We're honored to receive fantastic reviews in the media and from our customers. Email testimonials come in daily. The response is simply overwhelming! Read below on what users are saying about our free quiz creator.

ProProfs Is A Winner For Quizzes
" I have to say I'm quite impressed. I've just added it to my The Best Ways To Create Online Tests."
- Larry Ferlazzo, Teacher Prominent Educational Blogger

Everyone who will give Quiz School a try will be as impressed as I am.
" What I have found particularly appealing about Quiz School is how easy it is to customize the quizzes using various color themes, content and styles...Quite an important advantage is that this powerful quiz creation tool is free, no matter if you use it for entertainment of your blog readers or friends on a social network or if your quizzes are used commercially on e-learning systems or to test knowledge of your company employees....Everyone who will give Quiz School a try will be as impressed as I am. "
- Svetlana Gladkova,Editor, Profy.com, Technology News Site

ProProfs is definitely becoming a stand-out quiz site!
"True, there are a lot of sites out there that let you create quizzes, but the academic origins of ProProfs actually helped to make its quizzes sturdier, and more powerful than most. Even if you're using it for fun, you still have a strong, flexible interface which helps develop your quiz / flashcard, and suit it to your needs... ProProfs is definitely becoming a stand-out quiz site!"
- Scott, author of "Train Your Brain and Entertain" Grey Matters Blog

It's a perfect Web 2.0 app
"It's a perfect Web 2.0 app that allows you to post quizzes on your website/blog or share through email, print, links etc."
- Adult Education Instructor

What a fantastic tool for making online quizzes
"This is just what I needed to make my own quiz. You have every feature I wanted.

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Unlike most other mammals, humans and other primates don't synthesize vitamin C because we lack the enzyme glunolactone oxidase (1). The enzyme was lost long ago without affecting our survival due to frequent intake of high-vitamin C fruits and vegetables.

Thus, we must continue to get vitamin C from our diet by the same manner (fruits or veggies) or otherwise, lest we succumb to scurvy as British sailors did in the early 1800s before they adopted rationing limes on naval vessels (1).

Vitamin C deficiency leading to scurvy is now rare (1) and in the developed world, but studies on North American and European populations have found that many people who do not eat enough fruits and high-vitamin C vegetables continue to have inadequate levels of vitamin C (2;3).

Supplementation or dietary change would serve the majority of these patients becausewhen taken along with other vitaminsvitamin C may lead to reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and cataracts (1). The antioxidant vitamin is thought to possibly have a role in counteracting and detoxifying carcinogens, preventing myocardial lipid peroxidation and LDL oxidation, and prevent oxidative damage to lens in the eye (1).

Note that the vitamin has not been found to have any effect on reducing risk of colds (1). This is in contrast to what's marketed on many dietary supplements.

Large intakes of vitamin C (above 2g daily) can cause diarrhea (1). The vitamin C competes with uric acid inhibiting renal absorption of uric acid that can lead to increases of uric acid excretion, urine acidification and precipitation of uric acid crystals (1). This may increase risk of urate kidney stones if high doses are taken chronically (1). Chronic high doses may not be appropriate also for those with iron metabolism disorders since vitamin C increases iron absorption (1).

Recommended dietary intake levels are 75mg for women and 90 mg for men (1). If pregnant, elderly, smoking or afflicted with chronic disease, a little more may be needed (4-6). Supplementation with a multivitamin may be sufficient for oxidative stress protection, however, findings on reducing risk of chronic disease are mostly related to antioxidant vitamin intake from fruit and vegetables (6-10).

Based on the above rationale, I would recommend patients first attempt to increase fruit and vegetable consumption to meet desired plasma levels and with optimal synergistic effects of other vitamins. If theres any doubt of the patients ability or motivation to eat fruits and vegetables, then vitamin C in form of a multivitamin would be the next step.

