Posts Tagged ‘guide’
Senate Finance Committee Delays FDA Approval of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Depression
On June 15th, 2004, FDA’s Medical Devices Panel recommended that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approve vagus nerve stimulation as a therapy for chronic or recurrent treatment-resistant depression. I was at the meeting, seated in the first row and made a presentation to the Panel.
Yet, one year later, we still do not have a final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What’s the delay? Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, unexpectedly decided to examine the FDA’s decision to allow this therapy to be used to treat depression. Vagus nerve stimulation therapy has been FDA approved for epilepsy for eight years. Although this is not a formal investigation, it is apparently an impediment to the immediate issuance of FDA’s final approval. I am not aware of the Senate Finance Committee’s scientific and medical credentials. However, I do have first-hand knowledge of certain FDA Medical Device Panel Members lack of familiarity with the FDA’s own regulations and guidelines.
If you would like to express your outrage at the continued delay of final FDA approval, please contact:
U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-6200
Sen. Grassley Staff: (202) 224-4515
Sen. Baucus Staff: (202) 224-5315
Senator Chuck Grassley
Chairman, Senate Finance Committee
135 Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510-1501
(202) 224-3744 Telephone
Web Link for e-mail: http://grassley.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home
Ironically, this one-year anniversary coincides with the issuance of a $20 million landmark study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. This is the most comprehensive mental health study undertaken by the government. The study reported that 25% of Americans suffered a psychiatric disorder in the year prior to the survey, but most failed to get adequate care. Dr. Thomas Insel, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health commented that “mental disorders are highly prevalent and chronic.” As expected, researchers found that the most common disorder was depression. Depression typically started in early adulthood, 20’s and 30’s, and progressively got worse and more difficult to treat. If you suffer from chronic or treatment-resistant depression, you don’t need a $20 million research study to tell you that depression is difficult to treat.
Charles Donovan was a patient in the FDA investigational trial for vagus nerve stimulation and depression. He testified to the Panel at the Advisory Meeting on June 15th, 2004. After 25 years of chronic depression, vagus nerve stimulation completely cured his chronic depression. The author is most grateful and humbled by this remarkable device. Learn more at his website: http://www.VagusNerveStimulator.com or read about this life-saving, life altering therapy in his book:
Out of the Black Hole: The Patient’s Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression.
It is available at on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, 1-888-VAGUS-88 or on his web site, http://www.vagusnervestimulator.com/book/
Five Secrets of Winning Book Proposals
Working in the publishing industry comes with a high expectation, especially from complete strangers. After the causal ‘hello’ progresses to ‘what do you do,’ and my answer is ‘I am a publisher,’ the words, like fairy dust, work magic; and in the eyes of my conversation partner, I’m transformed into a glamorous Advice Goddess-would I mind reading this stranger’s book proposal?
Cornered in frozen foods at the grocery, black-tie events or at the bus stop, I’ve been ‘pitched’ as we say in the business, with such book proposals as: A Cat’s Tale of Christmas; Old Testament Aphrodisiacs; Break Out (after being committed to a mental institution by jealous relatives, the story of one man’s quest for revenge); and Suck it and See: A Guide to Tropical Fruits.
Admittedly, I chose to share with you the more colorful examples. My point being that the purpose of a proposal pitch is not to motivate the publisher to love the idea as much as you do. That’s the misconception. The publisher is listening for signals that you understand the process of transforming a book concept into a business plan. It’s not just about your passion for the topic: it’s how well you filter your passion through the publisher’s prism of marketing and distribution. That’s the difference between a contract and a polite rejection letter.
Let’s take a look at five typical questions that an agent or a publisher will ask in their submission guidelines.
Question #1: Please provide the title that best captures and conveys the essence of your book and briefly explain why you chose it.
What the publisher is really thinking:
Will the book buyer for Barnes & Noble recognize the section to shelve the book by its title alone?
Is the title’s message succinct and snappy so the publisher’s sales representative will remember it easily?
How does the rest of proposal support what the title says?
Question #2: Briefly describe the primary audience for your book and how they will benefit from reading it.
What the publisher is really thinking:
The book cannot be all things to all people. Do you demonstrate focus?
Are you confident about who the customer is and the primary (most appropriate) category where the book should be placed in the bookstore?
Do you provide three distinct benefits that relate to the book’s core premise?
