Steven Gerrard is a Liverpool legend and must be offered a new contract soon... it should never have come to this

It is July 23. Liverpool have just played the first game of their North American tour in Boston and Brendan Rodgers is fulfilling his media duties.
Less than 48 hours earlier, Steven Gerrard had revealed that he was retiring from international football. After 114 caps he felt he owed it to Liverpool to give them his undivided attention. So Rodgers was asked how he saw Gerrard’s future.
‘I am very happy that Steven is going to commit to Liverpool and I am sure that (his contract) is something we will look at,’ said Rodgers. ‘I know he can continue to play beyond this season. I have always said that.

A lot has been made of Gerrard’s form this season but it hasn’t been anything like some have made it out to be. He is Liverpool’s joint-leading scorer and has played every minute of every Barclays Premier League and Champions League game.

If Gerrard were to come on the market, there would be many courting him. Clubs in America, for example, and the Middle East. More than that, though, how many Champions League managers would take the chance to let their interest be known?

The rampaging box-to-box bursts of his youth may have been phased out but the way Gerrard passes and strikes a ball remain as sweet as ever. There will come a day when he no longer wears Liverpool red, but that should not be next season.

And it is not just about what he does on a match day.

‘Steven is a brilliant role model for me,’ said Jordan Rossiter, one of the brightest hopes at Liverpool’s academy. ‘Just watching him train helps me loads.’

Gerrard continues to set an example, to lead the club. There has been talk of him becoming an ambassador when he retires but he has been doing ambassadorial work for Liverpool throughout his career.

Last week, his programme notes against Hull City signed off with a mention that his cousin Jon-Paul Gilhooley, one of the 96 who lost their lives at Hillsborough, would have been 36. ‘He and they are never far from our thoughts,’ Gerrard wrote.

Since Jamie Carragher retired, Gerrard has been the link between the pitch and the terraces.

That Liverpool’s owners have let it get to this point suggests they do not quite appreciate Gerrard’s importance to this club. Allowing the situation to drift has been ham-fisted, and not telling the club captain of their plans lacks courtesy.

Clubs tend to take older players for granted. Think of Chelsea with Frank Lampard, Manchester United with Rio Ferdinand.

Yes, it makes business sense not to offer those in their 30s long-term deals but it does not mean they should be cast to one side and dealt with last.

Of course, all this may be resolved before the new year but the dithering has resulted in Gerrard raising the prospect that he may play elsewhere next season. It should not have come to this.

Enjoy Your Visit to Nottingham

It goes without saying that the city of Nottingham is an interesting place to visit. First of all it is well know all around the world due to the Robin Hood Tales; however it has a wide range of other bewitching and captivating tourist attractions. Especially those people who live in the city`s surrounding towns merging with the suburbs of Nottingham or in the city proper are lucky to have half-day excursions, thus they can have fun in Nottingham and go back home. And so they do, many of them visit the city on a day trip and a holiday. The city is suiting everyone because of the fascinating opportunities it provides. Shopaholics are lucky to have a delightful array of different shops, ateliers, studios where they can find everything they desire. Thus it is no wonder why many people who greatly enjoy going shopping are flocking there. Moreover theatres and cinema circuits can make happy every outgoing person of any age group. Music venues, theatres and cinemas. Speaking about cultural life of the city it should be noted that here one can hear music of all sorts because of the many music venues. The most popular places where you can take a great delight in listening classical music are the Nottingham Symphony Orchestra, the Symphonic Wind Orchestra, the Bach Choir and the Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra. Those who are fond of modern performers can go to such venues as the Royal Concert Hall or the Nottingham Arena to enjoy their favourite music. There are also some popular club venues where you can see much more intimate shows, these are Junktion 7, Rock City and many more. As the city of Nottingham has many educational enterprises and young adults from the universities happen to be talented the city also is proud of locally produces music bands such as Swing Out Sister, Tindersticks, Pitchshifter and Consumed, Ten Years After, Stereo MCs and Paper Lace. Besides music venues there are many theatres for discerning theatre goers where they can attend plays at the Nottingham Playhouse, the Theatre Royal, and the Nottingham Arts Theatre and others. For example Newstead Abbey hosts open-air theatre where Shakespeare performances have been playing for many years together with other offerings during summer time, while in the winter time season Newstead Abbey present nostalgic Christmas pageants. Well-appointed cinema circuits entertain and can make happy every outgoing person of any age group. In the city you can even find the world’s smallest cinema it has just 21 seats. If you are an adherent of a certain cuisine or like to sit at dining table with different local and ethnic meal the city`s fine restaurants will create the desirable atmosphere for you. You can enjoy Spanish, Italian, Caribbean, Egyptian, Mexican, Greek, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and American food. Thanks to the schools, colleges and universities Nottingham`s population is very young and energetic, thus, on default there are a lot of entertaining programs organized for the students. Moreover the affordable