Reference List

1. Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2009.
2. Hampl JS, Taylor CA, Johnston CS. Vitamin C deficiency and depletion in the United States: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 to 1994. Am J Public Health 2004;94:870-5.
3. Taylor CA, Hampl JS, Johnston CS. Low intakes of vegetables and fruits, especially citrus fruits, lead to inadequate vitamin C intakes among adults. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:573-8.
4. Valdes F. [Vitamin C]. Actas Dermosifiliogr 2006;97:557-68.
5. Brubacher D, Moser U, Jordan P. Vitamin C concentrations in plasma as a function of intake: a meta-analysis. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 2000;70:226-37.
6. Goodwin JS, Brodwick M. Diet, aging, and cancer. Clin Geriatr Med 1995;11:577-89.
7. Genkinger JM, Platz EA, Hoffman SC, Comstock GW, Helzlsouer KJ. Fruit, vegetable, and antioxidant intake and all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality in a community-dwelling population in Washington County, Maryland. Am J Epidemiol 2004;160:1223-33.
8. Nagyova A, Krajcovicova-Kudlackova M, Horska A et al. Lipid peroxidation in men after dietary supplementation with a mixture of antioxidant nutrients. Bratisl Lek Listy 2004;105:277-80.
9. Broekmans WM, Klopping-Ketelaars IA, Schuurman CR et al. Fruits and vegetables increase plasma carotenoids and vitamins and decrease homocysteine in humans. J Nutr 2000;130:1578-83.
10. Zino S, Skeaff M, Williams S, Mann J. Randomised controlled trial of effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on plasma concentrations of lipids and antioxidants. BMJ 1997;314:1787-91.

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It is on the ground that there was an increase in obesity due to the fact that adults in todays society are lazy? We are all just banda lethargic couch potatoes that have nothing to do but sit around and eat all the time? I say no. Instead, we are a product of our revolutionary technology companies. I am not saying we can blame technology, but I said that if our young people, adults and reflect the society around them. This is not an excuse, but I was thinking its based on my typical day.
I get up in the morning, and not the sound aggravating buzz, beep or hollering on the radio. These alarms would have my blood racing right from the start, but I hit snooze stop madness. Then it happened again and again the snooze bar. After a few moments that I am now would be to work, rush to shower even though I had time, hurry to the car and speed to work. Not in todays world. Instead, I have woken up to the soothing sound of the ocean on my Homedics radio and slowly wake peacefully. No blood pumping, there is no increased heart rate. I just have a nice and slow, easy awakening. Next I head to the shower, where I turn on my shower CD player and listen to what I like and also to take time to have almost run cold water.

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PRLog (Press Release) May 31, 2009 http://www.gameinitiation.com
Game Initiation launches a T68 Gen 6 paintball marker sale that will save you up to $100 on each marker! Many models and custom configuration available.
Game Initiation ships worldwide and offers flat rate shipping to continental U.S. customers!

