Darwish, like many, didn’t start out as a drug addict. He did well in school, was very skilled at Tae Quan Do, and skateboarding and grew up in a family that provided him with a lot of opportunity. By the time he was 13 years old he was looking at professional skateboarding scholarship but instead started smoking marijuana. “I went to a pretty rough junior high school and began to get involved with smoking pot and hanging out with gangs,” says Darwish. “As a result, I lost interest in all my hobbies.”

Starting off with pot, Ramsy’s drug addiction soon escalated and he started using pills and other heavier drugs. Before he knew it, he had developed an addiction to opiates and prescription pain medication and was doing everything he could to get his next drug fix.

By the time Ramsey was ready for help, he had already burned all his bridges. “My family was hurt and it got to a point where they gave me an ultimatum - they weren’t going to watch me kill myself anymore”, he says.” They told me I could go to Narconon. I wanted help all a long but was scared.”

Despite his fear, Darwish hopped on a plane and enrolled in the Narconon program - a long-term residential drug rehab program with a more than 70 percent success rate for permanent recovery. Within weeks, under the care of Narconon Freedom Center, Ramsy started thinking about what it would be like to have a life without drugs. “When I went through the sauna detoxification program at Narconon I didn’t think about doing drugs anymore,” he says. “I started to be happy. I even noticed that I was laughing more.”

Today Darwish has been stably off drugs for several years and is happily married. He explains that the Narconon program gave him the ability to be in control of his life and to confront his problems. “I thought my life was over and I had missed my opportunities,” says Darwish. “It turns out I hadn’t.”

Ramsy’s advice to others through his CNN interview was to get help. “It is important to be able to leave and handle yourself,” he says. “You have to know that there’s hope and that things are fixable.”

If you or a loved one are addicted to prescription pain medication and need a successful drug and alcohol rehabilitation program contact Narconon Freedom Center today at 877-362-9682.

More information: www.freedomtreatmentcenter.com .

Transcript of CNN interview: transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0907/01/cnr.07.html .

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

Send2Press(R) is the originating wire service for this story, Copr. 2009.

Chef Soll describes the dish, “It combines items such as roasted red and green peppers, Jameson Irish whiskey, poblano peppers, brown sugar, garlic, onions, cumin, Worchester sauce, and more. I can’t give this potentially prize-winning recipe away, but come taste it yourself or order it online.”

Visit BONE FIRE Smokehouse at: www.BoneFireSmokeHouse.com for location, hours of operation, and online shopping.

This is a great opportunity for foodies and BBQ fans to put their favorite dish on the map. And, when people vote online, they’re automatically entered to win a top-of-the-line Weber Genesis Gas Grill valued at $900.

So, how does it work? Online voters visit www.VoteBoneFire.com and follow the links.

Voting takes place Friday, July 3rd at 10 a.m. through Sunday, July 5th at 10 a.m. Each week, the chef with the greatest number of votes will be invited to appear on LIVE in New York City to demonstrate their recipe.

On August 17th, the top two grillers will be announced - one will be named the “Ultimate Hometown Grill Off” winner and he or she will have the opportunity to appear in an upcoming issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

About Erich Soll

Chef Soll originally hails from New Jersey, but has lived in the south for most of his life. He is self-trained and was taught by numerous chefs through “on-the-job” training which gave him the confidence to try new things. He often relates to people that he was “cooking before cooking was cool.” Soll considers smoking foods an art and enjoys experimenting with different types of woods and flavors. He says that smoking foods is where his true passion lies and can often be found twirling his handlebar mustache while contemplating his next smoking challenge. (He only waxes for special occasions.)

As the Corporate Chef for Adapt Core, an umbrella organization that oversees an array of projects that include restaurant consulting, commercial general contracting, event promotions and business development, Chef Soll oversees all menu development, kitchen operations, value-added product development and special events for BONE FIRE Smokehouse and Kingsport Grocery Company.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

Send2Press(R) is the originating wire service for this story, Copr. 2009.

