How do you acquire new Technologies, Innovations or Inventions?

How do you acquire your new technology? Do you look out for inventions or innovations? And how? Everybody or business does, yes sooner or later but of course the expensive and hard way. There is an easy way, You Techno. You Techno is an information resource dedicated to technologies, innovations and inventions and their applications in IT, Software, E-commerce, Business, media and Health. In today's world faced with a new problem of choice due to floods of technologies with no guarantee which one will really work for your one in a million particular situation and how? Why not find such a quest answered for you at You Techno, be it a business or an individual.Search Engine Submitted & Optimized by ViVva

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Talking about the diseases no-one wants to talk about

For some reason, there's a reluctance to talk about the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In a country where abstinence before marriage is one of the main measures to prevent STDs, actually talking about these problems is perhaps a little difficult. But, for once, we're going to break with convention and talk about one of the these diseases and the standard form of treatment. Chlamydia is the most common bacterial infection, mainly affecting younger people. You are at risk if you have multiple partners. The problem is that, in most people, there are no immediate symptoms and most are completely unaware that they have caught the disease. The bad news is that failure to get treatment once the symptoms do become apparent can lead to serious complications. So let's get the ST element out of the way. You catch this disease by having conventional sexual intercourse, although it can also be transmitted by both oral and anal sexual activity. The symptoms to watch out for are fairly obvious. In men, you will find it painful to pass urine and/or you will find a discharge coming from your penis. In women, you will feel a burning sensation when urinating and/or produce a vaginal discharge. In both men and women, a failure to get treatment can cause infertility. However, if you have been engaging in oral or anal sex, the bacteria responsible can simply sit there without producing any symptoms. This leaves you as a carrier and the next time you have oral or anal sex, you can pass the bacteria on to your next partner. If there are no symptoms, the only sure way to test for the condition is through swabs. In men, a urine test is not unreliable. The presence of the bacteria cannot be diagnosed from a blood sample. The standard form of treatment is the use of an antibiotic such as zithromax. Under normal circumstances, a single dose can be sufficient to clear up the problem. Some people find they experience some nausea and stomach cramps after taking the dose. This usually passes quite quickly. However, you should always wait at least one week before having sexual intercourse again. If your partner is also treated (which is a sensible precaution), you should both wait a week until resuming sexual activity. The final thing to note is that zithromax affects the way in which an oral contraceptive works. There is an increased risk of pregnancy if you resume sexual activity before the zithromax is completely clear from your system. Using a condom is desirable until you are sure pregnancy cannot result.

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Research? You ain't seen nuttin' yet!

When people get the bit between their teeth, they can be driven to do good things. Hopefully staying on the right side of obsession, they devote their lives to asking questions and finding the answers. This is the "scientific method" at its best. In this case, as you can see from the title to this post, we are dealing with the "nut" which, in British English, means the head (when bald, it's round and shiny like the shell of a nut). On this most important parts of the body, the best brains of Canada, England, Holland, Iceland and Switzerland have come together to solve the problem of male pattern baldness. No more "nut" in the British sense of the word, unless it's a hairy nut. Until now, men have either had to tolerate hair loss or use propecia, the only really effective medication on the market that stops hair loss. Now there's better hope for a "cure". The international team has found a genetic combination that appears to multiply the risk of hair loss by a factor of seven. It's another of these "accidental" breakthroughs. The research team was looking at cardiovascular diseases and they came across evidence that there's a statistical link between heart disease and baldness. Searching for a clue to confirm this apparent relationship, the team scanned the human genome and came across an area that was incomplete in bald men who had heart disease. Nearly three thousand caucasian men were examined and this genetic gap was identified in more than half the sample. There is, however, no cause for immediate excitement. Like many advances in human knowledge, the fact that you make a discovery is no use unless you see how to take advantage of the knowledge. In this case, they can say we have found a gap. Whether that gap can be repaired and how science might engineer it is anyone's guess. In the case of propecia, for example, hair loss is described as androgenic alopecia. It affects about 40% of men as they age. It is caused by an excess of Di-hydrotestosterone (DHT). Propecia prevents the body from producing 5-Alpha-Reductase, a chemical necessary to the production of DHT. It's a magic bullet to remove the cause of baldness. For as long as a man takes the tablets, they will stop hair loss and sometimes allow some hair to regrow. When a man stops taking propecia, the hair loss resumes. Following this research breakthrough, hair loss will be characterized as a genetic deficiency and, in due course, a magic bullet may be devised to deliver replacement genes to the right place in the genetic sequence in your body. Until then, rely on propecia.

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Research? You ain't seen nuttin' yet!

When people get the bit between their teeth, they can be driven to do good things. Hopefully staying on the right side of obsession, they devote their lives to asking questions and finding the answers. This is the "scientific method" at its best. In this case, as you can see from the title to this post, we are dealing with the "nut" which, in British English, means the head (when bald, it's round and shiny like the shell of a nut). On this most important parts of the body, the best brains of Canada, England, Holland, Iceland and Switzerland have come together to solve the problem of male pattern baldness. No more "nut" in the British sense of the word, unless it's a hairy nut. Until now, men have either had to tolerate hair loss or use propecia, the only really effective medication on the market that stops hair loss. Now there's better hope for a "cure". The international team has found a genetic combination that appears to multiply the risk of hair loss by a factor of seven. It's another of these "accidental" breakthroughs. The research team was looking at cardiovascular diseases and they came across evidence that there's a statistical link between heart disease and baldness. Searching for a clue to confirm this apparent relationship, the team scanned the human genome and came across an area that was incomplete in bald men who had heart disease. Nearly three thousand caucasian men were examined and this genetic gap was identified in more than half the sample. There is, however, no cause for immediate excitement. Like many advances in human knowledge, the fact that you make a discovery is no use unless you see how to take advantage of the knowledge. In this case, they can say we have found a gap. Whether that gap can be repaired and how science might engineer it is anyone's guess. In the case of propecia, for example, hair loss is described as androgenic alopecia. It affects about 40% of men as they age. It is caused by an excess of Di-hydrotestosterone (DHT). Propecia prevents the body from producing 5-Alpha-Reductase, a chemical necessary to the production of DHT. It's a magic bullet to remove the cause of baldness. For as long as a man takes the tablets, they will stop hair loss and sometimes allow some hair to regrow. When a man stops taking propecia, the hair loss resumes. Following this research breakthrough, hair loss will be characterized as a genetic deficiency and, in due course, a magic bullet may be devised to deliver replacement genes to the right place in the genetic sequence in your body. Until then, rely on propecia.

