by Andy Hoover, Legislative Director, ACLU of PA
Here in Pennsylvania, we have a full-time legislature, so as the lobbyist for the Pennsylvania affiliate of the ACLU, I have plenty of opportunities for face time with state legislators and staff. Since June, I’ve been hearing a similar refrain repeatedly: NSA surveillance is a major problem. We deal with a lot of state-level surveillance legislation, and I’ve joked with legislators and staff that Edward Snowden has made my job a lot easier.
Last week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives formalized that concern by passing a resolution to protest the NSA’s sweeping surveillance activities and to call on Congress to create a special committee to investigate and to recommend revisions to the USA PATRIOT Act and for reforms at the NSA and the FBI. The vote on House Resolution 456 wasn’t even close.
As an observer of civil liberties trends in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, I was not surprised by this overwhelming bipartisan vote. Our state House has made it clear on repeated occasions that it is serious about privacy. In October of 2012, the House defeated legislation to require DNA collection from people who have been arrested but not convicted of a crime. Two weeks ago, the House passed an amendment to require prosecutors to obtain a search warrant before they can access data from a prescription drug monitoring program. Both of these victories for civil liberties happened despite the objections of the Office of the Attorney General and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.
The Pennsylvania House has good reason to worry. Since June, disclosure after disclosure has revealed that the NSA is vacuuming up the call records of nearly all Americans and is filtering through the contents of our international communications. The disclosures haven’t stopped though, and with each disclosure more and more Americans are saying “Stop watching us.”
Our state House made a strong statement in passing HR 456. We hope that Sens. Bob Casey, Jr. and Pat Toomey and the rest of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation get the message clearly and support the USA FREEDOM Act introduced by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) this week. Among other things, the billrightly ends the indiscriminate collection of American call records, as well as prohibits the bulk collection of any other records, and requires a court order before the government can search through its databases containing the international communications of Americans.
Pennsylvanians won’t stand for an overly-intrusive government that pokes its nose in our daily lives.
From the Land of the Liberty Bell: Investigate the NSA
"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. During this beautiful season when we celebrate harvest and Thanksgiving, I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
This post was originally published in October, 2011. A busy week finds me without the needed time to create a new tablescape design for you. If you weren't reading my blog in 2011, I hope that you'll enjoy this for the first time. If you are one of my dear regular readers, I pray that you will enjoy seeing this one again. Next week is the annual Theta Flaming Festival, so it will be an activity packed week, too. I'm doing two tables this year, and I look forward to sharing both of them with you, in addition to the many other delightful tables at the festival. Now, stepping back in time....
It's all ready been a busy week. My Haviland group has been busy preparing for this year's Theta Flaming Festival, Wednesday, November 2. We spent a great part of today staging the centerpiece for the Festival's Tea Table. I also designed an additional table with my Theta friend, Barb. Remember that I'm a Chi Omega, and Barb and I have been creating tablescapes for this event for many years...a Panhellenic endeavor, if you will. That said, I wanted to at least give a nod to Halloween. I created 'Masquerade' for all of those who like to disappear for a few hours by donning a costume, a mask, and a new personality.
The game table in the living room has been turned into a 60" table with the assistance of one of our flip-top table tops. In the foreground, the Lalique Eagle and Nana's old sterling presentation bowl give a hint of eye candy to come.
I made the black tablecloth out of....felt! Entertaining Tip: If you need a large under cloth or just an inexpensive solid color cloth, take yourself to your local fabric shop and be amazed at the multitude of colors available in felt. It's about $5.00 per yard, and it is VERY wide. It's a quick sew, and you don't even have to hem it! How much easier could it be?
Do you love to get a package in the mail, waiting on your doorstep? About a week ago, I opened a package to discover these glorious black and white quilted place mats and napkins from Southern Style Home Decor. They sponsored a give away with Yvonne @ Stone Gable, and I was the winner of this lovely, generous gift. Southern Style Home Decor has a wonderful online shopping site...check it out! Thank you, Yvonne and Southern Style Home Decor! I'm going to enjoy these fine linens for many years to come.
