aid are often no longer being governed by career professionals applying a rigorous review of applicants and their capabilities. Over the last two years, political pressure, particularly from the office of Vice President Mike Pence, had seeped into aid deliberations and convinced key decision-makers that unless they fell in line, their jobs could be at stake.
Some five months before this email was sent, Ferguson’s former boss had been fired. The action followed a communication from Pence’s chief of staff, in which recipients were told that Pence was “displeased” with USAID’s work in Iraq, especially the agency’s decision to turn down Christian groups for aid.
The administration’s efforts to influence USAID funding worried professionals within the agency. Not only did it risk violating First Amendment prohibitions on favoring one religion over another, but there were practical concerns: if the U.S. was perceived as favoring Christians, that perception could–indeed, it probably would– worsen Iraq’s sectarian divides.
USAID regulations state that awards “must be free from political interference or even the appearance of such interference and must be made on the basis of merit, not on the basis of the religious affiliation of a recipient organization, or lack thereof.”
Despite the clear language of the regulations, USAID recently announced two grants to Iraqi organizations that had previously been rejected. According to the Pro Publica article, political appointees, rather than professionals charged with making these determinations, “significantly impacted” the awards.
Typically, such appointees have little to no involvement in USAID grants, to avoid perceptions of undue political influence on procurement.
One of the groups selected for the newest awards has no full-time paid staff, no experience with government grants and a financial tie that would typically raise questions in an intense competition for limited funds. The second organization received its first USAID direct grant after extensive public comments by its leader and allies highlighting what they described as a lack of U.S. assistance to Christians. The two groups — a charity that primarily serves Christian Iraqis and a Catholic university — were not originally listed as front-runners, according to a document seen by ProPublica.
The remainder of the lengthy article documents the measures taken by the administration–especially Pence’s office–to change the criteria by which funds would be awarded in order to benefit Christian organizations. It also reports on Pence’s “pushback” to warnings that favoritism to Christian organizations would run afoul of both the First Amendment and agency regulations.
Just more evidence that while we are transfixed by Trump’s bizarre behaviors and ungrammatical tweets, lobbyists are running federal agencies for the benefit of their former clients, faux Christians are undermining the Constitution and distorting foreign policy, the entire administration is undermining the rule of law…
And today’s GOP is fiercely defending all of it.
18 thoughts on ““Meanwhile”–Mike Pence Version”
No one should be surprised. Pence probably is grateful that he had no chance to get the nomination for the presidency. As Veep, he can act as the “grey eminence” and as such, can do much more damage, because no one pays attention to him, thinking that all he does is shine Trump’s shoes every day. In fact, his influence is insidious.
Is it the White House or the GOP which is now the newest, strongest, wealthiest Christian denomination in the United States; with it’s own school system paid for with our tax dollars? Only one book required and the vast mission field circling the globe.
Yes, it really is worse than it seems.
Today’s blog corroborates much of what most of us have been saying about Republicans, Trump and Pence: They are way past being harmful to the nation and the Constitution. They are a existential threat to democracy around the world. I’m reading Sinclair Lewis’ “It Can’t Happen Here”. How did he know? He wrote the book in 1936! His fears are being realized today…and for the same reasons: THE PUBLIC AND THE ELECTORATE DIDN’T CARE ENOUGH TO KEEP THEIR REPUBLIC.
Insidious corruption, greed and power mongering is inherent in the natural chaos of scrabbling for food and resources. When very large societies allow this caveman instincts rule those societies, we get fascism writ large and capitalism run amok, thus exacerbating the loss of individual freedoms, societal order and the rule of law.
Trump will not be convicted by the corrupt and mindless Senate because of the corrupt and mindless Republicans led by the most corrupt legislator in our history, Mitch McConnell and the fools who voted for him. That said, the real concern will be that once Trump is acquitted, he will suspend the Constitution and the November elections. That should finish us off and let the Russians finish coopting our ability to govern ourselves.
Well don, voters: the 62 million whining bitches who voted for Trump and the 92 million slugs who stayed home and allowed this travesty to occur. You all must be so proud of yourselves.
I apologize for the typos. My editor hadn’t had his coffee yet.
“Trump will not be convicted by the corrupt and mindless Senate because of the corrupt and mindless Republicans led by the most corrupt legislator in our history, Mitch McConnell and the fools who voted for him.”
Vernon; as a retired teacher and if you watched the hearings, did you recognize it was a political English lesson in action. The Republicans dealt totally in past tense on all issues while Democrats remained in present tense and warned of the future tense dangers if Trump is acquitted. There are many lessons to be learned from the past two weeks; maintaining the status quo will result in evangelical rule. Trump’s quid pro quo, if deemed acceptable by the government, will bring to an end e pluribus, unum as the foundation of this country.
On 10/24/19, Leonardo Flores, writing in thegrayzone.com, cited a document obtained by the LA Times, disclosing $41.9M in USAID funds was diverted to Venezuela’s Juan Guaidó faction. Elliott Abrams confirmed the funds are for embassies and ambassadors for Guaidó’s team.
It seems to me that the current (let’s hope temporary) Vice President should change his last name from Pence to Faust! I would really be hard pressed to think of a better example of someone selling their soul to the devil than Mike Pence.
thanks Gordon, im saving a file on the LuLa,Morales coup stuff. just for study, and see the path each is taking and whos involved..keep the journalism alive with such stories many time hidden from mainstream..pass em on…
with studies like this,we have the signatures of who,and where decisions are made,and who signs off on them..when we vote november,we have a tally and point to make prior to election season,to question this story,those who sought to influence where,and when,now we want to know why? a public forum of every canidate is needed,from everyday people,who can ask this question,and get a public statement why. if the canidates will not stand on forum to their constituents, vote em out,obviously they have their own agenda,and the people be damned.
I did indeed notice that. In fact, whenever I read and/or enter into a discussion with a Republican about the current events, the Republican starts in with the “Yeah buts…” They circle back to the Clinton e-mails, George Soros and, of course, Barack Obama’s abject failure as a President.
Republicans are like the three sensory deprived monkeys right now, because they know they are criminals awaiting trial. So, as almost all criminals do, they deflect, obstruct, bully, intimidate and lie. Sound familiar? Oh. Yes. This is Donald Trump’s and his posse’s modus operandi. We clearly have a criminal enterprise in the White House and the Republican party is enabling it, thus making the accessories to ALL the crimes being committed by the Trump administration.
Not the least of those crimes is the dismantling of the EPA and its ability to police polluters. These bastards simply don’t care about poisoning the environment…and the body politic at the same time. All these things are found in the writings of Karl Marx and Sinclair Lewis. They could see it coming…..and here it is. Donald Trump is the madman they predicted.
Repeat after me: RANT RANT RANT….Repeat after me: VOTE VOTE VOTE, GET OTHERS TO VOTE, GET OTHERS TO VOTE, GET OTHERS TO VOTE….
If you only RANT….after the election you can no longer talk about or complain about politics.
Vernon on the spot, criminal,enterprise..if pence is made chief, then what? new impeachment? seems the demos have alot on the plate,whereas they need time to reach their constituents now. election is looming, but many articles of law, and holding office, tells theres a game plan by the conservitives(last century republicans) to hold office even if elections boot them out. the courts,where will they stand,and what if we hit the streets, and find a morales type military shutdown? im not suprise this would even be a question, but as i see corporate america take sides, money may win…corporate board room decisions on capital hill,and democracy is kicked to the curb….
One of the items of entertainment media faith that perhaps one or two authoritarians will wake up to now is that the administrative state is not the den of incompetence and corruption that Bannon and company portrayed. In fact it is Bannon’s solution, Trump and co, who have been trying to force them astray now through the application of pure power contrary to our rule of law.
Even I, a committed liberal believer in the capability of self government, am impressed by the quality of the personal being paraded through the Capitol in an effort to discern the truth and the facts.
In a perfect world this would be the decisive end to the drugs of deception paid for by would be oligarchs that have poisoned the minds of so many Americans desperate to have their biases confirmed by advertising/fake news/propaganda/brainwashing.
The USA has long targeted Evo Morales President of Bolivia for years. Morales was a champion of the indigenous population, and a leftist, who in a nutshell resisted foreign Imperialism and was not shy about condemning it.
Even though he was recently re-elected there were charges of election irregularities. Side Bar – as if we in the USA do not have election “irregularities” – Think gerrymandering, voter suppression, purging of voter roles, etc.
The USA immediately approved the military coup against Morales and he was forced to flee to Mexico.
Before the coup, Evo attempted to nationalize its large lithium reserves, an element necessary for electric cars. Since the coup, Tesla’s stocks have skyrocketed.
Now here is where the Pastor Pence influence toxicity seeps in:
His replacement, Jeanine Añez Chávez, “I dream of a Bolivia free of satanic indigenous rites,” the opposition senator tweeted in 2013, “the city is not for the Indians who should stay in the highlands or the Chaco!!!”
Chavez declared herself interim president while holding up a large bible, though she failed to get the required quorum in the senate to do so. Next to her stood Luis Fernando Camacho, a member of the Christian far-right. After Evo’s resignation, Camacho stormed the presidential palace, a flag in one hand and a bible in the other. “The bible is returning to the government palace,” a pastor said on a video while standing next to Camacho. “Pachamama will never return. Today Christ is returning to the Government Palace. Bolivia is for Christ.”
FYI > Pachamama is a goddess revered by the indigenous people of the Andes. She is also known as the earth/time mother.
Unlike Luis Fernando Camacho, who stormed the presidential palace, a flag in one hand and a bible in the other in Bolivia, Pastor Pence and Betsy DeVos are already there in the White House.
So, Lindsey Graham says he’s going to launch an investigation into Joe Biden, after, he swore he wasn’t interested in doing that a couple of months ago. If this was such a big issue, why didn’t Republicans launch an investigation when they had control of both houses of Congress? How would someone who considers himself a friend to Joe Biden, do something like this? Pressure from the religious right and Trump which are interlocked, that’s why! It’s the Hillary Clinton redo! They are one trick pony, they don’t have truth and ethics on their side, so they fall back on their tried-and-true chicanery.
So, the religious right, supports criminal behavior, treachery against neighbors, endorses coveting your neighbor’s wife, gives a thumbs up to adulterous activity, supports misogyny, and completely disregards the separation of church and state in our Constitution! You know, the Constitution that Donald Trump wrote, LOL!
In all seriousness, it looks like because of this religious interference, the backlash is going to be severe. I would be surprised if Donald Trump is removed from office by impeachment, I wouldn’t be surprised if he loses the election. Will he leave office if he loses? There very realistically could be a bloodletting. After that though, I would believe that most religious activities and affiliations will be banned, that in itself is going to create an extremely tumultuous time.
Pence is certainly obeying the “Go ye into all the world” scriptural mandate, but with our money and, by extension, our approval of one religious grouping over another, as though non-Christians and/or political dissidents don’t need food, clothing and shelter. We the taxpayers are thus rendered unknowing contributors to a secular collection plate for a specific population, which is at odds with regulations designed to benefit one and all of such population.
One has to wonder how the likes of Pence would like it if politicians overruled those charged with administration of such programs and made such aid available only to Muslims, atheists, Hindus, Jews for Jesus, tree-worshipers et al. (?) As I inquired recently in another context, Pitchforks, anybody?
Think of the fascinating conversations that would come from Trump and Pence and Moscow Mitch and Bibi and sharing a cell.
When Mike Pence was Governor (and Mitch Daniels too), the continual command was that government funds for anything had to be merit based.
If Christian groups were not receiving funds, it was because their proposals didn’t meet standards in one or more areas. For instance, if they didn’t have staff to properly account for, spend, and implement their proposals while other organizations did, the Christian groups would lose out to better managed groups. If V.P. Pence had to put his thumb on the scales for Christian groups, that is evidence that their proposals had shortcomings. Unfortunately, this is an invitation to fraud. Now that the word is out on how ‘merit’ is determined, charlatans will come out of the woodwork labeling themselves as Christians and seeking government money. It appears the career government folks who uncover the chicanery will be over-ruled.
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domain: politics


