Lee Yoon-hye IWS Person of the Week!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">Welcome to the first ever edition of our newest feature here on IWS the “<b><i>Person of the Week</i></b>.” That’s right y’all, we finally retired the Babe of the Week. We didn’t come to this decision lightly either. Okay, yes we did. It was totally on a whim during the <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/07/07/matt-and-jay-live" target="_blank">Matt and Jay LIVE</a> episode of IWS Radio that Jay just up and said “Hey, we could drop the ‘Babe of the Week’ and change it to ‘<b><i>Person of the Week</i></b>’!” And Matt said “Okay.”  See how easy it is to make decisions guys? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, for our inaugural <b><i>Person of the Week</i></b> we looked for someone who has done something amazing this week that we could celebrate. It didn’t take long to realize that <b>Lee Yoon-hye</b>, the flight attendant who was the HERO of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asiana_Airlines_Flight_214" target="_blank">Asiana Flight 214</a> should be given the honor. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fvrEldwAz_jvqqrPHqF5HWVzfXWywHVeOQ2Ro8OeJCL5kYF3nvYQIj59KXAepO6HAT_uObdEExC8jZQJ0E6pk32Mtmc-OVyI0D2-JbQwjhMs19TNbSpJTHOkl6fHcwg7ZdiGjneGbWI/s1600/Lee-Yoon-Hye-Asiana-Airlines-Hot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fvrEldwAz_jvqqrPHqF5HWVzfXWywHVeOQ2Ro8OeJCL5kYF3nvYQIj59KXAepO6HAT_uObdEExC8jZQJ0E6pk32Mtmc-OVyI0D2-JbQwjhMs19TNbSpJTHOkl6fHcwg7ZdiGjneGbWI/s1600/Lee-Yoon-Hye-Asiana-Airlines-Hot.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite her small stature, Mz Yoon-hye acted fast and decisively right after the crash and began helping passengers to safety without regard to her own safety. She was even seen by some passenger carrying people out of the plane. Time and again she went back into the plane that was engulfed in flames to make sure that everyone got off. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzdj36IIQrz93yc7W2fiC7Ls8HuGdiXRxlw5Me3amijL6bXZHzVbcUF8P56DMdMxgpvv9UqIxne60ZSCVb8W0V4TRF2_mlyj2nSaLYuQeX1T08ve3RByvTQDaS5s8dwwl78BezC9dXOM/s1600/lee-yoon-hye-asiana-flight-attendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzdj36IIQrz93yc7W2fiC7Ls8HuGdiXRxlw5Me3amijL6bXZHzVbcUF8P56DMdMxgpvv9UqIxne60ZSCVb8W0V4TRF2_mlyj2nSaLYuQeX1T08ve3RByvTQDaS5s8dwwl78BezC9dXOM/s320/lee-yoon-hye-asiana-flight-attendant.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Probably the most inspiring moment was when Lee put a frightened child on her back and took him down the emergency slide because he was paralyzed with fear. Once on the ground and out of danger, Lee continued to take charge and kept everyone organized and safe. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzdXiRAdP0HiENen2no_21rp5m74HKlYQdq92i_dogA0nfsWoOm70XVZ5vvNkz1qtIiIUp89fMHkU58YOcNR2ocCl6ZV14MXBcn3Gg2arwI8Dbwuqhr-AVa1OczZUVRGhilZzIvG5EVs/s1600/Lee-Yoon-hy-flight-attendant-hot-sexy-asian-babe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzdXiRAdP0HiENen2no_21rp5m74HKlYQdq92i_dogA0nfsWoOm70XVZ5vvNkz1qtIiIUp89fMHkU58YOcNR2ocCl6ZV14MXBcn3Gg2arwI8Dbwuqhr-AVa1OczZUVRGhilZzIvG5EVs/s1600/Lee-Yoon-hy-flight-attendant-hot-sexy-asian-babe.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What was already a horrifying crash could have been so much worse in terms of loss of life had it not been for Lee Yoon-hye and for that she is the inaugural <b><i>IWS Radio Person of the Week</i></b>!  <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Also, don't forget to listen to "<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/07/14/heat-wave-of-hilarity" target="_blank">Heat Wave of Hilarity</a>" on IWS Radio Sunday at 12 Noon ET!!!! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>

Lee Yoon-hye IWS Person of the Week!

Welcome to the first ever edition of our newest feature here on IWS the “ Person of the Week .” That’s right y’all, we finally retired the B...

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Rambling the back roads of Amherst County, Blue Ridge Mountains