T68 Generation 6 Paintball Marker Information
Real Action Paintball is proud to announce the release of the T68 M4 Generation 6. Featuring newly redesigned ball feed and air system components, this is the most highly celebrated version of the T68 Series...ever!
The T68 Gen6 reflects the latest in tactical paintball technology, incorporating a fully functional magazine-feed system. The array of accessory interchangeability allows for a world of configurations: RIS CQB, Special Ops, onboard hidden air source, remote lines, red dot sights, scopes, flashlights, grenade launchers, and a full size hopper or magazine feed! The new T68 M4 works with an 18 round detachable magazine, though an optional 200 round hopper adaptor is available for those who need more ammo capacity.
The T68 M4 is built around an internal flexi-air system that enables you to use an air tank within the stock, or to use a full size air tank as a stock. The T68 M4 is ideal for individuals who believe in tactical precision - where every shot counts, every ball eliminates an opponent, and the game feel is as real as you can get.
The T68 M4 has a removable carry handle with standard iron sights that are adjustable for elevation and windage. With the carry handle removed, the T68 M4 can take any standard scope, sight, or mount on the flattop rail. They have endless configurations, and are fully compatible with standard military specification attachments. The T68 M4 has an authentic charging handle just like a real assault rifle.
With an advanced hammer and power spring - and micro-honed barrel - the T68 Gen6 will deliver head shots at 150 feet, with a max range of 300 feet. They shoot standard .68 caliber paintballs and can be used at any paintball field. The new Gen6 has numerous internal and external upgrades, including a newly redesigned bolt and hammer, and many other intricate parts that improve the T68 Series marker's overall power, range and accuracy.
The T68 Gen6 has a new and improved internal flexi-air system CNC machined to improve reliability and durability. It features all-metal construction, while the bolt is made out of Delrin to prevent metal-to-metal wear and tear. Along with all these upgrades and improvements, the T68 Gen6 comes with a 5 year warranty from defects in manufacturing or material - one of the longest product warranties you'll find in the industry.
The T68 Series marker is designed for combat training, and is tough enough for rental facilities. It is designed to take punishment and provide ease of maintenance. Each and every part of the T68 can be removed and replaced, so you can keep your Gen6 fleet in constant use. The versatility, wealth of accessories and easy-to-build configurations, and design simplicity make the T68 one of the best paintball markers available.
Military and law enforcement groups can use the T68 M4 for tactical training. It is perfect for room clearing and building entry training, teaching CQB marksmanship and firearm safety. The T68 M4 is fabricated with weight, width and length comparable to authentic M16/M4 style assault rifles, and the pistol grip is identical to that on an M4. This gives officers a true-to-life feel, as if they were training with their duty gear. The T68 M4 will change the face of paintball and give military and law enforcement agencies new training gear...and your scenario gaming will never be the same again.
Package Includes:

1 x T68 M4 Gen6 Marker

1 x Internal Flexi Air System

1 x M4 Style Hand guard and Site

1 x 14" Tactical Barrel

1 x Magazine Kit

1 x 18 Rounds Detachable Magazine

1 x M4 Detachable Carry Handle with Iron Sight

1 x M4 Style Charging Handle

1 x 5 Year Warranty


Package options and custom configurations available! # # #
Game Initiation is an official Real Action Paintball and Pyramyd Air dealer. We bring you the same high quality products and service but at a lower cost to you.

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More than 100,000 people took part in more than 700 triathlon events in the UK last year and it is one of the fastest-growing Olympic sports, but also one of the most gruelling. A series of deaths among competitors in the triathlon has raised concerns about whether the demands of the race are too great.

A record number of competitors took part in events in the UK last year, organised under the auspices of the British Triathlon Association and that total is set to be exceeded this year.
Now a study has revealed that the risk of dying in a triathlon, though low, is nearly double the risk of dying in a marathon. A study presented to the American College of Cardiology Conference showed there were 14 deaths among almost one million competitors, a rate of 1.5 per 100,000. A further four deaths occurred among non-officially recognised events.
No study has been conducted in the UK, but two deaths have occurred in recent British triathlons, one during the bike race and one involving a competitor who died after the event, while asleep. Both had heart abnormalities.

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Weve never been to med school, but it seems to us that taking courses on a pass-fail basis would be less stressful than being graded A-F. But would we perform as well academically?
A study out from the University of Virginia suggests that the answer is yes.
Starting with the class of 2007, UVAs medical school switched from an A-F system to pass-fail for all courses in the first two years of school.

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Organic Food Offers Little More Than Peace of Mind, Critics Say.
But standards for labeling organically-produced agricultural products dont address food safety or nutrition, just how the food is grown.
Organic food is more likely to carry pathogenic bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, because of the type of fertilizer that organic farmers use, Avery said. He also said that some of the natural pesticides used in organic farming are quite toxic.
For example, organic farmers are allowed to treat fungal diseases with copper solutions and remain within guidelines. Copper, which is toxic, is the 18th most used pesticide in the U.S. and stays in the soil forever, unlike modern biodegradable pesticides.
Avery singles out organic milk in particular as being no better, saying labs have not found one detectable difference whatsoever. Despite this, he said, his wife is the only woman in her circle of mothers with young children who serves her kids conventional milk.