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The answer, my friend, is in the genes

There's a most curious trend in science that has been significantly affecting the way we all think about the world. When I was young, people slaved away in laboratories and, when they came up with a chemical analysis, they would proudly talk in terms of 1 part per 100. Now, they apply a version of Moore's Law, and seem worried that they are only able to measure in so few parts per tens of million. As a result, we now worry about contamination in food because it contains 1 part per million of some potentially dangerous pollutant. We also seem to believe that, once we have cracked the genetic code, we will be able to cure all ills through gene splicing. One of the more intensely researched genetic areas is male pattern baldness (not female baldness, you notice). Recently, two German universities, Dusseldorf and Bonn, announced they had identified a group of seven genes that are connected with hair loss. Well, we should all sleep more soundly in our beds tonight. Science is on the trail. The researchers are like a posse in the Wild West, out to track down the bad guys responsible for robbing men of their hair. So let's just imagine for a moment what this discovery means. You could test your baby boy on birth and, if it lacks the relevant genes, you could start the grieving process early. Perhaps you should buy stock in Merck & Co., the pharmaceutical company that makes propecia. That way, when your offspring is old enough to give it business, you can get a dividend. I should make it clear that propecia is the best drug to treat male pattern baldness. It's used by more than four million men world wide to keep their hair. Note it cannot be used by children (and women who always get left behind in research). It changes the balance of male hormones and affects the sexual development of growing boys. Needless to say, it adversely affects women. So until these clever researchers (mostly men) find the way to turn off the switch that triggers male baldness, you will just have to rely on propecia. Before I go, I should make a slightly more serious point. The way in which genes interact to produce a physical result is extremely complicated. Under normal circumstances, I would deeply resent diverting valuable research time to a cosmetic condition. However, this research may also help those who are deaf. The reason why people lose their hearing is because they are unable to replace the hair cells inside the ear that help to transmit the sounds. Unfortunately, propecia has no effect in slowing down the loss of hearing. So there is a genuinely serious condition that may be cured if this research does discover why all humans lose their hair (both on the head and inside the ear).

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Destin Beaches

The beaches were and still are one of Destin's main attractions. The sugar-white sands of the Emerald Coast region together with the greenish waters are a spectacular site to behold and enjoy. Destin sands are one of the whitest sands all over the world and form a beautiful and somewhat surreal setting. Because of active construction of houses and businesses along the water during the past years, there are few public accesses to the beaches left. Over the last few years, more and more homes, condos, and businesses have been built along the water, leaving few public beach accesses. Henderson Beach State Park and James Lee Park are two of the most popular public beaches in Destin.

There are sand dunes to be encountered on some of the beaches which form a very unique place to rest. However, environmental activists encourage the visitors to act carefully with the dunes. Do not walk on them or pick sea oats nearby, because this may lead to the destruction of the dunes, which are an important part of the local ecosystem. Other rules regarding the beaches are pretty much the same as in any other area: no pets, fires, vehicles, glass and loud music.

The city of Destin sits on a barrier island, which is surrounded by water from all sides and connected to mainland only by a small strip. The unique characteristics of the sand and underwater landscape around the island contribute to the famous mix of blue and green colors of the water, which gave name to the whole area of Emerald Coast. Because of the favorable conditions, the waters around Destin are full of wildlife like dolphins, large variety of fish, sand dollars, sharks, sting rays and many more. There are many hotels in Destin that offer a spectacular view on the white beaches and emerald waters, so make sure you have booked the right one!

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Hollywood's Historical Markers

There are many historical sites to visit in Hollywood that will tell you all about the history of the movie industry and the whole place in general. When you have found hotels in Hollywood make sure to read this list of sites.

While you're in Hollywood make sure to visit some of these historical buildings:

Site of Garden Court Apartments 1919
Some of the biggest early Hollywood stars such as Louis B. Mayer, Lillian Gish and Rudolph Valentino were living in this beautiful building.

Chinese Theatre
Built by Sid Grauman and opened in 1926 it is probably the most famous movie theater in the whole world.

Hollywood First National Bank Building
Back in the day it was the tallest building in the whole City of Los Angeles.

Christie Realty Building
The early Hollywood elite used this building as the home for its private Embassy Club during the 1920s.

Musso and Frank Grill
The oldest restaurant in Hollywood that still operates.

Baine Building
A fine example of Spanish Revival architecture in Hollywood.

Janes House
One of the oldest buildings in Hollywood, which used to be a school for kids of celebrities.

Warner Pacific Theatre
The biggest movie theater in the Warner Bros. empire.

Knickerbocker Hotel
A place of residence to many stars such as Elvis Presley.

Avalon (previously known as The Palace)
Many famous shows used this place as their main setting.

Capitol Records Building
The office building, which dealt with stars like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and The Beatles to name a few. Also the first office building in the world to use a circular design.

Pantages Theatre
The place where Emmy and Academy Awards were frequently hosted. Also the last big movie palace built in Hollywood.

Taft Building
The first high rise construction built in Hollywood, once the headquarters for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Owl Drug/Julian Medical
One of the best examples of art deco architecture in Hollywood.

Hollywood Center Building
The initial headquarters for the Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America.

The Christie Hotel
The first luxury hotel built in Hollywood.

Hollywood Theatre
Hollywood's oldest movie theater opened in 1913.

El Capitan Theatre
The first theater in Hollywood to screen Citizen Kane.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
The place where the first Academy Awards were held and the site of Marilyn Monroe's first film shoot.