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The beautiful seaside settlement of Skala, which lies southeast of Argostoli, has a population of about 600 inhabitants. Many of its buildings were reconstructed to their present state after the 1953 earthquakes and moved to the south, near the sea. The old village lies on a hill inland. The remains of a Roman villa with notable mosaics and the ruins of the temple of Apollo, which stands on the outskirts of Skala, can still be seen.
Skala is a region in the South - Eastern edge of Kefalonia, endowed by nature, a fantastic sea and fabulous beaches. Here, you can enjoy the countless kilometers of a mixture of sandy and shiny, colorfull, pebbled beaches, surrounded by impressive rocks, creeks and mystic caves.
The community of Skala comprises of the villages of Skala, Ratzakli, Alimatas, Koytrokoy, Fanies and Spathi and is about 37 km from Argostoli and 12 km from Poros. Skala is the largest resort in the south of the island. Its sandy beach is surrounded by pine trees.
The resort has grown rapidly over the past few years and parking near to the beach in Skala can be a problem, with everyone trying to find spots of shade under the pine trees.
Kaminia beach famous for its caretta caretta sea turtle is nearby on the road towards katelios. Katelios, a small but rapidly developing resort is definitely worth a visit and nearby Mounda and kaminia beaches where the turtles nest. It retains its laid back atmosphere, and If you want to just sit around a small harbour and relax and watch the world go by, this is the place!

domain: travel


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Vous êtes membre Amazon Prime ?Bénéficiez automatiquement de 2 livres audio offerts.
Bonne écoute !
Watch any drug commercial, and watch as the actors and actresses distract your attention toward the end of the commercial as a voice elegantly lists the horrifying side effects. This can sum up the borrowed theme - a hidden world of lies with carefully placed distractions to divide your attention. In this book, we focus not on the pretty faces you're supposed to look at. We focus on that tiny text at the bottom of the screen. We lift the hood on the car and check the engine while the salesman is trying desperately to get you fixated on the shiny paint. When you are able to spot a lie, a distraction, or an embellishment of the truth, you are on your way to freethinking.
Ce que les auditeurs disent de Borrowed Theme
Commentaires - Veuillez sélectionner les onglets ci-dessous pour changer la provenance des commentaires.
My favorite book about life, ever.
Since as far back as I remember, I questioned most everything that was taught to me, silently for the most part. I remember when I was three years old wondering why everyone around me tried to sell me the stories of the tooth fairy, Santa and more. I couldn't wrap my brain around The Bible - but off to Sunday school weekly as a good Methodist I went. People quoting God & Jesus just didn't make any sense as they weren't there - there were no recordings, video tapes or even reliable communication. It was difficult growing up to be surrounded by all of these stories & beliefs.
As I raise my own children, I have struggled with so much of what is 'right' according to the masses and what I believe in my heart. This book has helped me to not be concerned about what others think or tell me - that we are all living our dreams - and that I must not worry about going against the grain.
At 47 years old, I am so drawn in by the messages within this book. I know that most people I know could be unnerved by my excitement as it is a shame that our minds get cluttered at such a young age with all of the messages of what we are to know as truths.
Great book, Mr. Evans! I look forward to your next.

