text:
NO LAUGHING MATTER!
— "I died while waiting for a cure to be found by research on embryonic stem cells, and you?"
— "I was that embryo!"
Posted by Deacon John at 4:02 PM No comments:
Leading Scientist Charges Colleagues With "Misleading" Public on Humanity of Embryos
Asks them to justify why other human embryonic life is less worthy than their own was
By Gudrun Schultz
BOSTON, Massachusetts, January 31, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.Com) - A leading U.S. Researcher in adult stem cell technology has stated there is no legitimate scientific justification for questioning when human life begins
In an interview with Anita Crane for Celebrate Life magazine, Dr. James Sherley--recently denied tenure at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he says for his views on embryo research--accused some of his colleagues of deliberately misleading the public about the beginnings of human life in order to justify embryonic research.
"I am upset when I hear knowing scientists needlessly confuse and mislead people who look to them for objectivity and integrity," he said. "The world is a complicated place and there is a vast amount that we do not know about how it works and how we in it work.
"Science, in its best formulation, seeks to define how the world works in terms that transcend human belief, human psyche and human mystery," Dr. Sherley said. "It seeks to define the world in terms that are universal and knowable by all.
"For this specific discussion, within this clear framework of scientific principle, scientists can define when a human life begins. Like thousands of other multicellular organisms on this planet, human beings start life as a single cell embryo, the product of the union of a complete human genome and the programming cytoplasm of a human egg. This union occurs at fertilization."
The only issue, Dr. Sherley said, is, "When does a human life begin?"
"Whether or not the embryo has yet developed spinal nerves or self-awareness is an irrelevant point made to distract and confuse. I challenge the promoters of human embryonic stem cell research to justify why another human embryonic life is less
Worthy than their own was."
While Dr. Sherley said he initially attributed the MIT chair's refusal to consider him for tenure to racism--Dr. Sherley is of African descent--suggestions by colleagues during the two-year investigation of his complaint pointed to his outspoken opposition to embryonic research as a major factor in the case.
Dr. Sherley, who has concentrated his research on techniques to improve the multiplication capability of adult stem cells, has been a significant player in the effort to expose the immorality of embryonic research. Dr. Sherley participated in the campaign to prevent the passage of a bill permitting human cloning for research purposes in Missouri last November, and earlier in the fall spoke to an international group of scientists, theologians and bioethicists in Rome at a congress entitled "Stem Cells: What Future for Therapy?" organized by the Pontifical Academy for Life and the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations.
"My father is a Baptist minister and one of my important role models for life. The strength that has sustained me through life's many difficulties and allowed me to be forever optimistic of the goodness that begins every human life is my Christian faith," Dr. Sherley told Celebrate Life.
Objections to embryonic research are dismissed if a scientist is found to have any religious beliefs, he said.
"How convenient for promoters of human embryonic stem cell research. My objections are on both moral grounds and scientific grounds, independent of my religious bearing. Religious belief is not required to recognize and seek to prevent a human atrocity; and religious belief cannot invalidate the scientific facts that human life begins when a human genome meets the wonder of the human egg."
With 15 patents pending for Dr. Sherley's technique of multiplying adult stem cells, the researcher's contributions to the field are evident.
Dr. Sherley warned MIT in December that he would begin a hunger strike in protest Feb. 5 if the Institute did not acknowledge his denial of tenure was unjust.
To respectfully express your concerns, contact MIT at:
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Read complete coverage from Celebrate Life:
http://clmagazine.org/backissues/2007janfeb_20-23jamessherle...
See previous LifeSiteNews coverage:
Prestigious MIT Professor Who Opposes Embryo Research Faces Ousting by University
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jan/07010206.html
Planned Parenthood Misleads Women on Abortion's Mental Health Risks
From www.lifesitenews.com:
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The Planned Parenthood Federation of America is coming under fire for continuing to mislead women about the mental health risks associated with having an abortion. In a statement released Tuesday by PPFA medical director Vanessa Cullins, the abortion business claims there are no emotional or psychological concerns.
Cullins answered a sample question from a Planned Parenthood supporter asking if "having an abortion emotionally and psychologically dangerous."
"No. Most women feel relief after an abortion," Cullins responded.
"But anti-choice extremists make false claims about this. They want people to believe that most women who choose abortion suffer severe and long lasting emotional trauma. This is not true," Cullins added.
"For more than 20 years, most scientific studies have found that emotional reactions to having abortion are relatively positive," Cullins explains.
However, her statements run counter to the latest research studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
Dr. David Fergusson, a New Zealand college professor, published the results of a study he conducted in January 2006 which showed women who have abortions are more likely to become severely depressed.
"Those having an abortion had elevated rates of subsequent mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviors and substance use disorders," said Fergusson, whose study was published in the Journal of Child Psychiatry and Psychology
According to the study, 42 percent of the women who had abortions had experienced major depression within the last four years. That's almost double the rate of women who never became pregnant. The risk of anxiety disorders also doubled.
Women who had abortions were twice as likely to drink alcohol at dangerous levels and three times as likely to be addicted to illegal drugs compared with those who carried their pregnancies to term.
Fergusson's research was right in line with what professors at Bowling Green State University in Ohio found in 2004. They examined data on nearly 11,000 women between the ages of 15 and 34 who had experienced an unintended pregnancy.
Dr. Priscilla Coleman, a research psychologist at BGSU, who published the report in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, said their survey found that women who have abortions of unexpected pregnancies were 30 percent more likely to experience subsequent problems with anxiety than those who don't have one.
Women in the study who had abortions and suffered from general anxiety disorder experienced irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, a pounding or racing heart, or feelings of unreality.
Coleman pointed out that, while having a child as a teen may be problematic, "the risks of terminating seem to be even more pronounced."
"The scientific evidence is now strong and compelling," Coleman said. "Abortion poses more risks to women than giving birth."
In an interview with a New Zealand newspaper about his study, Fergusson said he doesn't oppose abortion but his results show that abortion is dangerous for women.
"I'm pro-choice but I've produced results which, if anything, favor a pro-life viewpoint," he explained. "It's obvious I'm not acting out of any agenda except to do reasonable science about a difficult problem."
"Our study is strongly suggestive of a link between abortion and developing mental illness," he concluded.
Professor Fergusson plans a followup study next year asking more detailed questions about the women who had abortions.
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South Dakota Reintroduces Abortion Ban With Stiffer Penalties Georgia abortion ban introduced earlier this year.
Operation Rescue ............
Press Release .....
Pierre, SD - Jan 31, 2007 Today the South Dakota House of Representatives once again introduced an abortion ban, but this time with harsher penalties. The new bill increases punishment for illegal abortion to a class 4 felony punishable by 10 years in prison.
Last year, South Dakota became the first state since the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973 to pass a near total ban on abortion, but the law was challenged by a voter referendum, where it was narrowly defeated because it did not include exceptions for rape and incest.
About 870 abortions take place in South Dakota every year, according to the most recent statistics listed with the Alan Guttmacher Institute, a pro- abortion organization that tracks abortion numbers.
"We know that some in the pro-life movement will be opposed this legislation because of the rape and incest exceptions, but we believe that position is irresponsible," said Operation Rescue spokesperson Cheryl Sullenger. "A statistical analysis of abortions done in South Dakota indicates that if the current bill passes into law – even with the rape and incest exceptions – numerically it would allow only one abortion every four years. This means that over a four- year period, this legislation would save the lives of almost 3,500 children. To oppose this legislation would have to be considered 'pro-abortion.'"
Earlier this year, Georgia introduced a bill to ban abortion that contained virtually no exceptions.
"This bill is the ideal, of course, and we pray that the State of Georgia will successfully enact this law," said Sullenger. "In the meantime, Operation Rescue will continue to work on behalf of life until all pre-born babies in every state once again enjoy the legal protections of personhood, and the heinous act of abortion is brought to an end."
Website: http://www.operationrescue.org
Troy Newman
Phone: 316-841-1700 Operation Rescue
Cheryl Sullenger
Outreach & Media Coordinator
THE FETUS #4and #5
Twins in the womb
4. Does the fetus become a person at viability?
* According to US Supreme Court, viability is when a child is "potentially able to live outside the Mother's womb [that is, can survive], albeit with artificial help" [R v. W at 45]. The State has interest in the 'potential life' of the unborn at the 'compelling' point of viability, because "the fetus then presumable has the capacity of meaningful life outside the mother's womb" [R v. W at 163]. What is "meaningful life"?
* At that time (1973) the age of viability was 30 weeks. Today it is 20 weeks. Who changed? Not the baby, but the technology. Viability is a measure of the sophistication of the life support system around the baby -- not the humanness of the baby.
* It is philosophically and legally bankrupt to determine personhood in a legal sense based on a relative standard which is dependent upon technology.
5. Does the fetus become a person at birth?
* This is the present view of the US Supreme Court. Something about birth moves the unborn child from "potential life" to real life and personhood. What is it?
* The only change that occurs at birth is a change in the external life support system of the child. The child is materially no different before birth than after, except that she has changed her method of feeding and obtaining oxygen.
* The only position consistent with legal precedent and historic medical opinion is to recognize the legal personhood of all human life, and afford to each person the rights which are his or her due, and most fundamentally, the RIGHT TO LIFE!
[From 'A Resource Manual' pages 33 to 35, article by Dan Davis, Christian Research Associates, Denver Colorado]
Posted by Deacon John at 10:01 AM No comments:
THE FETUS #3
3. Is the fetus a person?
* If not, what is it?
* What is a person? There are many philosophical, theological and legal definitions which differ. In this country, legal persons include corporations and institutions such as the US Air Force Academy. Definitions of personhood which exclude the unborn also exclude infants and the comatose, as well as many handicapped.
* The unborn HAVE legal rights as persons under US law: They have inheritance rights; in their name lawsuits can be brought against individuals for harming them in the womb; "wrongful death" actions are brought against individuals who accidently injure an unborn child and cause death; criminals who assault pregnant women have been successfully prosecuted for murder when the child has been killed [Roe v. Wade, 410 US 113, @ 159].
* American Jurisprudence, one of the two most authoritative American legal encyclopedias states: "Biologically speaking, the life of the human being begins at the moment of conception in the mother's womb, and as a general rule of construction in the law, a legal personality is imputed to an unborn child for all purposes which would be beneficial to the infant after its birth."
* The US Supreme Court (Roe v. Wade) arbitrarily declared every human but the unborn child a person. It recognized that if the unborn were considered legal persons, their right to life would be protected under the 14th Amendment [Av at 156]. The Court's arbitrary, unjustified definition of personhood boils down to an undefined standard of what determines a life worth being allowed to live.
* The 14th Amendment declares that "no person . . . shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law."
* Even if we were in doubt whether a fetus is a person, would it be the wise thing, then, to kill it? Does a wise hunter who sees a stirring in a bush shoot it without knowing what it is?
[To be continued.]
Triplets in the womb
2. Is the fetus a human being?
* If not, what is it? Celery? It's alive and of the human species (homo sapiens).
* "The birth of a human life really occurs at the moment the mother's egg cell is fertilized by one of the father's sperm cells" (Life, April 30, 1965).
* "Since the old ethic [sanctity of life] has not been fully displaced it has been necessary to separate the idea of abortion from the idea of killing, which continues to be socially abhorrent. The result has been a curious avoidance of the scientific fact, which everyone really knows, that human life begins at conception and is continuous whether intra- or extra-uterine until death" [California Medicine 113, no. 3 (1970), pp. 67, 68].
At fertilization, 23 chromosomes of the sperm unite with 23 chromosomes of the ovum to produce one 46 chromosome cell, and a human being: either male or female, unique, complete (nothing will be added until death but nutrition and oxygen; his or her complete genetic code is present).
* "Each individual has a very neat beginning, at conception" - - J. Lejeune, discoverer of the chromosomal pattern of Down's Syndrome [Senate Subcommittee on Separation of Powers, Report to the Committee on the Judiciary Regarding the Human Life Bill - - s. 158, 97th Cong., 1st Session, 1981, p.9].
* "No witness raised any evidence to refute the biological fact that from the moment of human conception there exists a distinct individual being who is alive and is of the human species" [Ibid., pp. 11, 12]. "The question of when the life of a human being begins -- when an individual member of the human species comes into existence -- is answered by scientific, factual evidence" [Ibid., p. 3].
* As a 1964 Planned Parenthood pamphlet states: "Abortion kills the life of a baby, once it has begun."
THE FETUS
Twins in womb
Latin For "Unborn Child"
by Dan Davis,
Christian Research Associates
1. Is the fetus alive?
* If it's not, what is it? Does life arise from nonlife? [Not according to the Law of Biogenesis (Pasteur, Virchow)].
* "This much beyond serious dispute: biological life begins at fertilization, when the female's egg is united with the male's sperm" (Time, April 6, 1981).
* "Potential life" is absurd, an oxymoron (a contradiction in terms). The US Supreme Ct. in Roe v. Wade used this term, unknown in legal terminology, without definition, because it is "less rigid" than considering life to begin at conception [410 U.S. 113, at 150]. Ignoring the scientific evidence as to the beginning of life, the Court dismissed the question: "We need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man's knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer" [Ibid., at 159]. Then they decided: life begins at birth.
* Does this sound like it's not alive? the heart beats (18 days), brain functions (40 days), it responds to touch (6-7 wks), sucks its thumb (2 mo.), breathes (3 mo.), swallows (11 wks), has fingernails (3 mo.), eyelashes (16 wks.), all bodily systems present and working (2 mo.), hearing (14 wks), dreams (17 wks.), has active emotional life (6 mo.).
* At the very least, we should medically accept fetus as alive when brain waves are measurable on an EEG, since authorities accept absence of brain function as definition of death. Brain waves have been measured at 6 weeks. [J. Goldenring, "Development of the Fetal Brain," New England Journal of Madicine, Aug. 26, 1982, p. 564].
{To be continued . . .}
Posted by Deacon John at 9:19 AM No comments:
Labels: THE FETUS
Democrats Plans for Dividing and Demonizing Pro-Lifers
Plan to promote more contraception and thereby make pro-lifers look like hypocritical extremists
By Joseph A. D'Agostino
FRONT ROYAL, Virginia, January 26, 2007 (pop.org/LifeSiteNews.Com) - Democratic leaders in Congress have quietly begun the next phase of their new strategy to divide and demonize pro-life Americans. This strategy includes targeting crisis pregnancy centers because of their tremendous success, a strategy led by Rep. Henry Waxman (D.-Calif.), the new chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee thanks to last fall's election results.
Waxman and others are miffed because CPCs tellwomen about the incontrovertible connection between abortion and breast cancer. He is also the Democrats' point man against teaching children to abstain from sexual relations. Yet going after CPCs is unlikely to divide pro-lifers or go far in demonizing us outside of the Dems' base voters.
More insidious is the issue of contraception. Having learned the hard way that the unabashed celebration of abortion was losing them votes, Democrats in the last election cycle sought to portray themselves as
Moderate on the issue and even recruited a fair number of pro-life candidates to run for Congress, with considerable success. Now that they have taken control of our national legislature, they must appear to care about reducing abortion while not doing anything that would actually reduce abortion and alienate their fanatically pro-death base, and at the same time isolate truly pro-life Americans in the minds of the so-called "abortion grays."
These are American voters who have qualms about abortion but do not wish it outlawed, and are thus susceptible to appeals from either side of the abortion divide. Most abortion grays view as unpleasantly extremist both the NARAL, Barbara Boxer types who embrace even partial-birth abortion and principled anti-abortion activists who believe every single unborn child should be saved however inconvenient he may be.
Because of Roe v. Wade and political realities, banning most abortions is not on congressional pro-lifers' agenda for the time being, so pro-abortion forces have found another way to do harm, in more ways than
One. Their approach could not only divide and demonize pro-lifers, but would spread disease among youth, increase their psychic distress, and inflate the number of abortions.
The Dems' plan is to promote contraception as a means of reducing abortion and watch pro-lifers, who know contraception increases abortion, squirm as the media portrays any opposition to more federal funding for contraceptive programs as hypocritical extremism on the part of pro-lifers. Of course, a plan to reduce abortion by increasing contraceptive prevalence has highly persuasive surface plausibility. More
Contraception means fewer unwanted pregnancies, right? And fewer unwanted pregnancies means fewer abortions, right? It seems so obvious, common-sensical, and practical.
Yet experience has proven it false. You don't need statistics to know this, and this time I will refrain from offering a passel of them. When contraceptive use exploded in the United States during the 1970s, so did the abortion rate. Continued promotion of contraception, including the distribution of free condoms en masse to high-schoolers, in the '80s and '90s did nothing to reduce the abortion rate, which has dipped slightly in the past few years—coinciding with a rise in abstinence and anti-abortion attitudes among young people. Foreign countries have experienced the same pattern: Wherever contraceptive use has become widespread, so has abortion. Far more often than not, they go in tandem, not in opposition.
Why is this? For one thing, contraception isn't very effective. Some methods work well in the laboratory, but few people conduct their sex lives in laboratories. In the real world, contraception fails all the time. In fact, 53% of unplanned pregnancies happen to women who are using contraception.
More fundamentally, the contraceptive mentality causes abortion. When women and girls choose to sleep with men whose children they don't want, they will take steps to ensure those children aren't born. If
Contraception fails, they will abort. And because abortion is easily available, these women can be lax about using contraception, knowing there is a cheap and legal fall-back option.
Some anti-abortion Democrats, though, are pursuing the pro-contraception strategy. New Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D.-Nev.), who says he opposes abortion, introduced a bill on Congress' first day this year that would increase funding for contraception and the morning-after pill. Senators Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy have signed on—which should tell you something. Rep. Tim Ryan (D.-Ohio), another abortion opponent, has a bill that would fund more contraception but also provide help to women who decide to carry unplanned pregnancies to term. These sort of bills could split pro-life members of Congress and make those who oppose them seem extreme and heartless.