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8N3CSB31XXI_2_GwxewxMEh5Twa743y2g-BbDQLMPPyX3jwKlIiMbuXlh84EbTI-T64IxfIm3mZGos5KKpAfk9gd0l7_Y3jZVw9tw46mC86a3xJZbilJS_i1Gw5vVtO6RuEzbPuhk6vw/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8N3CSB31XXI_2_GwxewxMEh5Twa743y2g-BbDQLMPPyX3jwKlIiMbuXlh84EbTI-T64IxfIm3mZGos5KKpAfk9gd0l7_Y3jZVw9tw46mC86a3xJZbilJS_i1Gw5vVtO6RuEzbPuhk6vw/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Rain clouds hung over the mountains Saturday, a continuation of the wet weather that has been deluging Virginia the past week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunUsd1dc2gZReKZpVrZCXjAtXGr5azmkW1tBbsG1cosh3yzzksf384xZs2JgAZPQrt6SXJnpr9FDGcFTAghfn4LsyUT-SKTAbL9IUC2UmWO980Q8R6Nmd8n8rAT4TS1c0Dt3Q6L5efkx5/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunUsd1dc2gZReKZpVrZCXjAtXGr5azmkW1tBbsG1cosh3yzzksf384xZs2JgAZPQrt6SXJnpr9FDGcFTAghfn4LsyUT-SKTAbL9IUC2UmWO980Q8R6Nmd8n8rAT4TS1c0Dt3Q6L5efkx5/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5ci53f3IpAfaqd3fu3gA06gVX7ts3xvQneADl5NqPRzbI0iDz1xU_x88yzYzNWZeFkahmMLPIIDwm_aOmSpx4MCsDZFH7aV0Ga0pPRNXRs_ZRGdOTzFcKH-v-bpPZ5xvDtcEMHxDxDzq/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5ci53f3IpAfaqd3fu3gA06gVX7ts3xvQneADl5NqPRzbI0iDz1xU_x88yzYzNWZeFkahmMLPIIDwm_aOmSpx4MCsDZFH7aV0Ga0pPRNXRs_ZRGdOTzFcKH-v-bpPZ5xvDtcEMHxDxDzq/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many of the old farm structures are caving in, eventually resulting in the demise of the craftsmanship of the past</div><div style="text-align: center;">.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-l0ZO56ocPGGnn0auHiT2Omzelfj3K0Pkw7r-rzzUH8iyEMfnjAxoJXDZ3TLGEb6acyUEzietV_kTlklGDvn0i2qIbgb-iMWvTiPOi8Tc06lBa7jrL0kL_KKuRLM8SYqYt8et9MwI4hM/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-l0ZO56ocPGGnn0auHiT2Omzelfj3K0Pkw7r-rzzUH8iyEMfnjAxoJXDZ3TLGEb6acyUEzietV_kTlklGDvn0i2qIbgb-iMWvTiPOi8Tc06lBa7jrL0kL_KKuRLM8SYqYt8et9MwI4hM/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Daily rainstorms have left mountain rivers and streams at full bank. While traveling up mountain hollows, debris across the road and on fences showed where water had jumped the banks. This is the Little Piney River in Amherst County.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0itWK0IJbMRVf9BE12oWs5MXLAVpcFoQRGrfB2xJRsMH4-TU1ku1PIe_txPza-ZwmpFL2t0YzmWE1Xha3ZqVIecSR_xVeVMU_vMc8Ua0s_W89bvGvtC99Kuf6LH896Wz0egh7Umq0Vf5/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0itWK0IJbMRVf9BE12oWs5MXLAVpcFoQRGrfB2xJRsMH4-TU1ku1PIe_txPza-ZwmpFL2t0YzmWE1Xha3ZqVIecSR_xVeVMU_vMc8Ua0s_W89bvGvtC99Kuf6LH896Wz0egh7Umq0Vf5/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMgscvTL1mBMsBytQ0v3o_y-Z8wVaWtR7m6Gb3LV2umgWxssSCRGTYSNFZTKxeUxjmLBum7RBk-euATTsgEVVD9JFySVL3grneH2NLXNEC8Rxp_YIcUThFubD1GS8SDh1tbVY-_IqE0Kf/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMgscvTL1mBMsBytQ0v3o_y-Z8wVaWtR7m6Gb3LV2umgWxssSCRGTYSNFZTKxeUxjmLBum7RBk-euATTsgEVVD9JFySVL3grneH2NLXNEC8Rxp_YIcUThFubD1GS8SDh1tbVY-_IqE0Kf/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83t7t4p7Zj24CdlrIQceiFruAguoI8zIOvaGpv9jI5hmGgmWTx5DEG5hvWwzhWhJtSm7ld8YgJ4rhWxcLYet3-tB4LaxGefZ4BVMJhCkFJD3KWssbFZj6Z-NpeJ3_1JVZNcwv972spbkU/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83t7t4p7Zj24CdlrIQceiFruAguoI8zIOvaGpv9jI5hmGgmWTx5DEG5hvWwzhWhJtSm7ld8YgJ4rhWxcLYet3-tB4LaxGefZ4BVMJhCkFJD3KWssbFZj6Z-NpeJ3_1JVZNcwv972spbkU/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUj_lTvM_-XaURg4RxyOvmZvLHdVVtbKb9vCIm7qYmGv9iQ-UjJtYyVdn6OOPd1yooA8olwjzkwaoWPpe03kUcDYf1MG4HlpW3kXFpsmagelyEFMI_XsSVwAWf3wdNTciC3OFPQHJqX_Q/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUj_lTvM_-XaURg4RxyOvmZvLHdVVtbKb9vCIm7qYmGv9iQ-UjJtYyVdn6OOPd1yooA8olwjzkwaoWPpe03kUcDYf1MG4HlpW3kXFpsmagelyEFMI_XsSVwAWf3wdNTciC3OFPQHJqX_Q/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/display.asp?id=188">Stonehouse Lake</a> in Amherst where a couple of fishermen were trying their luck on a quiet Saturday afternoon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGZOFenziH_YgHszLOKuXIX8Gi_tAsp7yhocEaIv7zOAkbWnCwGNusK9eoRTNUIE-vq4P2-TrH_LsyfiYj8Kqm1AIa4IvgbQf_XNhZCrloQtPtsQm7-1xwzXlBQLiJuq98zk31ysa955x/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGZOFenziH_YgHszLOKuXIX8Gi_tAsp7yhocEaIv7zOAkbWnCwGNusK9eoRTNUIE-vq4P2-TrH_LsyfiYj8Kqm1AIa4IvgbQf_XNhZCrloQtPtsQm7-1xwzXlBQLiJuq98zk31ysa955x/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our way to <a href="http://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/mountpleasant/">Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area</a>. Once the road turned to gravel, heavy rains had washed off much of the gravel exposing underlying rock and washed-out gullies. Since we were in my car and not my sister's SUV, we reluctantly turned back with plans to return in a more suitable vehicle. Downpours and flooding have done a job on the back roads of Virginia's mountains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZcnjTXXtpeA9rupoHXIJ2h_45qPxuYa0yBSeG1CtjvthDkr4k2ocSZmQzGuAUjnZ146eB21PnVoiaQY51a6LcTmZGqAA3unAss0xCY3tni5l4GxkVMv0IcMpmGZeP7rxglJNaY1ZZgk4/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZcnjTXXtpeA9rupoHXIJ2h_45qPxuYa0yBSeG1CtjvthDkr4k2ocSZmQzGuAUjnZ146eB21PnVoiaQY51a6LcTmZGqAA3unAss0xCY3tni5l4GxkVMv0IcMpmGZeP7rxglJNaY1ZZgk4/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We found this charming mountain cottage that was for sale on the road to Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area. Offered by <a href="http://www.marysnowrealty.com/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=25">Mary Snow Realty</a>, it has 11 acres and an adorable 1880s home with stone chimney and screened-in porch overlooking a spring-fed pond filled with native trout. Creek behind the house, mature shrubs, split rail fence, property bumps up to the national forest. Very secluded.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SC-cv7iuxfaz5V-7h0k6YfIYX45UO4fe3ifQjaF1R8SH5lTRxpGDSLGUuVmlQycVj_S1_qOz4q6l8v8Xig0SKUP3rAGEuT2q4SnT75YuvQyZ58lPpnjcLDcy2taSB969uaiYXHrRg8jg/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SC-cv7iuxfaz5V-7h0k6YfIYX45UO4fe3ifQjaF1R8SH5lTRxpGDSLGUuVmlQycVj_S1_qOz4q6l8v8Xig0SKUP3rAGEuT2q4SnT75YuvQyZ58lPpnjcLDcy2taSB969uaiYXHrRg8jg/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Huge pine trees along the driveway of the 130+-year-old cottage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHsyFQ4OE7cZqsC7yezA-89tslIANvfNrRVunLzaM5NXDd5zrHGholBhb7V38Xk0yvUdxopB2I1i21TmQPowsqL1MKA5q0GbVzx1Tl5T7ezmkZui8RjPX1bzOLJ2AhGrqRFOF7_zQPS6q/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHsyFQ4OE7cZqsC7yezA-89tslIANvfNrRVunLzaM5NXDd5zrHGholBhb7V38Xk0yvUdxopB2I1i21TmQPowsqL1MKA5q0GbVzx1Tl5T7ezmkZui8RjPX1bzOLJ2AhGrqRFOF7_zQPS6q/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Overlooking the cottage's pond.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbwdySJ8PjpMsLov_ap7LmEHKCwvEXrITrt24YdF5jfn5xCyl3hJo3PzWouvfTWF_4X3kttK_oodHzIOeo2W86OXZlcn0ITFOUU4grKk3ZCh1zy7Od65sAJtCuHAEcucI1en6GcnvNWSg/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbwdySJ8PjpMsLov_ap7LmEHKCwvEXrITrt24YdF5jfn5xCyl3hJo3PzWouvfTWF_4X3kttK_oodHzIOeo2W86OXZlcn0ITFOUU4grKk3ZCh1zy7Od65sAJtCuHAEcucI1en6GcnvNWSg/s400/15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Looking west toward Lexington from the Blue Ridge Parkway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWDpEwh4JasMFWx2VZetpydWBphQtxCgY2am9NFElITQzitEdH6lWhVRlyxeV5lmwsJ9XKhWXnpfiaqdp0l7YME6KJanxoQC5hUS5DtGAaZF5e7mgszvLCOGbq8XS_g7ZCAnJ4aKF4Lc_/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWDpEwh4JasMFWx2VZetpydWBphQtxCgY2am9NFElITQzitEdH6lWhVRlyxeV5lmwsJ9XKhWXnpfiaqdp0l7YME6KJanxoQC5hUS5DtGAaZF5e7mgszvLCOGbq8XS_g7ZCAnJ4aKF4Lc_/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9stG1u7Hy9dS-TDtmFaPEXItKt2-ivmslAFOnIy_5bs8Yejo81_ZFWvycAt4ic681uImdV54XEv9SR87nycjEVnRjL-knYE4wrFPtQzeBrw1LuajR3_EcIbhvXQz3DIss2C1sUlybPx1r/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9stG1u7Hy9dS-TDtmFaPEXItKt2-ivmslAFOnIy_5bs8Yejo81_ZFWvycAt4ic681uImdV54XEv9SR87nycjEVnRjL-knYE4wrFPtQzeBrw1LuajR3_EcIbhvXQz3DIss2C1sUlybPx1r/s400/17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blue Ridge Parkway, that ribbon of roadway along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 13, 2013

Amherst Little Piney River Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area national forests Stonehouse Lake Rambling the back roads of Amherst County, Blue Ridge Mountains

 Rain clouds hung over the mountains Saturday, a continuation of the wet weather that has been deluging Virginia the past week. Many of the ...

