All you ever wanted was
at your fingertips
on the tip of your tongue
and the end of your lips

All I wish for
hand-in-hand
without need for words
sharing kisses so ripened

My heart failed
the moment it stole
daylight's blessing
of cold hopes
in false dawns

My living Sun
rests where it sets
the day's undoing
where light fades
in hopeful dusk.

written by lauren6
in hospital, 17h10 29/08/06

The crest of a wave
I saw you there
my pains called
but without a care

as words travelled
upon beauty's vision
recalescent heart ravelled
kisses pure precision.

written by lauren6
23h55
29/08/06

The inner fear
legacies of yesteryear
clasping the crag
where faded hopes nag
breaking a fall
hurt casts a shadowed pall
such undertones of war
pains of outraged yore
a time-cellar of thirst
to salon dreams traversed
seeing lofty finials aspire
like the pinnacle of eve's desire
now summer's been swallowed
a southward migration followed
escaping the night frost
retracing journey's lost
to the bitter end, hope never dies!
nor this life-like virga of the skies.

written in cardiology by lauren6
16h15, 30/08/06

Of medical hurt so mickle
doses doubled effects fickle
the nerves curtailed by needles
from surgeon's hasty presage
the end of a sunbeam
a stormy day within peaceful dream
unnaccountable losses
set against recogniseable pain
what providence!
such feelings a breeze
of energies great refluence
to reckon on survival's influence.

at prie dieu
17h00, 29/08/06

We, of littoral need and thinking
knee-deep in ocean's kismet
our metonym for life
suffuses survival's summit

by evening tambour seas
wave-notes lap our trilithic form
soothing the shores of vagus
sanded underfoot and warm

windward dreams drift skywards
gentle breeze plays on soft skin
hair blown delicately off-course
in tongue-tied moments destine

moonlit maxixe currents
'neath attentive picaroon gulls
together we disolve ensuing oblivion
enwreathed by tidal lulls.

written by lauren6
23:45
30/08/06

Does anybody out there know
where these feelings ought to go
in velvet-layered throe
a sardonic lenitive show
it's all-beguiling commentary
is a reprehensible reportage
an afrabilious atonement
for commemorative postponement
now the glass walkway awaits
the presence of one
an icy crepitative crossing
of unshrinking mind-hopping.

written by wensum24

Ballack given bollocking

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has been fined €70,000 (£47,000) for not paying tax on a gift for his wife.

At Munich airport, the 29-year-old filed through the channel labelled 'nothing to declare', but on a random check by German customs officials the item was found and he was accused of trying to avoid paying 350 euros (£235) in taxes.

Pampered footballing innocence?? A fine that they can well afford, whereas the rest of us might be more heavilly penalised for such an impossible misdemenour. Footballers are now scaling the politcian's grubby palatial walls of arrogant, inoble evasions.

Anelkasthaesia

Nicolas Anelka is at a loss to understand why he has a reputation of being a controversial character.
The French striker, 27, has returned to the Barclays Premiership with Bolton after spells with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, where he was on loan. Anelka, an £8million signing from Fenerbahce claims people have the wrong impression of him.

He said: "To say I am a bad boy then people do not know me. When I was in Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester, I did good things. I just want to play football, that's it. I just have to speak on the pitch."

And the verdict? Enter Wenger, Houllier, Keegan...

Thatcherism still a pain in the neck

And what can be said about Ben Thatcher that hasn't been said...kick him out, forever, damned animal, (sorry to the animals)...because of hospitalisation, I missed the dreadful deed last week, but finally saw it on tv recently, and watched in horror as he attacked Mendes with such savagery that it would have put any other 'free man' in jail.

Mr B. Thatcher wrote a letter of apology to Pedro Mendes?? Who wrote it...not Ben I'm sure, at least it appears he is believed to have written, 'He says he is sorry, signed Ben' ...clever lad, those fists were not made for writing were they!