domain: literature


Today I started research on a documentary about how journalists should deal with the surfeit of frightening, horrific news in our lives: then along comes the Charlie Hebdo massacre.
[This article has been updated with links to other pieces at the end]
I am sure it’s not just journalists who feel viscerally appalled by this very deliberate, callous, meticulous and brutal act of murder. Cowardly and at scale against (almost) defenseless people at work in their offices.
There are some obvious things that have been said already. It should make us more proud to defend the values that have been assaulted; The attackers don’t ‘represent’ any religion; Any response characterised by hatred or revenge will aid the murderers, not the cause of tolerance and freedom of expression.
People should – and are – uniting in a message of hope and solidarity to balance the fear. The #JeSuisCharlie hashtag is just one example of a healthy social media response. The images published by citizens who are gathering at pro-Hebdo rallies across Europe are inspiring.
I am also impressed by what I have seen of the rolling news networks’ restraint in not showing graphic imagery and not hyping what is already a hyper-horrific event.
I think this is how the positive/negative equation of news works today. Yes, we know more quickly and more immediately and more extensively about horrors like this. However, the humanising context is also more present.
What struck me was how weird it is that these people – and they do deserve the label terrorist – have struck against cartoonists. Not drone manufacturers or military bases, diplomats or financiers, but satirists.
It shows what we should have already known. That journalism is part of the ideological war. It is the front-line.
That makes it all the more important that journalists respond thoughtfully.
I am not going to tell editors what they should publish in relation to this story. But it would be good if their response is in the best tradition of liberal, positive journalism and not just an angry, lashing out that feeds the fear that helps sustain those who perpetrate the violence. Talk of ‘fifth columns’ or ‘clash of civilisations’ plays directly into the hands of the ideologues.
In the end this was not really about offence. I doubt the killers were readers of Charlie Hebdo. This was about the warped ideology of disturbed fanatics exploiting a faith for a perverse cause.
That doesn’t mean news organisations should or shouldn’t publish the Hebdo cartoons, but they should think about how they do it.
Some other perspectives:
The one that probably reflects my personal view most closely is this in the Guardian by a former Le Monde editor
A very good backgrounder on Charlie Hebdo and its history of controversy by Max Reed at Gawker here
Times journalist and chair of Index on Censorship, David Aaronovitch takes a typically forthright approach in this piece that accuses the wider news media of cowardice. By failing to stick up for the right to offend, he argues, we have allowed the extremists to create a culture of fear.
Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow calls for restrain and reflective in this blog
Alex Massie responds to the attack in The Spectator
Simon Jenkins in The Guardian urges us not to be terrified
Tony Barber is getting a lot of flak from some people for this editorial in the FT which criticises Charlie Hebdo for ‘foolishness’. It makes some other very good points about the political context of this story (I personally wonder whether the people outraged about this attack will also be outraged about attacks on Jews in France, for example) but I think he is wrong to qualify satire’s right to freedom of expression by whether it is clever or not. Update on the update: The FT seems to have updated its editorial with this rather firmer defence of freedom of expression
This article by an anti-surveillance lobby group boss gives the more hard-line ‘no compromise’ with anti-liberal ideologies. However, I think that the essence of liberalism is that it never says ‘no negotiation’. Of course, don’t abandon key ideas but the devil is in the detail of context and purpose. Freedom of expression is NOT an absolute – we all know that – so we should always consider the consequences of what we say, as well as our right to say it.
This is a great speech by left-wing commentator Sunny Hundal speaking to the Islam Society at the LSE – he urges them to embrace free speech even if it includes insults of the Prophet
John Wilson at Labourlist is uncomfortable with the idea of showing blanket solidarity because it implies a kind moral absolutism
Philip Stephens at the FT says that the attack is an attack on the Enlightenment idea of freedom of expression, but points out that other people who are not Muslims – such as Russia’s President Putin – have also assaulted that ideal – usually by encouraging those on the far right – people like Marine Le Pen – he argues.


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Over time, scientists have noticed that some hurricanes and tropical systems generate areas of heavy rain far ahead of the main storm system. These events are called Predecessor Rain Events (PREs) because they generally occur about 36 hours ahead of the main storm passage and as much as 600 miles poleward of the storm center. The presence of a front in the area along with a strong moisture flow from the storm can enhance rainfall in this region, leading to potentially heavy rains that can cause flooding or set up the region for flooding once the main storm moves over the PRE region. Note that PREs do not have to form near the coast, but have formed as far north as Wisconsin and New England as the tropical cyclones moved inland along their paths.
The weather pattern for Zeta looks conducive to the formation of a PRE, which would bring an area of heavy rain to an area north of the Gulf sometime on Tuesday. At the moment, the models do not all agree on where the heavy rain is likely to occur, with some putting it farther west over Arkansas and others putting it farther east over MS, AL and GA. If one does occur in the Southeast, it could provide heavier rain on Tuesday afternoon or night than currently forecast, which bears watching. If the ground is saturated by rains from a PRE, then flash flooding would become more likely on Thursday as the storm moves north through AL and GA.
If you are interested in reading more about PREs, you can find a journal article about their climatology at https://journals.ametsoc.org/mwr/article/138/8/3272/71161/Predecessor-Rain-Events-ahead-of-Tropical-Cyclones.

domain: geography


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Last month, Instagram model Celina Powell announced that she gave BIRTH to Migos rapper, Offset's baby. Now Celina is allegedly behind bars for SHOPLIFTING.
A new report states that 26 year old Offset's latest baby mama was allegedly picked up by the Lakewood, Colorado police department. The reports, which started on Instagram — showed a police report stating that a woman named Celina Powell was picked up for shoplifting.
The police reports was from Aurora, Colorado - that's where Celina lives.
It's not clear who is watching OFFSET'S BABY - if Celina is locked up.
Back in March, Cardi B, Offset and Celina were in a stand off. According to BET, "Powell posted a photo of her new baby girl, who she named Karma Kiari Cephus—a surname of Offset’s real name, Kiari Kendrell Cephus. The bold move stems from months-long allegations against the Culture II rapper that he stepped out on Cardi last year and is now the father of her newborn child."
There's actually been a lot of back and forth between Offset's lawyers and Celina's. . . "For months of back-and-forth between Powell and Cardi’s lawyers, as well as Offset’s, resulted in a cease-and-desist letter, which the Instagram sensation has apparently ignored. Now that her new daughter has arrived, she took to Twitter to troll Bardi and Offset.
Despite all of this adult drama, we hope that the child is all right while her mother is locked up in jail.

