Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles schools have had several run-ins over the past couple of years. Villaraigosa has been trying to gain control over the Los Angeles schools through both the legislature and the courts. Thus far, his efforts have been only marginally successful, having been given some control at the end of last summer. “““`

This latest drama has at its center a high school student called Zoner. This creative lad, who attends Santee High School, decorated a bus with graffiti in early March of this year. Unfortunately for Zoner, the mayor and Los Angeles schools Superintendent David Brewer were riding on the bus.

Villaraigosa’s solution to the situation was that the boy needed mentoring — his mentoring. The mayor proceeded to apply to the Los Angeles schools as a mentor for Zoner.

The Los Angeles schools has a set procedure for potential mentors. They must first complete a one-page application. Then, they must submit to a tuberculosis test and fingerprinting. Finally, they are interviewed by the principal at the school in which they wish to mentor. The entire process can take up to a month to complete.

There currently are 2,000 mentors within the Los Angeles schools, offering a diverse background and experience to the students. Santee High School already has 40-50 mentors on campus at any given week. Movie stars and celebrities give drama and dance lessons. Financial gurus teach students about financial planning and business. Health professionals focus on nutrition and fitness. They have all followed the mentor application process with very little complaint.

Though it is obvious that the procedures have been created for the protection of the children, Villaraigosa has been very vocal about what he sees as jumping through too many hoops. He has publicly accused the Los Angeles schools of rejecting outside help, saying that the extensive procedures are more proof that the Los Angeles schools impede even the best intentions. In his frustration, the mayor has said they are doing everything possible to refuse his assistance with Zoner.

Santee Principal Vince Carbino and his supervisors at the Los Angeles schools, said the mayor must follow the same process as all the other mentor applicants. Carbino further stated that it is his responsibility to deal with Zoner by assisting him with any problems, educating him and focusing on behavioral change in order to ensure the teen graduates and is successful in life. It also is his responsibility to ensure the safety of all students in every area of their school life, including mentors. What Villaraigosa sees as politics, Carbino sees as simply protecting his students.

Additionally, Carbino stated that before the Los Angeles schools can approve the mayor as a mentor to Zoner, the boy must first work with the school’s psychiatric social worker for several weeks. Then, the student and his family would decide if they want Villaraigosa’s mentoring. He just cannot insinuate himself into Zoner’s life without regard to the boy’s feelings or his family’s wishes.

Los Angeles schools’ director of School Volunteer Program is Susan Snelgrove. She has offered to fast track the mayor’s application, but she was adamant that he must follow the same procedures as everyone else.

What do Zoner’s classmates think about the whole drama? They were not too thrilled about the mayor interfering with a student. They said he could do more good by focusing on making their neighborhoods safer and cleaner.

Patricia Hawke is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations and education for relocating families. For more information please Los Angeles Schools

The Colonial look is steeped in tradition, but with distinctly American undertones. Here are some tips and guidelines to make this look a reality in your home.

You have a bit of elbow room to play with when orchestrating your color scheme. Using distinctive colors like vermilion, indigo, and olive mimics the colors found in affluent homes of the time. Mellow, earthy hues like brown, yellow and green gives you a color palette used by modest families of the period.

Candles and lanterns were a signature lighting instrument during the Colonial era, and it’s easy to get that same look today. Simulated tapers, with a tiny bulb replacing a flame, are a common design in today’s lighting market. Find chandeliers and sconces that implement the same wrought iron or brass metal finishes that were found in the fixtures of the time. If you want a more opulent style, concentrate on glass chandeliers embellished with dangling crystals.

A colonial room mixes Queen Anne and Chippendale styles with classic American elements. Characteristics of Queen Anne furniture include the elegantly feminine cabriole leg that curves from chair to floor, and the “S” scrolls that shape the pieces. Besides chairs, select tables and chests that feature cabriole legs for a cohesive look that runs throughout the entire room. Chippendale chairs are another possibility, with straight front legs and bowed or pierced slat backs. To transition from English traditional to American Colonial, simply insert some American design staples like a secretary desk, a handsome and functional fixture that adds charm to living spaces. Chest-on-chests, dining tables with drop leaves, highboys and matching lowboys and Windsor chairs will also do nicely.