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In praise of California

In November, 1988, the electorate in California approved Proposition 103 to prevent the massive increases in premiums that were affecting all consumers looking for insurance. After major litigation to decide whether the Proposition was constitutional, it was finally implemented in May 1989 and rapidly revolutionized the rates of insurance across the state which fell by an average of 45% between 1989 and 2001. It is estimated that up to 2006, Californian drivers alone saved $62 billion on their auto insurance rates. Then the Consumer Watchdog combined with other socially active groups to force the insurance companies to abandon the practice of basing rates on the zip code and not your record as a driver. Now comes Assembly Bill 2800 which emerged from the Senate Appropriations Committee in August 2008. This is being treated as a slightly more controversial measure. The auto insurance industry is campaigning to allow a switch to mileage and use as criteria for fixing the premiums. It estimates that this could produce further average savings in premiums of about $275 per vehicle. It would work by placing a small monitoring device in every vehicle to assess how far you drive in a year and how well you drive. But this device is viewed as an invasion into the privacy of drivers. As a compromise, the Insurance Commissioner suggests that drivers could allow the insurers to make regular checks on the odometer rather than allowing electronic collection and transmission of data. If the electronic version of the plan does go ahead, it will allow companies to identify consistently low-risk drivers from the time of day they use the roads, the speed at which they drive and the distance they travel. Such drivers will receive the maximum discounts available. Those deemed more likely to have accidents from the way they drive will potentially pay more. The current system allows drivers to report their own mileage. The industry standard is to offer discounts to drivers who do less than 10,000 miles per year. Obviously, there's a temptation in difficult economic times for drivers to underestimate their mileage to gain the discounts. This proposed device will reward the genuine drivers and charge a fair premium to the others. It will also help to save the planet because drivers who maintain a lower average speed use less gas and so produce less emissions. For once, the auto insurance industry would be helping to fight global warming which is very public-spirited it.

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What does the US Government actually say about generics?

It is always pleasing to find a government agency with a specialized website. In this case, the FDA maintains a site devoted to generic drugs at http://www.fda.gov/cder/ogd/. There are over two-hundred-thirty staff whose task it is to ensure that the generic drugs approved are safe for consumers to use. Just to give you an idea of the scale of the operation, in 2004, there were 563 applications made to license the production of a generic drug. There were 880 applications made in 2007. In other words, a vast number of generic drugs come on to the market every year. They are in every way as safe and effective as the original branded version they now compete with. So generic viagra is identical to branded viagra except that it is cheaper. As a part of its function, the Office of Generic Drugs in the FDA monitors and researches the way in which the market works when generics enter. The supposed advantage is that any competition from a generic manufacturer will force the holder of the patent to drop its price. The consumer therefore benefits immediately. But its research shows that one generic manufacturer has very little effect on prices within the market. The FDA has a detailed analysis of the market from 1999 to 2004 and price is not significantly affected until a second generic manufacturer starts to sell into the market. The reason is simple. When the first generic competitor enters, even a small price reduction gives it a market edge. But when a second company appears, the two generic manufacturers compete with each other to set the price for a generic version of the original drug. The average result is half the original branded price. In fact, if you now look at the prices for generic viagra you will find it is often less than half the price of the branded version. The greater the quantity you buy, the better the price per tablet (plus the possibility of bonus tablets from some of the online pharmacies). This is a perfect working example of the research in action. It is also a perfect explanation for Big Pharma's dislike of generic manufacturers. Once two generic manufacturers start competing with each other, the original manufacturer's profit margin drops like a stone. It's great for the consumer. Bad news for the stockholders.

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Is there a specter at the feast?

One of the more popular genres in bookstores is the one marked "horror" (sometimes overlapping with "dark fantasy"). This is where the author takes an everyday type of situation and then twists it round to show us the frightening side. It's the old roller coaster ride. Some people just can't get enough of the thrill seeking. The pumping of the heart and adrenaline flooding through the body is such a high for them. Well, today's posting here is one of the scary variety. So let's start off by blaming someone. It always feels better if you can point to someone else for spoiling the party spirit first. In this case, it's a Brit doctor - they are more into death and destruction over there what with their socialist health service. Anyway, he wrote a letter to the British Medical Journal - not a shy fellow, you will understand. He wanted his voice to be heard in the profession. He warns that the symptom of erectile dysfunction is often an indication the patient may have heart problems in two to three years time. Let's just run the scenario past you. Most men are deeply ashamed by suffering erectile dysfunction. They prefer not to discuss it with anyone unless they have no choice. Some do make it to their physicians, but most doctors still treat the problem as a lifestyle issue rather than as a possible symptom of a more serious disease. The good physicians therefore just write out the prescription with the least fuss. It saves everyone embarrassment. The remaining men come on to a site like this and buy cialis online. Their research shows them that cialis is the best drug for producing long-lasting sexual performance. It can be bought online without a prescription. This solves their problem. Except there's no physical check-up, no lab tests or other examination to see whether this is an early warning of heart problems. What's the connection between erectile dysfunction and heart disease? Well, the reason for the failure to get or maintain an erection is a failure in the small artery leading into the penis. If there's a problem with one small artery, the same problem may be replicated around the body. The more blood vessels are compromised, the more likely it is that you will have a heart attack. Although using cialis dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation in the short term, the effect over two to three years diminishes. So if there is any history of heart disease in your family or you have high blood pressure, simply taking cialis can increase the risk you will have a heart attack. It's always better to have a full physical examination if you have erectile dysfunction. One final thought - the sting in the tail required of all good horror stories. If a heart problem is diagnosed early, your chances of a long life just improved except that many of the drugs required to keep you alive make the erectile dysfunction worse.

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Diving & Snorkeling in Key West

Only a few miles of Key West shore you'll find large and beautiful riffs that are the most popular destination for divers in the area. You'll find numerous diving and snorkeling services on Key West beaches that will provide you with professionals for accompanying you during your adventure. But that'

Only a few miles of Key West shore you'll find large and beautiful riffs that are the most popular destination for divers in the area. You'll find numerous diving and snorkeling services on Key West beaches that will provide you with professionals for accompanying you during your adventure. But that's not the only destination for diving and snorkeling - the Key West Marine Park on the south side of the island gives you a great opportunity to enjoy underwater adventures right from the shore.