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For many a bride she became Daddys little princess on the very day she was born and remains so on her most special of days, her wedding day. So why shouldnt she take the opportunity to make her life long dream of being that princess come true at her wedding by selecting the Fairy tale theme and complimenting the decor with Fairy tale or Cinderella wedding favors to give to her guests. Like Cinderella and Prince Charming, make your day the wedding of your dreams. Be sure to include Fairy tale or Cinderella favors at your wedding. You can add a little extra charm like Prince Charming or that wonderful touch of magic like Cinderella.

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Anxiety is a feeling of fear, apprehension and discomfort over a situation. This is actually a good and healthy feeling since the body is able to recognize something that it needs to address. This flight or fight response enables the body to get that much needed boost of energy to react to the specific situation. In this case, anxiety is helpful. However, if it gets intense, recurring and exaggerated, it may already be considered as an anxiety attack.
The exact cause of an anxiety attack is not fully understood, but research suggests that genetics, life experiences and brain chemistry contribute to the onset of the attack. What is known is that during the attack, a person shows signs and changes in the body.
The immediate sign of anxiety attack is increased heartbeat or palpitation. This is the most distressing among anxiety symptoms. But this is generally a good thing since the heart works harder to pump more blood to your body, especially to your legs and your arms, enabling you to have a surge of energy to respond quicker than normal to any emergency. The chest feels tight as if it refuses to expand to accommodate air the body needs. Sometimes, the feeling is like someone is pushing a pillow into your face.

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I couldn't disagree more. Hundreds of non-physician journalists have toiled on this complex beat far longer, with more dedicated fulltime effort, and with a track record that in many cases surpasses that of most, if not all, physician journalists. Physician journalists often tend to bring their "member of the gang" medical mentality with them as they approach news topics. They are still more physician than journalist. Some give advice, not balanced news. Some promote the "medical model" - not a "public health model." Some tend to talk about medicine's terrific new toys without ever discussing costs, quality, access, disparities.
Some - not all.
I don't want to be guilty of the same stereotyping that Ashton used in blanketing all physician journalists - but her boast that her type is in the forefront of medical journalism is not supported by fact.
Case in point:
The CBS Early Show - where her segments often appear - has been reviewed six times so far in 2009.
Of the ten criteria we apply to the review of all stories, those segments have been judged satisfactory between 10-20% of the time. On important little things like cost, evidence, scope of the potential benefits and of the potential harms. Things consumers need to know in order to evaluate claims being made about new treatments, tests, products and procedures.

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Current recommendations include routine endoscopy and biopsy (looking for dysplastic changes) every 12 months or so while the underlying reflux is controlled with proton pump inhibitor drugs in combination with measures to prevent reflux. Proton pump inhibitor drugs have not yet been proven to prevent esophageal cancer. Laser treatment is used in severe dysplasia, while overt malignancy may require surgery, radiation therapy, or systemic chemotherapy. Additionally, a recent 5-year random-controlled trial has shown that photodynamic therapy using photofrin is statistically more effective in eliminating dysplastic growth areas than sole use of a proton pump inhibitor. There is presently no reliable way to determine which patients with Barrett's esophagus will go on to develop esophageal cancer, although a recent study found that the detection of three different genetic abnormalities were associated with as much as a 79% chance of developing cancer in 6 years. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has also been evaluated as a management technique.
Barrx Radiofrequency Ablation
The HALO Radiofrequency Ablation Technology System has been studied in clinical studies conducted since 2003. Complete eradication of non-dysplastic and dysplastic disease at rates exceeding 90% has been shown in numerous studies.
The HALO ablation technology is designed to remove the Barrett's epithelium in a short, well-tolerated endoscopic procedure and offers an alternative to "watchful waiting" for patients with intestinal metaplasia, low-grade dysplasia, and high-grade dysplasia.
This procedure is now commonly performed as an Outpatient procedure in many hospitals throughout the United states.
Additionally an operation known as a Nissen fundoplication can reduce the reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
In a variety of studies, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), like aspirin, have shown evidence of preventing esophageal cancer in Barrett's esophagus patients. However, none of these studies have been randomized, placebo controlled trials, which are considered the gold standard for evaluating a medical intervention. In addition, the best dose of NSAIDs for cancer prevention is not yet known.