“When these images appeared in art installations more than a decade ago, many thought I was intentionally trying to create impressions of the female womb with at least two of the illustrations,” said Simmons. “This was not the goal; but the first such piece called ‘godheart’ does appear similar to a womb, but also an all-seeing eye, with both electric and metallic textures. This impression led me to the name of the piece. A later piece, ’spiralasm,’ does convey an intentional sense of the organic and the orgasmic.”

Simmons’ “Fractopia” series images have been featured in such venues as the “Bytes of Art” gallery shows that were hosted throughout San Francisco in 1997; the Cosmic Cafe online art gallery in 1996-7; and the first image in the series, ‘balls in sandtrap,’ was used as the full color cover for the 1997 California State University Long Beach (CSULB) Science and Technology course catalog.

“My favorite images are actually first, ‘fireonice,’ which to me seemed to imply a ghostly figure caught between the realm of fire and energy, and the extreme cold that can freeze thought and movement. This image is used for the book cover. I also used this image for the cover of my 2000 music CD release ‘Beserker.’ And my second favorite is called ‘prayer bubble,’ which appears to be two hands moving through water, filled with fractal bubbles, holding a sphere. This was loosely inspired by my wedding photos showing hands touching, which is why it was dedicated to my then spouse, Paula.”

Christopher Laird Simmons is an award-winning graphic designer, photographer, musician, and digital imaging professional. He has created original images for national magazine covers, product packaging, and managed diverse brand identity projects for more than 25 years. His first computer-based artwork was done for the Adventure International game “Stone of Sisyphus” in 1983, programmed by his younger brother, David.

Simmons is also a respected marketing guru and technologist, who has been interviewed by publications as diverse as Entrepreneur, PC World, Chicago Post-Tribune, and TrendWatch; and is one of the experts quoted in the book “Career and Corporate Cool” by Rachel C. Weingarten. He is the CEO of Neotrope®, and is a member of PRSA, and ASCAP.

“I created these images in a creative rush during the mid nineties,” added Simmons, “and Adobe Photoshop was my palette for these visions, along with filters from Kai Krause and John Knoll. I tried to take the chaos theory behind fractal imagery then combine that with deep colors and organic sensibilities to create something unique; finding and massaging shapes and patterns within the fractal elements and color gradients.”

FRACTOPIA(TM), the limited edition, ISBN-13: 978-0-9710555-0-6, is published in hardcover with slip cover; full color throughout, with video DVD. Size is approximately 9×11.5 inches. Price is $39.95 plus shipping.

More information: www.NeotropePress.com or www.FractopiaBook.com .

Send2Press(R) is the originating wire service for this story, Copr. 2009.

Last week says Jones, a Twitter frenzy between Heidi Montag and Miley Cyrus erupted - the two discussed infowars in an attempt on Montag’s part to wake Cyrus. Miley expressed her lack of knowledge on the subject but had genuine curiosity about Alex Jones and Infowars.com. The “Tweet” instantly went viral, grabbing the attention of Alex Jones who immediately invited the couple onto his show.

On the The Alex Jones Show, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag acknowledged the vital information Jones circulates and admitted their new obsession with Infowars.com. “I don’t even listen to the mainstream media anymore. I go on Infowars.com almost every day now!” said Heidi Montag.

Alex Jones addressed the use of celebrity to convey his message by stating, “When it comes to waking up the media saturated public, we will use any tool available. Luckily the truth speaks for itself and celebrities infected by it have no choice but to join us.”

After talking to the young couple, it became obvious that previous media attention they had garnered and slanderous campaigns directed their way were merely part of an agenda to keep America focused on trivial celebrity factoids instead of real stories about our government’s tyrannical actions at home and abroad.

“How are we so famous when the Climate Bill [HR 2454] isn’t even a trendy topic on Twitter?” asks the perplexed Pratt. “The only thing people should pay attention to is Infowars.com. We’re sorry we distracted you America - these other issues are way more important.”

In a final note at the end of the show, Pratt and Montag exclaimed “Death to the New World Order!” along with Alex. Pratt and Montag both promised to be good soldiers in the infowar.

Alex Jones is a nationally syndicated broadcaster and documentary filmmaker whose critically acclaimed documentaries include such titles as, “The Obama Deception,” “Endgame,” “TerrorStorm,” and “Martial Law.” An alternative media icon, he is frequently cited to be the leader of the September 11th Truth Movement.