Question #3: List competing books that you are aware of on this topic and explain how your book differs.
What the publisher is really thinking:
How do you demonstrate that your premise is solid in relation to existing books?
Will the publisher’s sales representatives understand where your book fits among five other books in the same category?
Do you contradict what the book is or is not elsewhere in the proposal?
Question #4: What are your expectations for the project?
What the publisher is really thinking:
Do you sound like you expect to make a million dollars and plan to retire on your royalty earnings?
Is your goal to raise the level of topic discussion and to advance your profile as a thought leader?
How realistic are you about the work involved to write the book from start to finish?
Question #5: Describe your qualifications for writing this book and include your latest curriculum vitae or other relevant factors.
What the publisher is really thinking:
Several proposals are discussed during a publisher’s editorial board meeting. Why say ‘yes’ to yours?
What is your media platform? How are you going to be an asset in marketing and promoting the book?
What’s your track record?
If you are now thinking about you book concept as a business plan, bravo! This is the foundation for a solid beginning; and, I encourage you to continue forward. High-quality books written by people who are committed to excellence (in any sphere of living) are in short supply. Adopt the publisher’s perspective-how will it sell and to whom-and you will not only become a published author. You will make a difference in the world.
Melissa Rosati is a co-active coach, whose clients are writers, authors and creative artists. Prior to her coaching career, she was the Director, Editorial & Production for McGraw-Hill International (UK). She now resides in New York City. Her forthcoming book, The Essential Publisher’s Handbook shows readers how to publish profitably. Register for a complimentary subscription to her newsletter, The Essential Publisher at http://www.melissarosati.com
© 2005 Melissa A. Rosati. All rights reserved.
A Resolution Worth Keeping
New Years Resolutions: Making them is a tradition -keeping of them is usually optional. That’s unfortunate, because some of the pledges we make in those moments before the calendar changes are wonderful things to aspire to – spending more time with our children, exercising regularly, stopping a bad habit like smoking – or considering chocolate one of the main food groups. Yet, this is the one time of the year that it’s condoned – almost expected – that we don’t follow through on our promises.
But what if we did follow through? What if we could make a resolution that changed our lives for the better? What if we made a tiny adjustment in our perspective and it allowed us to be happier, feel freer, and enjoy a more mindful existence?
Well, get ready to make a commitment – it’s as easy as embracing the idea of simplicity. Yes, simplicity.
The start of the New Year is the perfect time to make some changes. Resolve to get back to basics. I’m not advocating a cabin in the woods with no heat or electricity, just a small step to the left of the consumer frenzy. Where do you start? Right at home in your own headspace – by making a conscious decision that your time and daily experiences are more important than money and stuff.
Reduce your clutter: Unless you use it regularly, or it holds a high degree of sentimental value, it should go. Choose a charity and schedule a pick up. Just think of how much easier your house will be to clean, and how much easier it will be to find things once you’ve thinned out your belongings.
Decrease distractions: Cell phones, voice mail, two-way walkie-talkies, online instant messenger, and palm pilots are all tools created for convenience. Left unchecked, however, they can start running your life. Be sure your not becoming a slave to advanced technology. Oh, and turn off that darn TV too.
Learn to say “no”: This tiny two-letter word is your best defense against becoming overextended. Start using it – no one will think any less of you if you do.
Learn to say “yes” when others offer help: Stop with the Superwoman fallacy. There is no harm in accepting help when offered, or even in asking for it when needed. In fact, most people are happy to be of assistance.
Cut down on compulsive buying: Shopping has become a sport in this country and credit card debt is hitting an all time high. Before you break out your plastic to get that new Prada handbag ask yourself – do I really need this? Will this improve my life? Is this “thing” worth the time I will have to put in working in order to pay for it? If the answer is no then don’t buy it.
Relinquish some control: You can’t speed up the driver in front of you, make the check out line at the supermarket move more efficiently, or govern the happiness of others. Just let it go. Take some deep breathes in traffic, practice your Kegel Exercise while waiting at the grocery store, and lead your life with integrity. Don’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders – it’s too heavy.
Reduce decisions: While having a choice is a good thing, too many options can be overwhelming. Whether you are contemplation a major purchase, or deciding what to cook for dinner, limit your self to two options. Choose one, then be happy with your decision – second guessing never helped anyone.