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By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR 3 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) Health insurance companies, facing the threat of a government health plan, offered on Tuesday to reduce rates for millions of women and accept close federal regulation of their industry.

The higher premiums now affect 5.7 million women, many of them self-employed people who must buy their own coverage.

The industry is trying to head off creation of a government health plan that would compete with them to enroll middle-class workers and their families. President Barack Obama and many Democrats favor such a plan, but the companies say it would drive them out of business. Employer groups are also leery, fearing a public plan would entice young, healthy workers by offering lower premiums.

"We are not asking people to trust us, we are asking people to trust government," Karen Ignagni, president of America's Health Insurance Plans, told a Senate panel that is crafting sweeping legislation to overhaul the nation's $2.5 trillion health care system.

Although the bill won't be written for weeks, insurers and other interest groups are trying to shape it now.

Instead of a government plan as a check on their industry, insurers are offering to accept a series of consumer protections they contend would add up to a fairer marketplace and cut into the ranks of the 50 million uninsured.

"We are comfortable with that," Ignagni told the Senate Finance Committee at a session on how to cover the uninsured. She was part of a large panel including representatives from business, labor unions, insurers, consumer groups and public policy centers.

Finance Committee leaders want to bring a bill to the Senate floor this summer. The broad outlines will follow Obama's campaign proposal, which builds on the current system of shared responsibility among employers, government and individuals.

Most Americans men and women are covered through employer plans, which are prohibited from charging higher premiums because of gender, poor health or other similar factors. Only about 9 percent purchase their own health insurance.

It's in this group that women face higher rates. That's because health care costs for women tend to go up during childbearing years. Some policies don't cover maternity care.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., suggested such practices amount to discrimination.

"The disparity between women and men in the individual marketplace is just plain wrong and it has to change," said Kerry.

Ignagni readily conceded. "We don't believe gender should be a subject of rating," she said.

Lowering premiums for women will not necessarily mean that men will have to pay more. Many factors go into setting insurance rates. Age, for example, carries much greater weight than gender.

Insurers have already offered to stop denying coverage to sick people, and to end the practice of charging higher premiums to those with a history of health problems. In exchange, the industry wants Congress to require all Americans to carry health insurance, either through an employer plan, on their own, or a current government program like Medicaid.

What insurers want to avoid is a new government plan that would be open to middle-class workers and their families. Obama says such a plan would help keep private industry honest.

"I do not accept the premise that to keep the (private) plans honest you need a public program," said Ignagni.

The industry's concessions have yet to convince many Democrats.

"The bottom line is you need somebody who is not a private insurance company to be in the mix and there are many of us who feel very strongly about that," Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. "It would be giving all of you in the insurance industry an unfair advantage not to have a public plan."

Schumer said he believes Congress can write rules for a new public plan that would not give it an unfair advantage over private health plans. For example, the public plan would not get taxpayer subsidies beyond paying for startup costs, it would have to follow the same coverage rules, and doctors and hospitals would be free to opt out.

For some Democrats, particularly liberals in the House, support for a public plan is already a compromise because their real preference is for a "single-payer" plan a government-run program for everyone, like Canada and many European countries have.

Underscoring the strong feelings about that, Tuesday's meeting began with Capitol Police ejecting protesters who interrupted senators by shouting in favor of a single-payer plan. Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., has said that's not on the table.

"We want a seat at the table," shouted one protester.

"We want police," Baucus responded.

Capitol Police removed eight people.

Baucus and many others, including President Barack Obama, say single-payer is not practical or politically feasible.

"Everything is on the table with the single exception of single-payer," Baucus said recently. "This country is not going to adopt single-payer, at least not at this time."