Dig out any heirloom samplers from your family attic and break out the silver or pewter service ware for display on your sideboard. Colonial style focuses on the hearth, so if you have one, make it the focus of your design and enhance it with molding and carved mantels. You can draw attention to your fireplace by hanging large paintings or prints over it if you don’t have a mantel. Another signature accessory, the grandfather clock, complements dignified furniture like secretary desks, and varieties can be found with lacquers, broken pediments and finials. Lastly, tie in your windows with drapes them with festoon blind and French draw curtains.

For a HUGE selection of bedroom furniture including beautiful modern platform beds visit GREENCulture.com.

The Rio Safari Elche - Located between Santa Pola and Elche in the central Costa Blanca region of Spain, is the wonderful animal park, the Rio Safari Elche. All the family will enjoy a trip to this excellent park with plenty to offer new and returning visitors alike.

Located conveniently on the road from Santa Pola to Elche (CV-865) it is well signposted and easy to find. Before making the trip it could be well worth your while to visit your local tourist office as there are usually discount vouchers to be found or even “children go free” vouchers. Pick up a leaflet and a map while you are there.

Apart from the park itself, there are other attractions at the Rio Safari Elche, these include picnic areas where you can enjoy your own snacks and refreshments in shady spot and a swimming pool with fun slides, so be sure to take your towels and swimming costumes (not forgetting sun tan lotion!). There are refreshments available at the park but it is more fun to take your own.

Throughout the day at the Rio Safari Elche there are ‘train’ rides which go in amongst the animals, giving visitors a chance to take some great photos and see the many animals up close and personal. There are also animal shows during the day which should not be missed and are included in the ticket price. These entertaining shows include a sea-lion show, a parrot show and an excellent elephant show.

Whilst wandering through the Rio Safari you will find plenty of opportunities to feed the animals, there is usually food available to buy in the park shop but it is cheaper to take your own. Carrots and monkey nuts seem to be the most popular and most of the animals seem to enjoy either or both of these. The giraffes appear to be the most popular animals to feed and they absolutely love carrots, the giraffes will come gently down and take a carrot from a child’s hand, but watch out for that tongue! Keep an eye open for the prairie dogs, they are liable to pop out of a hole in the ground at any time, looking for monkey nuts, they are quite tame and with a bit of coaxing may even take a nut from your hand.

The goat pen is sometimes open for visitors to go inside and carrots may be on sale at the entrance for feeding them. However the goats can be a little over-enthusiastic at the sight of a carrot, so a little care is needed.

The variety of different animal species that can be seen at the Rio Safari is mind boggling and includes crocodiles, chimps, monkeys, deer, antelope, buffalo, emus, ostriches, lions, tigers, jaguars, llamas, camels, giraffes, an elephant and a hippo. Another popular section is the parrot house featuring some very colourful specimens, also the reptile house and aquarium, with a good variety of snakes, lizards and fish.

The safari has been recently undergoing some renovations and improvements to make the experience even more enjoyable for visitors. As these improvements continue the park will no doubt become even more popular and attractive for visitors.

So ends our little journey to the Rio Safari Elche, during a holiday on the Costa Blanca in Spain, be sure to set aside a day to spend under the four thousand palms and wonder at the great variety of animal species to be seen there - it will be an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Easy to find and well signposted, the Rio Safari Elche is situated just off the Santa Pola to Elche road ( the CV-865).

This article on the Rio Safari Elche was written by Steve Locke who lives in Cabo Roig on the southern Costa Blanca. To see more pictures and information on the Rio Safari look here => http://needahandspanishproperties.com/rio-safari-elche.html to see a picture of the baby hippo look here:- http://needahandspanishproperties.com/hippo.html

Are you profiting from O.P.P.? If not, why not?

We know many of you have the desire and dream of running your own home-based business. But,
like so many people, you’re not sure where or how to start.

You’re not sure what type of business you should look for. You’re not sure if you could do it.

You’re not sure if you really can achieve the financial freedom you want for yourself and your
family.

You’re confused by all the get rich quick scams you see all around you. You can’t pick up a
newspaper or get on the web without falling over an ad telling you that yes, you too, can be a
millionaire by next Tuesday if you just buy my Secret Formula.