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Do Clinical Trials Work? - NYTimes.com

<base href="data:">EVERY spring, some 30,000 oncologists, medical researchers and marketers gather in an American city to showcase the latest advances in cancer treatment.<br><br>But at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology last month, much of the buzz surrounded a study that was anything but a breakthrough. To a packed and whisper-quiet room at the McCormick Place convention center in Chicago, Mark R. Gilbert, a professor of neuro-oncology at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, presented the results of a clinical trial testing the drug Avastin in patients newly diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain cancer. In two earlier, smaller studies of patients with recurrent brain cancers, tumors shrank and the disease seemed to stall for several months when patients were given the drug, an antibody that targets the blood supply of these fast-growing masses of cancer cells.<br><br>But to the surprise of many, Dr. Gilbert's study found no difference in survival between those who were given Avastin and those who were given a placebo.<br><br>Disappointing though its outcome was, the study represented a victory for science over guesswork, of hard data over hunches. As far as clinical trials went, Dr. Gilbert's study was the gold standard. The earlier studies had each been "single-arm," in the lingo of clinical trials, meaning there had been no comparison group. In Dr. Gilbert's study, more than 600 brain cancer patients were randomly assigned to two evenly balanced groups: an intervention arm (those who got Avastin along with a standard treatment) and a control arm (those who got the latter and a placebo). What's more, the study was "double-blind" — neither the patients nor the doctors knew who was in which group until after the results had been assessed.<br><br>The centerpiece of the country's drug-testing system — the randomized, controlled trial — had worked.<br><br>Except in one respect: doctors had no more clarity after the trial about how to treat brain cancer patients than they had before. Some patients did do better on the drug, and indeed, doctors and patients insist that some who take Avastin significantly beat the average. But the trial was unable to discover these "responders" along the way, much less examine what might have accounted for the difference. (Dr. Gilbert is working to figure that out now.)<br><br>Indeed, even after some 400 completed clinical trials in various cancers, it's not clear why Avastin works (or doesn't work) in any single patient. "Despite looking at hundreds of potential predictive biomarkers, we do not currently have a way to predict who is most likely to respond to Avastin and who is not," says a spokesperson for Genentech, a division of the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche, which makes the drug.<br><br>That we could be this uncertain about any medicine with $6 billion in annual global sales — and after 16 years of human trials involving tens of thousands of patients — is remarkable in itself. And yet this is the norm, not the exception. We are just as confused about a host of other long-tested therapies: neuroprotective drugs for stroke, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for anemia, the antiviral drug Tamiflu — and, as recent headlines have shown, rosiglitazone (Avandia) for diabetes, a controversy that has now embroiled a related class of molecules. Which brings us to perhaps a more fundamental question, one that few people really want to ask: do clinical trials even work? Or are the diseases of individuals so particular that testing experimental medicines in broad groups is doomed to create more frustration than knowledge?<br><br>Researchers are coming to understand just how individualized human physiology and human pathology really are. On a genetic level, the tumors in one person with pancreatic cancer almost surely won't be identical to those of any other. Even in a more widespread condition like high cholesterol, the variability between individuals can be great, meaning that any two patients may have starkly different reactions to a drug.<br><br>That's one reason that, despite the rigorous monitoring of clinical trials, 16 novel medicines were withdrawn from the market from 2000 through 2010, a figure equal to 6 percent of the total approved during the period. The pharmacogenomics of each of us — the way our genes influence our response to drugs — is unique.<br><br>HUMAN drug trials are typically divided into three phases. In the first, researchers evaluate the safety of a new experimental compound in a small number of people, determining the best way to deliver it and the optimal dosage. In Phase 2, investigators give the drug to a larger number of patients, continuing to monitor its safety as they assess whether the agent works.<br><br>"Works" in this stage is broadly defined. Seeing that the drug has any positive effect at all — say, that it decreases the level of a blood marker associated with a disease — is often enough to move a drug to Phase 3. Even so, most experimental drugs fail before they get to Phase 3.<br><br>The few that make it to Phase 3 are then tested for safety and efficacy in hundreds or thousands of patients. This time, the outcomes for those taking the new drug are typically compared head-to-head with outcomes for those getting a placebo or the standard-of-care therapy. Generally, the Food and Drug Administration requires that two "adequate and well-controlled" trials confirm that a drug is safe and effective before it approves it for sale, though the bar can be lower in the case of medicines aimed at life-threatening conditions.<br><br>Rigorous statistical tests are done to make sure that the drug's demonstrated benefit is genuine, not the result of chance. But chance turns out to be a hard thing to rule out. When the measured effects are small — as they are in the vast majority of clinical trials — mere chance is often the difference between whether a drug is deemed to work or not, says John P. A. Ioannidis, a professor of medicine at Stanford.<br><br>In a famous 2005 paper published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Ioannidis, an authority on statistical analysis, examined nearly four dozen high-profile trials that found a specific medical intervention to be effective. Of the 26 randomized, controlled studies that were followed up by larger trials (examining the same therapy in a bigger pool of patients), the initial finding was wholly contradicted in three cases (12 percent). And in another 6 cases (23 percent), the later trials found the benefit to be less than half of what was first reported.<br><br>It wasn't the therapy that changed in each case, but rather the sample size. And Dr. Ioannidis believes that if more rigorous, follow-up studies were actually done, the refutation rate would be far higher.<br><br>Donald A. Berry, a professor of biostatistics at M. D. Anderson, agrees. He, too, can rattle off dozens of examples of this evaporation effect and has made a sport, he says, of predicting it. The failures of the last 20 or so Phase 3 trials testing drugs for Alzheimer's disease, he says, could have been predicted based on the lackluster results from Phase 2. Still, the payoff for a successful Phase 3 trial can be so enormous that drug makers will often roll the dice — not on the prospect that the therapy will suddenly work, but on the chance that a trial will suggest that it does.<br><br>At a round-table discussion a few years ago, focused on the high failure rate for Alzheimer's drugs, Dr. Berry was amazed to hear one drug company researcher admit to such thinking out loud. The researcher said that when he and his team designed the Phase 3 trial, he thought the drug would probably fail. But if they could get an approval for a drug for Alzheimer's disease, it would be "a huge success."<br><br>"What he was saying," marvels Dr. Berry, "was, 'We're playing the lottery.' "<br><br>The fact that the pharmaceutical companies sponsor and run the bulk of investigative drug trials brings what Dr. Ioannidis calls a "constellation of biases" to the process. Too often, he says, trials are against "a straw-man comparator" like a placebo rather than a competing drug. So the studies don't really help us understand which treatments for a disease work best.<br><br>But a more fundamental challenge has to do with the nature of clinical trials themselves. "When you do any kind of trial, you're really trying to answer a question about truth in the universe," says Hal Barron, the chief medical officer and head of global development at Roche and Genentech. "And, of course, we can't know that. So we try to design an experiment on a subpopulation of the world that we think is generalizable to the overall universe" — that is, to the patients who will use the drug.<br><br>That's a very hard thing to pull off. The rules that govern study enrollment end up creating trial populations that invariably are much younger, have fewer health complications and have been exposed to far less medical treatment than those who are likely to use the drug.<br><br>Roughly 53 percent of new cancer diagnoses, for example, are in people 65 or older, but this age group accounts for just 33 percent of participants in cancer drug trials.<br><br>Even if clinical researchers could match the demographics of study populations to those of the likely users of these medicines, no group of trial volunteers could ever match the extraordinary biological diversity of the drugs' eventual consumers.<br><br>Drug makers are well aware of the challenge. "Listen, it's not lost on anybody that about 95 percent of drugs that enter clinical testing fail to ever get approved," says Dr. Barron. "It's not hard to imagine that at least some of those might have failed because they work very, very well in a small group. We can't continue to have failures due to a lack of appreciation of this heterogeneity in diseases."<br><br>So what's the solution? For subtypes of disease that are already known, it may be feasible to design small clinical trials and enroll only those who have the appropriate genetic or molecular signature. That's what Genentech did in developing the breast cancer drug Herceptin, which homes in on tumor cells that have an abundance of a protein called HER2.<br><br>And that's the strategy the company says it's pursuing now. Sixty percent of the new drugs in the works at Genentech/Roche are being developed with a companion diagnostic test to identify the patients who are most likely to benefit.<br><br>But given the dismal success rate for drug development, this piecemeal approach is bound to be slow and arduous. Rather than try to fit patients, a handful at a time, into the decades-old clinical-trials framework, we'd be far better off changing the trials themselves.<br><br>In fact, a breast cancer trial called I-SPY 2, already under way, may be a good model to follow. The aim of the trial, sponsored by the Biomarkers Consortium, a partnership that includes the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, the F.D.A., and others, is to figure out whether neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer — administering drugs before a tumor is surgically removed — reduces recurrence of the disease, and if so, which drugs work best.<br><br>As with the Herceptin model, patients are being matched with experimental medicines that are designed to target a particular molecular subtype of breast cancer. But unlike in other trials, I-SPY 2 investigators, including Dr. Berry, are testing up to a dozen drugs from multiple companies, phasing out those that don't appear to be working and subbing in others, without stopping the study.<br><br>Part of the novelty lies in a statistical technique called Bayesian analysis that lets doctors quickly glean information about which therapies are working best. There's no certainty in the assessment, but doctors get to learn during the process and then incorporate that knowledge into the ongoing trial.<br><br>Mark Gilbert, for his part, would even settle for something simpler in his next glioblastoma study. His definition of a successful clinical trial? "At the end of the day," he says, "regardless of the result, you've learned something."<br><br><i>Clifton Leaf is the author of "The Truth in Small Doses: Why We're Losing the War on Cancer — and How to Win It."</i><div><br><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/opinion/sunday/do-clinical-trials-work.html?">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/opinion/sunday/do-clinical-trials-work.html?</a><br><br></div>