Associated Press writer Erica Werner contributed to this report.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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We did what we were told. We contacted the benefits office, BCBS of KS, then KHPA, then the KS Health Care Commission and the Governor. We talked to Senators and Representatives. Here's the breakdown:

Congressman Dennis Moore: They gave it a good run but got nowhere. Congressman Moore has yet to co-sponsor the federal prosthetic parity bill. I'll give him an A for effort and a C for not co-sponsoring the bill. Come on - step up to the plate and make a statement!

Former Governor Sebelius: Never responded to a single letter. She is now Secretary of Health and Human Services. She gets an F for failing to respond. I thought health care was a priority of the Democrats?

BCBS of KS: Please... they just wave their hands around and say they're not responsible for anything, they just administer the contract, take your questions to KHPA, it's not us, there's nothing we can do, we just handle the paperwork. They really are "just the messenger" so it's not fair to grade them on anything except their handling of the paperwork and communication which is, frankly, dismal. They get an F for communication in writing and a B for phone communication. There are some compassionate individuals there who clearly grasp the situation, but there's nothing they can do.

KS Health Care Commission: Never responded to a single letter. They get a resounding F for not recognizing the disparity, for not being outraged that State Employees aren't getting the standard of care and for lack of simple common courtesy.

KS Health Policy Authority: Responded immediately and favorably only when there was media pressure. Presented a good case to the HCC in February to change the contract language. I'll give them a B for their effort and understanding the disparity between State Employee benefits and State Medicaid Benefits but an F for not telling me about the Employee Advisory Committee.

EAC - who is the EAC? Good question. I'm just now hearing about them. Apparently, they are responsible (according to KHPA) for recently advising HCC not to change the State Employee contract language. I can't grade them because I don't even know who they are or how they based their decision.

When it comes to health care for working amputees, the State gets an F. There is so much finger pointing and lack of accountability that it becomes impossible to sort out why they choose to neglect their State employees and who is responsible. Maybe the new governor will be more responsive.

If are a KS State employee, or an amputee that has faced similar discrimination, contact me at katmanjo@gmail.com. I'm not giving up until we end this disparity.

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I was wondering why anytime I come on a forum to get information about dogs, particularly breeding and welping, there is always so many people against breeding?
Pure-bred dogs are ment to breed with eachother. Period. The same as a small child plays mommy and choses the names of her future babies, I have heard that dogs, espically females, long to be mothers. So why not fill this desire?
I agree, yes there is too many dogs being put down everyday, and yes its wrong. but my dogs arent going to be another statisic. I will tell all those takeing my puppies, that if they cannot care for or dont want the dog, ever, to bring back to me.
And another thing. Whats wrong with I happen to think cockapoos, labordoodles, among many others, are adorable, and maybe they cant compete, but as a family pet they are awsome. More and more end up in movies and such, and hey LIFE HAPPENS!!!!! dogs interbreed dont like it, dont get one!!
3 I just wanted an open debate!
I dont want a brawl, I honestly want to know. if my Chocolate Lab and poodle make labordoodles, what is the problem? its a cool new breed, things change, same as everything eles, why cant breeds?
I am NOT trying to make money off of MY dogs just so its clear. I see the look in Baby Girls eyes and know its what she wants.
Also, these arent designer dogs these are just a combination of dogs that I think is adorable.
I have been to shelters and seen the dogs that are there it seems that the shelters arent even a suitable place for animals to ever go.
umm I would work out a contract when and if my dog gets pregnant.
I created this question because everytime I go to look anything up about dogs and puppies all I see is innocent people who just want an answer, getting belittled by responsible, more intelligent, classier people. and I wondered why. Yes I understand you need to inform the people of your opinion, and let them know the facts, but that isnt reason to treat them badly. Im just saying things happen, and people come here to seek answers. So give them respectfully. I respect those who show respect. those who yell and belittle, I disreguard all their ideas.
Oh and yes, let your dog drive. Its been waiting years!!!
oh some more points
labordoodles make awsome guide dogs, and tend to have less of the common lab hip problems!! (I am going to be a teacher of the visually impaired I think I may take that to heart)
another thing is the reason most pure-bred owners are agaisnt desigener dogs because they are bringing in much more money? I mean alot of people here brought up the fact that puppies dont equal money and that labordoodles cost too much for being a mutt, but I was never in this for money, and it makes me question motives.
Never said I was gonna charge much for the puppies.
My female, Baby, is a 5 year old Chocolate Lab who is AKC approved and based on her size and other determineing factors, she is definately from a showing line.
Bear, is a 2 year old Cockerpoo, who is more cockerspainel than poodle it seems, as he along with all of his siblings are more or less cockerspainel looking.
Their temperments are very good. They are surrounded by children everyday, and although Baby was very rowdy before getting Bear, she has greatly settled since haveing a Which is how I know that she wants a litter.
Dogs are Dogs! Contracts or not, money or not, cute or not They are loveing, dependable, and needed.