My inspiration for tonight's table was a collection of jeweled and feathered masks...reminiscent of Venice Carnival...
Of all the amazing things that we've received from our blessed Nana, this has to be one of my very favorites. It's a Black Starr & Frost, sterling reticulated bowl, from the 1920's. If you peak under the black mask, you can see a small portion of the decorative brass 'frog' that fits the bowl. The intricate art deco design work seemed fitting for my 'high drama' table.
On top of the quilted place mat, I set a black Hobby Lobby charger plate beneath our silver Baroque charger plate. My mother-in- love's Reed & Barton, "Francis I" flatware continued the opulent tone of my table. To crown the entire place setting...
...I chose some of our Lalique "Plate of the Year" crystal plates. When Sweet Mister and I were married, almost 43 years ago, my mama, my mother-in-love, and I each started collecting the series of these beautiful plates. We now have all three sets, ours to shepherd until it's time for the next generation to enjoy. I wanted the incredible designs to glow, so I set them directly on the silver chargers.
The Lalique, "Treves" goblet and the Corbel silver goblet were both part of my wedding trousseau. If I had to choose all over again, I would still choose both of these stems. I've used them often through the years.
The decanter is St. Louis crystal.
The sterling master salt and pepper came from....you've got it...dear Nana.
A few Blue Hour shots. I'm in love with my new camera, the Nikon 7000D SLR...so much smarter than I. They were all shot sans flash...
...as were my candlelight shots. Thank you, thank you Sweet Mister! I'm reading about ways to use my camera more effectively every day. Have you checked out The Pioneer Woman's blog site? She has a really nice segment on photography with complete archives. She loves Photo Shop. I encourage you to check her out, if you've never visited her. Her whole blog is pure pleasure. Can you tell by the blue light emanating from the den that Sweet Mister was watching television? If you had rung the bell at this moment, he'd have rounded the corner and offered you some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. We had so many trick or treaters that I wondered if we'd have enough goodies. We did...and I took the excess to the beauty shop this morning when I went to get back to my 'natural blonde.' Hope that you had a happy and safe Halloween!
This week, I'll be joining the following parties:
Tutorials, Tips, & Tidbits with Yvonne @ Stone Gable
Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
Seasonal Sundays with The Tablescaper
Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
Seasonal Sundays with The Tablescaper
You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube. I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen. You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site. The girl can really write! Her latest CD is called "The Tag Hollow Sessions." It is available on iTunes or through her website. I hope that you'll give her music a chance. I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!
Masquerade...A Reprise
The pap smear. You’ve probably heard of it but don’t know what it really consists of. Many women in the BYUI/ LDS culture we live in are unaware of what a pap smear is and why it is important because abstinence is practiced before marriage.
A pap smear is done to check for signs of cervical cancer. The cancer is generally caused by infection of the human papilloma virus (HPV). According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2010 (the most recent year information is available) there were 11,818 women diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,939 women died from cervical cancer. As a nation, the rate of cervical cancer was 7.5 cases per 100,000. This rate has steadily declined since 1999 when the rate was 9.8 per 100,000. The CDC attributes this decline to an increase of women getting pap smears.
It is rare for a woman who has never been sexually active to have HPV. However, providers recommend getting a pap smear starting at age 21, regardless of sexual activity and having the test repeated every three years. This is due to the fact that cervical cancer can be influenced by other factors besides sexual activity.
The Student Health Center will schedule pap smears. It is recommended that you are not on your period. The best time to have one done is 10-20 days after the first day of your last period.
For more information, visit the websites listed below.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Us cancer statistics: Interactive map. Retrieved from http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DCPC_INCA/DCPC_INCA.aspx
Office on Women's Health. (2012, July 16). Pap test fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pap-test.html
Pruthi, S. (2011, June 24). Pap smear. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pap-smear/AN01635
What's a Pap Smear?