You’d happily make the investment of time, money and energy, if only you could find a business
that was legitimate. You’re smart enough to know that any business worth having takes effort
and requires time to grow.

But what to do?

Well, let us ask again. Are you profiting from O.P.P.? If not, why not?

What would you do if you found a business that:

* could generate multiple streams of income

* would work in any area of the country

* could be worked both in your local area and nationally

* could be worked both on and off the web

* and, can be started either in your spare time or part time

Would you possibly think you should take a serious look at this business?

We’ll ask one more time. Are you profiting from O.P.P.? If not, why not?

OK, we know you really can’t answer this question yet. Why, because we haven’t told you what
O.P.P. is.

We can tell you the business we described above is real and it revolves around the O.P.P.
principle.

We can hear you now, enough already. What is O.P.P.?

Very simply put, O.P.P. is Other Peoples Products.

Yes, you can build a great business and make a wonderful income, all from your home office,
using Other Peoples Products.

And no, we are not suggesting you break into your neighborhood merchant, steal their inventory
and sell it.

What we are talking about is a wonderful business that allows you to generate immediate cash
flow and build for your future. Simply put, it is the business of being a rep or distributor for other companies. Companies who have done the hard work of developing products, marketing materials, advertising, etc. All work you can take advantage of with your own business.

There are many companies offering different affiliate or distributor opportunities to those who
would like to operate a home-based business. Every year, thousands of people get started building for the future by becoming distributors or affiliates. Look around at the various
sites on the web and see for yourself.

Becoming a distributor or affiliate gives you the ability to reach your financial freedom, with O.P.P., Other Peoples Products. All it takes is the desire to succeed and some time investment
on your part.

What are the benefits to the business owner?

* Little start-up capital needed in most cases.

* Little or no credit needed. You are selling their products so your credit isn’t usually a factor.

* Business can be started simply, no major equipment to buy, unless you don’t have the basics already.

* Business can be operated full time, part time or in your spare time.

* Best of all, the business can be operated from your own home office

As you can see, becoming an affiliate or distributor comes very close to being the Perfect
Home-Based Business.

Don’t you think you owe it to yourself to explore the potential of O.P.P.

What are you waiting for?

The next article in the series will cover the difference between a distributor and a representative. And the last article of the three will give you a realistic idea of what we think you can earn.

Copyright 2007, DeFiore Enterprises

We offer Solutions for the Home Based Entrepreneur. We’ve been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 22 years, so we know we can help you too. Come see how we can help you operate a successful home based business as a rep or distributor for special interest, nostalgic and historic vintage DVDs: http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com

No one will deny that the automobile is one of the greatest
single invention in all of recorded human history. Travel time
has been reduced from weeks and months to days, and sometimes
hours or minutes, because of it. Yet the problem is that we have
become too dependent on it. Motorized transportation has been
abused.

People will drive their cars to go to the corner store. And what
about the malls? They will literally fight for the opportunity to
park as close to the entrance as possible—even if they have to
park illegally, or in spots designated for the handicapped! No
doubt if people could park in the lobby, they would.

What is the trade-off for the misuse of the automobile? The
opportunity to walk is lost. Walking is great for cardiovascular
conditioning and weight control (which translates into weight
loss for a great majority of people.) America is already a nation
of overfed and under exercised people.

In countries where cars are owned by the wealthy few, people walk
much more than we do here in America. Americans average less than
a mile a day whereas people in other nations average several
miles. No wonder we are a nation of overweight and obese
individuals with bulging waist lines. We are eating more (mostly
the wrong kinds of foods) and exercising less.

I recently had to leave my Ford Explorer at a body shop for
repairs to the rear bumper. When I left my truck at the shop, I
was asked if I needed a ride home. I said “no.” The attendant
then asked me if I was sure. I said “yes,” I was sure. This body
shop is about ½ mile from where I live. I could easily have
gotten a ride home.

God has a plan for each and every one of us. That plan can only
be completely fulfilled when we are physically capable of
performing it.

How could the apostle Paul have fulfilled his mission if he was
overweight, and couldn’t walk a couple of miles without doubling
over from exhaustion and pain? What if his body suffered from
high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or other
crippling medical problems brought on by lack of exercise and
poor eating habits? He probably would have died prematurely
before establishing all of the churches we read about in the New
Testament portion of the Bible!