Sand Key - one of the most popular destinations for both scuba divers and snorkelers with a large variety of marine flora and fauna to behold. The location is easily found by the large iron lighthouse. If you want to see the best of Caribbean sea life, this is the best place to visit! Usually divers accommodate in hotels in Key West.

Joe's Tug - this old tugboat sits upright only 65 feet deep and makes a perfect spot for scuba diving adventures! It's full of marine inhabitants and is in a good condition to keep the dive safe and enjoyable.

Ten-Fathom Ledge - an amazing coral cave complex, which is home to groupers and lobsters. A small lost world just beneath the sea surface. A surreal diving experience not to be missed.

The Cayman Salvor - a huge 180-feet long buoy tender named Cayman Salvager was decided to be sunk in 1985 and to be used as an artificial reef for divers. Sitting upright, it has become a great place to encounter jewfish, moray eel, baitfish and grunts.

Nine Foot Stake - a great location for both snorkeling and scuba diving, this patch reef, which is in 10 to 25 feet, gives a great feel of beautiful corals and small marine inhabitants.

Kedge Ledge - what makes this coral reef special are the two big anchors lost from sailing vessels about two hundred years ago. A fantastic blend of man-made and natural wonder!

The Atocha - discovered by a treasure hunter, this spectacular shipwreck has now become one of the most popular spots for scuba diving, where the fantastic surroundings take you back into the history of Key West.

s not the only destination for diving and snorkeling - the Key West Marine Park on the south side of the island gives you a great opportunity to enjoy underwater adventures right from the shore.

Sand Key - one of the most popular destinations for both scuba divers and snorkelers with a large variety of marine flora and fauna to behold. The location is easily found by the large iron lighthouse. If you want to see the best of Caribbean sea life, this is the best place to visit! Usually divers accommodate in hotels in Key West.

Joe's Tug - this old tugboat sits upright only 65 feet deep and makes a perfect spot for scuba diving adventures! It's full of marine inhabitants and is in a good condition to keep the dive safe and enjoyable.

Ten-Fathom Ledge - an amazing coral cave complex, which is home to groupers and lobsters. A small lost world just beneath the sea surface. A surreal diving experience not to be missed.

The Cayman Salvor - a huge 180-feet long buoy tender named Cayman Salvager was decided to be sunk in 1985 and to be used as an artificial reef for divers. Sitting upright, it has become a great place to encounter jewfish, moray eel, baitfish and grunts.

Nine Foot Stake - a great location for both snorkeling and scuba diving, this patch reef, which is in 10 to 25 feet, gives a great feel of beautiful corals and small marine inhabitants.

Kedge Ledge - what makes this coral reef special are the two big anchors lost from sailing vessels about two hundred years ago. A fantastic blend of man-made and natural wonder!

The Atocha - discovered by a treasure hunter, this spectacular shipwreck has now become one of the most popular spots for scuba diving, where the fantastic surroundings take you back into the history of Key West.

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Beach Weddings in Destin

In the past few years Destin has become a very popular place for brides and grooms to take part in romantic ceremonies, celebrating their unions right at the beach. And it's no wonder: with over 24 mile of white sands, emerald waters and incomparable sunsets, Destin is definitely one of the most beautiful backgrounds you can think of for a wedding. Just imagine the excitement of the moment when your beloved one says «I do» accompanied by the voices of the wind and sea. There's no better way of making your ceremony really special and memorable both for you and your guests.

The Emerald Beach area with both Destin and Fort Walton beach are also a great place to spend your honeymoon. These small cities have everything you need to spend your romantic vacation for two after the ceremony. There is a wide selection of outdoor waterside venues that you can use for your special day or any other celebration. The beautiful view on the sea is something you and your loved ones will never forget. There are also many hotels in Destin that will meet any of your requirements and make your stay really enjoyable and relaxing.

If you've decided to hold your wedding ceremony in Destin you can be sure that this will be an unforgettable lifetime experience. Destin offers you a great background both for your ceremony and the after-party or honeymoon. There are big malls in the city and all sorts of distractions to keep you thrilled and entertained. Everything from golf courts to libraries, from designer cloths shops to great fishing trips. No wonder more and more newly weds choose Destin as the place to hold their wedding or spend a romantic vacation. Think of holding your ceremony in Destin too - you won't regret a second of it!

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Hollywood's RockWalk

During the early 1980's the Hollywood saw a major influx of money to honor its rich television and movie industry history. But with all the hustle the executives have completely forgot a part of the city, which contributed to the creation of the world-famous brand of Hollywood that millions of people around the world are used to. They forgot about the music, and namely rock music.

The November of 1985 saw that mistake corrected with the establishment of the Hollywood's RockWalk the biggest homage to rock music in the world, immortalizing the names in the industry that have contributed to the development of rock music. The inaugural ceremony held on November 13, 1985 saw the inductions of such huge rock music legends and innovators as Eddie Van Halen, Stevie Wonder, Hartley Peavey (the creator of Peavey guitar amplifiers), Jim Marshall (the creator of Marshall amps), Ted McCarty (the creator of Les Paul guitar), Remo Belli (the creator of Remo drum heads) and many others. Since then the rock music had its own mecca comparable to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Mann's Chinese Theatre.

If you are a rock fan and can't imagine your life without the buzz of a distorted guitar in the back, booking hotels in Hollywood, remember that the Hollywood RockWalk is a must see for you!

Located at Guitar Center Hollywood (previously known as the famous Oriental Theatre) Hollywood's RockWalk has seen the induction of such talented and contributive artists, bands and rock music innovators as John Lee Hooker, Les Paul, Aerosmith, KISS, Van Halen, Willie Dixon, Johnny Cash, The Doobie Brothers, Dick Clark, Jimi Hendrix, The Moody Blues, Phil Ramone and many more.

In contrast to the Hollywood's Walk of Fame, which takes in account the submissions made by the public to induct any particular person, the Hollywood's RockWalk inductees are selected by a close vote between the previous honorees. Thus, the industry chooses itself whose contribution to rock and roll is really something to be appreciated and immortalized.