It is not the first time this country has endured a chorus of 'Thatcher out'...well, my wishes are with Pedro, and never will I defend Thatcherism.

Music of the moment: Blackstreet: No Diggity.

I'm back, from dangerous hospitals, but realise that blogging can be more injurous to my health than a broken spine ever can...my heart also was wearied for two weeks, (which I chose to keep quiet from all)...but this recent blogging hell will stay silent no more.

I have had some devil, steal my blog id, duplicate my blog name and tag me with sick, vile comments...it is not even funny.
I was unable to log-in to my own blog, because this 'person' had played with my blog and in effect, seized it. They also had the nerve to gloat about it, in the form of rude, nasty, even threatening comments to me. Well, human spirit is unbeatable...I'll say that NOW!
I'm sorting it out now...with a few new words at the ready!

As Morrissey once sung, '...the devil will find work for idle hands to do...'

Look at the clouds
those are yours
some are mine too
see their embrace
in loving storm-chase
of rainbow energy
and lightning applause
behind it all-
the acqueous sun
connecting one and all
like temperature's zoom
the locations in bloom
all coming to life
this sky today,
an arcanum of zest
stoicism at rest.

written by lauren6
23:55hrs
29/08/06

Always tempted to run
the shorterm pleasure of loneliness
is a vast world
where veins are fired in readiness
when the body is furled
from human hurt and sadness
When running ceases
and the cloud of charmless pain descends
outstretched hands reach the air
a touch that offers no amends
with but a hope and a care
a wing and a prayer, health yet pretends
My preaudience with the stars
in dewy evening chill
shooting tears fall wishfully
the occlusion of will
and health loved-for wistfully;
heart and soul; faith and spirit; life's quadrille.

written by lauren6
19:55
27/08/06

Emotions stretch out before us
like a half-read book
left-open mid-chapter
disgarded and creased
yet very much alive,
in your hands
A page of your mind
turning-over one at a time
within the covers of life
-the preface of me
to the index of you
writes our in-between
a context of spirit
found in the passage of days;
your thoughts - written in my heart
-a double stanza of loving endurance.

written by lauren6
19:40
27/08/06

Spine Fusion Surgery
Spine fusion has long been considered the best treatment for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine once conservative treatment measures have failed. The first treatment for degenerative disc disease is always with non surgical options. These include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections. However, if patients try these treatments, and do not find satisfactory relief, then spine fusion surgery may be an option.

Spine fusion surgery is done to remove the damaged disc, and stimulate bone growth in that same area. Fusion of bone means that the space once occupupied by the flexible disc will be occupied by bone that will not allow motion at that spinal level. Once the bone fuses across the disc space, the vertebrae above and below the damaged disc are locked together. By securing the vertebrae together, the spine does not move at this segment, and the pain relief can be excellent.

However, there are several problems with spine fusion surgery. First, the rate of successful fusion is about 80%. While complete fusion of the segments is not always necessary for pain relief, it is concerning that we cannot always find a way for bone to grow across the damaged disc space. Second, fusing a spinal disc space decreases the motion of the back, and may lead to symptoms of stiffness. Finally, because of the stiffness when the fusion is performed, the segments of spine above and below the fusion are subjected to increased stresses. Patients who have a fusion at one level are more likely to develop problems at discs above or below (so-called adjacent levels) down the road.

Also: Spinal surgery
Artificial disc procedure (video)

My concern is that in addition to the disc trouble, I also have a fracture nearby.

I'm due in surgery next week...

What are you eating today?
And what do you yourselves consider healthy? For me, I would always have a day with black olives, and fresh vegetables if possible. And how about a small glass of red wine...that doesn't hurt either does it!!

1. Avocado: Good for youthful skin

Avocado may be naturally high in fat, but most of it is the healthy, monounsaturated type, which is essential for plump, youthful skin and actually helps neutralise bad fat in other foods, meaning it could help you lose weight. Avocado lowers bad cholesterol and is a good source of potassium, which helps the body flush out toxins. It also contains the most potent anti-ageing combination – vitamins E and C – which mop up ageing free radicals and de-clog arteries.