For more information, visit: www.prisonplanet.com .

Tiffany Heinzelman is not one to sit around and just be thankful. Since her bout with cancer she has decided not only to fight back, but also to give back. She has been involved with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure ever since. “She was barely growing her hair back and barely able to stand on her own, yet she was determined to walk the Race for the Cure, to show she beat it and to be there for others who were still struggling,” says her husband, Charles Heinzelman. “I of course had to support her even though I was worried how she would do.” Tiffany not only walked that day, she has walked every walk since.

This past Saturday morning at 6 a.m., Tiffany and her supporters woke and prepared themselves for the annual Race for the Cure in San Antonio. There they gathered along with 28,974 others to raise money to support the vision of Nancy G. Brinker - a world without breast cancer. They walked and they helped to raise over $1,000,000 towards this cause.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly Susan G. Komen breast Cancer Foundation, was established in 1982. The organization began as a promise between Nancy G. Brinker and her sister Susan G. Komen who died of breast cancer at the age of 36. Komen has invested nearly $1 billion in breast cancer research and community outreach programs, becoming one of the world’s largest sources of funds fighting breast cancer.

Founded in 1997, Komen San Antonio has raised and invested more than $8 million. Seventy-five percent has funded local breast cancer programs that provide vital services to the medically under-served of San Antonio, Texas. The remaining twenty-five percent supports international breast cancer research through the Komen Award and Research Grant Program which supports groundbreaking breast cancer research and scientific programs around the world.

In 2002, the Financial Foundation Group through an affiliated company opened its doors with just three people. FFG has experienced a phenomenal growth rate over the past few years and today they have grown to have offices across the United States and approximately 65 people affiliated with the organization.

“I attribute our company’s growth to our involvement with every community we come into contact with,” Mr. Heinzelman, Senior Partner at Financial Foundation Group explains. “We always give back to our communities and I highly encourage that with every person we bring on board. Today we walked not only for my wife, but for our corporate accountant Kim Wheeler, also a survivor, and we walked for every mother, sister and daughter so that they may know a world without breast cancer.”

The management of the Financial Foundation Group is also registered representatives with and offer securities through NEXT Financial Group, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Foundation Group is not an affiliate of NEXT Financial Group, inc. NEXT is a national full service Broker/Dealer offering investment, retirement and insurance products and services which allows their representatives to offer financial products to suit each individual client’s needs.

The knowledgeable staff at FFG has access to a wide array of investment products and can provide assistance with life insurance choices and providing wealth building strategies.

The company’s Web site, FinancialFoundationGroup.com has current market information and summaries for clients to review. It also provides breaking financial news and the top Associated Press headlines and stories. Also, they have charitable events page if you wish to participate or donate or show support for next year’s walk on May 1st, 2010.

For more company information, visit: www.FinancialFoundationGroup.com .

“We’ve reduced the sticker shock of IVF so dramatically by absorbing the fees associated with cryopreservation and subsequent transfers, that we’re providing a financial incentive for patients to do the right thing - for themselves, their marriages, their financial futures and, most important, any babies they may have,” Kreiner said. “Our goal is to help people already under the stress of infertility, choose the possibility of one healthy child with each pregnancy.”

Recent headline-grabbing cases, such as the public dissolution of Jon and Kate Gosselin’s marriage, underscore the spectrum of perils associated with high order multiples. They range from infant mortality and disability to parental depression, divorce and economic disaster. The Single Embryo Incentive Program is the first financial package from a fertility center in this country that defrays the economic risk of using one embryo at a time.

“There’s the collateral damage of multiples that all doctors talk about, but few have come up with a solution,” said Pamela Madsen, nationally-known fertility advocate/blogger (www.thefertilityadvocate.com) and Director of Patient Education at East Coast Fertility. “Most American couples are uninsured for fertility treatment. They can barely scrape together payment for a single round of IVF and so they feel compelled to put in as many embryos as they can, hoping one will take. Unfortunately, their best intentions boomerang and the result is a medical tragedy that, often, is worse than the underlying infertility. In many European countries where fertility treatment is covered, single embryo transfer is the law.”