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Key West Attractions and Activities

Whether you want to leave the world behind or engage in adventures and fun activities, Key West gives you the opportunity to enjoy both extremes. This tropical paradise was created to fulfill your every wish and make your stay really memorable no matter what your vacation is all about. And because the place is quite small, there's no need to travel much in order to see what the city has to offer. So it's easy to choose hotels in Key West.

When you end up in a tropical paradise which is Key West, the first thing that comes to mind is of course the beaches. There several beaches, the majority of which are located on the south side of the island that will suit any tastes and preferences. If you love action, watersports, playing volley and enjoying music than Smathers Beach will be your place to stay for sure. If you prefer a calm and cozy atmosphere, than you'll enjoy the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor. For those who want to have a rest from the sea, there are several parks throughout the city, which also fall into a wide spectrum of activities to enjoy. From tennis courts of Bayview Park to the historical ambience of the 19th century Fort Zachary Taylor park, you'll find a place of your taste for sure.

Key West is full of history locations, museums and cultural places. So if you love learning more about the places you visit a cozy train or trolley ride through the city will provide you a great insight on the rich history of Key West. There are also many cultural events held by local and international artists often held in different locations.

The beauty of nature, which surrounds Key West is a must see, and there are numerous ways you can enjoy it. You can take a cruise out to the reefs, or take a flight to the Dry Tortugas National Park. You can go scuba diving or snorkeling in the waters around the island. For those who prefer to stay dry there are glass bottom boats, which will allow you to enjoy all the spectacular beauty of marine life without getting wet.

There are also many opportunities for fishing enthusiasts with the Florida Keys are being a great place to go fishing all year-round. Or if you're are an ecotourist or kayaking lover - there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy your vacation.

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The History of Hollywood Sign

The best known sign in the world that was featured in numerous movies, pictures and became a true symbol of the whole place, the Hollywood sign has a fascinating history, which resembles a thrilling drama. And could be it any other way with the spirit dwelling in the city? From spectacular heights to complete deterioration and back, the sign is a full-living character and the biggest celebrity in Hollywood.

Designed and established as an advertising sign in 1923, the sign was intended to be temporary. The initial spelling of the sign was «Hollywoodland» and was used as an advertisement for a new housing development on Hollywood Hills. The 13-letter 50-feet high sign with powerful illumination has soon become a symbol for the whole city and its prosperous movie industry, with numerous appearances on film throughout the years.

But during the 1940's the sign saw substantial deterioration, with the letter «H» being destroyed by a car accident and the condition of the remaining letters worsening due to the climate. The wooden and metal construction was in such a bad shape that in 1949 the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce asked the City of Los Angeles to perform restoration works on the sign. The City has set strict conditions with the word «land» to be removed from the sign and the illumination to be at full expense of the Chamber. After the restoration works have been completed the sign appeared in the form as we know it now. But not for long.

The open air has continued to deteriorate the construction, which was initially intended to serve about a year for advertising purposes. After completely losing one «O» and partially - another, the sign spelled "HuLLYWO D". Such a sight was a disgrace for many Hollywood stars and in 1978 a campaign led by the shock-rocker Alice Cooper has raised funds for restoring the sign. The old wood and metal construction was replaced with durable Australian steel letters, which were a few feet shorter than the original ones.

Find hotels in Hollywood that give you a good view on this spectacular construction.

Today the sign is a private property and has restricted access with a security system protecting it from acts of vandalism. Truly, like a movie star it stands there to be admired from the distance and giving the location its world-famous background.

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Health insurance from the employer's point of view

There has been a sad trend since the turn of this century. Health insurance costs have been rising so fast that even large sections of the middle class now find it a struggle, if not impossible, to pay the premiums demanded by the insurers for private plans. The fact is that, although in the last one or two years, there have been some increases in average take-home pay, these increases have not kept pace with inflation. People today are more poor than they were ten years ago. For a time, people compensated by using their credit cards and borrowing against the positive housing equity on their homes. With the bursting of the housing bubble and the credit crunch, people must now confront the size of the debt they carry. Articles like this are not supposed to feel sorry for employers. They are the ones who take our work, pay us as little possible and buy big houses to live in. Sometimes, we only put up with this exploitation because of the health plans some offer as part of the compensation package. But they have also been feeling the strain. The national statistics show that, in the period 2000-2007, there was an average 80% increase in the premiums payable by employers for the health plan offered to their employees. As a cost, this has increased five times faster than the cost of wages and salaries. Because consumers have come to expect that prices will not rise, it has not been possible to pass these increased costs on in the wholesale and retail prices. The result has been a reduction in the profits earned by the employers. Hence, wages have not risen fast enough to keep pace with inflation. This has real significance for the future health of the nation. Slightly more than 30% of the workforce is less than 30 years old and the majority of them are not insured. This because more employers have given up the unequal struggle to keep up a health plan for new employees, and more younger people who still have their health do not see it as a priority to use more and more of their take-home pay to fund private health insurance. They feel they are paying against the risk of sickness that might never come. This has an unfortunate knock-on effect. Health insurance distributes the risk so that the fit and health subsidize those who fall sick. If too many of the healthy refuse cover, the cost must be born by the older population more likely to make claims. This forces the premiums to rise. It would be better if everyone had a policy because this spreads the costs and keeps everyone's payments low. You can make a start by using sites like this to find the cheapest possible policy, but nothing will change unless government policy changes.