2. Brazil nuts: Good for hair, nails and skin

These nuts are a great source of selenium, which improves the condition of your hair and nails, and boosts skin elasticity. Selenium also wards off opportunistic infections, keeps the muscles in your heart healthy and even helps with acne. Brazils also contain a good amount of zinc, which reduces ageing skin inflammation and eases dry skin problems like eczema and psoriasis that leave the skin more vulnerable to wrinkling.

3. Broccoli: Good for the heart

As well as being packed with antioxidants, this veg provides heaps of beta-carotene, which protects against cancer and disease. It's also rich in folate, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Broccoli is high in fibre, which is vital for cutting the risk of bowel cancer, digestive disorders and heart disease.

4. Cabbage: Good for cutting the risk of cancer

It may have been the most dreaded vegetable at school dinner time, but it contains amazing anti-cancer and antioxidant compounds. Studies have shown that people who eat cabbage once a week compared to once a month slash their colon cancer risk by a third.

5. Berries: Good for supple skin

Blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and cranberries all help the body make collagen, the protein needed to keep skin supple, smooth and healthy. Blackcurrants in particular protect against UV skin damage and reduce the ageing effect of sunburn by neutralising free radicals. Cranberries and blueberries both help protect against cystitis by stopping harmful bacteria sticking to the urinary tract.

6. Oily fish: Good for protecting against heart disease, diabetes and wrinkles

Oily fish is the best source of omega 3, an essential fatty acid that the body can't manufacture on its own. Omega 3 has been found to protect against heart disease, adult-onset diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. This fat also reduces skin dryness and improves elasticity, which means wrinkles are less likely to appear. Celebs such as Kim Cattrall follow a salmon-based anti-ageing plan – the Perricone Plan – which lifts and smooths skin in three days. If the recent pollution scares have put you off, tuna, swordfish, anchovy, herring, mackerel and sardines are good omega 3 sources.

7. Grapes: Good for preventing saggy skin

Red and black grapes contain 20 known antioxidants that work together to fend off the free radical attacks that lead to wrinkly skin and disease. These antioxidants are concentrated in the skin, so always buy the most colourful grapes you can find. All grapes contain compounds that strengthen the capillaries and protect against thread veins and skin sagging.

8. Carrots: Good for lowering bad cholesterol and protecting skin from sun damage

The bunny's fave is high in anti-ageing vitamin C and a good source of dietary fibre. One study showed that eating two carrots a day lowered bad cholesterol by 10 per cent. Cook the veg to release nutrients from the tough cell structure and you'll get heaps of beta-carotene. Research has shown that people with low levels of beta-carotene in their blood are more likely to have heart attacks, strokes and certain cancers. This nutrient also protects against the sun's rays. One study found that taking carotenoids equivalent to two large carrots a day gives a natural SPF of 2 to 4 in light-skinned people.

9. Citrus fruit: Good for fighting infection

The orange has been described as the 'complete package of natural anti-cancer nutrients'. It's an excellent source of collagen-building vitamin C and helps maintain the body's defences against bacterial infection. The other wonder citrus fruit is grapefruit, which has a unique type of fibre proven to dramatically reduce cholesterol and help prevent arteries clogging up.

10. Tomatoes: Good for reducing the risk of cancer

Toms are the richest source of lycopene, which forms the red pigment in the flesh. As well as repairing the DNA damage that can lead to crinkly old skin, recent research suggests that lycopene may also help to preserve mental and physical function among older people and reduce the risk of breast, prostate, pancreatic and cervical cancer.

Link

This caught my eye...hospital days allow me to read things I may otherwise have missed...

Premiership footballers are storing stem cells from their newborn babies to use in case of their own career-threatening sports injuries.