Enjoy the little things in life: Read a book, take a walk, have a bubble-bath, start a snowball fight with your kids, eat together as a family at the kitchen table, garden, snuggle, pursue a hobby, listen to music, write a letter, meditate, and follow your passions. Partake in everyday pleasures – all the things that don’t entail shopping, spending, or crowds – and spend quality time with the ones you love.
Living simply is not about depravation; it’s about living well. Our lives are complicated, in part, because we make them that way. Resolve to make 2005 the year of simplicity, and greet the coming months with a relaxed and peaceful spirit.
Deborah Martin is a Chicago born writer, life coach, and motivational speaker. She is Co-Founder of The Woman Project. Deborah holds a master’s degree in psychology and is a licensed professional counselor. She is a certified teleclass leader and offers teleclasses and workshops on a variety of subjects. Her new e-book, How To Keep Your Kids Off Drugs: A Parent’s Guide, will be available in January. For more information please visit her website at http://www.dreamlearncreate.com.
Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 3
Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 3 – Tools For Measuring & Marking
A civilization’s maturity and intelligence is judged, in part, by the diversity and sophistication of its tools. When it comes to woodworking, the human race is quite advanced. There are general tools that work well in many situations, and there are specialty tools made for one specific purpose. There are tools that require only manpower and a rudimentary knowledge, and others that utilize computer programs, a wide range of knowledge, and a powerful motor. We have even learned how to harness power for our tools and package it in a small battery component, giving us the freedom to take our tools wherever we need them.
It is truly amazing and wonderful to contemplate the vast number of tools and all that woodworkers are capable of doing and creating with the help of these tools. And for many people, working with tools is one of the thrills, or even obsessions, of woodworking.
Woodworking and related tools have become so popular that there are numerous companies that manufacture these tools and thousands of places to purchase them. Combine that with the vast numbers of different types of tools and it can get overwhelming, especially if you are new to woodworking. Our experts helped us focus on the basics to develop an overview of those tools needed to get a good start in woodworking.
In the most basic terms, a woodworker needs four kinds of tools. They need a place to work, tools for cutting and shaping, tools for assembly, and finishing equipment. This simple statement provides the basis for the following discussion of woodworking tools.
The tools listed and described here represent just the tip of the iceberg. In keeping with the philosophy that it is best to learn the basics first, and to not invest large sums of money until a person is certain that they have an ongoing interest in woodworking, the emphasis is on hand tools, with a few basic power tools thrown in. These tools should prepare you for a variety of beginner projects and give you a solid foundation of equipment and knowledge to build upon.
Tools For Measuring & Marking
Most basic measuring tools are not complicated instruments that require special care. Yet making proper cuts is a key component of basic woodworking skills. It is important to have an accurate rule, a means of marking angles, and something to mark with.
Rulers
There are several types of rulers, but the most common are a metal tape measure, a 24-inch wooden folding rule and a wooden zigzag rule, which can be as long as eight feet. Tape measures have a long tape wound up inside the case and are especially handy for jobs with long pieces of wood. They also have a lock to hold the tape at the desired length.
Selection Tips
When buying wooden rulers, look for sturdy material with both standard and metric markings and a catch or pin for holding the rule closed when folded. Tape measures should also have both types of measurements and a sturdy tape. You should be able to find quality rulers for under $10. If buying used, be sure that all the numbers and markings are legible and that the spring to retract the tape measure and the lock to hold the tape are in working order.
Care & Maintenance
Most rulers simply need to be wiped down from time to time, especially the metal rulers that are susceptible to rust. Also with a metal tape measure, it is a good idea to hold the blade and let it return slowly back into the case. Simply releasing the lock and letting the blade whiz back inside can result in the tape coming unsprung.
Squares
A square is used to make angles and check for true and square joinings. It also has measurement markings. There are many different types and as with other tools, certain squares work best for certain types of tasks.
A miter square is for marking 45-degree angles. A try square is shaped like an “L” for marking 90-degree angles and checking for true squareness, and a sliding bevel is adjustable and is used with a protractor to mark angles up to 180 degrees. A combination square has settings for both 45 and 90-degree angles.
Selection Tips
Generally these three items will provide what you need for marking angles with reasonable accuracy. Those made from wood and metal are usually less expensive and slightly less accurate, but are fine for most general projects. You can purchase wood and metal squares at hardware stores or home centers for $10 to $15, although a good combination square may be quite a bit more.