domain: news


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While browsing all the different stands at Houston Indie Bookfest a couple of weeks ago, one trend became quickly apparent to me – handmade books. Whether it was a literary chapbook, local zine, or hand sketched graphic novel, local writers are doing it all themselves – from content to creation.
If you’ve ever wanted to gain the skills to create your own handmade book, join Zine Fest Houston at Inprint House this Sunday for a workshop entitled Be Your Own Publisher! lead by local writer and educator, John Pluecker.
In an interview with one of Zine Fest Houston’s organizers, Stacy Kirages, she gives us more insight into Zine Fest Houston’s year of exciting and interactive programming.
Inprint: How did Zine Fest get its start? Continue reading

domain: hobby


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When Kajiado County Governor, Dr David Nkedianye, assumed office in 2013, one of his first acts was to issue a moratorium on land sale by the indigenous Maasai Community.
This was crucial in empowering people indigenous to Kajiado for if the current trend is not checked, the indigenous Maasai, particularly those in Kajiado County, will have little to show for their precious God-given resources in 50 short years. The aim should not be stop individuals from selling off their land but to empower them so they can get appropriate value from each sale and have a proper plan on how to invest the proceeds.
Such affirmative action, however, must take into consideration the role of the large immigrant communities who have settled mainly in Kajiado North. Areas such as Ongata Rongai, Olkeri, Nkaimurunya, Oloolua and Ngong, which between them have a population of 195,746 per the 2009 census, are mainly occupied by non-indigenous people. Their numbers could have grown significantly considering the rapid growth of suburbs around Nairobi County.
Like the stories of many immigrant populations elsewhere, the Kajiado north immigrants have found incredible success as investors in various sectors of the economy. A 2013 report by the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) named Kajiado as the richest county in Kenya while a 2015 World Bank report named it as the third richest with a GDP per capita of $1,466.
Despite this wealth, both the indigenous people and immigrants face myriad challenges which must be addressed gradually and strategically to ensure all residents are full partakers in the county’s fortunes. Deliberately addressing these challenges could go a long way in stopping the situation from unraveling as was witnessed a while ago in Kitengela when indigenous people fought with immigrants over allocation of market stalls.
Taking the example of Ongata Rongai, it has become one of the most difficult places to live in the Nairobi metropolitan area. A typical Rongai resident who works in Nairobi spends up to six hours a day in traffic. The impact on people’s families, workers’ health and the county economy is too grave to ignore. Many hotel and restaurant owners complain of loss of business as Nairobians keep away for fear of being stuck in traffic.
The dualling of Magadi from Bomas to Magadi town is now long overdue. But even before converting the narrow road into a dual carriage, there are lots of bypasses and link roads which could disperse traffic if upgraded to make them motorable all year round.
Ongata Rongai also suffers from what has been called ‘blackout Thursday’ when all businesses that depend on electricity go on forced holiday. The lack of a central sewerage system is a health disaster waiting to happen. Owners of apartment blocks routinely release raw sewage onto the streets and nearby rivers.
Regarding the indigenous Maasai who mainly reside in the rural areas owing to their main economic activity of livestock rearing, affirmative action must be entrenched in the county bylaws to help bring the Maasai to the same level or near the same level as the immigrants. The County should help them access local and foreign beef and leather markets, education, healthcare and alternative economic activities in the face of dwindling pasture and water resources.
No segment of the Kajiado county population should be condemned to suffer. What is required is proper planning, openness and effective leadership, particularly at the county government level.
Gori is a resident of Ongata Rongai and Chairman of the Kiserian and Ongata Rongai Residents Association


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Under the pretext of fighting terrorism
Russias Prosecutor General wants to increase liability of the mass media, introduce liability for Internet sites, as well as heightening control of the State over educational programmes in religious associations in order to fight crimes on racist or nationalist grounds.
According to Fridays edition of the Kommersant newspaper, the relevant amendments to the law have already been submitted to the State Duma Committee on Security.
The present rules give the right only to “individuals and organizations” to demand a public refutation from media outlets. The draft prosecutors amendments extends this list, including the State authorities of all levels, as well as the Prosecutor General, his deputies and subordinate prosecutors. In addition, a new kind of offence is proposed with regard to the mass media: “unwarranted refusal to issue a refutation” which would be punishable by an administrative fine of up to 500 roubles for the Chief Editor, and up to 5000 roubles for the editorial office.
Anti-extremist innovations are also envisaged for religious associations from whom the Prosecutor General intends to demand compulsory State registration of all educational religious programmes.
The largest number of preventive measures is foreseen for the Internet. The Prosecutor Generals has prepared a new article of the Law “On combating extremist activity” to this end. If any material posted on a site is found by the court to be extremist, access to it must be stopped. If any site repeatedly posts extremist material, then it will be closed. The list of extremist Internet material and sites will be regularly published in the mass media.
Providers will be obliged within a month to stop serving any website which ends up on that list.


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Last week, the government of Alberta released a report titled A Stronger, Safer Tomorrow with 39 specific actions to strengthen our child welfare system.
As the C5, we are five agencies working with children, youth and families every day who will be impacted by this plan. And we believe that, when fully implemented, it will affect their lives for the better.
The importance of working within a cultural and spiritual context is embedded throughout the plan. Imagine how significant this is for children and youth: culture is at the heart of their identity, the foundation from which to build a path forward, their touchstone for when life feels out of control.
Many Indigenous children and youth currently involved in the system have that lifeline to wellness just out of their grasp; connection to kin, community, land and culture are kept at an arm’s length from children and youth who currently live on the land of their ancestors. These elements of care (although not in every instance) were treated as fluffy side issues, not integral to the work or care for these children.
This action plan seeks to change that: keeping children safe where they feel comfortable is acknowledged with a more robust investment in kinship care outlined in the plan. This means that auntie, grandma or another family member is more effectively supported in assuming the role of caregiver in what are often challenging circumstances. In our work, we witness the positive impacts and outcomes for children and youth of kinship care.
Listening to the advice of Indigenous people and elders, the implementation of Jordan’s Principle (ensuring that all children get the help they need when they need it and wherever they are) and other actions demonstrate unprecedentedly meaningful action on embedding the Indigenous world view in children’s services. This is more than lip service.
The plan also contains longer-term actions aimed at prevention and early intervention: obviously it makes more sense to invest in families before a crisis hits. Obvious, yes, but our current system has remained virtually unchanged for decades and continues to net the same unfavourable outcomes, erecting significant barriers for families.
Families have different needs and often face multiple issues. If, for example, you want help with your mental health issues, you’ll be put on a waiting list. When you eventually get an appointment, you’ll probably have to take multiple buses with your children in tow and share your most private fears with a stranger in a short appointment.
What if you’re new to a big city and have trouble finding your way around? Or you find an office-like, formal environment intimidating? And this is just to address one issue. You may also need help with affordable housing; finding a job; feeding your family; or advice on parenting your difficult toddler.
Each means a different outing, multiple trips and new forms to fill out. We believe we can, and we must, do better for families. Our work as the C5 aims to deconstruct silos and ease individuals’ and families’ path through the system, while empowering them to build their own resources and supports within the community.
We are encouraged to see that A Stronger, Safer Tomorrow acknowledges the importance of dealing with families holistically and acknowledges that the family’s voice should be at the centre of decision-making.
All of us want the strongest possible system for our most vulnerable children — a system that protects and provides what’s needed for children to grow into healthy adults. We will hold the government to account in implementing the plan and making the necessary investments.
And we commit to strengthening our partnership with the government to build on our work in communities, ensuring that every family has whatever they need to give their children a loving and safe home.
Cheryl Whiskeyjack is executive director of the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.
Erick Ambtman is executive director of the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers.
Julian Daly is executive director of Boyle Street Community Services.
Karen Mottershead is executive director of the Terra Centre for Teen Parents.
Laurie Fagan is executive director of the Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre.