Do Clinical Trials Work? - NYTimes.com

EVERY spring, some 30,000 oncologists, medical researchers and marketers gather in an American city to showcase the latest advances in cance...

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Financial Options for Belviq

There are resources for EVERYONE to afford Belviq so don't let it not being covered on your insurance or having no insurance to hold you back!!  I am so excited about this information!<br /><br />This was a great website resource that one of the Eisai pharmaceutical reps shared with me (Eisai is the company promoting Belviq for Arena Pharm).  The website it:  <a href="http://www.eisaireimbursement.com/">www.eisaireimbursement.com</a><br /><br />If your plan does not cover Belviq yet (I say yet because more and more are starting to cover), here are some options to try to get approved for individual coverage:<br /><br />How to Request a Non-Formulary Coverage Determination<br /> Health plans may grant various types of exceptions to members. Members may receive coverage for BELVIQ^® even if it is not on the formulary, health plans may waive coverage restrictions or limits and make an exception to cover the drug. <br /> When requesting an exception, a statement from their prescriber must be submitted via fax or mail. The statement must explain the medical reasons for requesting an exception. Once a request is submitted, a decision is generally made within 72 hours of receiving the prescriber's supporting statement. Members can request an expedited (fast) exception if the prescriber believes that a patient's health could be seriously harmed by waiting up to 72 hours for a decision. <br /><ul style="line-height: 18px; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 40px;"><li style="padding: 0px 5px 5px;">If the request is expedited and granted, the health plan usually gives a decision no later than 24 hours after receiving prescriber's supporting statement.</li><li style="padding: 0px 5px 5px;">If the decision is not in member's favor, the health plan will send a written statement with explanation and how to appeal the decision</li><li style="padding: 0px 5px 5px;">To download a general form that may be used to request coverage for BELVIQ^® for a patient for a product that is not on formulary, please click here. Please note that some payors may not accept requests for coverage that are submitted on forms that have not been approved by their specific plan.</li><li style="padding: 0px 5px 5px;">If you need additional assistance obtaining a payor's specific requirements for requesting coverage for BELVIQ^®, please call the Eisai Assistance Program at 1-866-61-EISAI or <a href="http://www.eisaireimbursement.com/Belviq/Downloads/Sample%20Letter%20of%20Medical%20Necessity.pdf" target="_blank">click here to obtain a Statement of Medical Necessity form</a>. Once completed, please fax it to the Eisai Assistance Program. A representative will initiate research into the specific requirements of your patient's insurance to obtain coverage.</li></ul><h4> Appeal Request</h4>An appeal is a request to change a previous adverse decision made by health plan. A representative/prescriber or patient may appeal the adverse decision related to coverage. The prescriber will need to provide a reason why he/she believes the adverse coverage decision was incorrect and what the expected outcome should be. Along with the request form, supporting documentation may include previous medical necessity-related denials, the patient's medical records, and documentation from the healthcare professional or facility. <br /><h4> Payor Reimbursement</h4>Commercial payor pharmacy reimbursement for BELVIQ^® is variable and dependent on the pharmacy's contract with the payor. Most commercial payors base payment on Average Wholesale Price (AWP) or Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC). Payments may or may not include a dispensing fee per fill. <br /> For more information on commercial payor-specific coverage of BELVIQ^® patients should contact the member services department at their health plan. <br /><br />Patient Assistance Program <br /><h4> What is the Eisai Patient Assistance Program?</h4>Eisai has created the Eisai Patient Assistance Program (EPAP) for customers who need assistance paying for BELVIQ^®. The Eisai PAP provides Eisai medicines at no or low cost to financially needy patients who meet program eligibility criteria. <br /><h4> About the Program</h4>Depending on your financial situation and clinical status, resources may be available to help with your costs for BELVIQ^®. Patients, family members, advocates or case managers can call The Eisai Primary Care Assistance Program at 1-866-61-EISAI (1-866-61-34724) to apply to determine if you are eligible for the EPAP for BELVIQ^®. The hours of operation are 8 AM to 8 PM ET, Monday through Friday. <br /> Eisai reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to discontinue the Patient Assistance Program or change the qualifications at any time. All patient information remains confidential. Product supply for the program depends upon availability. <br /><h4> Information Needed For the Application</h4>The Statement of Medical Necessity, insurance information, financial documentation, the signature of the prescribing healthcare professional, and the patient's signature are required for the form to be considered complete. To download a copy of the BELVIQ^® Statement of Medical Necessity Form, <a href="http://www.eisaireimbursement.com/Belviq/Downloads/Sample%20Letter%20of%20Medical%20Necessity.pdf" target="_blank">please click here</a>. Fax the completed Statement of Medical Necessity to the Eisai Patient Assistance Program at 1-866-57-EISAI (1-866-57-34724). <br /><h4> Contact Us</h4>The Eisai Assistance Program<br /> Phone: 1-866-61-EISAI<br /> Fax: 1-866-57-EISAI<br /> Available Monday - Friday<br /> 8 AM to 8 PM ET

Financial Options for Belviq

There are resources for EVERYONE to afford Belviq so don't let it not being covered on your insurance or having no insurance to hold you...