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A New Drug to Fight Cholera Epidemics

A recent medical study held in Bangladesh investigated the effectiveness of traditional cholera treatments and possible alternatives. The problem of cholera is very complicated in third world countries where the water supplies can be the source of numerous bacteriological diseases. Apart from the aspect of water supplies another problem, which contributes to the development of cholera epidemics in poor countries, is that traditional medication gradually loses its effectiveness with bacteria developing resistance to it. In such situation finding a new drug for treating cholera is crucial. Having these goals the study compared Cipro (ciprofloxacin), which is commonly used in cases of severe cholera for over a decade, and a macrolide antibiotic. The study involved 195 men suffering from severe cholera, divided into two groups. The first group was given Cipro and the second - macrolides respectively. The results where impressive and gave base to an intense discussion about the effectiveness of medicine used for cholera treatment today as well as the possibility of using macrolide antibiotics in such cases. Cipro, which only a few years back was effective in a single dose against cholera, failed in ¾ of the patients in the study. This can be explained by the fact that Vibrio cholerae - the bacteria causing cholera - was able to rapidly develop tolerance reaction to Cipro, rendering it ineffective with time. In contrast, macrolide antibiotic treatment has shown significant results with 73% of the patients being cured with a single dose. Furthermore, the group treated with macrolides has had illness symptoms manifested only for 30 hours after taking the medicine in comparison to more than three days in case of Cipro. Although, the studies were held on men only, there's no reason to believe the results would be different in case of women. The results of this study have displayed the importance of developing new drugs which would be as effective as Cipro was a decade ago. Macrolide antibiotics used in the study seem like a great alternative to the traditional medication. There are numerous generic variations to this class of drugs, like Zithromax, which are available all over the world. But still, the doctors argue that a single drug will not solve the problem of cholera, because it is primarily caused by poor sanitation and water supplies. The bacteria may develop resistance to Zithromax with time too, like in case of Cipro, thus it can't be regarded as a constant solution to the problem. The radical changes concerning sanitation and water supplies, which Europe and America have undergone a century ago, should be taken in developing countries too, but that seems like a much more complex solution compared to medications.

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Hollywood Walk of Fame

If there's any symbol of Hollywood able to compete with the famous Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame is definitely the one. A spectacular monument to artist from past and present, a star on the Walk is a unique life-long achievement for any person, that no Oscar or Grammy can't compete with. A star with your name on it - is a symbol of appreciation from both the public and industry peers, which marks an outstanding role in the world of entertainment. The artists honored by this monument are individuals who have marked a spectacular career and every name on the walk has its long story of success to tell.

The Walk was incorporated in 1958 as a tribute to remarkable personalities who made Hollywood a world-famous place as we know it today. Since then the tradition lived on, paying tribute to stars of motion pictures, television, recording, radio and live theater. In 1978 the Walk of Fame was designated as a cultural/historic landmark of Los Angeles. It lines both sides of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.

Today the Walk of Fame encompasses five acres with over 2000 stars by far. The first bronze star embedded in pink terrazzo was designated to actress Joanne Woodward on February 9, 1960 and since then there are about two names included each month to the Walk. Each star has a special emblem that symbolizes to which of the five categories the person belongs. Even with such rates of addition the Walk will have space for many generations of talented actors, musicians, producers and people behind the scenes who will pay a significant contribution to the world we know as Hollywood. The Walk of Fame today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hollywood and you won't find a person in hotels in Hollywood who was there and didn't take a picture of his favorite artist's star.

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Short History of Hollywood

When you are looking for hotels in Hollywood make sure you know the history of the place you're going to.

The area we know today as Hollywood was first discovered by Spanish explorers who have encountered several Native American tribes around Santa Monica Mountains. The tribes were moved to missions and the Spanish Government has divided the land in two: Rancho La Brea and Rancho Los Feliz.

During the 1870s the region has become a prosperous agricultural area with multiple crops being cultivated by the community. After the ranchos got sub-divided in smaller settlements during the 1880s, one of the areas was bought by H. H. Wilcox, who has become the founder of Hollywood as we know it now. It was his wife who gave the name "Hollywood" to the place. Wilcox has actively developed the community with the aim to sell residential lots to wealthy buyers looking for a place to spend winters under the hot sun of California.

The community has flourished rapidly with rich houses, but its independence was not for long. Due to the lack of water, the community was decided to make part of Los Angeles with its abundance of water. Thus, since 1903 Hollywood is a district of the greater Los Angeles.

The first film studio was established in 1911, when the Nestor Company bought an old tavern. The mild climate and abundance of open spaces have made this place very attractive for the rapidly growing movie industry and soon many studios and sets have sprang up in Hollywood. The city faced a major influx of residents and money, with many clubs, restaurants, banks, offices and apartment buildings being built to serve the movie making industry.

This rapid growth has caused a clash between the new and the old residents of the city, with agricultural spaces being used for building purposes. What was a field a few years ago was now a big office building. The urbanization of the city and its unique cultural context has lead to a very original mix of architectural styles being seen today: from Art Deco to Spanish Colonial and everything in-between.

Hollywood has seen many changes during its history and still remains a very active environment. Today you will find any business in the city. With many studios moving outside the area and many stars - to Beverly Hills, many record companies and studios have made Hollywood their place of residence. And this is definitely not the last change Hollywood will see in its history.

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Water Sports in Destin

Find hotels in Destin and see what this beautiful resort can offer for active leisure. Here we'll tell you about some of them

Kayaking

If you're a fan of kayaking, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favorite leisure in Destin. You will find kayak rent services on the beaches with the prices varying around $15-20 for one- or two-person kayaks per hour. There are no age restrictions on kayaking but the paddler must be able to operate the boat in water.

Parasailing

You can also find parasailing services on the beaches of Destin, which offer thrilling rides for up to three persons per boat. That means you can share the fun with your family or friends. The boat will take you out into the Gulf of Mexico where the view on the Emerald Coast is really unimaginable. Parasailing usually costs around $50 per person for a ride.

Jet-Skis

Jets-Skis, Wave Runners or more officially Personal Watercraft can be rented in numerous locations of Destin Harbor. The laws of Florida require the person renting a Personal Watercraft to be at least 18 years old, and at least 14 to operate the vehicle. Although, many services have their individual regulations regarding rent, operations and training.

Catamarans

Catamaran sailboats are more complicated to operate but much more fun and exciting to ride. That's why most vendors you will find in Destin Harbor provide and operator together with the sailboat, unless you can prove that you are agile and experienced enough to operate a catamaran on your own. Catamarans are generally faster than the ordinary single-hull sailboats but require more skills from the operator because they tend to heel and lean over in strong wind. If you are an adrenaline junkie, there's no better way to pump your heart faster. And the Emerald Coast waters will give you an incredible surrounding for your ride.

Motor Boats

You can also find a large variety of motor boats in the Destin Harbors. It is a great way to explore the surrounding areas and inland waters of the Emerald Coast and generally have a great time on water. Motor boat vendors have individual regulations regarding the age of operators so be sure to check with the services before renting a boat.