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I have been reasearching the role of patronage in Civil War era Pennsylvania politics in order to determine whether the situation surrounding Col. Ent’s appointment was really about Copperheads or politics as usual. I came across two letters written by Gov. Curtin to PA Republican Senator Simon Cameron during his gubernatorial campaign in 1860 in an online archive from the University of Virginia. In one letter, Curtin stated about a certain supporter that “he can be of great service to our party and we must take care of him.” In another, he states that while he wanted someone to be appointed to a certain position, he didn’t want the appointment to be made, since he feared it would be controversial and “excite a little fight.” From the secondary sources I have encountered, it appears that patronage dominated the politics of America and Pennsylvania at the time. Therefore, the most likely explaination for the opposition to Col. Ent’s appointment is that Republicans believed that Curtin would only appoint his supporters to state jobs. Therefore, the fact that a Democrat was appointed to be a Commissioner of Soldier Voting, whether or not he was in fact a Copperhead, was likely to enfuriate such individuals. The fact that Curtin appeared to be concerned with the optics of appointments implies that he may have appointed some Democrats as voting commssioners out of fears that Democrats would accuse him of voter fraud if he only appointed Repubilcans and the Republicans carried the state. I am coming to the conclusion that what I am encountering with the letters is not about Copperheads but rather political patronage and the political climate as a whole in Civil War Pennsylvania.
In an effort to focus my topic further and gain a greater context of black soldiers during the civil war, ive been reading James McPherson the Negro’s Civil War. I appreciate his style of writing in that he intersperses several letters, legislative documents and transcripts from key figures during the era amongst his blocks of writing. In order for me to profile John C. Brock, the focus of my project, im using McPherson’s book to understand how blacks felt about the different political parties and their different views on the abolition of slavery and the commitment to the union, even if that meant keeping slavery instituted. There was even mention of certain areas in the south where black soldiers volunteered to fight for the confederacy.
War is often most traumatic for the innocent civilians such as women and children who become engulfed by its unyielding course. The American Civil War was no exception to this unfortunate truth. However, the majority of fighting occurred on confederate soil and it was the southerners who were more directly affected by the brutality of warfare. The shelling of Carlisle Pennsylvania, during the confederate Gettysburg Campaign of 1863, was one of the unique exceptions when Union women and children were caught in the crossfire of bombardment. Though Carlisle was never occupied, the shelling of the town proved profoundly traumatic to Carlisle’s citizens who feared for their lives, their loved ones and their homes. Three upper-middle class Carlisle natives depicted their experiences during the event through written letters. Margaret Fleming Murray and Marry Murray were two teenagers who wrote to their brother Harmer Denny explicitly detailing the confederate bombardment. Sarah Meyers, and elderly widow living by herself, wrote a thank you letter to General Smith’s wife in the aftermath of the shelling. The Murray sisters and Sarah Meyers were from different age groups, and their letters concerned different elements of the event. Additionally, the letters were written at different points of the shelling. While the Murray sisters wrote during the few days following the battle and depicted certain specific details, Sarah Meyer’s letter was written a few days later and offers a reflection. Regardless of these minor differences, all three women present the common themes of fear for their homes, and gratitude for General Smith’s bravery. Their writing offers small but precise personal incite into the traumatic shelling. More importantly, the women’s depictions of first-hand contact with the confederate army are incredibly unique as very few Union women were exposed to confederate bombardment during the war.

domain: history


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Letters to the Editor: Aug. 30, 2023
Letters to the Editor published in the Aug. 30, 2023 issue of the Tomahawk Leader.
Let’s work together and find solutions
Lincoln County Citizens,
Listening to the Pine Crest discussion during the August County Board meeting was painful. My concerns are the few options being considered and the short timeframe for the decision. Political biases and predetermined solutions are clouding our judgment. There are more options available.
Let’s look at the Pine Crest asset and see it for what it is. It’s a large building, with great location and infrastructure operating below capacity. This should be an opportunity instead of a burden. Let’s use the space to its full capacity, alongside elderly care, and help meet additional County needs:
Using a multipurpose approach to the Pine Crest Complex, including quality elderly care, will make it viable. It will be a benefit for the County. Income generated with this approach could be spent on infrastructure. If not, it could be used as a property tax credit.
More options need to be evaluated before Pine Crest is sold. It is less expensive to repurpose a building than build new. There may be grant money available to address affordable housing and daycare, due to the major need throughout the country. Why not try to bring grant money into Lincoln County to help fulfill our needs?
We need to reevaluate the sale and listen to citizen’s input. Selling is the easy answer, but there are other options. Let’s consider other options. Let’s work together and find solutions that will most benefit the people of Lincoln County.
That’s the nature of the business
A number of restaurants in the area failed to open for the tourist season. Some others are operating on a reduced schedule, and some have announced that they will be closing early (for good?).
The reason seems to be a lack of people to fill the jobs and do the work. Travel around the area and it’s hard to miss the “now hiring/help wanted” signs. It’s a workers market.
Drive anywhere and it’s hard to miss a construction zone. Roads and streets are getting a long overdue updating and rebuilding. Sewer and water are being updated along with those construction projects. Money is on the way, some has already arrived, to extend high speed internet services throughout the Northwoods.
Even inflation, though still a problem, seems to be under better control. Sure there continues to be profiteering in the form of higher gas prices, and that’s the nature of the business.
Proud to still be wearing my almost worn out T-shirt with the graphic “Never underestimate an old man on a bicycle” on the front.
I am not
Attention: “People for Pine Crest”, Lincoln County voters, Lincoln County property owners.
Here are a few true facts to consider:
A Lincoln County resident does not have priority when applying to go to Pine Crest.
A person does not need to even be living in Wisconsin to be accepted to receive care at Pine Crest.
There is no guarantee when the time comes that Pine Crest will take you. (e.g. I know a lady who lived her entire life in Lincoln County, was living on her own with help with meds from family, wanted to go to Pine Crest for rehab after a stroke and she was turned down. She ended up in Tomahawk at a privately-run facility. Incidentally, it did not cost more than Pine Crest.)
All licensed nursing homes are held to the same levels of care! Further, a skilled nursing facility has many standards it is required to uphold – like a building in good repair, functioning AC, etc. Maintenance cannot be put off until the furnace fails and the repairman fixes it overnight. This issue is not a question of the care. It is the management for last several years that has brought us to this situation.
What will happen to these empty wings if county ownership continues? Right now 80 residents are supposed to cover the cost of a 180 bed facility. As noted in Foto News last week, and by Ken Wickham (county board member), Lincoln County is having to pick up the debt payment $630,000.00 (until 2038) plus $440,815.00 to NCHC for management plus $400,000.00 a year maintenance. In 2022, In addition, there was $1 million dollar operating loss. This has been explained over and over again and you just don’t get it! It is not just now, it has been the case since 2016!
Under Wisconsin statues a county has to maintain certain departments – such as law enforcement, health, highway, register of deeds. Lincoln County has forestry and landfill that bring income or the county might be in bankruptcy already.
Reminder: people living in the northern part of the county have facilities in Tomahawk and Rhinelander but are being asked to pay more taxes to help Pine Crest break even – “hopefully”!
If or when the county sells Pine Crest it will be under condition that it remains open as a skilled nursing facility.
Further, we pay federal income tax, state income tax, social security tax, medicare tax and if we own property, we pay property tax. It’s the property tax on real estate that goes to county, state, local and schools.
The Nubs Ashbeck proposal was for 10 years at $85.00 per $100,000.00 of valuation; computing to a $300,000.00 property increasing the property tax by $255.00 for the county portion. Look at your property tax bill for a complete breakdown.
Are you willing to pay an additional $250.00 a year to try to keep Pine Crest “afloat” for 80 people? I am not.
Leona Vander Sanden