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Kansas Education Employment Board (KEEB) is a free teacher recruitment service supported by the Student Support Services Department of the Kansas Department of Education. KEEB is aimed at attracting teachers to Kansas teaching jobs. In addition to advertising up-to-date teaching jobs in Kansas, KEEB allows applicants to apply for positions electronically and provides information on licensure, state sponsored tuition and scholarship programs, and resume assistance. Create an account today and begin your journey as a Kansas teacher.

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Maggots.
When you read this word, what comes to mind? Rotting meat? A grisly (and gristly) scene from a zombie flick?
Well, how about a doctors office? No? Then you might be surprised to learn that the much-maligned maggot has found a niche in the medical world: clearing dead tissue from skin ulcers and other chronic wounds to promote healing. In fact, specially grown maggots are FDA-approved for this purpose, as they can safely clear (i.e., consume) dead tissue without harming the healthy tissue nearby.
One particular area where maggots have found wriggle room is in the cleaning of leg ulcers. These are sores on the lower leg that can take a long time to heal—up to a year for many people. There have been reports that maggots, which are the wormlike larvae of flies, work quickly to remove dead tissue from these ulcers, reduce the risk of infection and encourage faster healing. Now, the first large, good-quality study has put these claims to the test.
The study included 267 people with leg ulcers who received one of three treatments: maggots bagged in a sterile pack; maggots loose from a sterile container; or a hydrogel dressing, which is often used to keep ulcers moist and get rid of dead tissue. Whether in packs or free-roaming, the maggots were kept in place with a light covering. The hydrogel or maggots were replaced as needed until the dead tissue was gone.

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This post was written by Pat S, a recently retired physician who practiced in the Midwest for 30 years. He has worked for both private practices and for large multispecialty groups, spending about half of his career in each setting.
Doctors play a critical role in any potential health care reform. Although they have very little impact on attempts to broaden access to health care, they are central to efforts to improve the lagging quality of US health care and to address the issue of the cost of medical care in the 21st century.
Our national health care bill now runs over $2.5 trillion a year, consuming 17% of GDP. The cost of health care threatens to overwhelm the economy, and ultimately, as President Obama has noted, undermine any economic recovery. Unless we change the way we practice medicine, the adoption of new policies to improve health care access through universal insurance and improve benefits in both private and public programs will make our financial problem even worse, since greater access will lead to increased spending as new people enter the market for medical services.
If we imagine a long train of carloads of cash from both government and private sources entering the healthcare market, it is doctors who have their hand on the throttle. Most medical spending occurs because of orders written by doctors: tests ordered by doctors, hospital admissions carried out by doctors, procedures recommended and performed by doctors, and drugs and other treatments prescribed by doctors. When it comes reducing health care costs and improving the health of most Americans, doctors have greater power than anyone.