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Tomato Vegetable Soup - only 100 calories per serving!

Ingredients:<br /> 2 cans of diced tomatoes (I used Hunts that said "Diced Tomatoes in Sauce"<br /> 1 small box of Tomato bisque starter Soup. (found in the broth isle<br /><span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show"> 2 cans of chicken broth (or use alternative for vegan/vegetarians<br /> 1 chopped onion (I used white onions)<br /> 2 bags of your favorite froze vegetables (I used a stir fry mix with green beans, sugar snap peas, water chestnuts, yellow squash, and broccoli<br /> 1 tsb Extra virgin olive oil<br /><br /> I cooked the chopped onions a little bit in the EVOO and added basil, pepper, salt, and garlic seasoning for taste. I add the diced tomatoes and the tomato bisque starter and let those all cook on medium high heat to a boil. I turn up on high and add the chicken broth and the vegetable and cook to a good boil and quickly reduce to heat to simmer (or low) and cover and just let it cook for about an hour just to let all of the flavors blend into the vegetables. This entire LARGE pot made was about 1000 calories for the entire thing. So, split it up to individual servings, it could be anywhere from 100 to 200 calories!!<br /><br />Add Chicken or Beans for protein if desired.  I think this would be a PERFECT starter to ANY dish!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtEuePR2tHedTWz02bxnHUH01Upy9JS6U_Q0WOvZ_6ysOSCElPqC8bMFLqrXn7A2dcsP2TBs3MPmPgIlo_haw1p3vfLdL38HnR_FX4dpCk2zni34YhG5cYCNet85qVE72euf_QQbLNrk/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtEuePR2tHedTWz02bxnHUH01Upy9JS6U_Q0WOvZ_6ysOSCElPqC8bMFLqrXn7A2dcsP2TBs3MPmPgIlo_haw1p3vfLdL38HnR_FX4dpCk2zni34YhG5cYCNet85qVE72euf_QQbLNrk/s320/soup.jpg" width="234" /></a></div> </span>

Tomato Vegetable Soup - only 100 calories per serving!

Ingredients: 2 cans of diced tomatoes (I used Hunts that said "Diced Tomatoes in Sauce" 1 small box of Tomato bisque starter Sou...

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Old School New Body Review - Could It Be Worth The Time?

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By William Stone</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>For anyone who think that those thorough workouts while exercising and tough diet programs may lead these to a fabulous physique, it is time to get a reality examine.<br /> <br /> Research suggests the usual 'modern methods' accompanied by most, find yourself draining our bodies, causing extreme damage, ultimately causing people searching greater than their age.<br /> <br /> Strict diet plans and heavy workout routines can stress the body on the cellular stage, making folks age quicker.<br /> <br /> Now imagine overturn! A complete diet as well as fitness program can easily turn back process of getting older. Steve as well as Becky Holman's Old School New Body is a extensive diet and physical fitness handbook that may effectively modify the way folks look regardless of their age.<br /> <br /> The actual Old School New Body review by Wayne I. Mickens provides a complete thorough of the program and brings about the remarkable truth. The actual review shows that this program will make progressed 35 review 10 years youthful than what their age is.<br /> <br /> The Old School New Body review discloses the invisible truths powering human eating and diet system while keeping focused on the must build muscle size.<br /> <br /> The program damages some basic misconceptions about conditioning and nourishment. People continue low fat diet plans, which are a complete no-no in this program. Reduced fat diet plans make the entire body lose it's ability to replenish power bodily hormones.<br /> <br /> Spinning may also be harmful since it creates free-radicals in the body, which makes it age quicker. So what is the perfect solution is? The Old School New Body review solutions this.<br /> <br /> The person's age is not to do with just how fit he's, and the Old School New Body can be a sure shot method to a match, toned as well as healthy entire body.<br /> <br /> Another fantasy there's no need to pass through a tiring exercise at a health club to get a suit body, precisely what is required are many water and also small yet accurate performing exercises techniques about those troublesome areas.<br /> <br /> What makes this system work is a great F4X training program, which consists of a set of 4 cardiovascular exercises in which take merely one-fourth the time compared to traditional workout routines.<br /> <br /> Only 1 hour 30 minutes each week is perhaps all that is required to acquire a fabulously well toned body. Any three-phased plan splits this system directly into levels.<br /> <br /> The original phase concentrates on weight loss, which is then body surrounding and toning by modifying lifting strategies and nutritional alterations.<br /> <br /> The subsequent and ultimate phase targets building these power muscular tissues where these people matter nearly all. <br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>If you wish to learn more about this product click here <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg1xaWl-dcU">Old School New Body</a>.</div><br /> </div><br />

Old School New Body Review - Could It Be Worth The Time?

By William Stone For anyone who think that those thorough workouts while exercising and tough diet programs may lead these to a fabulous...

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These Are Some Great Tips To Help You Get Fit

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Matt Johnson</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>It is a good thing to become more fit. Getting fit is a tough job, especially if you're coming out of a sedentary lifestyle, but the right information can make it a lot easier. The ideas and tips in the article below will set you on the road towards achieving your fitness goals. You'll look and feel better (and be much healthier!) if you make use of them.<br /> <br /> A great way to get the ball rolling is to find a personal trainer. A good trainer will work with you to determine your goals and problem areas and will recommend a workout program for you. Going to the gym can be tough at first so get a trainer to help you learn the ropes. You will be able to get a good start in a plan that will work for you.<br /> <br /> Keep track of your calorie consumption. Being aware of the number of calories you consume each day is important, as it is the main factor in whether or not you will lose weight. Aim to eat enough calories to cover your basal metabolic rate while counteracting extra calories with exercise.<br /> <br /> Counting calories is helpful when trying to lose weight. You need to keep track of your calories because your calorie balance determines how your weight changes from day to day. The combination of burning calories while exercising and closely watching your calorie intake will produce quick, major results.<br /> <br /> To build the strength in your legs with an easy exercise, try doing wall sits. When doing wall sits, make sure you have an empty wall, with nothing too close to your body. Stand approximately a foot and a half away from the wall. Start leaning back and bending your knees until your back completely fits on the wall. Continue to bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground and you are in a sitting position. Maintain this position until you can't take it any more.<br /> <br /> Treadmills and other forms of indoor exercise equipment are great, but they don't compare to exercising in the great outdoors. Treadmills may be easier to use, but it is beneficial to run on actual pavement.<br /> <br /> Maintain a log of the exercise you complete each day. You should write down the food you eat, drinks you consume, and what exercises you do. You should also write down what it was like that day. Doing this will help you notice patterns in your workout activity. If you could not exercise on certain days, record the reason.<br /> <br /> Document every step. Keep notes on everything, including all exercise activities, food and beverages consumed, etc. You should also write down what it was like that day. You will see what you need to improve on. If you find that you're unable to exercise during varying periods, look to see if there are any similarities between them.<br /> <br /> Put exercise on your schedule if you frequently are skipping it or making up reasons to put it off. You should try working out a few days a week. It is important that you follow your schedule. When you miss one of your fitness "appointments", be sure to reschedule it. Treat this new appointment just as seriously.<br /> <br /> In conclusion, fitness isn't going to be fun all the time, and it's probably not going to be easy. If you have the right attitude and workouts, though, it doesn't have to be torture. You do not need to hurry to reach the finish line, and you do not need to do it all alone. All you have to do is find the help and decide for yourself that you want to be fit.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>You can get <a href="http://www.walmarttreadmill.org/">bowflex treadclimber reviews</a> by visiting <a href="http://www.walmarttreadmill.org/contact/">this site</a></div><br /> </div><br />

These Are Some Great Tips To Help You Get Fit

By Matt Johnson It is a good thing to become more fit. Getting fit is a tough job, especially if you're coming out of a sedentary li...