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There's no harm in missing a little sleep

We all go through times in our lives when sleep seems difficult. Some times, we just can't drop off. Other times, we wake early and can't get back to sleep. So we walk around the next day looking and feeling like one of the living dead. When evening comes, we drop exhausted in bed and sleep comes again. These occasional nights are nothing to worry about. Insomnia is a more persistent loss of sleep over weeks, months and, in some cases, years. If this does creep up on you, seeking help and advice earlier rather than later is best. But before you go and beat down the door of your local healthcare provider, just a few words of advice. Many people will tell you eight hours of sleep every night is the minimum requirement. This is nonsense. Everyone is different. Your body tells you what amount of sleep is appropriate for your lifestyle. Some people do well on four or five hours a night. Others find they can't function properly unless they get nine or ten hours of uninterrupted slumber. The key point is whether your ability to work is being affected. Stop listening to what others tell you. What does your own body tell you? If you're happy and well-adjusted in your life, your relationships are calm and even-tempered, and your boss approves of your performance at work, there's no need to worry. You're doing well and there's no need to force more. But if everything is falling apart, you need help. The first response is that you buy ambien, whether on prescription in your local drugstore or online where it's cheaper. This is a reliable and safe drug to take over a short time. The strategy is to give you a series of nights with good sleep. But ambien should not be considered a long-term solution to the problem. If at all possible, you should find ways of coping without becoming dependent on a tablet. In the case of insomnia, there are a number of simple steps you can take to begin relearning the art of sleep. Once you start feeling stronger through the use of ambien, it's time to make the changes. If your medical insurance covers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or you can afford to pay for private counseling, sign up. This form of therapy is simple and effective in teaching you how to sleep again. If this is unaffordable, stop napping during the day, fix a time in the evening for going to bed, make the bedroom dark and as soundproof as possible, look at improving comfort both in the mattress and temperature, and so on. These are simple and easily managed steps to recover sleep. If you still find you are tired, have a second quick burst of ambien and then go back to habit building without drugs.

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Hope burns ever bright

This October has seen hopes rise high and bright into the virtual sky. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) went on record saying they had, at a stroke, shut down one of the major sites that sustains the flood of spam that keeps our inboxes so full of exciting reading material. Our lives just would not be the same without all the clever new ways these spammers keep inventing to beat our filter systems. Just how many different ways are there of representing generic viagra with $@# filling in the letters? Or have you noticed the new use of jpg images. The filters don't seen to be able to get a handle on them. It's the same with the old style ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) pictures that started arriving late September. You have to admire the tenacity of these people. They keep churning out more and more special offers. Who are all these men prepared to risk their hard-earned dollars on these offers of enhanced performance through viagra or less well-known products? It's amazing people still fall for all the snake oil patter rather than buying through reputable sites like this. Anyway, back to the theme. We've been buried under an increasing mountain of spam trying to sell generic viagra but the US FTC has been working on the case. At a press conference called October 14, they told the world that we could expect less spam. They had acted under the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 which makes it an offense to hide the origin of the messages, not give a postal address or allow an opt-out. Several key sites had been shut down. Yeh, right. So, we've got this international group that masterminds the marketing and the actual sales of medications both real and fake. They are making money as fast as the government can print it and, somehow, the US Government figures they don't have back-up servers and any Plan B. Was there any reduction in the volume of spam? Not so you'd notice. All observers seem to think that business was almost completely unaffected. Whatever it was the FTC so triumphantly thought it had achieved, it had no noticeable effect. The same flood of spam advertising generic viagra and other products has continued to flow. So let all this be a lesson to you. Keep on filtering out the spam and only buy your generic viagra through reputable sites like this one. That way you can guarantee the best price and the quality of the drug you receive.

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Teeth whitening or tooth bleaching methods

A lot of people have heard something about teeth whitening but they don't know all the facts about it. This keeps them from possibly benefiting by whitening their teeth. In regard to teeth whitening, here are a number of facts you need to know.

1. Lots of people do not realize that there are teeth whitening methods at various cost levels. You don't have to continue being embarrassed because of your stained or discolored teeth. The choices for teeth whitening range from the easy and affordable dental strips to the very costly treatments of dental whitening. With a bit of research, you should be able to find a method that you can afford and that you have time for in your schedule.

2. If you have concerns regarding safety, you will be happy to learn that the teeth whitening methods used most often, such as the ones that use peroxide, are quite safe. In some instances, temporary discomfort may occur, including gum irritation or sensitive teeth. The cause of gum irritation is usually a poorly fitting tray and not the whitening procedure itself. Above all, any pain will only last a little while and you will soon feel better. Its effectiveness and safety is also recognized by the American Dental Association.

3. In case you are wondering whether teeth whitening is worth the cost and inconvenience, let me assure you that there are many benefits. Perhaps the most important benefit is the instant effect on a person's social confidence. Experience has shown that people who previously had stained or discolored teeth became greatly more self-confident. In addition, it is also beneficial for those who think their ugly smiles cause them to be less attractive to people of the opposite sex. A bit of discomfort and expense are small prices to pay for being able to smile without embarrassment.

4. It is true that a few people might be uncomfortable after a basic teeth whitening process. Minimizing this discomfort is quite possible. If you have a problem with teeth sensitivity, then the best thing you can do is take a break in between procedures. However, if you are still having a certain amount of sensitivity, you might try using toothpaste that is made for sensitive teeth. If you are continuing to have pain because of the tray, then you should wear it for shorter amounts of time. Although it will increase the time for the completion of the procedure, it will decrease the amount of discomfort.
 
5. You can obtain results with home treatments that are similar to results obtained in dental office treatments. It has been proven that you will get the same results whether you have your teeth whitened at a dentist's office or you use the teeth whitening kit at home. The main difference will be the amount of time required to achieve the results. By going to the dentist, you can see good results within one or two visits, while using the home whitening kit will normally take 1 or 2 weeks before you see any results. But performing a home treatment is much more cost effective than the professional treatment.