Kreiner, a pioneer in the field who trained under legendary IVF innovators Drs. Howard and Georgianna Jones, vowed to bring an end to the heartache and ruin that comes with high order multiples.

“I take this personally,” said Kreiner. “Over the years, I’ve become close with so many of my patients and have lived through their high-risk pregnancies, the surgeries on tiny infants and the collapse of many marriages under the strain. We doctors must do more than advise people that single embryo transfer is the prudent choice. We must make it possible for patients to make this choice and avoid the lifetime complications of high order multiples. That means shouldering some of the economic burden, especially for the uninsured and cash-strapped.”

He adds, “East Coast Fertility certainly makes less on the Single Embryo Incentive Program. But I feel it is our moral obligation to ensure that money doesn’t stop people from making the right decision.”

More information about East Coast Fertility: www.eastcoastfertility.com .

“I know this, because I see their smiles and hear their laughter. What they are usually not aware of is that we are working on strengthening range of motion, balance, postural reflexes, right/left discrimination, gross and fine motor skills, communication, visual perception, and cognitive and social skills.”

Their work with Therapy Dogs offers the benefit of unconditional, non-judgmental love; another type of therapy session which can be pleasurable as well as productive. Therapy Dogs encourage engagement in physical and educational activities. Dogs also help increase the desire to cooperate, and reduce distractions while increasing attention spans. Deb Saffren and her dog Cody, a Certified Therapy Dog, volunteer their time for the Roxy Reading Program in the Central Bucks School District.

Kim Hartranft and her dog also named Cody, who is both a Canine Good Citizen and a Certified Therapy Dog, volunteer in the Colonial School District where Kim is also a school based therapist. Kim says “Therapy dogs are calm companions who help relieve stress, anxiety and loneliness. Dogs bring a pleasant distraction and reduce negative feelings, thoughts and concerns. They provide a positive diversion from prolonged periods of repetitive behavior and activities.”

Whether these women are with the Therapy Horses at Special Equestrians, or in the school systems with their Therapy Dogs, they are making a positive impact in so many ways. “I am having the opportunity to take part in a magical and fun interaction between child and animal,” reflects Deb Saffren, “If you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. So basically I don’t look at what I do as work.” This positive attitude is one more feature Kim and Deb share with everyone around them.

Special Equestrians, a Forbes Enterprise Award winner, is a 501(c)3 non-profit Therapeutic Riding Program located at 2800 Street Road in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals with disabilities through the equine experience. Founded in 1982 Special Equestrians has grown from a one horse, one rider, one volunteer program to a thriving organization with 9 horses, 17 staff members, and over 100 volunteers serving 125 children and adults with emotional, mental and physical disabilities each year.

For more information please call 215-918-1001, or visit our website at www.specialequestrians.org .

Gott gives five reasons for securing long-term care insurance without delay:

1. A public option, if it materializes, will not replace the need for private long-term care insurance for most people who now seek it. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and John Dingell (D-MI) have introduced the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act of 2009, which would create a public insurance program for adults who become functionally disabled. “But this would pay only $50 or so a day in benefits, while a typical long-term care policy pays $150 to $250 or more,” Gott says. “The public option might offer some relief for low-income people who could not otherwise afford insurance, but it would be no substitute for the substantial funds required for complete care.” Besides, Gott points out, there is no guarantee a public LTC option will make it into law. “Even a public option for regular medical health care faces tough opposition.”

2. Tax incentives for owning long term care insurance, if included in the law, will apply to policies already in place, as well as to policies purchased after health reform. “There’s no percentage in waiting,” says Gott. “Right now with existing law, if you own LTC insurance you can get a federal tax deduction of $320 to $3,980, depending on your age. Any new incentives will simply be additive to those already in place.”

3. Insurance rates increase with age, so waiting can be counterproductive. “The clock is ticking,” says Gott. “Even a few months’ delay can make a bit of difference. I advise people to secure LTC protection early, to lock in a lower rate.”

4. Health is a factor in LTC rates, and time is against us, so it’s wise to get insured now, while you’re at least relatively fit. “When health deteriorates, rates go up, or you might not qualify at all.”