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Today's archidose #691

Here are some photos of the Ortiz de Zarate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by <a href="http://www.arqtipo.com.ar/">Arqtipo</a>, photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fedeku/">Federico Kulekdjian</a>. See more photos of the building on Federico Kulekdjian's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509405768365.1073741838.299394033364&type=1">Facebook page</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fedeku/9254054698/" title="Edificio Ortiz de Zarate by Federico Kulekdjian, on Flickr"><img alt="Edificio Ortiz de Zarate" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/9254054698_68237cda3e_c.jpg" width="541" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fedeku/9253976694/" title="Edificio Ortiz de Zarate by Federico Kulekdjian, on Flickr"><img alt="Edificio Ortiz de Zarate" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/9253976694_869efce29b_c.jpg" width="534" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fedeku/9251262143/" title="Edificio Ortiz de Zarate by Federico Kulekdjian, on Flickr"><img alt="Edificio Ortiz de Zarate" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/9251262143_4e685a73d8_c.jpg" width="530" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fedeku/9254003402/" title="Edificio Ortiz de Zarate by Federico Kulekdjian, on Flickr"><img alt="Edificio Ortiz de Zarate" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/9254003402_b4878085c7_c.jpg" width="533" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fedeku/9253987558/" title="Edificio Ortiz de Zarate by Federico Kulekdjian, on Flickr"><img alt="Edificio Ortiz de Zarate" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/9253987558_5ba53ecb89_c.jpg" width="534" /></a><br /><br />To contribute your Flickr images for consideration, just:<br /><blockquote>:: Join and add photos to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/archi-dose/">archidose pool</a>, and/or<br />:: Tag your photos <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/archidose/">archidose</a></span></blockquote>

Today's archidose #691

Here are some photos of the Ortiz de Zarate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by Arqtipo , photographed by Federico Kulekdjian . See more photos o...

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A Personal Trainer Los Angeles Has These Three Tips For A Rock-Solid Abs

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Jackie Johnson</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>As you know, Los Angeles is home to a number of the world's most famous actors and actresses. Even famous sports personalities and several of the most sought after models are living here. And because looking good is really important in the entertainment industry, it's no longer a surprise why you will find some of the world's best personal trainer Los Angeles here.<br /> <br /> So if you're thinking of working out and aiming a rock-solid stomach, you should therefore consider hiring a personal trainer Los Angeles. To help you achieve your workout goals fast, here are a few tips that you can follow.<br /> <br /> Keep Your Abs Engaged<br /> <br /> Your body's core region, which has the lower back, glutes and abs, are considered as the stabilizer muscle group. This muscle group is constantly active if you are performing any kind of workout exercises. Therefore, make the most of this.<br /> <br /> If you are lifting weights or performing workout exercises that make use of any of the stabilizer muscles, thoroughly engage these muscles by keeping your abs tight and keeping your posture solid. If you do this every time you work out, a personal trainer Los Angeles can guarantee you that you will achieve great results in no time.<br /> <br /> Focus On Compound Movements<br /> <br /> Since you're targeting your abs, you need to put your focus on compound workouts when performing your exercise routines. These workouts are better than isolated workouts with regards to achieving a rock-solid stomach. The personal trainer Los Angeles suggests that you work multiple muscle groups at the same time. Some of the compound workouts that are effective in exercising your abs are planks and the bicycle maneuver. And here's how you can do these workouts:<br /> <br /> * Bicycle Maneuver<br /> <br /> To do this, lie on your back while your hands should be settled right behind your head and elbows are spread. Keep your lower back pressed towards the floor and your abs must be contracted and crunch across your body and one elbow should reach the opposite knee. Do the movements alternatively. A personal trainer Los Angeles explained that this movement will work more muscles in your body instead of simply doing a typical crunch exercise. You can also make use of a fitness ball to vary the exercise.<br /> <br /> * Planks<br /> <br /> Get on the floor on your stomach while your arms and feet are pressed entirely on the floor. Lift your butt slowly up and make your abs work while doing this. Also, you must ensure you're your back is straight and stay on this position for as long as you can. If you do this regularly, you will certainly achieve a rock solid stomach in no time.<br /> <br /> Eat Lots Of Protein<br /> <br /> Your protein intake can actually help your body to rebuild muscles right after you're done with your exercise routine. Among the best protein sources are eggs, cheese, lean meats, nuts as well as legumes. Healthy protein shakes are also advisable. Use the shake as a substitute for your daily meals. The personal trainer Los Angeles also advises you to drink soy protein or whey powder combined with soy or skim milk.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Getting in good condition with the aid of <a href="http://www.theperfectworkout.com/personal-trainer-los-angeles/">visit the site</a> not only improves your entire body but also your health too. The benefits that one can receive from <a href="https://plus.google.com/111366947275605891071/about">to learn more</a> are countless.</div><br /> </div><br />

A Personal Trainer Los Angeles Has These Three Tips For A Rock-Solid Abs

By Jackie Johnson As you know, Los Angeles is home to a number of the world's most famous actors and actresses. Even famous sports p...

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Great Tips Here If You Need To Lose Weight

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Hanson Brightley</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Sometimes losing weight is not easy. This can be for a variety of reasons, but one reason in particular is that you can't figure out a system that works for you. Getting a system and rhythm in place is the best thing for your weight loss goals and here are a few tips that might help.<br /> <br /> An easy way to feel connected to the fitness world is to bookmark several body building websites or weight loss specific blogs. If you start to feel yourself losing focus and getting further from your goals or objectives, check out a body building website or weight loss blog for inspiration and information. When you connect with other people's experiences, you are more likely to reach your goals.<br /> <br /> You don't necessarily need to do exercises when trying to lose weight. This tip is for people who dislike exercising just for the goal of the exercise itself. Instead, trick yourself into doing fun activities such as walking the dog, throwing a football, riding your bike, or going on a nature walk. These activities are rewarding and will probably require less motivation on your part.<br /> <br /> Record every bite you eat and all of your exercise routines. There have been studies that show that those who keep written logs of their eating and activities lose more pounds than people who do not. Some people lose a lot more weight just because they pay attention more closely.<br /> <br /> Thinking about losing unwanted pounds is easy, but getting started can be much more difficult. Get started today if you think you are ready to make changes to your lifestyle. You'll wonder why you ever waited to long to do it.<br /> <br /> If you are dieting, there's nothing wrong with not finishing all your food. Though many people are taught at an early age to clean their plate, it can cause internal struggles with those who battle to lose. Taking what you do not eat home with you is a great idea to enjoy your meal again the next day. Never stuff yourself simply because the food is there. Be aware of what you are eating and stop when you are full.<br /> <br /> To lose weight more easily, try using smaller dishes. It is in our nature to fill our plate or bowl with food, but as time passes, portions have become larger and it's harder to figure out how much you should really be eating. Using a smaller plate will help you to eat less at each meal and lose weight.<br /> <br /> Daily housework will also help shed the pounds. Cleaning house is a great way to multi-task and burn extra calories while shrinking your to-do list. Listening to music can pump you up, making you dance or do more work efficiently which can cause you to lose more calories.<br /> <br /> In addition to calorie restriction, you must include exercise as part of any sensible weight loss plan. The only way to really lose weight is to burn more calories off than you consume and this is where exercise comes in. Cardio workouts such as running or bicycling are excellent activities that burn calories. The addition of resistance training to your regimen will increase your metabolism at the same time as building muscle.<br /> <br /> Condiments can be hidden calories when it comes to burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs. These additional seasonings can improve the flavor, but are high in sucrose and may be adding hidden calories into your daily intake. Only use a tiny bit if you need to give your food some flavor.<br /> <br /> Make exercise a priority as you are dieting, but keep it fun. There have been numerous studies that show weight loss and exercise are connected. Many people have problems getting motivated to exercise and get involved in physical activities. Try working out with a video game made specifically to encourage physical fitness, go on a walk with your family or just play outside with your child.<br /> <br /> To assist in weight loss, a person should engage in other methods of travel other than an automobile. Jogging, walking, biking and others means of getting around helps to burn more calories. Calories that are eaten throughout the day and not used are stored as fat. Exercising can help to eliminate these calories and will improve your overall appearance.<br /> <br /> To help you lose weight you need to monitor your intake of calories. By consuming a greater number of calories than you burn, weight loss is impossible. Even healthy calories need to be included in your total daily calorie count. Keep track of what you are eating so that you can adjust your calories and lose weight.<br /> <br /> Take a picture of your body before you begin your weight loss plan. Having your "before" picture visible is a source of inspiration in continuing your journey so that you do not go back to who you once were. Photos like this can inspire you to eat healthy.<br /> <br /> Find other things that you enjoy instead of just food. Some people really like cooking which is why they like to eat so much. There is nothing wrong with that. Eating and cooking should remain an important part of your day. Just be sure you also have other passions and hobbies. Seek new hobbies, particularly active ones.<br /> <br /> When you keep the advice here in mind, you will be better armed to lose weight. Watching yourself start to lose weight will only motivate you to lose more. Don't stick to one regimen if it is not creating results. Try different methods and find the one that fits you. Apply the advice provided above to use as a foundation.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>I'm not pulling your leg when I tell you that this system has totally changed my perception of how "<a href="http://5296dx09yj24ue76v6ibvblfrh.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_top">fat loss factor</a>" works! <a href="http://honestfatlossfactorreview.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-honest-fat-loss-factor-review.html">Click this link</a> to see what I'm raving about.</div><br /> </div><br />