Things to do on Holiday in Southampton

Southampton located on the south cost of the United Kingdom is a great place to consider taking a holiday whether you are form the UK and planning to stay in the UK or whether you are from overseas looking to visit the UK. Southampton is an easily accessible location with a regional airport and excellent transportation links coming into the city. Located around 90 minutes from London by car or a easy train journey, day trips to the nation’s capitol are also an easy and convenient possibility for the would be holiday maker. Southampton is also known for its exceptionally busy ports with both cargo ships and passenger ships arriving and departing on a frequent basis. If you’re considering a cruise ship holiday then Southampton is the perfect location to set sail from. Enjoy a few days in the Southampton and surrounding areas and then set sail for some lovely exotic location. If you like aviation then the Solent Sky Museum is a must, This fantastic museum chronicles the history of aviation in the south of England, displaying several types of aircraft including the large four-engine Sandringham Flying Boat. Southampton is also filled with a number of fine dining locations where you can experience any type of cuisine your heart desires as well as a number of fine top quality hotels and choices of accommodation. Holiday Inn Express, Hotel in Southampton, near M27, Jct7 offers state of art accommodation in Southampton to both Corporate Clients on business and Families, complimentary parking and is ideally located when visiting the area on business, leisure or during Special Events in the surrounding area. We’re so easy to find near the M27. The hotel is adjacent to the Rose Bowl – Home of Hampshire Cricket and Esporta Leisure Centre, within close proximity to the M27 & M3 Motorways and tourist attractions such as Marwell Zoo, Paultons Park, Beaulieu and Spinnaker Tower. A 15-minute drive from the City Centre and 8-minute drive from the Southampton Airport, the hotel in Southampton is ideally positioned for those visiting the Hamble Valley, departing from the Southampton airport, embarking on a cruise liner at the Southampton Docks, attending Cowes Week or the Southampton Boat Show.

Top ways to get rid of acid reflux and heartburn

(NaturalNews) There are a number of different foods that can contribute to heartburn and acid reflux. While they are both uncomfortable conditions, there are also medical reasons for reducing their incidences. For example, repeated episodes of acid reflux can lead to irritation of the esophagus and, eventually, make a person susceptible to cancer. Fortunately, there are different lifestyle and dietary changes that can help stop these issues almost before they even start.

Substitute herbs for spices when possible
While spices tend to add a great deal of flavor and, sometimes, heat, to a dish, they can also be irritating. For people who find themselves suffering from heartburn and acid reflux after eating a spicy meal, try choosing some soothing herbs to season the dish next time. Basil, parsley and oregano are herbs that still add a wallop of great flavor, but are calming to the body. Try to eat more calming and soothing herbs rather than spicy meals. Mint, while an herb that has lots of health benefits, can still irritate those people who are sensitive. Some trial and error might be necessary to determine if an herb can be tolerated.

Ditch the carbonated drinks
Delightfully fizzy and lots of fun, carbonation also contributes to bloating and gas in individuals who are particularly sensitive to its effects. In addition, it can cause irritation of the esophagus and heartburn. Instead of reaching for a soda or other carbonated beverage, herbal tea and plain water are better bets.

Banish the caffeine
Getting the day started with a brisk cup of coffee has become the preferred way for many people to wake up. Unfortunately for java lovers, caffeine can irritate both the esophagus and the intestines, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Instead, warm some almond milk before sprinkling it with cinnamon or try a cup of soothing herbal tea in the morning.

Watch the healthy foods
Even those individuals who try to eat in a healthy manner may find themselves puzzling over the fact that they are suffering from heartburn and acid reflux. Some very healthy foods, such as tomatoes, beans, peppers, legumes and peanuts, can contribute to heartburn and acid reflux. Other healthy foods, however, can help soothe the stomach and the esophagus. These include oats, olive oil, organic yogurt, berries, leafy greens, apple cider vinegar and sweet potatoes. By eliminating those healthy foods that cause problems, as well as refined flour, red meat, sweets and many dairy products, and substituting with healthy foods that are more soothing, heartburn and acid reflux can be reduced.

Simply by following the above tips at each meal, individuals who find themselves suffering from heartburn and acid reflux can find relief in just a short time.

 

Corruption, fraud and bureaucracy cost US healthcare system up to $272 billion annually

(NaturalNews) The price of centralized healthcare extends far beyond just the costs of providing medical services, as a new study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reveals outrageous levels of fraud and corruption that are costing taxpayers billions of dollars. According to data compiled as part of a larger research project into medical corruption, the U.S. loses as much as $272 billion annually due to things like medical embezzlement and insurance billing fraud, both of which are rampant.
The study out of India points to healthcare as an inherently high-risk sector that is prone to fraud, especially when the government gets involved. Globally speaking, up to 25 percent of what is spent on healthcare services ends up being siphoned away by criminals, both in the public and private sectors. And much of this fraud, as explained by the researchers, goes unaddressed because it is so deeply embedded and normalized within the system.
"Best estimates are that between 10% and 25% of global spend[ing] on public procurement of health is lost through corruption," explain the authors. "The United States, for example, lost between $82bn and $272bn in 2011 to medical embezzlement, mostly related to its health insurance system."