In saying all of this I am not minimizing the importance of the
automobile. It is a necessity in today’s society. I would be the
first to admit it. But at the same time no one should allow it to
deprive the body of the exercise it needs. Remember the adage
‘use it or lose it?’ Well it’s true. Unused or under utilized
muscles will atrophy and grow weak.

Joseph Elijah Barrett is president of Spirit of Truth Ministries which promotes health and wellness. This article is based on his new book “Living a God-Glorifying Life Through Good Health.” This book may be purchased through Spirit of Truth Ministries at the following link: http://www.spirit-of-truth.com.

Joseph is a certified Nutrition Specialist. He brings his message of health and wellness through exercise and nutrition to community and church groups, book signings and other venues.

Joseph is available for lectures and seminars. He can be contacted at email address: inquiries@spirit-of-truth.com.

Love and sex are a couple of things that keep us going in our relationships but getting to that point can be very stressful with all the firsts that we have to get through. There is the first date, first phone call, first evening out, first kiss, first evening together. All these firsts are going to be the makeup of the relationship and the deciding factors on whether or not the relationship will go anywhere. In this article we are going to focus on the first kiss.

1. It is rare to get anything right on the first try and because of this there are many awkward first date moments. There are bound to be many first mistakes in and out of bed. If you get through these then they can provide a lot of humorous memories later on in your relationship. However it is still important to try and keep the mistakes to a minimum.

2. Of course the first time is going to be a nervous one for you so it’s important to have the right setting set up. Once you think the time has arrived and both of you are comfortable for you then it may be time to plan for the first kiss. You want this to happen in a place that’s familiar to both of you and an intimate setting would probably be a good idea.

3. You don’t have to wait for butterflies in your stomach or fireworks to go off. If you feel like the both of you are ready for that first kiss then you will know it and then you should just go for it. Just make sure you do cherish it because it could become a very special part of your relationship.

4. If you’re not entirely certain what she wants then you should just move in with a nice light, smooth kiss. If she doesn’t move back and it seems like she is enjoying the kiss then for the second kiss you could move in with a little more aggression and go for the French kiss. But make sure you are reading her right. A lot of times just a nice smooth kiss for the first date will get you a lot of points on the second date.

5. If you don’t care about the date ending early and you ending up alone then go ahead and go after the French kiss. I would suggest you not doing that simply because it could mess things up for a long time in the relationship if there even is a relationship after this. To her the first kiss could be the highlight of the relationship for a very long time.

So to conclude this it’s important not to mess things up on the first kiss. A lot of huff is made over the first kiss so it’s important to make sure things turn out right. So if you just find a nice quiet out of the way spot where your girl can slide into your arms and then you can kiss the night away then maybe just maybe you can consider your first kiss a success.

Dale has been married for over twenty years and because of this considers himself somewhat of a relationship expert. You can check out his relationship blog at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/
Or check out two more of his very popular blogs at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/
And http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/

Interested in doing your own Lookup Phone Reverse because of prank callers? You can do your own Lookup Phone Reverse quickly and easily without anyone ever knowing that you did a Lookup Phone Reverse operation. This article will show you what to do with prank callers and how a Lookup Phone Reverse search can help.

Lookup Phone Reverse – Prank Callers Step #1 - Inform

I remember when I was a small child, I’d sneak into my parent’s room, pick up the phone and dial a set of random numbers and then wait for someone to answer. When I did get a person on the line, I’d ask a silly question like, “Is your refrigerator running?” After the person responded with, “Why yes, it is” I’d say, “Well you’d better go catch it!” and then hang up.

I know, I know - silly kid’s stuff. But did you know that not all prank callers are just unattended children seeking unsolicited laughs? Some prank callers can actually be criminals “casing the joint” (checking out you and your house) looking for their next victim. In this case, it’s good to have a plan to implement in order to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The first thing you need to do if you have a regular prank caller is to notify the police. You can never be too sure and it is better to be safe than sorry. The police are well versed in this type of complaint and they will be able to give you some pointers about what to do with your prank caller the next time they call. In addition, when you make a complaint like this, the police will begin a record, which can then be used in court if and/or when the perpetrator is apprehended and prosecuted.