Great Tips Here If You Need To Lose Weight

By Hanson Brightley Sometimes losing weight is not easy. This can be for a variety of reasons, but one reason in particular is that you ...

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EGYPT'S SPHINX CASTS EYES ON SYRIA

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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 30pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">IS EGYPT'S ARMY COUP RESETTING GEOPOLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST?</span></b></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">Executive Summary:</span></span></b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Significance of leadership changes in IRAN, SYRIA, QATAR and last but not least EGYPT</span></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slow-motion coup in EGYPT was well under way by end of June</span></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SAUDI ARABIA and the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES us$8 billion aid package for EGYPT after coup!</span></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SYRIAN timeline for leadership replacement in the entire Ba'ath party coincides with changes in EGYPT and QATAR</span></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Change of leadership also in the opposition SYRIAN national coalition</span></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ascendancy SAUDI influence over eclipse of the QATARI TURKISH axis</span></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Demise of Islamism</span></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RUSSIA far from displeased with the turn of events in EGYPT</span></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RUSSIA and ISRAEL</span></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Events in EGYPT are increasingly finding the US, SAUDI ARABIA, ISRAEL and RUSSIA on the “same page”.</span></b></span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">By MK Bhadrakumar Via </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Tlaxcala</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 30pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It looks increasingly that solving the EGYPTIAN puzzle is going to take us all to SYRIA. How far the army's coup in EGYPT resets the geopolitics of the MIDDLE EAST, or, conversely, whether the coup itself forms the commencement of a region-wide tectonic shift that is going to play out over time - this is the big question.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 30.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The cascading events in recent past indicate that the latter could well be the case. To be sure, even by the standards of the MIDDLE EAST, the past weeks have been extraordinary. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There has been a strong expression of support from the UNITED STATES and its PERSIAN GULF allies to the EGYPTIAN military, which in turn is providing the political underpinning for a brutal crackdown by the junta on the <b>Muslim Brotherhood,</b> which has implications for the “<b>Arab Spring</b>” as a whole. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RUSSIA'S overture to the junta at such a point may come as quite a surprise but it is integral to the RUSSIAN strategy in SYRIA and the RUSSIAN skepticism of the "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arab Spring</b>".</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The isolation of QATAR, TURKEY and IRAN on the regional chessboard has accentuated through the past weeks, with the junta in Cairo ticking off these countries for their pretensions of being arbiters or opinion-makers in EGYPT'S internal affairs. It so happens that these three countries have been deeply involved in the SYRIAN situation as well. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #cc0000;">THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN IRAN, SYRIA, QATAR AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST EGYPT </span><br /><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meanwhile, ISRAEL'S openness to accept RUSSIAN peacekeepers on the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Golan Heights</b> could not have surged to the surface without US acquiescence - or even approval - and the timing of the leadership changes both in SYRIA'S ruling Ba'ath Party and the SYRIAN National Coalition could be more than a coincidence. <br /><br />There is a background to all this, lest it be forgotten amidst the cacophony of the coup in EGYPT - Hassan Rouhani's thumping victory in the IRANIAN presidential election and the promise of an impending thaw in the SAUDI-IRANIAN relationship.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SLOW-MOTION COUP IN EGYPT WAS WELL UNDER WAY BY END OF JUNE</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If a seminal event is to be identified in this torrential flow of events in regional politics, it must be the visit by the US Secretary of State John Kerry to SAUDI ARABIA on June 25, which was embedded within a regional tour of the MIDDLE EAST and was a diplomatic initiative on SYRIA. In hindsight it becomes apparent now that the slow-motion coup in EGYPT was well under way by that time in end-June and the US was already in deep consultation with the military leadership in Cairo regarding a political transition in EGYPT. Without doubt, Kerry's talks with the SAUDI leaders couldn't have ignored the gathering storms in EGYPT. <br />In the event, of course, SAUDI ARABIA'S King Abdullah became the first world leader to felicitate the overthrow of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Muslim Brotherhood</b> government on July 2 - within hours of the coup unfolding - as if Riyadh had it all worked out in anticipation. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SAUDI ARABIA AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES US$8 BILLION AID PACKAGE FOR EGYPT AFTER COUP!</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again, the alacrity with which SAUDI ARABIA and the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES simultaneously announced a US$8 billion aid package for EGYPT suggests that a blueprint was already prepared in consultation with the US. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Washington leaked to the press immediately thereafter that it too was going ahead with a planned supply of F-16 fighter aircraft to the EGYPTIAN military</b>, which means that despite the Obama administrations posturing of prevarication, suspending military aid to EGYPT is the last thing on its mind. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SYRIAN TIMELINE FOR LEADERSHIP REPLACEMENT IN THE ENTIRE BA'ATH PARTY COINCIDES WITH CHANGES IN EGYPT AND QATAR</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Curiously, another regional leader who promptly welcomed - alongside King Abdullah - the ouster of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brotherhood</b> from power in EGYPT has been SYRIAN President Bashar al-Assad. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqDaIOo2YCEKZjOL3-abNRL_N4HtS7c69FEdXcdmrj8ylA5qDcbS9_SXDk55OdhbGgIGRWH05WuisxzLDD7JIJQt1f3Y4CQ_xuUW61E-RKxF9NpWbQl0RMIoEud5Dzw6bG5sa4Ao6dkoB/s1600/Baath-party-headquarters--007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqDaIOo2YCEKZjOL3-abNRL_N4HtS7c69FEdXcdmrj8ylA5qDcbS9_SXDk55OdhbGgIGRWH05WuisxzLDD7JIJQt1f3Y4CQ_xuUW61E-RKxF9NpWbQl0RMIoEud5Dzw6bG5sa4Ao6dkoB/s320/Baath-party-headquarters--007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ba'ath Party HQ Damascus </span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />This wasn't an isolated act, either. Assad announced the replacement of the entire Ba'ath leadership, with all 16 members who have been in the high command since 2005, making way for new blood. A younger generation of leaders, including former diplomats, has been brought in as replacements. Parliament speaker Jihad al-Laham and Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi are among them. <br />In an interview with the Ba'ath party's mouthpiece, Assad sought to explain that the leaders were removed from the high command because they made mistakes while in office. "When a leader does not solve a series of errors, this leader must be held accountable," he said without elaborating. Of course, Assad continues as the party's secretary-general, being the only top leader who didn't make any mistakes. <br /><br />In the same interview with the Ba'ath party's organ, Assad also renewed his criticism of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Muslim Brotherhood,</b>saying it "takes advantage of religion and uses it as a mask ... and it thinks that if you don't agree with it politically, that means you don't stand by God." <br /><br />Assad strives to convey the message to the people that he is responsive to their grievances over social problems such as inflation and worsening public security. But the fact remains that he is strengthening his control of the ruling party at a time when the SYRIAN situation is evolving in political terms, given the military stalemate, and all protagonists - SYRIAN as well as outside powers - anticipate the inevitability of a political dialogue in the next several months. <br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP ALSO IN THE OPPOSITION, THE SYRIAN NATIONAL COALITION</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Equally, what needs to be noted is that the Ba'ath Party purge coincides with a change of leadership of the opposition SYRIAN National Coalition (SNC). New SNC president Ahmad Jarba is a SAUDI-US nominee and has the reputation of being a "secular-minded" tribal leader. <br /><br />Following Jarba's election, Ghassan Hitto, the prime minister and a businessman from AMERICA, who had enjoyed the backing of QATAR, TURKEY and the US when he was appointed in last March, submitted his resignation. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ASCENDANCY SAUDI INFLUENCE OVER ECLIPSE OF THE QATARI TURKISH AXIS</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><br /><br />In essence, the changes in the SNC signify - like in EGYPT - an ascendancy of SAUDI influence and the eclipse of the QATARI-TURKISH axis. The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brotherhood's</b> clout within the SNC has also suffered a setback. Evidently, the US is backing the ascendancy of SAUDI influence within the SNC - as is happening in EGYPT.</span></div><h3><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;">Background Information: </span></h3><h3><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;">QATAR’S TRANSITION </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ACTS AS PIVOT FOR “CHANGE OF DIRECTION” FOR MIDDLE EAST</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/07/crisis-qatars-transition.html">http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/07/crisis-qatars-transition.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEMISE OF ISLAMISM</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is the SAUDI-US game plan? Going by the Ramadan message by the SAUDI King and the Crown Prince, SAUDI ARABIA "will not allow religion to be exploited by extremists who only work for their personal interests, and who harm the reputation of Islam." The message said SAUDI ARABIA will "with God's help, remain the defenders of Islam ... and continue on our centrist, moderate approach." <br /><br />Evidently, these are barbs aimed at the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Muslim Brotherhood</b> in the prevailing context of both EGYPT and SYRIA, and the movement's principal backers in the region; namely, QATAR and TURKEY. <br /><br />On the other hand, Assad would find the SAUDI King's Ramadan message quite agreeable. He cannot but share the SAUDI perspective (which the US and RUSSIA also share) that the specter of radical Islamists haunting his country's destiny is the core issue today. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-iqbJtpTRk5wEK4jL1OrYRQIk_uihZB6AZKkgoxGBxMIO5p8vg6qTTxaDybmwCTjbpR3EbTsBwIzlEk3UKsLhfh-ahX7PCDKVuqXUezX5TJQCapWXJnRqs40gNPenMPGjgrXDUShbhva/s1600/gal_7093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-iqbJtpTRk5wEK4jL1OrYRQIk_uihZB6AZKkgoxGBxMIO5p8vg6qTTxaDybmwCTjbpR3EbTsBwIzlEk3UKsLhfh-ahX7PCDKVuqXUezX5TJQCapWXJnRqs40gNPenMPGjgrXDUShbhva/s320/gal_7093.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />Without doubt, these cross currents in regional politics have not gone unnoticed in Moscow, and they have prompted the Kremlin to lose no more time in making an overture to the EGYPTIAN junta. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We hope that all initiatives [by the junta], which are designed to launch the national dialogue, to stabilize the situation and hold free elections, will be successful. Lavrov simply ignored that he was speaking while a violent crackdown on the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brotherhood</b> by the EGYPTIAN military was underway. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He went on to propose that it could be business as usual between RUSSIA and EGYPT and, furthermore, that RUSSIA'S priority lies in the impact of the developments in EGYPT on regional stability and the politics of the Islamic world. Lavrov said, as for cooperation projects [with EGYPT], these projects are aimed at developing cooperation between the countries and peoples. Their implementation will benefit both the countries and the peoples. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RUSSIA FAR FROM DISPLEASED WITH THE TURN OF EVENTS IN EGYPT</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We [RUSSIA] want stability to be ensured in EGYPT and in the entire region, which creates serious risks for international relations. EGYPT is the region's key country. The development of events in the region and in the Islamic world will depend on the situation in EGYPT.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is realpolitik at its best. Simply put, without drawing allegations of interfering in EGYPT'S internal affairs, Lavrov has let it be known to the new leadership in Cairo, and an array of regional states - SAUDI ARABIA, IRAN, QATAR, TURKEY and ISRAEL, in particular - and the "international community" as a whole that RUSSIA is far from displeased with the turn of events in Egypt and its likely repercussions for regional security and stability. <br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RUSSIA AND ISRAEL</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Conceivably, Moscow, which never gave up its deep-rooted suspicions of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Muslim Brotherhood</b>, may be feeling the winds of change to be quite conducive to the pursuit of its own interests and in harmony with its own assessments of the "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arab Spring</b>". <br /><br />Meanwhile, the SAUDI establishment daily Asarq Al-Awsat reported that there has been a meeting between Lavrov and ISRAEL'S Justice Minister Tzipi Livni during which the latter indicated that ISRAEL may allow RUSSIAN peacekeeping soldiers under the UNITED NATIONS flag on the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Golan Heights</b> provided Moscow halted the transfer of advanced S-300 antiaircraft missiles to SYRIA. <br /><br />President Vladimir Putin had proposed last month that RUSSIA is ready to replace the 380-strong AUSTRIAN contingent in the 1,100-strong UN Disengagement Observer Force on the Golan Heights. <br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EVENTS IN EGYPT ARE INCREASINGLY FINDING THE US, SAUDI ARABIA, ISRAEL AND RUSSIA ON THE “SAME PAGE”.</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Neither Moscow nor Tel Aviv has contradicted the SAUDI daily's report. If it is true, as seems likely, it not only is in sync with the broad sweep of the above-mentioned developments but it unveils a tantalizingly new pattern of regional alignments involving ISRAEL and SYRIA, with the US and RUSSIA as the stakeholders - something unthinkable until now. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Clearly, the events in EGYPT are increasingly finding the US, SAUDI ARABIA, ISRAEL and RUSSIA on the same page. All these four major protagonists are willing to wager that the controversial coup in EGYPT might eventually stabilize the situation in that country and even strengthen democratic rule. <br /><br />All these protagonists would agree that political Islam turned out to be the unwelcome beneficiary of the "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arab Spring.</b>" Indeed, by the analogy of EGYPT, as hinted in the SAUDI King's Ramadan message, big trouble seems to lie ahead for the Islamist movements in the region as whole, including the SYRIAN rebel groups. <br /><br />As a former ISRAELI ambassador to the US, Zalman Shoval summed up in an article titled "New Dawn on the Nile" in Jerusalem Post: All things considered, the possible demise of Islamism as the major political force in at least parts of the ARAB world could eventually lead to a more secular, down-to-earth and less dogmatic and intolerant attitude on the part of our [ISRAEL'S] neighbors.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All in all, the struggle that lies ahead in EGYPT and the turns that the SYRIAN situation is poised to take in the coming months have not only some striking parallels, but could be inter-related.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

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