They are freezing cells taken from the umbilical cord blood of their babies as a possible future cure for cartilage and ligament problems, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

Five professional footballers have frozen their children's stem cells with Liverpool-based CryoGenesis International (CGI), and London-based Smart Cells, has done the same for three Premiership players in the past year.

One Premier League footballer, playing in the northwest of England, explained: "We decided to store our new baby's stem cells for possible future therapeutic reasons, both for our children and possibly for myself.

"As a footballer, if you're prone to injury it can mean the end of your career, so having your stem cells - a repair kit if you like - on hand makes sense," added the player, who declined to be named.

Paul Griffiths, managing director of CGI, said: "This has been carried out experimentally. The stem cells are injected directly into the knee and because they have the same genetic code they start rebuilding."

One professional footballer known to have stored stem cells for his children's future use is Arsenal's French international striker Thierry Henry, although there is no indication he intends them for his own use.

Over 11,000 British parents have in the past five years paid up to 1,500 pounds (2,831 dollars) to store their babies' stem cells to use should their children become ill.

Sunrizon

Never expect anything
because the unexpected
will steal it away
in the blink of a day
whichever shape is spun
from lassitude to longevity
illness reproaches
a hinterland dream
in globate image
today's path (of mine)
leads tomorrow beside you
stepping into your thoughts
all mine are with you
smoothened vitality of faith
spruce visions in sunrise
negativities terminus-ad-quem
daylight footsteps...
each belongs to you
the sun, your beaming guide
endless horizon awaits one more step.

written by lauren6
10:25am

In energies light
that moment at sunrise
a time to feel right
where faith always tries

In the deepest soul
a true power source
answers to our all
in nature's unique course

belief will nourish
amidst human fears
the spirit will replenish
and wipe away the tears.

written in hospital by lauren6
20:00 for Kiki

My humble words contain a message of positive energy...all my best wishes at this time for lovely Kk, who I care so much about.
xoxox

We've arranged a civilization in which most crucial elements profoundly depend on science and technology. We have also arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. This is a prescription for disaster. We might get away with it for a while, but sooner or later this combustible mixture of ignorance and power is going to blow up in our faces.

-Carl Sagan

I can but agree.
Could you honestly say, hand-on-heart, that you are happy with our technology-based-electronically-obssessed&relaint society?

I posted a week or so ago, about how an internet glitch, pc crash etc can knock us out these days, myself included...and I am constantly fighting with this, as I have hitherto embraced technology, but for how much longer?

I fully realise, that when I am with ink pen, drawing paper, garden and wine, sun and pine, I'm so much happier than when hooked-up by pc...no wonder they called it the web/net, how apt that was, but are we all losing our ability to think for ourselves; I mean the net has brought brilliance, knowledge, quickness of thought, but also, we forget that we need our own time and space, real worldly events and organic interaction.
Science and technology, governments and their nanny states have wrought havoc on the soul of humaness.

When the net goes down, it is not our final curtain call...we are the audience yes, the stage is ours by choosing, not by 'acting'. And the end of the show allows us to return home, not to merely wait for the next performance. Stand back, life is life...if you don't go out to experience it, (at least a little bit), you may as well be dead.

Things in perspective make perfect sense to perceptive watchers...just watch where you are standing and keep moving, not sitting!!!

lauren6

Crossing the Channel of souvenirs
with bobstays and hearts of clay
drawn between harbour fistula
neath monumental cliff's fray

of samphire scent and castle's ascent
perched in ultimate sanctitude
pharos flames, flags and France
memory's vestibule; the mind's magnitude

dehiscent sunshine of lengthy hours
a Dovorian's blessing every summertime
of Straits à la Manche
betwixt mother-fatherland's prime

England's procumbent corner
garden and home of a national chapter
co-authoring the reigns now read
reminding laterigrade politicians we hold the sceptre!

written by lauren6

I read today a lot about healing, as one of my precious family seem to have replaced my regular position on the operating table today.