Lookup Phone Reverse – Prank Callers Step #2 - Trace

After the police have been informed, the next step for you to take is to trace the call. In the year 2007, most of us are very familiar with how the Caller ID functions on our phones work. Use this feature to record the phone number of your prank caller.

If your phone does not have this feature, most phone companies do provide a means for you to find out the identity of the phone number that just called you, though there is a charge applied to your account for its use.

Lookup Phone Reverse – Prank Callers Step #3 – Conduct

After the police have been informed and you have traced (and recorded) the phone number of your prank caller, your next step to take involves you conducting a Lookup Phone Reverse search. Your results will tell you WHO is calling, WHERE the number is located, the PHONE COMPANY the number belongs to, and the ADDRESS of the owner (when available). This information will prove to be invaluable in ridding yourself of pesky pranksters or apprehending and prosecuting any criminal element.

In dealing with prank callers, we need to notify the police, trace the call and then do a covert Lookup Phone Reverse operation. After you’ve done all of this, you’ll soon be rid of those prank calls. Now go catch your fridge!

There are many companies that can offer you a Lookup Phone Reverse service. I’ve done ALL the research for you and found what I believe to be the BEST one. Click Here to find out how you can get the answers you deserve… http://www.squidoo.com/cell-lookup-phone-reverse/

One of the greatest joys in basketball is shooting the basketball. From early ages we dream of the day we can shoot the ball with strength, distance, and accuracy. You can be 99 years old and shoot the ball at the park for fun. No skill in the game brings the level of fulfillment as a jump shot ripping the nets.

Youth sports are organized for all kids to play an equal amount of time. This innocent period is represented by the "winning isn’t important" motto. All kids participate and learn as they play. Little thought is given to who shoots, who rebounds, or who gets to play the point guard position. Unfortunately this period of time is short lived.

By age 10, youth basketball gets serious as parents and kids settle into roles and positions. Winning often becomes the goal at the expense of individual fundamental development and teamwork. This is a crucial time as better players are set aside from the rest of the team. Basketball games are determined by the high team score. Obviously, the coaches of these 10-year olds want to win as much if not more than the kids. To accomplish this, they direct the best kids to shoot the ball to score team points at a maximum level. Is this approach wrong? Only you can decide that.

Let’s look at this dilemma through the game of golf. Popular weekend golf events known as best-shots have taken over most courses on the Saturdays and Sundays. The way these four man teams are put together explains the reason I chose this title, "Hey Coach, Why Can’t I Shoot?"

The wise golf captain chooses his team carefully; a big driver off the tee, a couple of sharpshooters from the fairway, and a can’t miss putter. With care, each player brings to the table an outstanding skill that can help his team in a tough spot. Would it make any sense to assemble a team of four monster ball strikers with no putting or short game skills? Of course not, right!

Parents often fail to understand the philosophy behind what is called the 60 by 2 concept. An average team will have two main scorers flanked by several others who chip in a few points a night. These two players are not necessarily the two best shooters, but the two best scorers. Check any team and this theory will be present. Just as the golf captain selects his players based on skills, the basketball coach needs to put his team together with the same design in mind. Instead of 5 points guards or 5 post players, a careful blend of abilities and sizes are needed.

Face it mom and dad, if your son or daughter is an average shooter he won’t be taking a lot of shots. Basketball, like most sports, is a game of numbers and percentages. The best players who are the best shooters and scorers take the most shots. The number can be around 60% or 70 % of all shots taken by the team. Shooting the ball at game time is not an equal opportunity proposition. Many find this hard to see or buy into, but the good coach knows how important this is to winning. No matter how much you expoain at times to the players, they keep asking "Hey Coach, Why Can’t I Shoot".

Randy Brown has passion for the game of basketball. He works as a basketball consultant and mentor for coaches. Visit him at http://www.coachrb.com for free resources, Q & A, newsletter, and coaching programs. A speaker and writer, he has authored 75 articles on coaching and is nationally published. His 18 years in college basketball highlights a successful 23-year career. Mentored by Basketball Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson at Arizona. Resume includes positions at Arizona, Iowa State, Marquette, Drake, and Miami of Ohio, 5 Conference Championships and 5 NCAA apprearances. His efforts have helped develop 12 NBA players including Steve Kerr, Sean Elliott, and Jaamal Tinsley. To contact Randy, email him at rb@coachrb.com.