They should remember that contraception increases abortion. They should also remember that contraceptives give young people a false sense of security, leading them to engage in riskier behavior than they otherwise would even though contraception is of limited effectiveness in preventing
pregnancy and disease (and many forms of contraception actually increase disease risks, at least for women). Moreover, all forms of artificial contraception cause illness. For example, there is no doubt that the contraceptive pill increases cancer risks. Putting more pills into the hands of young women means federal funding for killing American girls.
Pro-lifers should be ready for these controversies when the Democratic establishment and their media allies choose to move them to the front burner of American politics.
Joseph A. D'Agostino is Vice President for Communications at the Population Research Institute.
"There is a God in heaven. He will prevail." (St. Gerard Majella)
www.deaconjohn.org
http://deaconjohn1987.blogspot.com/
Interview with U.S. Presidential Candidate Sam Brownback: Unequivocally Pro-Life, Passionately Pro-Family
By John-Henry Westen WASHINGTON, DC, January 26, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com)
He is seen by supporters as a man of wisdom and intelligence, not too old and not too young, with stamina and good looks and the determination it takes to become the President of the United States of America. Sam Brownback and his team of youthful volunteers were all over the March for Life in Washington DC this week.
Brownback was definitely not shy about testifying to his pro-life and pro-family beliefs at the March for Life. Campaign material handed out by the tens, if not hundreds, of thousands emphasized that the senior Senator from Kansas is "proudly" and "unequivocally pro-life". He refers to Roe v Wade as a "tragedy" that must be "overturned."
Speaking of the March he told LifeSiteNews.com "This is a big cause and it's a big moment for the cause because we are just now getting across to people, the majority of people, about the pro-life message and the country is moving pro-life so we just really have to move that forward."
FOREIGN FUNDING OF ABORTION
Asked at one meeting about foreign funding of abortion, Brownback remarked "What I have run on consistently is we should not be using taxpayers' dollars to fund abortions period - anywhere. Domestically or internationally."
LifeSiteNews.com also spoke with the Kansas Senator about Canada. He expressed his love for Canada and hope that the causes of life and family would catch on there as well. "I love Canada. Canada is a great neighbour," he said. "Canada has been a great friend and neighbor for many, many years. And I am hopeful that some of these causes will start catching on there too - there will be pushes for life, marriages because it's about the basic building blocks of society and we do impact each other so I would hope that Canada really could engage some of these as well."
ON THE U.S. SUPREME COURT
Encouraging the youth at another meeting Brownback said "We are one Supreme Court Justice away from over-turning Roe." He explained that with regard to Roberts and Alito - "now we don't know exactly how they are going to vote. We hope they will vote pro-life on this or hope that they can't sleep at night if they don't vote pro-life on the Supreme Court."
THE REASON FOR HIS PRO-LIFE PASSION
Brownback also spoke of the impetus for this passion for life. "I met a little girl about seven and a half years ago," he said. "Her name was Chenyi Dan. I met her in China. She was from Shantou City, China. And at the time she was about 20 months of age. Beautiful girl - she had been dropped at an orphanage by her mother who had carved a little area, an oval on her stomach with a pen knife - very, very scant. As a mark, I guess at some point and time maybe they would be able to find each other - again, at some point and time.""That girl now," he continued, "her name is now Jenna Joy Brownback - I had her at my announcement yesterday for President. She's been living in my home for the last seven and a half years as my daughter. Because somebody fought for her, I get to kiss a little girl goodnight. Somebody fought for her - who I will probably never meet or ever see or ever know. But they fought for her and because of that, she is alive."He added with a proud smile: "and she won her third grade class Spelling Bee Contest."
"A STAUNCH DEFENDER OF TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE"
A faithful Catholic family man with wife and five children, Brownback bills himself as a principled, conservative Republican. His "passion" he says, is to defend the family. As his brochure bills it, he is "a staunch defender of traditional marriage."In addition to fighting the imposition of same sex 'marriage' and the threat of pornography, Brownback has, as a Senator, already initiated positive measures to boost family life. He has proposed Marriage Development Savings Accounts to encourage healthy marriages and cut the rate of out-of -wedlock births.
In addition to his strong positions on life and family issues, Sam Brownback is touted as an experienced political leader on many fronts with fresh and formidable ideas on health, education, social security, taxation and energy.For more information visit the Brownback website:http://www.brownback.com/
Labels: Senator Sam Brownback
Therefore, despite the general disinclination to call abortion "murder" by those who are wary of being considered to be extremists, and despite the guilt such terminology may engender in abortion proponents and in persons who have performed or undergone abortions, I concluded that the law should regard the typical abortion (i.e., one obtained for mere convenience rather than justified by any legally cognizable circumstances) as murder in the first degree. note that I say "should" regard. The law, in actuality, has never regarded abortion as murder although, prior to the Supreme Court decisions declaring it to be a Constitutional liberty, every state in the Union regarded it as criminal. What I mean to point out is that there appears to be no rational basis, given our current state of biological knowledge, to treat it as a lesser offense than murder. As such, I think the prior statutory schemes were repugnant to the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment in that they denied a certain class of "persons" (i.e., the unborn child) equal protection of the law.
[Excerpted from 'A Resource Manual', Legal Considerations, pages 23 - 32]
LIFESITENEWS HEADLINES, JAN. 26th
LifeSiteNews:
First Things' Fr. Neuhaus Criticizes Archbishop Wuerl on Pro-Abortion Politicians Fiascohttp://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jan/07012501.html
Bishop and Priest Hasten to Apologize to Pro-Abortion Politician for Homily Calling Him to Accounthttp://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jan/07012502.html
Historically Catholic Santa Cruz Self-Declared "Pro-Choice" Cityhttp://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jan/07012506.html
"Roe v. Wade Week" at Yale Features Do It Yourself Abortionshttp://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jan/07012503.html
Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life
The push for prenatal diagnostic tests for pregnant mothers just became stronger. Recently, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists began recommending that every pregnant woman, regardless of age, be offered a choice of tests to determine whether her baby has Down Syndrome. The reason for this recommendation is, first of all, that although the common practice has been to recommend these tests for women over 35, doctors point out that there is no single event that happens at age 35 to make Down Syndrome more likely. The scale of risk is a continuum.
Secondly, ACOG points out that new methods of testing have been developed that are less invasive. Their top recommendation simply involves ultrasound and a blood test.
Aside from the medical questions, however, many moral questions arise. Are such tests morally permissible? What are they meant to accomplish? Is undue pressure being placed on pregnant mothers to have these tests? Is pressure being put on them to abort?
Pope John Paul II addressed the issue of prenatal diagnosis with these words in "The Gospel of Life" (Evangelium Vitae):
Special attention must be given to evaluating the morality of prenatal diagnostic techniques which enable the early detection of possible anomalies in the unborn child. In view of the complexity of these techniques, an accurate and systematic moral judgment is necessary. When they do not involve disproportionate risks for the child and the mother, and are meant to make possible early therapy or even to favor a serene and informed acceptance of the child not yet born, these techniques are morally licit. But since the possibilities of prenatal therapy are today still limited, it not infrequently happens that these techniques are used with a eugenic intention which accepts selective abortion in order to prevent the birth of children affected by various types of anomalies. Such an attitude is shameful and utterly reprehensible, since it presumes to measure the value of a human life only within the parameters of "normality" and physical well-being, thus opening the way to legitimizing infanticide and euthanasia as well.
The Church's approach is quite balanced. Diagnosis, not immoral in itself, must have a proper purpose and motive. In some ways, diagnosis advances a culture of life, because the unborn child is medical science's newest patient. I have been privileged to participate in conferences of fetal surgeons, and this branch of medicine can serve life in increasingly effective ways.
Yet every tool can be used for good or for harm. Dr. Jerome Lejeune, a strongly pro-life geneticist who discovered the origins of Down Syndrome, lamented the fact that this knowledge was sometimes being used for a "search and destroy" mission. And it is no secret that there is a bias among medical professionals to recommend abortion when test results even a hint (often mistakenly) of Down Syndrome, as Brian Skotko of the National Down's Syndrome Congress found out when he surveyed 2,945 mothers of children with this condition.
Let's stand both for the advancement of the treatment of the unborn, and against the deadly mentality that pushes to kill the less than perfect.
Remember to support our work at www.priestsforlife.org/donate
This column an be found online at
www.priestsforlife.org/columns/columns2007/07-01-15-prenatal-diagnosis.htm
Comments on this column? Email us at mail@priestsforlife.org, Priests for Life, PO Box 141172, Staten Island, NY 10314; Tel: 888-PFL-3448, 718-980-4400; Fax: 718-980-6515; web: www.priestsforlife.org
LifeSiteNews.com NewsBytes -
Informed-Choice Bill May Have Tough Time in Congress
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000003693.cfm
Informed Choice — Mental Health and Abortion
http://www.catholicexchange.com/node/9736
Out-of-Wedlock Babies: Intended . . . Or Not?
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/12225/BLI/datadigest/index.htm
Payment For Stem Cell Eggs Debated
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=40562
China's one child policy won't change despite causing skewed male/female ratio
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=8315&size=A
Catholic Church and the unborn among most discriminated in Argentina
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=8437
Contraceptive side effects study needed: panel
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070124/ts_nm/contraceptives_fda_dc
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Hundreds of Thousands of Pro-Life People March for Life in Washington
by Steven ErteltLifeNews.com EditorJanuary 22, 2007
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Proving the pro-life movement is alive and well despite abortion advocates obtaining control of Congress last November, hundreds of thousands of pro-life advocates participated in the annual March for Life. The mood was optimistic and positive despite 34 years of legalized abortion since the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.
"We come out here to remember lives that were lost and to let people know we all need to remember that," Tom Gill of South Bend told WSBT News.
"The more people we can get to take notice of this issue, the more people will realize abortion is killing innocent human beings," he added.
"We're here letting people know we are for life," added Florida teacher Sister Veronica Marinari. "We are against abortion and for life at all its stages."
The 2006 elections dashed the hopes of pro-life advocates of continuing the pro-life agenda they've been able to enact during large portions of President Bush's tenure in office.
However, National Right to Life political director Karen Cross said the election results didn't mean Americans were changing their attitudes opposing abortion.
"We know that the majority of the country is opposed to the vast majority of abortions," Cross said. She pointed to a post-election poll conducted by the Polling Company firm showing 24% of voters were opposed to abortion except when the mother's life is in danger, or in cases of rape or incest. Another 14% were opposed to abortion except to save the mother's life and 14% were opposed to abortion in all circumstances. "Fully 52% of the country is opposed to abortion except in very rare circumstances," Cross explained.
Cardinal Rigali, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, told the Catholic News Service there are other reasons to rejoice despite 34 years of legalized abortion.
"The rate and number of abortions in the United States continue to decline, most notably among teens," he said. "More and more citizens are coming to question abortion and to recognize -- as a starting point for deeper conversion -- that there is something radically wrong with abortion and the support given it by our laws," he added.
Printed from:
http://www.lifenews.com/nat2892.html
President Bush's Address by Phone to the March for Life Participants
Hints that he will veto the Embryonic Stem Cell Funding Bill
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Nellie, thank you. Thank you very much, Nellie. And I want to thank everybody there for taking part in today's March for Life. I appreciate so very much the devotion to such an honorable cause, and the good work everyone is doing to defend life.
And, Nellie, it's good to hear your voice again, and I thank you very much for giving me a chance to visit with you and the crowd that is assembled there on the Mall.
It is important for all Americans to remember that our Declaration of Independence states that every person has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also states that these rights come from our Creator, and that governments are formed to secure these rights for all their citizens. And we believe every human life has value, and we pray for the day when every child is welcome in life and protected into law.
Nellie, I want to thank you very much, and the members of Congress there who have worked hard to make progress toward this goal over the last six years. I want the folks assembled there to know that we're making progress. We promoted adoption, support parental notification laws, ended federal funding for abortions overseas, and are funding crisis pregnancy programs.
I had the privilege of signing legislation that extends legal protection to children who are born, despite abortion attempts, allows prosecutors to charge those who harm or kill a pregnant woman with harming or killing her unborn child, as well. I signed into law a ban on the cruel practice of partial-birth abortions, and we will vigorously defend that law in the courts.
Nellie, what I'm saying is, is that we're building a culture of life here. And I want to thank you and everybody assembled for helping.
We are a caring nation, and our values should also guide us on how we harness the gifts of science. New medical breakthroughs bring the hope of cures for terrible diseases and treatments that can improve the lives of millions. Our challenge is to make sure that science serves the cause of humanity instead of the other way around.
Last summer I vetoed a bill that would support the taking of innocent life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others, and I have made it clear to the Congress we must pursue medical advances in the name of life, not at the expense of it.
As we move forward, we've all got to remember that a true culture of life cannot be built by changing laws alone. We've all got to work hard to change hearts. We will find areas where we can agree and, at the same time, work to persuade more of our fellow citizens to join this great cause. The sanctity of life is written in the hearts of all men and women. And so I say, go forth with confidence that a cause rooted in human dignity and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens cannot fail.
Again, Nellie, thank you very much. I appreciate your dedication to this important cause. I send my thanks to all there on the Mall. I ask for God's blessings on your work, and that God continue to bless our country.
Today, January 22, the anniversary of the infamous decision of the Supreme Court to allow the killing of pre-born children, is like 911 to many of us who have been active in the pro-life cause for these many years. Think about it! 34 years of killing! The people who know about these things say that over 48 million babies have been destroyed in the U.S. Shame on America! May God have mercy on us!
What can you do? Pray, do penance, protest, vote, donate, and join a pro-life group to help others see the truth: That life is sacred!
SAVE A BABY TODAY!
A Website saved this baby
Heidi found herself pregnant, scared and alone. An abortion seemed the only way out. Then she found the Option line Website. Heidi realized she wasn't alone, that she had life-saving options and that there was someone out there who cared. Heidi made an appointment and chose life for her baby!
We have learned that one of the most cost effective ways to reach pregnant women is through the Internet. And we can use the Internet to lead women to a secure place where they can learn their options, talk to loving counselors, and find a local Pregnancy Counseling Center in their area.
With the help of current donors to the LifeDonor Network, Care Net's website for women in crisis was able to directly communicate to over 80,000 women in the past few months because of internet advertising.
Please consider joining the LifeDonor Network. You can help keep Option-line online in serving women and give them hope. Hope that can save lives.
It only takes a small monthly contribution and your support WILL save lives!
Please go here to learn more about this exciting outreach.
Pro-Life information via www.lifesitenews.com:
Georgetown University draws pro-life stars to Cardinal O'Connor event
Abortion & Richard Hays's Moral Ambiguity
http://touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=20-01-038-f
Brownback, Hunter to Join Blogs For Life Conference
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?c=HOME
Ambivalence and Resolve About Roe By Richard John Neuhaus
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=598
Couple pay £9,000 to have first British web baby
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=429393
Astonishing images have been captured on a new 'four-dimensional' ultrasound scan of the womb
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/womenfamily.html?in_article_id=429098&in_page_id=1799&in_a_source=&ico=Homepage&icl=TabModule&icc=picbox&ct=5
More than half of ethnic Norwegian women under age 25 choose abortion if they get pregnant
http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article1594604.ece
Schiavo Family Will Join March for Life
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000003634.cfm
Battle lines drawn in Portugal ahead of abortion referendum
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070114/hl_afp/portugalabortionvote_070114041022
Patients Want Faith Honored While Dying
South Dakota Abortion Ruling Reconsidered
UNICEF Gender Equality Gobbledygook -UNICEF still a problem
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/12176/BLI/nation/index.htm
First test-tube baby in the world gives birth – without IVF
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2545718,00.html
A Cry For Justice - Report On Day One
Wichita, KS -- Operation Rescue's four day event, A Cry For Justice, kicked off today with a press conference at George Tiller's abortion mill. It was announced that the group would call for a federal investigation to uncover the reason why the laws of Kansas are not being enforced. The 30 criminal charges against George R. Tiller have not yet been reinstated even though 2 judges found probable cause to believe that crimes had been committed.
The group conducted a protest at the County Courthouse and ended the day with a rousing talk from Rev. Pat Mahoney.
For a full account of the day's activities and to view additional photos, please click here.
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro- life Christian organizations in the nation. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre- born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.
Click here to support Operation Rescue.
Texas couple's child born on Roe anniversary seen as miracle baby
Yvonne Alomia plays with her daughter Sofia in their home in El Paso, Texas. CNS/Nohemy Gonzalez
Janet M. Crowe EL PASO, Texas (CNS). El Pasoan Sofia Alomia will celebrate her first birthday this January much like any other toddler. However, amid the cake and presents, Sofia's parents, Yvonne and Santiago Alomia, will take time from the joyous celebration to commemorate the millions of babies killed by abortion.
Sofia was born Jan. 22, 2006 -- the 33rd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion throughout the nine months of pregnancy.