"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
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Several weeks ago....pre-pumpkin onslaught...I set one of my 20 minute tables for friends and take-out. You know the drill: The games table in the living room is my favorite spot for small, intimate gatherings with friends.
Pink, white, and green...a color scheme for all seasons, right?
I added an underlay of old lace to enhance the tray.
My stemware was chosen to add another pop of green...
The Vietri Optic green goblet was a match made in heaven for the Tiffin optic swirl wine.
We're going to have a delicious salad that features fresh spinach, strawberries, mandarin oranges, candied pecans, red onions, crusted chicken breast, and a delicious Balsamic vinaigrette dressing. For dessert, I served my mama's Brandy Ice.
This week I'll be joining:
Let's Dish with Cuisine Kathleen
Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
Coalport Lady Diana for Takeout
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is so common among women that 1 in 8 will be diagnosed in their lifetime and it is the second leading cause of death in women. The good news is that the death rate from breast cancer has declined 34% since 1990 due to better screening, earlier detection and improved treatments. What puts a person at risk for developing breast cancer?
While there are risk factors associated with breast cancer (being a woman, over 55 years old, have a family history of breast cancer, never having given birth, to name a few), 60- 70% of people with breast cancer have no connection to the risk factors. According to www.nationalbreastcancer.org common myths of things that cause breast cancer include wearing underwire bras, implants, deodorants, antiperspirants, mammograms, caffeine, plastic food serving items, microwaves, and cell phones.
Men are not immune to breast cancer and approximately 2,200 men will be diagnosed each year. Breast cancer in men has a higher fatality rate because it often goes undetected longer. Men should also be aware of the signs of breast cancer.
Most of the time, there are no symptoms of having breast cancer, however there are signs you can look for. Signs include a lump or swelling in the breast, a change in breast size or shape, swelling in the armpit or discharge from the nipple.
In the past, providers have recommended doing monthly self-breast exams to search for any lumps or abnormalities. It is now more common for providers to advise being familiar with your own breasts so that when changes happen, you notice them more quickly. This may be done by a monthly breast exam, but not necessarily.
It is also important to note that just because there is a lump does not mean it is cancerous.
Performing a Self-Breast Exam
There are many great resources online to show you how to perform a self-breast exam. We suggest following one of the links below for a step-by-step guide (pictures included).
American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/moreinformation/breastcancerearlydetection/breast-cancer-early-detection-acs-recs-bse
National Institutes of Health: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001993.htm
Famous People with Breast Cancer
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| Angelina Jolie post surgery |
For more information on breast cancer, including ways to be involved in promoting awareness, visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org, http://www.cancer.org/
Sources:
Abramovitch, S. (2013, May 14). They stand with angelina: 12 courageous celebrities who battled breast cancer. Retrieved from http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/they-stand-angelina-12-courageous-522209
Anderson, T. (2013). 10 celebrities who battled breast cancer. Retrieved from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20307103,00.html
Movva, S. (2013, August 21). A visual guide to breast cancer. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/ss/slideshow-breast-cancer-overview
National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2012). Breast self exam. Retrieved from http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
Simon, S. (2013, October 1). Report: Breast cancer death rates down 34% since 1990. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/news/report-breast-cancer-death-rates-down-34-since-1990
Pictures:
http://www.psmag.com/health/women-of-1970s-professional-career-increased-risk-of-breast-cancer-58095/
http://kintalk.org/discussion/breast-cancer-in-lynch-syndrome-still-a-quandary
http://www.wespeaknews.com/world/angelina-jolie-makes-first-public-appearance-post-surgery-212400.html
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
According to the Mayo Clinic, 10-15% of couples experience infertility. Thankfully, after treatment, about 2/3 of those couples are able to get pregnant. Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year for most people and six months in certain circumstances.