Testing a pool cue to see if it’s warped is one of the easier tasks for a pool player. There are a few different ways to check, but by far the most popular and easiest way to see if your cue is warped is to roll it on the table. Here’s the step by step breakdown:

1. Lay your cue down on a pool table (put it together first if it’s a two piece cue).

2. Slowly, roll your pool cue across the table.

3. Keep your eye on the tip of the cue and watch it as you roll the cue. If the cue is warped, you’ll see it watching the tip, as the cue will “flop” and roll unevenly across the table.

Alternatively, you can hold the cue up at eye level and look down the cue from the butt. Hold the cue out and slightly downward, slowly turning the cue as you look down the cue from the butt to the tip.

Whenever you buy a pool cue, the first thing you should do is roll it to make sure it isn’t warped. If the cue rolls to your satisfaction, chalk it and play with it, but if you notice a significant warp, call before chalking the cue in order to have a replacement sent out.

It should also be noted that because pool cues are made of wood, they will all warp over time. Some manufacturers like Viking Cues offer lifetime warranties on their cues against warping, so if warping is a major concern check the warranty before you buy.

For more information on how to play pool and where to find pool cues and more information about the game of pool visit us at http://www.pooldawg.com.

Mike Feiman
PoolDawg.com

You’ve said it! You’ve thought it! How much pain medication is enough? The truth is that each patient is born with or develops their own unique pain threshold and tolerance. Supposedly, your medical doctor has been given the licensure to prescribe the right dose level for you.

We are talking about chronic pain problems here. Ones that drag you into depression, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, and isolation. You can’t live life suffering with intolerable chronic pain. Nobody can.

Seeking chronic pain relief becomes the one and only concern of any patient with chronic pain. All normal living patterns take second place.

Now, if that doesn’t get your dander up, what will?

Have you experienced these barriers to your pain treatment?

• Your very own doctor refuses to give you enough pain medication to make you comfortable enough to go about your daily living chores.

• Obtaining refills of prescription pain medications, especially narcotic drugs, is a major battle.

• You are considered a narcotic addict by family, friends, and your doctor.

• Floods of addiction warnings hit you from every direction.

• Repeated intimidation and insinuations by health care providers about your use of pain medication brings you to your knees.

• You are considered a liar and manipulator first, and a chronic pain sufferer patient secondly.

• Has anyone taken the time to find out how much pain medication is enough for you?

And you wonder why all this is being put on you when you don’t deserve it? It’s so easy to get good strong pain medication for a sprained ankle, but not for persistent pain. If you think there is a lot more going on behind the scenes, you are right!

It isn’t you or your doctor that decides how much pain medication is enough—the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) and Medical Boards (appointed by the state governors) are taking over the job.

They work under the premise that many doctors over-prescribe narcotic pain medications that patients fool doctors into doing, and then patients purposely use the medications for street drug business. Your medical doctor is equated with a street drug trafficker.

The government fight against illegal drug traffic steers right down through your doctor to your low back pain problem.

How does the DEA find out about a doctor over-prescribing narcotic pain medication?

1. Pharmacists report to the DEA all unusual (let’s say—what they personally believe to be amounts of narcotics that are well above what average doctors prescribe) narcotic over-prescribing practices by local doctors (for patients filling their prescriptions at their pharmacy).

Although it is not public knowledge, there is an underground railroad of narcotic prescribing habits of doctors circulating among the local and regional pharmacies. Of course they’ll deny it forcefully. Who could prove it?

2. DEA investigations of narcotic addicts that lead back to a doctor.

3. DEA oversight of the doctor’s use of special approved narcotic prescription pads (issued in at least 8 states) they issue to doctors registered with the DEA (permits them to prescribe Schedule II narcotics).

4. State Medical Board investigations of “borderline” doctors who repeatedly are in trouble with the board.

Are many doctors caught over-prescribing? Research indicated in 1995 that 392 doctors were in violation, 11 were pursued, and one conviction resulted. It sure doesn’t sound like much, but the impact is felt throughout the medical profession.

Doctors are gun-shy of the DEA! Why? Because most doctors are not aware of being investigated for over-prescribing narcotics. Suddenly one day federal agents invade the medical office, confiscate all records, and threaten the doctor.