She could be considered a miracle baby not only because of her date of birth but because several doctors, fearing she might have a severe cardiovascular disorder, repeatedly urged her parents throughout the pregnancy to abort her.
But Yvonne Alomia refused to consider abortion, despite the repeated urging of doctors, colleagues, friends and her own patients from her optometrist practice.
Sofia was born with heart problems. When she was 3 days old she had heart surgery. She is due to have a second surgery after her first birthday and faces additional heart surgeries but her parents are optimistic.
"We would not do anything differently," Alomia said, and Sofia's every smile proves that "it has definitely been worth all the trials."
During her third month of gestation, Sofia was diagnosed with DiGeorge velo-cardio-facial syndrome; a portion of her 22nd chromosome was missing. It can result in conditions ranging from relatively mild to severe, including cleft palate, Down syndrome, immune deficiencies, kidney abnormalities and cardiovascular diseases. The concern for Sofia was cardiovascular.
Two fetal echocardiograms showed no pulmonary arteries from the baby's heart to her lungs, which meant she might die shortly after birth or have a range of critical medical problems affecting her health and life. The doctors said the arteries perhaps existed and maybe were too undeveloped to see, but they also strongly encouraged Alomia to terminate the pregnancy.
Alomia and her husband concentrated on what Sofia would need after she was born. Late in the pregnancy, Sofia's heart was enlarged and appeared to fill her chest cavity, making successful heart surgery questionable.
Still, Alomia refused to consider aborting her baby but sought advice from doctors, priests and El Paso Bishop Armando X. Ochoa on making a decision regarding extraordinary medical measures, including immediate surgery after birth, which might only cause Sofia pain without increasing her chances of survival.
"We just wanted to make the best decision according to the progress that Sofia made or did not make," Alomia said in an interview with The Rio Grande Catholic, El Paso's diocesan newspaper.
"We were expecting her to die within hours of birth since no pulmonary arteries were seen and it was the most probable outcome," she said.
A Caesarean section was scheduled for Jan. 24, 2006, but during morning Mass Jan. 22 Alomia went into labor and the doctors decided to deliver the baby at 3 p.m.
Alomia considers the day and time of Sofia's birth no mere coincidence. She credits the intercession of a neonatal nurse on duty at the El Paso hospital who began praying her Divine Mercy chaplet when Sofia was delivered, who convinced the neonatal doctor to take a second look at the baby and who talked Alomia into surgery for Sofia.
Recalling that Jesus died at the age of 33, Alomia stated, "I do not feel that Sofia's birthday being the 33rd anniversary of Roe and the C-section starting at 3 p.m. are coincidences."
Alomia feels that her difficult pregnancy was planned by God so she and her husband would "reach out to people who have had abortions and convince them of God's infinite mercy and to let people know it is wrong to abort."
Although many people urged Alomia to have the abortion, many others supported her decision to nurture life.
"The response was incredible and is still ongoing. The people of El Paso are beautiful people and we are thankful to God for allowing us to be surrounded by them," Alomia said.
For others experiencing a difficult pregnancy, Alomia recommended Prenatal Partners for Life (http://www.prenatalpartnersforlife.org/) for assistance and support.
Alomia said she would tell those parents: "They are not alone and that God has a special plan for each and every one of us."
Pregnancy and the Development of the Child
First Trimester(Weeks 1 - 12)
Weeks 4 - 10
The period with the greatest risk of birth defects.
Week 4 Day 1
The baby's fetal organs begin forming.
Weeks 4 - 6
The baby is a small, almost tadpole-like embryo. During this time, vital organs develop, which will include the spine, heart, digestive tract, and arm and leg buds.
The baby will weigh approximately one third of an ounce and grow to about one and one fourth inches. The heart will be beating and the arms and legs will grow and begin developing fingers and toes.
Major organs have already formed.
The baby will be about two and a half to three inches long and weigh about a half ounce. Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus, allowing the baby to move easily. A baby is able to open and shut its mouth and turn its head, as well as make a fist and kick. More organs are beginning to develop, including the reproductive organs. It is, however, difficult to determine the gender at this point.
Second Trimester(Weeks 13 - 27)
After Week 12
The risk of miscarriage decreases sometime after week 12.
Weeks 16 - 20
The baby now weighs between four and six ounces and is four to five inches long, with the head making up about one-third of its length. The baby will grow very rapidly during weeks 16-20 and the baby's gender can probably be determined by this point. The eyelashes and fingernails have begun to grow, but the toenails have not. And, even thought the vocal chords have formed, the baby is unable to cry.
The baby's nourishment is being provided by the placenta. The baby has begun swallowing amniotic fluid and is now urinating and forming meconium, the stool, in its intestines. The tongue is also working, so the baby can begin gentle sucking.
The baby will weigh between eight ounces and a pound and is eight to 12 inches long, still small enough to hold in the palm of your hand. The head, body, arms and legs are proportionate in size. Toenails, eyebrows and hair are beginning to grow and teeth are forming under the gums. There is a fine, soft hair now covering the body called lanugo, and a creamy, white covering all over the skin called vernix. During this time the mother will begin feeling the baby move, but she could mistake it for gas bubbles. The baby is able to kick and turn over by now, and everyday maternal activity gently rocks the baby in the amniotic sack.
If the baby is premature, but born sometime after week 22, he/she has a chance to survive with intensive care.
The baby weighs about one and one half pounds and is between 12 and 14 inches long. There is little body fat and the skin is still very thin. The eyelids are beginning to part and your baby can open its eyes. Because it is swallowing some amniotic fluid, the mother can feel rhythmic jerks or jolts when it hiccups. A baby's unique fingers and toes are now visible. During these weeks the mother may begin to recognize the baby's pattern of activity and rest. It is different for every baby, but most will kick or turn at least 10 times in a 12-hour period.
Third Trimester(Weeks 28 - 40)
During the third trimester, a baby will grow significantly. In fact, it will more than double its weight.
At this point, the soon-to-be newborn only weighs two to three pounds and is 14 to 17 inches long. Lanugo, the fine downy hair, begins to disappear, first from the face, while the vernix, the thick creamy-white substance, still protects the skin. The baby's vision has developed and his/her ears are now capable of picking up sound. If a light is shone directly on the mother's abdomen, the baby will react to it. The baby can also hear the mother's heartbeat, as well as food moving through her body and blood flowing through her uterus. The baby also knows her voice and enjoys certain kinds of music. Loud music or sudden movements will cause the baby to jerk, a startle reflex. A baby's movements over the next several weeks become more intense.
By sometime around week 32, the baby weighs approximately five pounds and is from 16 to 18 inches long. This is a time for tremendous growth, especially of the brain. Most of the baby's systems are well developed by this point, except the lungs, which could still be underdeveloped. Calcium, protein and iron are very important in these last few weeks of growth. The baby is developing skills that will allow it to eat, and taste buds are now present on his/her tongue.
The baby is now plump and pink, smooth skin and can weigh from six to nine pounds, waiting for its debut to the world.
The baby should be born at week 40.
Based on the Pregnancy Calculator at BabyWorld, St. Vincent's Hospital, Birmingham, AL
Provided courtesy of: Eternal Word Television Network, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL, 35210
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Labels: Pregnancy Chart
President Bush Proclaims National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2007
Just thought you'd like to see this proclamation hot off the presses.
Steve Jalsevac and I are headed down to Washington DC for the March for Life, we hope to see some of you there.
For life,
Full text of proclamation follows:
America was founded on the principle that we are all endowed by our Creator with the right to life and that every individual has dignity and worth. National Sanctity of Human Life Day helps foster a culture of life and reinforces our commitment to building a compassionate society that respects the value of every human being.
Among the most basic duties of Government is to defend the unalienable right to life, and my Administration is committed to protecting our society's most vulnerable members. We are vigorously promoting parental notification laws, adoption, abstinence education, crisis pregnancy programs, and the vital work of faith-based groups. Through the "Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002," the "Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003," and the "Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004," we are helping to make our country a more hopeful place.
One of our society's challenges today is to harness the power of science to ease human suffering without sanctioning practices that violate the dignity of human life. With the right policies, we can continue to achieve scientific progress while living up to our ethical and moral responsibilities.
National Sanctity of Human Life Day serves as a reminder that we must value human life in all forms, not just those considered healthy, wanted, or convenient. Together, we can work toward a day when the dignity and humanity of every person is respected.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, January 21, 2007, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all Americans to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to underscore our commitment to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every human being.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
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1. That the fetus is undeniably alive.
2. That the fetus, or unborn child, is clearly human.
3. That the unborn child is a "person" and traditionally has been regarded as such within the contemplation of both law and medicine.
4. That abortion is the intentional deprivation of the life of a person. That it is, in short, a homicide (by definition).
5. That the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution should not permit the States to treat the homicide of a member of one class of persons as a lesser offense than the homicide of others. Therefore, the abortion of an unborn child should properly be analyzed in precisely the same manner as the homicide of a child after delivery (or of an adult for that matter).
6. That applying a traditional homicide analysis to the typical abortion would lead to its classification as murder since the necessary element of "malice aforethought" is present and there is no basis to mitigate or lesson the offense to manslaughter or to exculpate the parties absent clear legal justification such as self-defense.
7. That the element of "premeditation" is also generally present elevating the offense from second to first degree.
A CRY FOR JUSTICE!
Christians Answer O'Reilly's Call For Protests At Late-term Abortion Mill
Leaders of 1991 "Summer of Mercy" return to Wichita for "A Cry for Justice"
Wichita, KS - Jan 17, 2007 Christians from across the nation are making their ways to Wichita, KS for four days of pro-life activism focusing on late-term abortionist George R. Tiller on January 19-22.
Included are the majority of members from the original Operation Rescue leadership team that made Wichita, Kansas, the focus of the abortion battle for six weeks during the summer of 1991, including Rev. Pat Mahoney, Jeff White, Mike McMonagle, and Joseph Slovenic.
Fox News host Bill O'Reilly has recently focused several segments of his popular show, "The O'Reilly Factor," on Tiller's late-term abortion business and its questionable legality.
O'Reilly said on his program, "You know, I've been covering the news in America for 30 years and this Kansas situation is the worst thing I've ever seen. . . Americans cannot turn away from this; cannot ignore it. There should be thousands of people demonstrating outside Tiller's abortion clinic in Wichita."
The group plans to call for 30 criminal charges against Tiller involving illegal late term abortions to be reinstated. The charges were filed by former Attorney General Phill Kline on December 21, but were dismissed the following day after pro-abortion District Attorney Nola Foulston intervened in the case and persuaded a judge to dismiss the charges on technical jurisdictional grounds.
Kline has since been replaced and the special prosecutor that he assigned to the case has been fired by pro-abortion Attorney General Paul Morrison.
"We simply cannot be silent and allow Tiller's cronies to sweep this matter under the rug. We are talking about allegations that Tiller is illegally killing viable babies in the latest stages of pregnancy that Kansas law has been enacted to protect," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "We are simply asking for the authorities in Kansas to enforce the law and allow Tiller have his day in court. Let the allegations come forth and let the witnesses be heard. We are convinced that the charges against Tiller are credible and deserve a public hearing. Innocent lives literally depend on it."
Visit "A Cry For Justice" Event Page
LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION!
HOUSTON, January 17 (CNA) - A new poll conducted by a leading Christian web site finds that an overwhelming majority of Christians believe that life begins at conception.
www.ChristiaNet.Com recently surveyed 500 members of its web site and asked: "Does life start at conception, first heart beat, second trimester, or birth?"
Of the 500 participants, 440 (88 percent) believe that life begins at conception; nearly 7 percent believe that life begins at birth. Only two respondents selected the option that life begins at the second trimester and 24 respondents believe that life begins at the first heart beat, reported www.LifeNews.Com.
"The Bible is clear about life," said ChristiaNet president Bill Cooper. "But many people, even some Christians, are unclear on this fact because our society accepts abortion procedures. The truth has become skewed in order to ease the social conscience."
Georgia Prepares to Battle Roe v. Wade
House bill challenges Roe by establishing personhood of unborn
By Peter J. Smith
Atlanta, Georgia, January 15, 2007 (www.lifesitenews.com) - The Georgia House of Representatives has taken up the gauntlet to challenge the 34-year-old Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion with a new bill that establishes an unborn child as a human person at conception deserving full protection under the law with no exceptions.
House Bill 1 sponsored by Bobby Franklin with many other cosponsors, declares that "a fetus is a person for all purposes under the laws of this state from the moment of conception" and cites the decision of Roe v. Wade itself to justify its complete ban of abortion.
Franklin's bill states that "The State of Georgia has the duty to protect all innocent life from the moment of conception until natural death," and adds that three decades of legal human abortion have "negatively impacted the people of this state in many ways, including economic, health, physical, psychological, emotional, and medical well-being."
"As a direct result of three decades of legalized abortion on demand, the nation has seen a dramatic rise in the incidence of child abuse and a dramatic weakening of family ties, with the infamous Roe v. Wade decision pitting mothers against their children and women against men."
The legislation continues: "Georgia Constitution, at Article I, Section I, Paragraph II, provides: 'Protection to person and property is the paramount duty of government and shall be impartial and complete. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws. Because a fetus is a person, constitutional protection attaches at the moment of conception."
Under article 5, the legislation quotes the Roe decision: "Justice Blackmun, writing for the majority in Roe v. Wade , 410 U.S. 113 (1973), wrote: 'when those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man's knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer [to the question of when life begins].' Now, 30 years later, the General Assembly knows the answer to that difficult question, and that answer is life begins at the moment of conception."
In the 1973 Roe decision, Justice Blackmun admitted that Roe would lose its legal justification if an unborn child were determined as a person deserving of rights guaranteed in the 14th Amendment. "[Texas] argue[S] that the fetus is a 'person' within the language and meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment… If this suggestion of personhood is established, the [pro-abortion] case, of course, collapses, for the fetus' right to life would then be guaranteed specifically by the [14th] Amendment."
The bill was brought before a house committee hearing January 9, where Sandra Cano, "Mary Doe" of Roe's companion case Doe v. Bolton, offered testimony and was joined by Dr. Alveda King, daughter of the famed Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, jr.
The bill has been greeted with enthusiasm from pro-life organizations. Rev. Flip Benham, Director of Operation Save America/Operation Rescue, described the measure as "the very best bill that any state has brought before its legislative body yet… it is an all out declaration that human life begins at conception and therefore is due protection under the color of Law."
A copy of Georgia's House Bill 1 can be found at:.
http://www.operationsaveamerica.org/articles/articles/ga-house-bill-1.htm?ARTICLE_ID=53170%20
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MURDER?
MALICE AFORETHOUGHT:
THE COURT HAS SANCTIONED MURDER:
SUBSTITUTE RELIGION
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text:
The Very Adult Game We (Sort of) Bought for Our Kids
Cards Against Humanity for Kids?! You may not think that Cards Against Humanity is appropriate for kids, and as intended, it's not (at least not in our family). However, we made some modifications and have had a blast playing with our kids. Maybe a DIY version of the game will work for your family as well?
A few months ago, we started doing family game night every Sunday. It's been a huge hit, and a great way to wrap up the weekend. We have a handful of games the boys enjoy and have collected a couple new ones as our game nights continue.
Occasionally, when we have adult friends over, we play Cards Against Humanity. If you know this game, you know it's filthy, vulgar and offensive. If you don't know this game, just trust me on this one. It's wildly inappropriate even for adults. If it aligns with your sense of humor, however, it's hilarious.
It's a bit like Apples to Apples meets Mad Libs but laced with curse words, racist undertones, sexual innuendos, political wildfire, and plenty of poop jokes. At least half the deck is funny without being offensive, but it's not a game to play with someone who doesn't appreciate this type of humor. Whether you like it or not, I pass no judgment. It's definitely not for everyone, and that is totally ok.
A couple of times, we've had friends over and played Cards Against Humanity after putting the boys to bed. To no one's surprise, they were not yet asleep and our laughter drew every ounce of their interest. They wanted to play with us so badly. And… definitely no! Hard No! No way!
We did, however, make them two compromises. First, we let them play one round with us after editing the card options for that particular round. We played one round with only clean cards so they could understand the gist of the game.
Then, we used the blank cards included in the set to make our "own dumb jokes", as the game makers call the DIY cards, that were just right for the boys. M made the cards, which included many inside jokes and plenty of elementary school humor.
The following Sunday, at game night, we played the "edited" version of Cards Against Humanity with the boys. I'm not sure I've ever seen them laugh so hard. A few of the cards we made for them were a little edgy, and I suspect not all parents would approve of such humor for five and seven year old kids but… different families have different rules, and I fully respect that.
In any case, the very adult game has been a lot of fun to play in our family with our kids in a modified way. For the holidays this year, we bought each of the boys a pack of 50 blank cards. I expect we will create some cards for them, and we'll let them create a bunch themselves as well. I can only imagine the early elementary humor they'll dole out on these cards.
Although I can't recommend you let your kids play the real version of Cards Against Humanity, it's pretty fun to play unique family editions with the "create your own" cards. Each family can buy blank cards, which are fairly inexpensive, and set up a deck that reflects the inside jokes for their family with just the right level of humor that works for them.
If you play this game or buy a version to make with your kids, let me know what you think. If you have any other edgy games that you can make work for your family, I'd love to hear about them in the comments. And if you think our family is totally crazy for even bringing this game into our house, I understand. I know and respect this is definitely not for everyone.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