The most common cause of infertility in women is a failure to ovulate. A few causes of this are Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, where there is a hormone imbalance, and Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, where excessive physical or emotional stress result in the loss of a period. Besides these, it can also come from obesity and/ or weight gain, an ovarian tumor or cyst, weight loss including eating disorders and use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (including caffeine).
In men, infertility is usually caused by a low sperm count or abnormal sperm development. A specialist would look at the number of sperm, their motility and shape to determine if this is the cause. These abnormalities can be caused by overheating of the testicles, unhealthy habits such as drugs and alcohol or medical conditions such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, trauma or treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
There are numerous treatments available for people struggling with infertility. Women can have ovulation stimulated with fertility drugs, have surgery, or do intrauterine insemination where healthy sperm are placed directly into the uterus. Infertility in men can be addressed through medication or behavioral changes and surgery or hormones. Couples may also choose to have a procedure such as in vitro fertilization which combines the sperm and egg in a lab and then implants the embryos into the uterus. This method is only effective in 40% of the cases of women younger than 35 years of age and declines as the woman becomes older.
Coping with infertility can be difficult, especially when the cause is unknown. The Mayo Clinic recommends a few steps you can take to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. First be prepared by asking your doctor a lot of questions. Next, set limits on what is appropriate and financially acceptable to you and your spouse. Infertility is deeply emotional so knowing what you will and will not do before asked the question will save you much time and uncertainty.
You will also want to consider other options if you are not able to become pregnant, such as adoption. Finally, look for support from friends, family and support groups or counseling services. Because infertility is so personal, many are unaware of how many struggle with it. Linking yourself with others in your situation will be a great blessing.
The church has many talks and personal stories linked to their website regarding infertility. The following link will take you to stories of couples dealing with infertility as well as numerous talks by General Authorities and others on how to make it through this time in your life.
Another website geared specifically towards LDS couples dealing with infertility is: www.ldsinfertility.org
There are many resources out there to help if you struggle with infertility. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these sources or to talk to your doctor if you think something may be wrong.
Sources:
Infertility. (2013, September 18). Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/infertility.html
Infertility fact sheet. (2012, July 16). Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/infertility.html
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2013, July 19). Infertility. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infertility/DS00310
Nazario, B. (2011, July 28). Understanding ovulation and fertility: Facts to help you get pregnant. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/baby/ss/slideshow-understanding-fertility-ovulation
Pictures:
http://www.atlantainfertility.com/
http://9images.blogspot.com/2013/03/sad-hug-couple-back-cute.html
Pictures:
http://www.atlantainfertility.com/
http://9images.blogspot.com/2013/03/sad-hug-couple-back-cute.html
Dealing With Infertility
"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
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This week Cuisine Kathleen has challenged us to design an all white Fall tablescape. I found myself still thinking about the woods in Fall, and since we were shooting for all white, I decided to add elements to represent snow and ice. Think Vail and Aspen.
Even the pumpkin patch and the pine trees are covered with a dusting of snow.
We're in the dining room today, and I've set a table for eight.
To stay within the guidelines of Kathleen's challenge, I've used a white on white palette with the addition of one color, shades of brown.
I shopped my accessory closets for the centerpiece. A bumper crop of Pottery Barn mercury glass pumpkins were paired with a selection of mercury glass candlesticks. The serpentine grouping of snow covered pinecones is simply a pair of garlands from Michael's.
Repeating the taupe shades of brown in the garland, I chose the Pottery Barn Flax hemstitched napkins.
Just for you, Kathleen, I left my colored "cased" crystal in the crystal closets today. I paired the Mikasa French Countryside goblet with the Tiffin Chrysanthemum (My name for it...I have no idea what it's really called) wine goblet, an estate sale find. I like the silver reflecting through the crystal stemware.
My guests might need to wear their coats to the table for dinner in the snowy woods...I kind of like the thought of that! Bundle up, and come on over. We'll linger after our meal for fellowship...even if we need to put on our mittens!
This week I'll be joining the following parties:
Dining in the Snowy Woods, 10.16.13
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