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Upcoming BCHDA Events
BC Open Workshop - 2019 BC Open Workshop Premier Dancers & Teacher Registration
BC Closed Championship
City of Vancouver Championship & Pre-premier Competition
Angus MacKenzie SOAR to Scotland Grant
The Executive Board considered many ideas and determined the Angus MacKenzie “Soar to Scotland ” Grant is a fitting remembrance to a man who meant so much to the community of Highland dance around the world. Our goal is to continue to offer the Grant long into the future so Angus and his legacy are always remembered.
BCHDA competitions are not closed to a geographic region. We welcome members from all over the world!


From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin
The Kwara state government has disclosed that it has spent N3.7billion in rehabilitation and equipment of five general hospitals located in three senatorial districts.
The Commissioner for Health, Hon Abdulwahab Issa who confirmed this during a press conference ahead of May 29, democracy day along other members of the government cabinet said the five general hospitals will be commissioned by governor Abdulfatah Ahmed this week.
The General Hospitals include Ilorin General Hospitals, Omu-Aran, Offa, Kiama General hospitals.
The Commissioner for Health said apart from modern equipment, the hospitals have employed new nurses and Consultants.
While speaking on the May 29, the Chairman of the organising Committee, and Commissioner for Works and Transports,Dr Abubakar Kaninke, disclosed that 5,200 unemployed youth will be given employment under the Quickwin employment scheme designed by the state government.
He added that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure that life and property of people of the state are well protected.


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Genex Services, a national medical cost containment and disability management service provider, announced its acquisition of Alpha Review Corporation, a medical bill review company for the workers’ compensation market. Financial terms were not disclosed.
With this acquisition, Genex significantly strengthens its bill review footprint, offering targeted cost management programs, like specialty review, extensive PPO networks and data analysis. The Alpha Review management team will remain in place and continue to operate under its brand following the transaction.
Based in Naperville, Ill., Alpha Review has specialized in medical bill review services since 1995.
Corporate Finance Associates of Chicago served as the exclusive strategic and financial advisor to Alpha Review Corporation on the transaction.
Source: Genex Serivces/Alpha Review Corporation
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domain: finance


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The Sun regularly prints a list of upcoming food events that take place in the Puget Sound area. For inclusion in the Wednesday list, send information about the events to: Jim Campbell, Food Events, The Sun, PO Box 259, Bremerton 98310. The deadline for r
Classes in the Wilton method of cake decorating will be held in the housewares department of JC Penney at Kitsap Mall. Classes begin the week of Sept. 7 with instruction on techniques of icing, colors, borders, stars, roses and more. Advanced classes are also available. Cost is $15 for a series of four weekly, two-hour sessions (supplies extra). For information call the housewares department at 692-1222.
Pike Place Market
Market 101, a class in how the market operates, who sells there and how you can use their products, will be offered Saturdays, Sept. 5, 12 and 19, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. Cost is $5 per session. Advance registration is required. For information call 6827453. Class members will receive directions to the class site after payment.
Next Monday, the market will host the fourth annual "Taste of Washington Farms," featuring the state's finest fruits, vegetables and farm products. The Taste offers the public a chance to sample and purchase premium produce directly from some of the state's foremost farms. All events end at 4 p.m.
The 46th Annual Westport Seafood Festival will be Saturday, Sept. 5, from noon to 5 p.m. on the grounds of the Maritime Museum. Dinner menu includes salmon, varieties of white fish, oysters, corn on the cob, salads, French bread and soda or coffee. Adults, $8; seniors, $6; children under 12, $5. Beer and wine sold separately. For information call the Westport-Grayland Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-345-6223.
Food service classes
Olympic College's Food Service/Restaurant Management Program will accept new students who wish to begin or enhance a career in the hospitality industry. Students may earn an Associate in Technical Arts degree in Food Service or a Certificate of Proficiency.
Classes range from classic cuisine to purchasing and receiving and principles of restaurant management. Areas of instruction include deli, baking, meat, poultry, seafood, hors d'oeuvres and sauces, as well as short-order and tableside service. The training includes food display techniques, full dinner menus, cafeteria service and special ethnic buffets.
Registration for fall quarter for new students is Sept. 22-24, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Returning students register Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For information call 478-4709.
Silverdale Farmers Market is held each Saturday through Oct. 17 at the Waterfront Park in Silverdale. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featured this week will be fruit from Eastern Washington, local vegetables, baked goods, jams and jellies and craft items. For market information, call 6920958.
Port Orchard's regional farmers market will be open each Saturday through Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the waterfront one block east of the ferry dock. On sale are fruit, eggs, cut flowers, green beans, zucchini, summer squash, cucumbers, homemade pies and lots of handmade crafts.
Kingston Farmers Market is open each Saturday through Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., near the ferry terminal. Featured this Saturday will be "Beautiful Kitsap County," an exhibit of Artists for Open Space. No works will be sold. Interested vendors should call Cathy Wartes, 638-2500 or Marcia Adams, 297-4485.
The Bremerton Farmers Market will be open each Sunday through Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Bremerton's new waterfront walkway. For information call 377-3041.
Gig Harbor Farmers Market will be open each Friday through September from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the United Methodist Church in downtown Gig Harbor.
Tacoma Farmers Market will be open each Thursday on Antique Row in downtown Tacoma. Through Sept. 24, market hours each Thursday will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with musicians performing 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The market draws about 75 farmers, cooks and crafts vendors.
Bon cooking classes
Five Star Kitchen lunch series cooking classes featuring local chefs are being held this month at the downtown Seattle Bon Marche. Unless otherwise noted, classes are from 12-1 p.m., and cost is $12 per person, including lunch, samples, recipes and instructions. For reservations, call 344-6221.
Thurs., Sept. 3: Anis Karam, Karam's, charbroiled chicken (two-year winner of Best of Bite of Seattle), chicken and lamb shish kabobs, Lebanese-style pilaf, garlic sauce.
Tues., Sept. 8: Luiti DeNunzio, La Buca, pasta and other dishes.
Thurs., Sept. 10: Burk Burkhart, Burk's Cafe, Louisiana rice cookery, Jumbalaya.
Tues., Sept. 15: John and Gloria Rios, Cafe Sabika, fresh butterflied prawn linguine in tomato-cream sauce, chicken linguine in wine, tomato and fresh basil sauce.
Thurs., Sept. 17: Paul Michael, Queen City Grill, the restaurant's award-winning Caesar salad, chicken and sausage gumbo over rice pilaf.
Tues., Sept. 22: Evie Hanson, co-author of "LightHearted Seafood," and "Seafood, A Collection of HeartHealthy Recipes," will prepare three healthy seafood recipes from her cookbooks. Book signing to follow.
Thurs., Sept. 24: Helen Chen, president of Joyce Chen Products, Szechwan and Hunan dishes using Chen products; 121:30 p.m., cost $15.
Tues., Sept. 25: Earl Peyroux, cookbook author and television personality, classic Cajun and Creole cuisine using Circulon non-stick cookware; 12-1:30 p.m., cost $15.
Thurs., Sept. 29: Kent Harah, Duke's Yacht Club, Caesar salad and award-winning chowder.
Country Garden Inn
Upcoming events at the Country Garden Inn bed and breakfast, 2790 Old Belfair Highway:
Tues., Sept. 15, 12-1:30 p.m., "Welcome Bundle" craft lunch, instruction on making everlasting flower arrangements, with lunch of blueberry crepes, garden salad and dessert; cost $20. Preregister by Sept. 10 by calling Tina, 275-3683.
Thurs., Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., "Very Veggie Adventure" cooking class luncheon serving quinoa jumbalaya, millet souffle, kashi salad, couscous crunch bars and amaranth and rice flour banana bread; cost $15. Preregister by Sept. 10 by calling Joyce, 373-3270 or Gloria, 479-6652.
Bremerton Central Lions Club will hold their annual salmon bake at this Sunday's Blackberry Festival on the waterfront boardwalk in downtown Bremerton. Cost is $5 per person. For more details on the festival, see Thursday's Bravo entertainment section in The Sun.
Healthy Living Class
A Healthy Living Class preview with recipes and samples will be featured at Kitsap Regional Library on Sylvan Way in Bremerton on Thurs., Sept. 10, 7:30-9 p.m. Featured will be healthy and nutritious food options. There is no charge for admission. For information, call Joyce, 373-3270 or Gloria, 479-6652.
Grape Expectations wine shop, 3594 N.W. Byron, Silverdale, will hold the following tastings on Saturdays from 12-3 p.m. All tastings are free, but tasters must be 21 or older:
Sept. 5: Samuel Adams beer, four-year winner of the American Beer Festival.
Sept. 12: Northwest medal-winning wines from the 1992 Seattle Enological Festival.
Bainbridge Bakers and Winslow Green will sponsore the first-ever Bainbridge Summer Games and Barbecue this Sunday. Bocchi, badminton and croquet games will be held from 12-4 p.m. at Winslow Green, live music by "Idaho Green" from 16 p.m., and a barbecue dinner from 4-6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Bainbridge Youth Services and Bainbridge Teen Center.