While fresh veggies are available daily for European hikers (one of my favorite things about hiking in Europe), that is not true in North America. These dishes could be adapted for dehydrated or freeze-dried vegetables. They could be cooked at home and then dehydrated, provided the veggies are in very tiny pieces so they rehydrate easily.
American guidebook author William L. Sullivan once did a several month backpack traversing Oregon from west to east, following designated wilderness or wilderness study areas from the southern Oregon coast to Hells Canyon in the northeast, which he described in his fascinating book, Listening for Coyote. His description of instant mashed potatoes (which he had unwisely stocked up on as a cheap food source) was that they were suitable only to dump into ground squirrel holes. I agree, although I felt sorry for the ground squirrels!
Leaving out the first dish (with its nauseating instant mashed potatoes), the other two could profit from onion and garlic.
For longer trips (such as Sullivan's), protein sources are highly important. (Sullivan became ill several times during his trip due to nutritional deficiency.) Beans, split peas, lentils are good sources. If cooked at home and dehydrated, they will rehydrate fast on the trail. For those of us non-vegetarians, canned chicken or cooked ground beef can be dehydrated.
Another difference is that in North America, we do not cook or eat or store food in or near our tents. Even in areas with no bears, there are various other animals (raccoons, skunks, squirrels, mice) that are attracted to our food supply and can do considerable damage.