6. Sadly, teeth whitening will not last for ever. Results usually last from 6 months to a year; following this time period, you must have more treatments if you want your teeth to remain white. The amount of time it will last will totally depend on your personal habits, such as smoking, chewing tobacco, etc. The effects of the dental office teeth whitening treatment will last a lot longer than the dental whitening strips or other cheaper treatments. However a lot people save money with home treatment whitening kits because once they have the tray, they only have to purchase the gel.
 
7. Many people believe that they can maintain white teeth if they scrub very hard with a hard bristled toothbrush. This does not work at all. In fact, it can actually harm your teeth by wearing away the enamel on your teeth. The layer below the enamel is known as dentin and is usually yellow or brown; this is not the color that you want your teeth to be!

8. The toothpastes claiming they can whiten your teeth are barely effective. They have mild abrasive and polishing agents which will help to remove the surface stains and thereby lighten your teeth one shade. They do nothing for severely stained or discolored teeth. The whitening claim is mainly hype.
 
9. A lot of teeth staining occurs because of some food products such as soy sauce that have dark pigments. Cherries and other berries can also stain the teeth. Coffee, tea, cola, and cranberry juice are some of the beverages that can stain the teeth. A very good way to keep your teeth from being stained is to use a straw when you drink any kind of staining beverage and brush your teeth as soon as possible.
 
10. You should be very careful of home teeth whitening remedies which others have recommended. Check these out in depth before giving them a try. Although they might be natural, using acidic products can cause the calcium in teeth to be eaten away. Some believe if you rub lemon juice or lemon peels on your teeth it will help to whiten them. The acid in the lemon can pull the calcium from the teeth and cause tooth decay to occur much faster.

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Lyrics from the grave tell it like it is in Mexico

In the days long ago, when you were just a twinkle in your Daddy's eye, there was a group called the Village People. They were mildly successful, one of their biggest hits being Macho Man. The key lyrics in the verse are, "Every man ought to be a macho macho man. . . He's a special person in anybody's land." Looking back, it now see it was a terrible song (really boring and repetitive), but the spirit of those words has persisted until today. Machismo is a Spanish/Portuguese words, now adopted into English, and it refers to the way in which a man carries himself, and the general social system in which men see themselves as the superior gender. The spirit of machismo is alive and well in North America and nowhere more so than in Mexico where men still strut their stuff, even into old age. But, as men age, their strutting can sometimes leave something to be desired. In the richer countries north of the Rio Grande (or the Río Bravo del Norte), this is less of a problem because more older men can afford the cost of the little blue pill (bought on Main Street, it's quite expensive, but bought online, it's quite cheap). South of the river, only the rich have access to the internet and the credit cards with which to pay. The mass of poor men have no remedy. In a country where machismo prevails, this is a real social problem. Every man ought to be macho, no matter how old he is. The answer has taken a little time to come, but it's arrived with typical male panache. The scale of the problem the city is facing? The governor of the federal district including Mexico City estimates that 70% of the elderly may be suffering from erectile dysfunction. The idea that these men should be abandoned when their needs are greatest is unthinkable. So, as from December 1, Mexico City is going to start giving out free viagra to the old and poor. In Mexico, you understand, everyone has the right to be happy. And if this means an exercise in big government, using tax payers' money to help out the old, then it's all in a good cause. With a new President-elect caught on microphone during the US election campaign admitting he is in favor of redistributing wealth, it will be interesting to see whether this Mexican policy will inspire the north. Let's put it in simple terms. Vast numbers of people on both sides of the border do not carry medical insurance and do not have access to routine medical care. The Mexican view is that a society that fails to provide adequate medical treatment for the elderly is treating them with disrespect. Alongside the viagra will be a general health screening process. It will give these men some of their dignity back and hopefully catch many other health problems at the same time. In the US, the elderly poor are finding that federal funding is being cut for their care. No cheap viagra for them.

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Buying online allows some men to avoid restrictions

Drug manufacturers routinely lobby governments and the result is that both tend to say the same kind of things. On the question of whether people should be allowed to buy drugs without a prescription, both raise the question of public safety. Most medications are powerful and, unless patients are checked out before use, there can be unfortunate side-effects or, in the worst cases, serious injury from the use of the drug. When asked to comment on the rise of online pharmacies that will sell drugs without a prescription, the public safety issue is repeated. It's bad if people can evade the measures put in place to protect them. Worse, there's no guarantee that the online pharmacy will supply the right drug. And, in fairness, it's always a good idea for people to consult their local healthcare provider before using any drug, and people should only buy online from pharmacies that come highly recommended (as in those reached through this site). All of which brings me to a case that's making headlines on the inside pages of newspapers in Brooklyn. We're interested in the activities of Elvis Elano. The Christian name gives away his age with his birth coming at the height of the King's fame. Anyway, this forty-something man has been carrying on an affair with a fifty-something woman. He was determined to ensure his performance was never less than perfect so he relied on the little blue bill. There was just one problem. He could not afford to have suspicious plain brown packages arriving at his home address. So his mistress was more than happy to co-operate, allowing him to use her address for delivery purposes. So far, this all looks like a routine case of adultery except that there's one small fact omitted from the description that converts this into a rather different situation. Elvis is not married. He's a sexually experienced man who routinely bought his viagra online, knowing that he sometimes had problems. But the nature and extent of Elvis' problems have grown in dramatic ways. He's a Catholic priest, now suspended from his work in the diocese and the Catholic hospital where he also acts as a counselor and confessor. He's accused of being predatory. The woman was going through a divorce and was looking for spiritual guidance from the priest. It's alleged he said their meeting was not an accident, that a relationship with him had been ordained by God. This potentially coercive seduction technique found a willing party and, for seven months, the viagra worked its magic. Now, the knives are out and multi-million dollars of damages are being claimed from the priest and the diocese for failing to supervise him. All of which brings us back to the point that, if he had been forced to go to his own physician to get a prescription for the viagra, questions would have been asked about the vow of celibacy. Because he could buy viagra online, he avoided one of the methods for detecting inappropriate use. Not quite what the pharmaceutical companies would have had in mind, but it does fit their public safety concerns.

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