Being blindsided like this commonly ruins the doctor’s reputation, destroys the medical practice, and includes Medical Board punishment—even if the doctor is later vindicated of all suspicion of wrong-doing.

If you were a doctor, would this scare you enough to restrict narcotic prescribing, or even quit prescribing them altogether? Destruction of a doctor’s professional career is a powerful motivation not to prescribe narcotics.

What do patient do?

• Join chronic pain message boards and forums on the Internet.

• Rely on non-prescription pain medications that rarely help.

• Find a doctor willing to take a risk and prescribe narcotics for your pain.

• Many reach the hopelessness phase and contact any doctor who believes in PAS (patient assisted suicide).

• Join other forums on the Internet having to do with discussions of pain treatment such as a pain relief forum.

• Try every form of alternative medical treatment (acupuncture, hypnosis, meditation, etc.) for pain.

• Search for strategies for coping with chronic pain and illness from all sources.

Anyone who tells you to, “learn to live with your pain,” has never been in chronic pain. They might even need a bodyguard if they say it to you again!

Patients join chronic pain message boards and forums and discover from other patients strategies for coping with chronic pain and illness. Even pain relief forums are beneficial for educating chronic pain sufferers.

Many more patients die (or destroy their health) from over-dosing with non-prescription (alternative) pain drugs than from using narcotic or prescription pain medications–a fact!

Tylenol can destroy the liver. Aleve, ibuprofens, and aspirin compounds can cause stomach and intestinal bleeding with ulcers. One study revealed that alternative medications kill 17,000 pain patients a year. That’s impressive!

Narcotic pain treatment can addict you, but it doesn’t kill you.

Want to know the truth about addiction to narcotics? First, two kinds of narcotic (opiate) addiction exist—psychological and physiological.

Physiological addiction is that which occurs with the use of narcotic pain medication for treatment of “REAL” pain. When the medication is no longer needed, you taper off the usage and are back to normal.

Psychological addiction is the narcotic addiction a person depends on to escape reality and problems of life that they can’t face and handle. Stopping the medication releases them back into the insurmountable turmoil of life that they use the narcotics to cover up.

It’s a brain verses pain difference.

• Join chronic pain message boards and forums on the Internet and communicate with other chronic pain patients who are in the same boat as you. Pain relief forums lead patients to new forms of treatment for chronic pain.

• Use these forums to discover strategies for coping with chronic pain and illness. You may find the one or two treatments you haven’t thought of. Sometimes patients stumble on to the secondary added on treatment that potentiates the effectiveness of the narcotics.

• Remember to be persistent in your search for chronic pain relief. There are doctors out there who will help you. Most will!

Anyone with chronic pain who doesn’t believe that they are being held hostage by the DEA and Medical Boards must believe that their sacrifice is more important than living itself—and must be a DEA or Medical Board employee.

I understand that saying all these things may put me at risk because I am a medical doctor. Those doctors in practice couldn’t and wouldn’t write these comments for the general public to read because of repercussions that would follow. Wake up folks! The “1984 Big Brother” era is here.

If you have the same concerns as I do, make your thoughts known. Don’t let the DEA tell you how much pain medication is enough.

References:

1. http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/paintreatment/a/chronicpain_4.htm

2. http://www.painmanagementdirectory.com/Results.aspx?query=Pain Management&sessionid=dhtm0m454jsq2155cdszm3mm&cc=us&ns=1

Pain management directory

3. http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/asap/DEADLYM.htm

4. http://www.druglibrary.org/toc.htm

Links to hundreds of government reports/articles on pain meds.

5. http://www.webmd.com/hw/pain_management/tr2775.asp

6. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/405853_print

7. Yeoman, Barry, “Prisoners of Pain” AARP

Health Report, pp 54:Sept.-Oct. 2005

Doctors fear FDA and prosecution for prescribing pain meds.

The author, Curt Graham, is a retired medical doctor who has written extensively on many topics over his 35 plus years in active medical practice as a specialist in OB-GYN. He has been published in MODERN PHYSICIAN, an elite publication for physician executives, and is credited as an “Platinum Expert Author” by EzineArticles.com Internet Directory.

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