Boys homes for struggling boys who live in or near Cleburne, Texas. – therapeutic boarding schools and boarding schools.
Do You Need a Boys Home for Your Struggling Boy In or Near Cleburne, Texas? Agape May Be Your Most Cost-Effective Boys Home Option.
Agape is a boys home designed to help at-risk boys turn their lives around. Most other boys homes don't have a therapeutic element to their program. So, parents from Cleburne, Texas and across the United States have chosen Agape for the past two decades. Agape's professional staff and counselors work closely with every individual boy to steer him to become a respectful, responsible young adult. Families might consider several reasons to look further than Cleburne, Texas for a boys home to help their son.
On top of a great therapeutic program full of discipline, Agape focuses on demonstrating and relying on the love of God to reach hearts and heal broken lives. Agape's caring staff works with each boy on an individual basis to satisfy his needs academically, mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally.
Parents in Cleburne, Texas have sent their sons to the Agape boys home and watched them achieve a new start as well as a bright future.
Make a comparison of Agape Boys Home to other homes for troubled teen boys, and you will find that we provide an advanced program and outstanding facilities at a much lower cost. We specialize in working with boys who lack motivation both at home and at school, those struggling with defiance or disregard for authority, and teenagers who have ADD, ADHD, RAD, ODD or depression. Always giving a loving approach, Agape offers mentoring and character development in addition to quality accredited education and competitive athletic programs and team sports.
Agape Boarding School provides a superior residential program experience for teen boys from Cleburne, Texas with a surprisingly affordable price. Please look into it even if you are looking for other boys homes that may be closer to Cleburne, Texas.
Situated on 200 acres of ranch land in the nation's heartland, we have extensive recreational facilities, athletic fields, and an amazing number of exotic animals throughout the campus. Unlike military boarding schools, boys participate in a rich variety of activities and learning experiences while they stay fit have fun with their stay. The one-of-a-kind setting of this extraordinary campus and our low cost draws families from Cleburne, Texas and beyond.
Agape's outstanding school helps troubled boys graduate and get ready for the future.
With our accredited educational program, boys work on their junior high and high school classes at their own pace, while also assisted by tutors and certified teachers. A lot of individualized attention helps to ensure that boys at every ability excel at their coursework. Most students realize that they quickly make up for lost time and gain pride in their academic abilities. Our college-prep program helps boys with college entrance testing and applications. Teenage boys finish Agape well-prepared for their entrance to the workplace or going to the college classroom.
While Agape is not in Cleburne, Texas, a fresh location far away from peers can offer your son a fresh perspective for a new start in life.
Although you may be searching for boys homes in Cleburne, Texas, many boys find that a move to somewhere entirely new was the ideal way for them to find a new beginning. With familiar friends and hangouts left far behind, old habits are more likely to become a thing of the past. A whole new location removes distractions for boys who need to reevaluate their choices. Furthermore, the rich outdoor surroundings and also the rhythms of ranch life on our beautiful Missouri campus speak strongly to the hearts of teenage boys.
Agape Boarding School is a boys home that serves struggling teenage boys from Cleburne, Texas, and from other cities like Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, St. Louis, Kansas City, Los Angeles and San Diego in Southern California.
In case we can't meet your son's needs or fit your budget, we will put you in touch with loan options or other boys homes near Cleburne, Texas who can. Either way, there isn't any risk for inquiring about Agape, a home for boys. We invite you to read the information on our website, and inquire online or give us a call directly.
Excerpt about homes for boys near Cleburne, Texas, used with permission from Wikipedia.
Boys homes for struggling boys who live in or near Cleburne, Texas.