domain: food


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After taking a pregnancy test if the test says that you are pregnant, then it is a positive pregnancy test. After the initial euphoria, a question pops up: “Now, that it’s a positive pregnancy test: Now what?”
With a positive pregnancy test, you are at the first milestone of a nine months-long process.
You may feel anxious, happy and worried altogether. Thoughts of labor, cramps, morning sickness, body changes and stretch marks, needless to say, makes you worry.
In this article, we will tell you exactly how to proceed once you get a positive test! ????
What is a positive pregnancy test?
A positive pregnancy test is the result that says you are pregnant. It can be a plus sign or pregnant phrase. Digital pregnancy tests show the word Pregnant or Yes. Standard pregnancy tests have hCG strips that show two lines for a pregnant woman.
A positive pregnancy test means that implantation of the embryo was successful and that hCG formation by placenta has begun. The placenta is a protective covering for the growing embryo.
The early placenta secretes the pregnancy hormone hCG. This is responsible for maintaining pregnancy and guides the other hormones needed for it. The same hormone starts coming in the urine of the pregnant woman. A home pregnancy test detects this hormone (hCG) is urine.
What does a positive pregnancy test look like?
Every pregnancy test brand has a different way of showing positive pregnancy test. Some pregnancy tests show a plus sign for the positive pregnancy test.
The standard hCG strip pregnancy test shows two lines when the result is positive.
Digital pregnancy tests may either show ‘Yes‘ or ‘Pregnant‘. A positive pregnancy test may be a faint line if you take the test too early.
A big fat positive pregnancy test is a clear test line when the hCG levels are enough. When you have twin pregnancy then you are more likely to get a positive pregnancy test.
Positive pregnancy test after miscarriage is also thin positive. After IVF treatment false positive pregnancy test looks like a positive pregnancy test.
Just by looking nobody can tell difference between a false positive and positive pregnancy test.
How does positive pregnancy test look during Ectopic pregnancy?
During an ectopic pregnancy, hCG levels can fluctuate. This is when you may get a positive then negative pregnancy test.
A positive pregnancy test during ectopic pregnancy is faint. The hCG levels don’t rise rapidly in a tubal pregnancy.
What does positive pregnancy test look like in Ectopic pregnancy? Mostly in a tubal pregnancy, a positive pregnancy test is a very faint positive pregnancy test.
Your doctor can use methotrexate to treat a tubal pregnancy at an early stage.
An undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy can burst the fallopian tubes. Surgery of the tubes can affect the fertility of the woman.
If the tubes and ovaries need removal then the woman is left with a single ovary. Such a case will bring the cessation of ovulation cycle near.
The repertoire of eggs reduces to half as only one ovary is left. Ovaries have egg follicles in limited number and they don’t increase after birth.
Unlike sperms in men, eggs are not made after birth. This is why a positive pregnancy test after ectopic pregnancy is significant.
How does pregnancy test look like in multiple gestations?
When there are more than one embryos developing in the womb then hCG levels rise more rapidly. They will be higher than a single embryo because there are two closely located placentas producing hCG.
Getting a big fat positive pregnancy test is more likely when you have multiple gestations.
But a home pregnancy test cannot confirm whether you have twin pregnancy or triplets.
Your doctor will use an ultrasound test after 6 weeks of pregnancy to confirm that you are pregnant with twins.
In 6 weeks ultrasound, you’ll see two closely spaced placental sacs.
Positive pregnancy test: Now what?
After understanding and reassuring yourself that you did get a positive pregnancy test, read on.
Steps to take after you get your telltale two pink lines include your entire pregnancy schedule.
Unless it is a surprise or unplanned pregnancy the time to think about whether or not you want to be a mamma has ticked off.
Now, is the time to work on how to be a healthy and happy mamma to be – confetti! You don’t need to become a pregnancy prodigy overnight. We’re here to answer all your questions as they come. But you must start taking steps for a healthy and easy pregnancy.
1) Visit your gynecologist and get a blood test
The most important thing you must do after you know you’re pregnant is to visit your gynecologist. Some women refrain from visiting their OB until its the fourth week.
Ideally you must not delay and head to the doctor soon after getting a positive home pregnancy test.
A pregnancy blood test will confirm pregnancy. Calculating your due date using online calculator is fine for settling the excitement. But only a doctor can time pregnancy using conventional conception calculator methods.
It will include the period from your last period. If you remember it, you can predict the date. But there are certain factors that only a doctor can consider and relate with your pregnancy due date.
Also your doctor will be able to diagnose whether the cause of hCG rise is pregnancy or empty egg.
2) Pregnancy Announcement and Celebrations
Pregnancy occurs for a few times in your life unless you intend on having a big happy family. Nevertheless each pregnancy is special.
There are endless funny ways to announce pregnancy or romantic ways to tell your husband that you are pregnant. Read about them, laugh, rejoice and relish this time of life. Later you’re going to miss each of these moments.
Record, click snaps, decide your maternity photo shoot theme, gender reveal party and a whole lot. Are we sounding equally excited as you? We truly are!
3) Jotting your birth plan
It may seem early but there are so many options that you can start now. Whether you want a natural birth or C section. The trial of labor after C section TOLAC or Vaginal Birth After Caesarean VBAC are important when you have got a positive pregnancy test the second time.
Whether you want to have a labor coach, doula, midwife, or OB-Gyn is an elementary decision.
Similarly you will get to know your body’s preferences such as comfortable positions, breathing techniques, candles, music, food etc. Keep adding them in the birth plan and always have a plan B.
Planning is important because if you decide a natural delivery then you must try birthing classes. Kegels will improve your chances of having a labor without tearing.
4) Maternity Leave, Breastfeeding choices
You can wait for at least 20 weeks before telling anyone about your pregnancy. There is absolutely no need for them to know and bother you every now and then asking questions.
Even if you’d be genuinely angry at something they’d put in on your hormones. And that can seriously trigger you beyond control.
So, keep your secret and blame it on chicken nuggets. Once you start showing your bump tell your boss not because you owe but rather to plan your maternity leave.
Work shouldn’t suffer and someone can volunteer or be appointed to look after till you can rejoin.