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I tagged along with a friend last weekend in his search to rediscover a favorite very early spring wildflower. Along the way, he came to an abrupt halt, admiring a single long, smooth bud, appearing like a spear tip. He immediately recognized it as the deciduous umbrella magnolia, Magnolia tripetela. You may spot it down along your favor creek or river path. Remember its location, because you will want to go back in the middle of spring to admire the large leaves clustered at the ends of the branches like an umbrella. The flowers are often missed because of the freshly emerged foliage of other trees all around.
So, in spite of early signs of spring, we still have several weeks to practice winter botany.
I have a favorite memory of a summer botanical survey in the early 1970s. I was assisted by a young couple who had taken a basic plant identification class. I noticed the young woman was carefully pulling all the leaves from a twig in her hand. Her response to my obvious inquiry was: “I have to get rid of all these confusing leaves because I learned to identify plants in the winter.” She was serious and, furthermore, once she had the twig in hand, bare of leaves, she was able to identify it.
And so it is that plants can often be easily identified in the winter.
Striking contrasts of bark and shapes of trees are obvious identifying features. Less often appreciated are the buds.
Another distinctive bud we noticed on last weekend’s excursion was the smooth, duck bill-like bud of a magnolia relative, the handsome tulip poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera. You can begin looking high up in the trees for beautiful green and yellow tulip-shaped flowers in mid-April.
Beech trees, Fagus grandifolia, easily known by their smooth trunks and for holding onto their copper-brown leaves, have a long narrow copper-colored spear-point bud at the ends of horizontal branches. Keep an eye on those buds and observe how the old leaves are pushed off overnight on or just before April 1. That time clock is predictable.
Red maples, Acer rubrum, are easily recognized by those deeply red-colored twigs sporting red buds at the tips and oppositely arranged along the sides. The closely related southern sugar maple, Acer barbatum, is similar, except it is brown rather than red.
If you’re really lucky, you may discover a grove of pawpaws, Asimina triloba. Pawpaw buds are distinguished by the exposed young leaf protected with dark, velvet-like hairs. Further down, there may be a similarly textured fat, round flower bud. Definitely go back during late March and early April to see those pawpaw flowers.
Obviously, there are many more buds out there, each beautiful and interesting in distinctive ways. On your next woods walk, take time to “take a closer look” at the buds. And take that walk soon, because before long we won’t be able to see the forest for the leaves.

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That seems to be the sentiment of Obama's director of the National Economic Council, Lawrence Summers. Yesterday he spoke of how "an excess of fear" is causing the continued downward slide. Since consumer spending composes 70 percent of the economy, and people are hanging onto what little they have, it's our fear, not widespread bungling from Wall Street to Washington, that's at the root of our misery.

It's an idea you hear a lot these days, mainly from guys with enough money not to worry. But how to have faith? Most of us realize we're only a bad break away from unemployment, and that it's entirely out of our hands. Most of us who were spending too much a year ago have seen the errors of our ways. Isn't it a good thing that we're not blowing out the MasterCard or buying that new SUV? And won't living within our means create a more stable economy in the long run? After all, not even the oil companies can gouge us on gas prices anymore. We're simply not buying enough for them to jack prices.

So it seems just a bit disingenuous to lecture us now. We already subsidized the collapse -- think of the drop in your 401(k) as your personal contribution -- and now we're supposed to fund the resurrection.

Maybe it's time for Lawrence Summers or the cable economists to pick of the tab. They look like they could really use a new boat.

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Thursdays New York Times reported that the city is planning on instituting a program to reinforce restaurant health standards. The new program will require hiring some 50 inspectors — adding to the current roster of 117, of whom 60 are focused on restaurants — at a cost of nearly $5 million over two years

It will also go from numerical scores to letter grades.  The letter grade system has been in use in Los Angeles County for over a decade. 
Chef-restauranteur, Bobby Flay had this to say to the New York Times about the new proposal: “I think the letter grading is probably a good system,”“But if a restaurant gets a bad grade due to a paperwork technicality, the consumer will be misled.”
Im in favor of this proposal.  While I fully concede that restaurants may need somewhat of an adjustment period for this process, I view this plan as a concrete mechanism for upholding higher health standards. It informs the consumer and gives restaurants an even greater stake in meeting health standards. In the long run it will benefit everyone. What are your thoughts?
For the full story in the New York Times, click on the image above.

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