Yet peace reigns o'er my soul.
No guess to how I go.
New vigor in humble roles.
And quietly suffered my shame.
And lovingly kept my name.
To what the future holds.
The end of the story told.
Oh Lord, please forgive me.
I faltered under worldly eyes.
Without even answers to whys.
I know not where my path will lead.
Jesus has prepared my bed.


To improve the visibility, I want to change the background and accent colour of my newly bought LG GW550. What should I do for that?
Re: How to change the background of LG GW550?
You should first go into the home screen of your LG GW550. You can then view the 'Settings' option on left side. While tapping on that option, you can find 'Theme' option for the configuring background set up on your phone. You should tap that option for changing the background and accent colour. You can then view 'Background colour' & 'Accent colour' option from the given list. Tap on that option and select the colour you want from the given options. Finally, you should go back to the home screen and check whether the colour has changed or not.
Choose the Settings option from the Home screen.
Tap on the Theme option.
Now from the list, choose your desired theme.
From the Background color option, change the color of the background.
From the Accent color option, change the color of the Text.
After change the settings, click on the OK option & exit to the main screen.
Now see the changes that you've made.
like this you can easily change theme and accent color and size.


Does anyone know if there are good CE classes to take for investment properties? Thanks!
I would highly recommend anything that Charles Roberts puts out. Also, I'm assuming you've checked out the bigger pockets podcasts or if you're wanting some local Denver market information check out the denver real estate investing podcast that's run by @Chris Lopez -both podcasts are amazing and I highly recommend!
@Brad Fletcher thanks for the recommendation.
@Lance Watson check out Your Castle Real Estate's training calendar. They have quite a few classes with CE. Many are investment focused as well.