Care & Maintenance
Squares are low maintenance tools. They need to be wiped down after use and the material should be checked periodically for rust or rot. The rivets or locking nuts should be checked for tightness and function. Beyond that, they don’t require much additional maintenance.
Marking Tools
A sharp pencil can be used for marking, however many woodworkers feel that a marking knife is a better choice due to its superior accuracy. Unlike a pocketknife, a marking knife is beveled on one side and flat on the other to allow for a thin, straight mark. In addition, the small cut can help guide the cutting tool. A marking knife is one of the most inexpensive tools to purchase.
An awl, which is a sharp, pointed piece of metal attached to a round wooden handle, looks similar to an ice pick. It is typically used to mark or start nails and screws. Its sharp point can also be used to scratch a marking in a softer wood. Awls typically sell for under $10.
Some woodworkers use a marking gauge, which has a fence to keep it flush to the board and a writing tool on the other end to mark the cut as the tool slides along the edge of the board. Other measuring tools include a compass or divider for drawing circles and marking increments and plane gauges or other tools used to determine if a piece of wood is flat and true. A quality woodworking compass can be expensive to purchase, often costing over $30. Most gauges are under $20.
Care & Maintenance
The care and maintenance for these marking tools depends on the tool and the material from which it’s made. The main consideration is that the tool be sharp. Most can be sharpened with regular sharpening methods, either by you or the hardware store.
Accurate measurements, correct angles and true joins are the basic elements of good woodworking projects. In addition to the items listed above, there are many gadgets and specialty tools for measuring and marking. Beware of fad gadgets and stick to the essential tools you will need to get started. As you gain a better understanding of different measuring and marking situations, you will be able to determine which tools you need to add.
Tool Summary
This completes part 3 of the condensed overview of some of the tools that are commonly used in beginning woodworking projects. As you can see, this topic could and has provided the content for entire volumes of books and in order to fully understand the possibilities in woodworking and create quality projects, it is critical that you develop a more in-depth knowledge of the tools you plan to use.
It is also important to note again that each type of tool has its own care and maintenance needs that are often more specific than what has been touched on here. The details have been left out of this book to avoid overwhelming someone who is brand new to woodworking. However, their omission does not mean they aren’t important.
“Failing to care for your tools is ridiculous from a financial standpoint,” stated shop teacher, Kevin Warner. “Why spend $20 on a good quality handsaw or clamp and then allow it to go dull or rust? Not only will you loose money, your work will suffer because your tools won’t perform as intended. And it will take you more time in the long run. Taking good care of your tools is one of the first steps in becoming a serious woodworker.”
Copyright © 2005 by Ferhat Gul. All rights reserved. You may redistribute this article in its unedited entirety, including this resource box, with all hyperlinked URLs kept intact.
Ferhat Gul is the publisher of the brand-new “Woodworking Beginner’s Guide – Tips From Experienced Woodworkers to Help You Get Started”, made just for people who love woodworking. This comprehensive, yet compact woodworking introduction for beginners is easy to read and helps to save time, money and effort.
Article Writing Tips
The reason one makes an article is getting traffic. So, an article must be interesting for visitors. Then how to get such article? These article writing tips may be your guide:
Dont Use Difficult English
Visitors will like simple English that easy to understand. Make only 3-5 sentences in a paragraph. The long sentence can be cut into shorter ones, to the point and understandable.
Catchy Title
Catchy title will be the first consideration for reader to see the article. Use the interesting word to build your title, but keep it focus and relevant.
Avoid Broad Topics
Broad topic with little detail is not a good idea. Focus on specific topic and put the informative details. Keep idea in logical manner.
Some Action
For description, avoid words such as was, were, can, maybe, are, am, may, could, should, etc. Use the life words such as get, find, will, do, must, go, run, drive, etc. This will create powerful message and enthusiasm.
Choose Quality over Quantity
If you want to submit article to directory, split the article into smaller ones. Having many article is better than larger article.
Some Personality
Give your personality touch to your article, so it isn’t bored. For example: funny and controversy.
Funnel Your Visitor
Instead of a bio pitch, you can offer something free that leads them to your site if they like your article. Take for example : get your free course here or get more articles like this here and so.
I hope these article writing tips are useful.