5. The upcoming legislation may provide new safeguards for LTC insurance buyers, but this will only make the insurance a sounder investment than it already is. “Waiting serves no purpose,” says Gott.

Gott’s organization offers help from over 550 independent long term care agents. They’re available by phone or in person to advise individuals and companies on the most suitable policies from leading insurance companies. A listing of LTCFP’s agents, by state, is available at web.ltcfp.com/ltcfp/find-agent.aspx .

Now’s the time for women in particular to look into LTC insurance, Gott says, “Not just for themselves but for their spouses. Since women live longer, they end up as forced caregivers when their husbands fail. This is completely unnecessary. With funds for care services, women can have a life.”

The Rebound HRD and HRD V are self-expanding Nitinol framed/surgical mesh medical devices designed for the laparoscopic repair of inguinal, ventral and incisional hernias. The super-elastic Nitinol frame allows the device to be folded and inserted laparoscopically through an access port or small incision. Once deployed, the device fully unfurls or “rebounds” back to its original shape - ready for quick and easy placement over the hernia defect. The Rebound HRD and HRD V shorten operating times by either eliminating or reducing fixation, respectively, and organizing the mesh during the procedure. Preliminary surgeon usage of the Rebound HRD V shows that the procedural time may be reduced by as much as 50 percent in some cases. Although the devices are ideally suited for laparoscopic surgery, they may also be placed via an open incisional approach.

“We feel very fortunate to be in a position that allows us to actively market the Rebound HRD and Rebound HRD V to Novation’s alliance members under their ‘New Medical Technology’ program agreement. Earlier this year we were invited to the Novation vendor product fair and given an opportunity to present to Novation’s Member Council. After clearly demonstrating the features and benefits of the Rebound HRD, the council convened and decided to move forward with awarding a contract,” said MMDI Chief Marketing Officer, Steve Nuss.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Steve Nuss, Chief Marketing Officer at 763-354-7105 or snuss@2mdinc.com . You may also visit our website at: www.2mdinc.com .

About MMDI

MMDI was established in 2001 and is based in Plymouth, Minnesota. Located in the heart of Minnesota’s “Medical Alley,” MMDI has access to some of the world’s finest medical product development, manufacturing and marketing resources. The Company’s primary objective is to identify, develop, patent and manufacture unique medical devices that provide significant clinical benefits and market opportunities.

About Novation

Novation is the industry’s leading contracting services company that delivers unmatched savings to more than 25,000 members and affiliates of VHA Inc. and the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) and more than 15,000 Provista customers. By combining scale and expertise with data-driven tools and information, Novation offers the most extensive range of advanced contracting services in the industry. VHA, UHC and Provista members used Novation and alliance contracts to purchase $35.6 billion in supplies and services in 2008.

Pole-Wrap is an alternative to boxing in basement poles. It takes up less space and saves significant construction time. It simply conforms to the shape of the structural support column.

The Drink Shelf is a new option for Pole-Wrap. So, not only is the pole now visually attractive, it’s also functional. It’s easy to assemble and to install and only requires a name-brand construction adhesive. Zip-ties are included to hold everything in place while the adhesive dries. The Drink Shelf is installed over Pole-Wrap and can be set to desired height - 36 inches for table height; 42 inches for bar height.

The Pole-Wrap Extension is designed for high-ceiling basements (up to 12 feet). It’s a four-foot version of the regular eight-foot Pole-Wrap that is cut and added on below the Drink Shelf. It’s also available in three different widths.

“The Cap and Base set is optional,” Coleman says, “but most customers choose it because it adds a finished appearance that mimics a classic-fluted column.”

Both items are available in premium red oak or medium-density fiberboard for easy paint finishing. Cap & Base sets are available to match.

About Pole-Wrap

Pole-Wrap is a 15-year old company founded by Laurie Coleman. She was inspired to launch the company after her husband finished their basement and she learned that there were no products available to hide the unsightly basement poles. Since then, the company’s distribution has grown significantly and the Pole-Wrap is now carried in major home improvement stores such as Lowe’s and The Home Depot throughout the U.S.

To view a YouTube clip that was featured on the DYI Network, visit:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvV4HJ-F2_Y .

For more information, visit: www.PoleWrap.com .