text:
package org.springframework.boot.autoconfigure.condition;

import org.junit.After;
import org.junit.Test;
import reactor.core.publisher.Mono;

import org.springframework.boot.autoconfigure.webflux.MockReactiveWebServerFactory;
import org.springframework.boot.context.GenericReactiveWebApplicationContext;
import org.springframework.boot.context.embedded.ReactiveWebServerFactory;
import org.springframework.context.ConfigurableApplicationContext;
import org.springframework.context.annotation.AnnotationConfigApplicationContext;
import org.springframework.context.annotation.Bean;
import org.springframework.context.annotation.Configuration;
import org.springframework.http.server.reactive.HttpHandler;
import org.springframework.mock.web.MockServletContext;
import org.springframework.web.context.support.AnnotationConfigWebApplicationContext;

import static org.assertj.core.api.Assertions.assertThat;
import static org.assertj.core.api.Assertions.entry;

/**
 * Tests for {@link ConditionalOnNotWebApplication}.
 *
 * @author Dave Syer
 * @author Stephane Nicoll
 */
public class ConditionalOnNotWebApplicationTests {

	private ConfigurableApplicationContext context;

	@After
	public void closeContext() {
		if (this.context != null) {
			this.context.close();
		}
	}

	@Test
	public void testNotWebApplicationWithServletContext() {
		AnnotationConfigWebApplicationContext ctx = new AnnotationConfigWebApplicationContext();
		ctx.register(NotWebApplicationConfiguration.class);
		ctx.setServletContext(new MockServletContext());
		ctx.refresh();

		this.context = ctx;
		assertThat(this.context.getBeansOfType(String.class)).isEmpty();
	}

	@Test
	public void testNotWebApplicationWithReactiveContext() {
		GenericReactiveWebApplicationContext ctx = new GenericReactiveWebApplicationContext();
		ctx.register(ReactiveApplicationConfig.class, NotWebApplicationConfiguration.class);
		ctx.refresh();

		this.context = ctx;
		assertThat(this.context.getBeansOfType(String.class)).isEmpty();
	}

	@Test
	public void testNotWebApplication() {
		AnnotationConfigApplicationContext ctx = new AnnotationConfigApplicationContext();
		ctx.register(NotWebApplicationConfiguration.class);
		ctx.refresh();

		this.context = ctx;
		assertThat(this.context.getBeansOfType(String.class)).containsExactly(
				entry("none", "none"));
	}

	@Configuration
	protected static class ReactiveApplicationConfig {

		@Bean
		public ReactiveWebServerFactory reactiveWebServerFactory() {
			return new MockReactiveWebServerFactory();
		}

		@Bean
		public HttpHandler httpHandler() {
			return (request, response) -> Mono.empty();
		}
	}

	@Configuration
	@ConditionalOnNotWebApplication
	protected static class NotWebApplicationConfiguration {

		@Bean
		public String none() {
			return "none";
		}

	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
<?php

namespace Eureka\Package\Money\DataMapper\Mapper\Money;

use Eureka\Package\Money\DataMapper\Data\Money\BudgetCategory;

/**
 * DataMapper Mapper class for table "budget_category"
 *
 * @author  Romain Cottard
 * @version 1.0.0
 */
class BudgetCategoryMapper extends Abstracts\BudgetCategoryMapperAbstract
{
    /**
     * Get all categories by id.
     *
     * @param  int $budgetId
     * @return BudgetCategory[]
     */
    public function findAllByBudgetId($budgetId)
    {
        $budgetId = (int) $budgetId;

        $this->addWhere('budget_id', $budgetId);
        $list = $this->select();

        $collection = array();
        foreach ($list as $item) {
            $collection[$item->getCategoryId()] = $item;
        }

        return $collection;
    }
}


FreeOrion Free PC Game is an open source video game for Microsoft Windows PCs, Linux and Mac OS X. It is a turn based 4x strategy game of galactic conquest and space exploration. FreeOrion is inspired by the Master of Orion series of sci-fi strategy games. However, it is a game all its own and not a remake or clone.
FreeOrion is a turn based 4X strategy game as a result a large part of the game centers around combat. Players will guide their faction in battle against opposing fleets and conquering planets. FreeOrion includes a complex technology/research tree as well as a detailed faction management features.
At the start of a new game players create the galaxy, choose a faction and then begin to build their empire. Starting with a single home planet and small fleet of ships players being to colonize new planets to expand their empire. Players have a lot of control over the planets they colonize. Planets rich in natural resource can set to industry or resource gathering while others can be geared towards research or military. The more planets you colonize, the more resources you gather resulting in a larger fleet of space ships. Ships come in all shapes and sizes and players can also design their own ships.
Being open source, FreeOrion is completely free to download and play. The latest stable release of FreeOrion is version 0.4.8 which was released in August 2018. The official FreeOrion free download page provides some good information on how and where to download the latest version of the game.
In addition to the download page, there is a FreeOrion quick play guide wiki that includes more background and tutorials for the game. In addition to these tutorials, walkthrough videos can be found in the videos section of AllGamesAtoZ.com.
How Free Is FreeOrion ?
FreeOrion is free! You should not have to pay anything in order to play.