Among them was the five elements being used to symbolize different things...

Wood
Direction: East
Season: Spring
Colour: Green

Fire
Direction: South
Season: Summer
Colour: Red

Earth
Direction: Center
Season: None
Colour: Yellow

Metal
Direction: West
Season: Autumn
Colour: White

Water
Direction: North
Season: Winter
Colour: Black

The five elements are usually in a constant state of flux.
These elements can be arranged in a number of sequences, but the two usually encountered are the productive sequence and the destructive sequence.

Productive sequence

Wood burns, creating...
Fire leaves ashes, creating...
Earth contains ore, creating...
Metal melts, creating...
Water nourishes plant life, creating (back to Wood)...

Destructive sequence

Wood draws strength from, destroying...
Earth pollutes, destroying...
Water puts out, destroying...
Fire melts, destroying...
Metal chops down, destroying (back to Wood)...

from the Dao De Jing:

Heaven and Earth last forever.
Why do heaven and Earth last forever?
They are unborn, So ever living.
The sage stays behind, thus he is ahead.
He is detached, thus at one with all.
Through selfless action, he attains fulfillment.

Dao De Jing - Chapter 7

Knowing ignorance is strength.
Ignoring knowledge is sickness.
If one is sick of sickness, then one is not sick.
The sage is not sick because he is sick of sickness.
Therefore he is not sick.

Dao De Jing - Chapter 71

The UEA has come out top for student satisfaction in a list of English universities - just days after a national newspaper named Norwich as one of the ten “coolest” places to study. LORNA MARSH asks what it is that is pushing both town and gown up the popularity ladder.

It might not have been spoken of in the same breath as Manchester, London, Leeds and Brighton among A-level students in the past as one of the most coveted places to study but all that is changing.

Not only has the University of East Anglia been gaining a reputation as a modern academic great, but Norwich - once derided as the home of Alan Partridge - is being touted as cool enough for school.

The image has been backed up by facts and surveys.

Yesterday the UEA scored joint top in a league of more than 100 English and Welsh mainstream universities for overall student satisfaction with the academic and support services it offers.

The second National Student Survey shows that UEA has improved on its result of last year in five of the six categories measured by the survey.

The survey was undertaken in January 2006 by final year undergraduates across the UK, with Scottish universities included for the first time this year.

Only one Scottish university - St Andrews, Prince William's choice - beat the UEA overall along with the distance learning Open University, which also topped the survey last year, a specialist dance and drama college and the University of Buckingham, the UK's only private institution.

Each universities' students were asked to score their satisfaction in areas ranging from teaching and assessment to resources and personal development.

For the second consecutive year, UEA's students have given a ringing endorsement of the quality of staff, teaching and student support.

When it comes to ranking individual subjects, UEA is again top for Film and TV Studies, Biology, Psychology and Economics and in the top ten in the UK for 12 of 19 the subject areas identified.

Professor David Eastwood, the university's vice-chancellor, said: “This is a magnificent performance and reflects the huge commitment of all staff in providing outstanding support - both academically and through other services - to students.

“It is a strong reflection of the quality, dedication and effort that is focused upon meeting the needs of students at UEA.”

The survey comes just days after the Independent newspaper named Norwich as one of its top ten “coolest places to study” citing its vibrant nightlife and the UEA's enviable gig lists as just two of the reasons to take a degree there.

The newspaper said: “All but the pickiest should find something to do every night of the week. What the city [Norwich] does for drinking the UEA does for music.”

Francis Hamlin, spokesman for the students' union at the UEA, said it was a unique combination of factors that made the UEA so attractive, such as its proximity to both the countryside and the city, but that most of all it was the friendly atmosphere afforded by its size - large enough to boast top-of-the-range facilities and a feeling of vibrancy but small enough to feel like a community.

He added: “Norwich is a city and feels like one but it is not manic. I think students feel safe living here and while they can go out to Norwich for its nightlife equally they can sit by the lake and read a book, two very different but equally enjoyable experiences.”