Start thinking of breastfeeding plans, but not because it’s time. Once you are in third trimester you practically will be too tired or moody to take such decisions.
If you have a toddler see that there is someone to attend to them. Helping hand for daily chores must be sorted.
5) Plan your diet and consult a nutritionist
What you eat directly affects your baby. Don’t fall for ‘eating for two’ idea. Consult an expert about which prenatal vitamins do you need in first trimester.
Next check for empty calories. Observe your aversions and triggers of nausea. Eat small servings at regular intervals. Stop starve feed habits.
Stay hydrated all the time.
Include lots of veggies, fruits and natural foods. Check with your doctor regarding risks of gestational diabetes or other pregnancy disorders in you. Take necessary precautions.
Seafood during pregnancy or canned food needs a lot of care.
Constipation is going to drive you nuts and become a major reason for further complications. Make sure you know the suitable laxatives for your while pregnant.
6) Pregnancy Clothing and Stock Up Supplies
You’re going to grow and you will need new clothes. Trying to fit in your tight jeggings will feel like a challenge you want to take up.
Wearing comfy clothes and soft maternity bras goes a long way for staying happy during pregnancy. Long arm bathing brushes, and accessories will make things easier for you. Old perfumes and soaps might make you feel sick, get mild ones.
Makeup kit need a makeover and only pregnancy safe makeup can come inside.
7) Read, Learn, Talk and Ask about Pregnancy
The more you’ll learn the better you’ll be prepared. So read about pregnancy, parenting, labor, breathing techniques, prenatal diet, postpartum depression etc.
Ask as many questions about pregnancy and related from us or anyone learned.
Talk to other women who have been through it or are in the same boat as you.
You will come to know of the most precious suggestions from people who have actually done what you’re yet to do.
8) Relax, Sleep, and Start Pregnancy Exercises
Once the baby is here, momma is not going to get enough sleep. Midnight coos, cute fights for more milk, attention-grabbing moves and all possible adorable things will steal your night’s sleep.
So, sleep, relax and keep calm during pregnancy.
Unexpected scary things will happen and only a peaceful mature mind can help you through them.
Don’t panic and rush to the doctor at every little thing. It’s ‘pregnancy’ and is gooing to be a real struggle.
Even if you’ve spent your life making excuses for not hitting the gym, it’s time to workout. Search for pregnancy workouts, kegels, yoga for pregnant women, and labor coaches.
Running during pregnancy first trimester is safe and healthy exercise. The fit you’re before childbirth the faster you’ll lose weight postpartum!
9) Quit Smoking, Drugs, and Caffeine
No more party drugs, alcohol, smoking and coffee energy boosters. Enjoy your morning sickness hungover without touching alcohol.
Wine during pregnancy has new recommendations and you may get to drink a glass once in a while. Similarly, for caffeine, you can take a limited amount every day.
For antidepressants or any such medication you’ll have to consult your doctor. Some of them can affect your baby’s development.
10) Mark your calendar with prenatal visits, ultrasound, tests
Just so that you don’t forget them. You have a whole lot of tests to choose from. You can skip few and others are mandatory.
Prenatal tests and screening such a maternal fetoprotein quad screen or fetal non-stress test will assess the state of your pregnancy.
Ultrasound scans will be more important than just bae goals.
11) Cuddle, Trouble and Love your Partner
Fight over baby’s name, dress him up like your baby girl, sleep in his sweatshirt and make every second blissful.
Doubtful about sex during pregnancy? Sex is safe during pregnancy just a little bit of care to avoid jerks are pressure.
Nupe! baby isn’t seeing you two and won’t get hurt. These few months are the last time when you two are alone.
The little one is going to add on to this happiness but with a little bit of responsibility adding up too.
Start saving money too, because relationships with financial crisis after a baby have tragic endings.
Read parenting books and meet with parent kins grandparents would be best. Feel happy even when leg cramps hurt, or morning sickness strikes.
All the tough parts will make sense when they become memories.
12) Counseling sessions for Pregnancy
Don’t let thoughts like your partner is drifting from you come to you. Your body is going through changes but he isn’t.
For him, it will be difficult to be involved every second like you’re.
Secondly, neither consider the baby a solution nor a burden. You need to work on your relationship yourself and sort things out too.
In case of conflicts regarding the distribution of parenting responsibilities or single parenting get counseling too.
Younger siblings need few sessions too in order to have the best setting for the new member. Their existence feels challenged until you involve them.
So make sure you’re equally attentive to their needs. The newborn needs warmth and comfort but toddlers or elder ones need involvement.
When should you go to the doctor after a positive pregnancy test?
After you get a positive pregnancy test, you must get a blood test done.
Your first prenatal visit can be soon after you get a positive home pregnancy test.
Do not hurry your appointment before you cross 3 weeks. Once you are sure that your home pregnancy test is accurate you can go to the doctor.
Women on birth control or not wanting to get pregnant must get an appointment before taking any over the counter drugs.
What does positive pregnancy test mean?
A positive pregnancy test means that you are going to be a mother soon. Pregnancy gives a positive pregnancy test result.
After the process of implantation is successful hCG starts coming in the urine of pregnant woman. A positive pregnancy test is also a sign that placenta formation is going normally.
If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain and cramping with a positive pregnancy test, you may be having a tubal pregnancy.
How accurate is a positive pregnancy test?
A positive or negative pregnancy test can be accurate or false. There is no guarantee that either of them will be accurate.
For getting accurate pregnancy test you must wait for the right time and follow instructions. Do not settle with a single test whatever be the result.
A positive pregnancy test after 4 weeks is most likely to be accurate. By the time you cross 4 weeks the levels of hCG are enough to avoid a false test.
Can there be false positive pregnancy test?
A false positive pregnancy test is rare but does occur. A false negative pregnancy test is more common.
A false positive pregnancy test means that you are actually not pregnant when the test says that you are. A false positive pregnancy test is possible when you take the pregnancy test after miscarriage or IVF.
This is because fertility drugs and hCG from previous pregnancy cause the pregnancy test to show positive results.
Some medicines also can give positive pregnancy test. Anti-inflammatory drugs and some antibiotics can cause false positive pregnancy test.

domain: medical