When Han Solo joined the Imperial Navy in Solo: A Star Wars Story he planned to be a pilot. However, the next time we see him in the movie he's an infantry grunt getting blown through the air on some godforsaken planet. He mentions briefly later in the film why he got dumped from the Imperial Academy, but a newly released deleted scene reveals exactly what happened. Check it out.
The scene shows that Han Solo did, in fact, get a chance to fly with the Imperial Navy, but things don't go well. The first thing we see is a damaged TIE Fighter that Han is trying to bring in for a landing. The next thing we see is Han with a bandaged eye standing before an Imperial Tribunal. He's on trial for disobeying orders. Apparently, he broke formation to try and rescue another ship, which he was apparently successful in doing, though it resulted in things not going well for him. His heroics are not rewarded, however, and he's sent into the infantry. Han at first thinks he'll still be able to fly there, but not so much.
It's a fun little scene, provided by Zcure1 on YouTube, that fills in a piece of the story that is nice to see. It's not strictly necessary as dialogue later in the next scene gives us all the information we need about Han's time in the navy, that he was dumped for, in his words, having a mind of his own, but it's still nice to see the actual events. It also has a fun moment where Han cuts a conversation short that he doesn't want to have any more, similar to the way he does the same thing in Star Wars: A New Hope by blasting the communications terminal.
The scene itself isn't too surprising, as we had already heard previously that such a scene existed. What's interesting, however, is that it appears this scene was actually longer than what we see here. It had previously been reported that two Star Wars extended universe characters, Tag and Bink, were going to appear in Solo: A Star Wars Story and while we never saw them in the final cut, it turns out they were originally part of this scene. However, Jonathan Kasdan, who co-wrote Solo and actually played one of the roles, said the characters were seen as they escorted Solo out of this tribunal, which is a moment we never see here, as the scene cuts directly from the sentence to Han flying through the air.
At this point, a few of the deleted scenes from Solo: A Star Wars Story have been released ahead of the official Digital and Blu-ray release, but there are several more that have promised. You can pick up Solo on Digital tomorrow and Blu-ray September 25.


This striking crane fly is found wherever there are freshwater streams in central and eastern North America. The large, plump larvae, often called "leather jackets", are aquatic. They can be found under rocks, in debris and in mud along the bottoms of streams in many different habitats. The larvae are detritivores and are abundant wherever there is sufficient rotten leaf litter. Two generations of adults emerge each year; one May-July and another beginning in August or September. While Tipula abdominalis is one of the largest crane flies, many crane flies in the genus Tipula are also quite big. These large flies are often mistaken for giant mosquitoes, while in some parts of their range these giant flies are called "Mosquito Hawks", a name that really refers to the famous Green Darner Dragonfly. Crane flies are called "Mosquito Hawks" or "Mosquito Eaters" under the mistaken assumption that they are some kind of predatory fly. The reality of the situation is quite different, for they take sustenance only from flower nectar - if they eat at all. They cannot bite so although they are huge, you have no need to fear them. Tipula abdominalis is often attracted to lights at night.


Are you considering adopting a homeless pup from the shelter? Is a distinguished pure bred dog from your favorite breeder more your style? Getting a dog will give you endless amounts of love, whether it be mutt or show dog. You have to realize, however, that you're going to have to be a responsible pet owner. Use the following guide to help you to be sure that you are.
TIP! Avoid kisses and stick with hugs. While those sloppy kisses may be cute, be aware that your dog's mouth is apt to be crawling with germs and bacteria.
You should not kiss your dog. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they're a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog's mouth actually is. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. This is simply false.
Always have your dog on a leash when he's off your property. Wild animals could get the dog's attention and lead him into dangerous places, or unanticipated circumstances could provoke conflicts with others. Your dog's actions and safety is your responsibility.
TIP! Don't give your dog leftovers from your own plate. If you feed from the table, he'll become a beggar and stop eating his own food.
To improve the dog training process, try using hand signals in addition to verbal commands. These signals will help you keep your dog under control in a noisy environment. Try both ways and see which is best for your dog.
Your dog needs a dog house if he or she has to remain outside in cold weather. If his feet are wet, extreme temperatures can be stressful and bad for his health. Give your dog a shelter that is spacious and dry, and your dog will be protected from the hard winds and dampness.
TIP! Training your dog should be done in your yard or inside your home. It is not good to teach them where there are distractions.
If you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away. They may be carrying some sort of illness that they picked up at the shelter. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.
Make sure your dog engages in sufficient amounts of exercise. Dogs need consistent physical activity to ensure they are physically and mentally fit. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. Every time you play with or exercise your dog, you will find that you are promoting a lasting bond.
TIP! If you have a dog that does something right, like sitting when you're getting out the leash, you should give the animal lots of praise and affection. After all, your goal is for your dog to know when it is doing something good.
To prevent the hair around a dog's paws from matting, you should keep it trimmed. Prior to trimming it, straighten the fur using a comb. If you're uncomfortable doing this, you should get a professional groomer to do it.
If you do not want your female dog to become pregnant, be careful with her when she goes into heat. A male will be able to smell her from a far distance. This could also lead to unplanned pregnancy, or cause other dogs in the area to fight.
TIP! Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. While some people follow the direction on the back of the dog food packaging, they are sometimes incorrect and may make your dog overweight.
Always make sure that your dog is wearing some sort of identification on their collar. A collar with identification is a great way to ensure that your dog is found and returned if it happens to get lost. All of the necessary contact information, including your dog's name, should be included. Have you considered micro-chipping your dog?
Always go to your dog's yearly check-up. Vets can do early screening for thyroid issues, diabetes and kidney problems before your dog has symptoms. This saves you money on vet bills later on, or heartache from your pet's suffering.
TIP! Grooming your dog every day will ensure it doesn't shed all over the place. Brushing your dog every day helps its coat become beautiful and shiny.
Dogs can often get cuts by stepping on glass and other debris. Small cuts can be treated by washing, flushing with hydrogen peroxide and bandaging. If it is a very deep cut, you should take him to a vet.
Think about how your life is lived, including vacations and events that you go to, before considering a dog. Wanting a dog is a piece of cake, but actually taking care of one is harder.
TIP! If you get your dog from the pound, make sure you have a vet check him out right away. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick.
If you choose to own an outdoor dog, it is important to realize that he needs just as much love and attention as any indoor animal companion. He is sure to acquire poor habits such as digging and chewing if without company for long periods. They could turn aggressive, too. Provide them lots of playtime and love to maintain their happiness.
During the summer, you need to be careful about leaving your dogs outside. Dogs tend to get overheated easily. Find a shaded and cool area for them to hang out in during the summer. Be sure your dog can get to clean, cool water at all times. You don't want your dog to develop skin cancer, either, so pick up some sunscreen for dogs!
TIP! Don't feed your dog the cheap stuff. Your dog will be healthier and happier if you feed it the highest quality food.
Be patient with your dog. When you train your dog, remember his attention span isn't like yours. Try to keep your training sessions fun, so that your dog stays interested.
It is kind of funny when a little puppy "attacks" slippers and other items, but once that same puppy is full grown he can cause some serious damage to your things. It is vital to take care of that right away. When you see your puppy doing something they shouldn't, stop the behavior immediately. That saves you trouble as time goes on.
TIP! Your dog has to be leash trained. He needs to know to heel next to you, not behind you or in front of you.
You should now know what taking care of a dog entails, so get ready to take that purebred or mutt home! Don't quit trying to learn new tips and advice. Consider joining forums to discuss your new pal with others who own dogs. Keep learning throughout your life.


Now that I've finished writing my own book, I've got time to catch up on what I haven't been reading. The Quiet Room: A Journey Out of the Torment of Madness, by Lori Schiller and Amanda Bennett, wasn't on my "must read" list because I had heard that Schiller credits her recovery largely to clozapine, and that didn't set well with my understanding of what a "good" recovery should be attributed to. (I've become less hardline on recoveries since then.) So, looking for a good read, I purchased the book on Kindle.
As an aside, just about all my reviews gets four or five stars for the simple reason that the memoirs come highly recommended by other readers. I don't finish books that I don't enjoy.
From the moment I met Kitty (Catharine Merrick) Wielopolska in 1966 – over ten years before we began recording these stirring conversations about her struggle with schizophrenia 1 – I felt she was an extraordinary person. But after hearing for the first time in these talks about her many breakdowns and the inspiration for getting herself well that she found in the Alexander Work, 2 I realized that there were many more reasons why she was so very remarkable than I could ever have imagined.
While these conversations don't claim that Kitty used the Alexander Work itself as a direct means to her recovery, 3 I believe they do show that her intensive experience of it had a substantial indirect influence on her ability to find her way to health. This is because the Alexander Work is based on the conception that it is impossible to separate "mental" and "physical" processes in any form of human activity, and it would therefore require us to regard a condition like schizophrenia not just as a "mental disorder." It would also require us to take into account the "use" of the whole person when diagnosing the disorder and searching for ways to treat it. "Use," in Alexander terminology, refers to our combined manners of responding, moving, and thinking as they are manifested in our overall behavior at any given moment, whether the behavior is governed subconsciously by our habits or is consciously guided by our chosen intention.