With the UEA offering students the state-of-the-art Sportspark, the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, the world-famous creative writing course, a colourful yet friendly city on the edge of unspoilt countryside, top-notch academic teaching and support and coups such as the Literary Festival and the BA Festival of Science it is no wonder it is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

And if surveys were not enough to convince anyone of the region's appeal the fact that 46pc of students stay in Norfolk after graduating should be.

Famous alumni:

Benedict Allen: explorer

Tracy Chevalier: novelist

David Cummings: musician (Del Amitri) and writer (The Fast Show)

Jack Davenport: actor (latterly in Pirates of the Caribbean)

Charlie Higson: comedian (The Fast Show)

Kazuo Ishiguro: author of Remains of the Day, Booker Prize winner

Toby Litt: novelist

Ian McEwan: novelist and Booker Prize winner

Jonathan Powell: former Controller of BBC One

Jane Root: former Controller of BBC Two

Selina Scott: broadcaster;

Arthur Smith: comedian

Paul Whitehouse: comedian (The Fast Show).

John Rhys-Davies: actor

Strengths and statistics:

Male/Female ratio: 2:3

Price of a pint in student bar: from £1.60

Teaching strengths: The National Student Survey ranked it top for teaching in Film and TV Studies, Biology, Psychology and Economics. External assessment deemed it excellent in Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, Law, Social Work, American Studies, Philosophy and Politics. Plus there is the MA in Creative Writing - the first and still the most highly regarded course in the UK.

Music and gigs: The Independent said: “Its two venues' gig roster is like pop music's roll of honour with the biggest names performing each year and other students' unions wondering how on earth they manage it.”

Recent performances include the Arctic Monkeys, the Editors and the Futureheads and coming up are Embrace, Orson and Jools Holland.

Environment: Located two miles outside Norwich city centre in 320 acres of beautiful parkland, including conservation areas which provide a haven for wildlife. The campus has award-winning architecture by Sir Denys Lasdun, Lord Foster, Rick Mather and others, and many awards for the energy efficiency of its buildings.

Sports: The Sunday Times University Guide 2006-07 (in conjunction with University and College Sport) ranks the University of East Anglia as best in the UK for sports facilities, achieving 54 stars out of a maximum of 55.

Rent: Average £216 a month off campus; from £50 to £78 a week on campus, compared to £93 in London.

Employment after study: In the last survey of graduates three years after leaving (undertaken in 2001), 78pc were in full time employment, 81pc had not experienced unemployment since leaving and 86pc had jobs that fitted their employment aims. Only 3pc were unemployed at the time of the survey.

Break down of degrees awarded: 2004-05: 1st - 9pc; 2:1 - 56pc, 2.2 - 28pc, 3rd - 6pc, pass - 1pc. Compared to national figures: 1st - 10.6pc; 2:1 - 43.3pc, 2.2 - 30.2pc, 3rd and pass - 7.3pc (unclassified 3.4pc)

Drop our rate 3.4pc compared to 7.2pc nationally.

The UEA Careers Centre is encouraging recent graduates living in Norfolk to release their full work potential following a successful funding bid through the Norfolk Learning Partnership and Norfolk County Council.

Some 46pc of UEA graduates choose to stay on in Norfolk after graduation, one of the highest retention rates in the country. Added to this, many graduates from other universities come to the area for the first time or return to it as their home region.

But soon after leaving many graduates are employed in non-graduate jobs, such as bar keeping or shop work, while they decide upon their longer-term career ambitions.

Deborah Lowen, one of the business performance coaches working on the project dubbed Stay Local … Do Different, said: “In my experience, the people who are happiest and most successful in their careers are those who know what they really want and actively explore ways to achieve it.”

The project, staffed by members of UEA Careers Centre and career and business performance management coaches, aims to provide enhanced services for graduates to help them to stay locally through identi