More than one-third of US healthcare fraud occurs with Medicare, Medicaid
While in the process of being "reformed," the American medical system is still largely private, with private insurance companies managing much of the healthcare burden for working Americans. And yet a bulk of the nation's medical fraud occurs within public sector health services like Medicare and Medicaid, which account for more than one-third of all known fraud.
As explained in a recent piece for The Economist, nearly $100 billion in fraud takes place within the confines of Medicare and Medicaid spending, while the remaining $172 billion occurs elsewhere. And once Obamacare kicks into full gear, the level of fraud will balloon even further, as it already has just within the realm of the Obamacare healthcare exchanges, most of which have failed despite hundreds of millions of dollars in government spending.

US regulators cracking down on healthcare fraud; but it may be too little, too late
In the US, federal regulators have reportedly stepped up the charge to address rampant healthcare fraud. Probes into more than 2,000 alleged cases of fraud, according to The Economist, were launched just in 2013 alone. Hundreds of people have since been charged for their alleged roles in illegally milking the system for their own personal gain.
But as noted by one report on the subject, fraud migrates and mutates, meaning it simply relocates and takes new form once it has been outed. Unless the entire system is reformed to root out corruption and establish some enforceable level of ethical and moral accountability, there is simply no way to truly stamp out the criminal elements of the healthcare racket that are gradually bankrupting the country.
"It will be challenging for patients and doctors to take on a system mired in corruption," adds the BMJ study. "Simple and effective channels for complaints must be established, and appropriate legal support and protection provided to whistleblowers. ... Doctors have allowed sleeping dogs to lie for too long because of fear, lethargy, and complicity. It is time to reflect and hold ourselves and our peers accountable."

Woman sheds 87 pounds, says clean eating now a part of her dietary lifestyle

(NaturalNews) At 5-feet-4-inches tall and weighing 230 pounds, 29 year-old DeAnna Taylor often dismissed her excess weight as being "top heavy."(1) As a result, she spoke with a doctor about having breast reduction surgery, however, the doctor informed her that because she was morbidly obese, she'd have to lose at least 70 pounds before such surgery could be considered.
The words "morbidly obese" shocked Taylor into changing her lifestyle, making her realize that it was a difficult breakup that led her to seek comfort in eating a great deal of unhealthy foods. To make matters worse, she engaged in hardly any physical activity. Before she knew it, she was among the one-third of Americans who are obese, increasing her risk for a host of obesity-related health problems.(2)
But, as the saying goes, "That was then, and this is now."

Clean eating instrumental for weight loss, overall health
These days, Taylor is 87 pounds lighter, her fit body weighing a healthy 143 pounds.(1) She attributes her dramatic weight loss to two factors. First, she increased physical activity, initially starting out with fitness-related WiFi console games, then taking classes at a gym. Second, she ditched unhealthy eating habits and turned to a clean eating lifestyle where she says she enjoys " . . . foods in as close to their natural state as possible."(2)
Additionally, she preps her meals on Sundays, so she has healthy and convenient food options for the days ahead.
Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS says that eating clean involves eliminating processed foods, high fructose corn syrups and trans fats.(3) Of trans fats, he says they are " . . . metabolic poison" and that "the only truly safe level for human consumption is zero."(3)
When one moves away from such unhealthy foods and instead eats whole, fresh fruits, vegetables and grains, not only can weight loss be achieved, but a range of health improvements can be realized. For example, clean eating can help regulate blood sugar levels, prevent cancers, reduce cardiovascular risks, boost energy and lift feelings of depression.(4)

$3.2 million Superman comic looks 'amazing' online

In August, a pristine copy of Action Comics No. 1, containing the origin story of the Man of Steel. But even if you don't have that kind of dough, you can see what the historic issue -- rated 9 out of 10 by CGC Comics, an independent grading authority -- looks like  on its website.

"I think the first impression in my mind is just like it came off the newsstand," said Paul Litch, a 15-year veteran of CGC, who did the final grading of the comic book for the company. "It was absolutely fresh and amazing."

Though Action Comics No. 1 is best known for the Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster story that created Superman, the issue -- which has been rarely reprinted in full -- has several other tales inside. There's "Chuck Dawson," foe of crooked cattlemen; "Zatara: Master Magician," "champion of law and order"; and "Scoop Scanlon, Five Star Reporter," who uncovers corruption with the help of photographer pal Rusty James.

Superman memories relived

And that's not all! According to an ad on the inside front cover, you could win a dollar (that's in 1938 bucks, incidentally) for hand-coloring the title page of "Chuck Dawson" with your very own crayons. However, for those of you who actually own a copy of Action Comics No. 1, this is not encouraged.

The scan has been available since talk of  in July. But even after the actual, physical comic book was purchased by Metropolis/ComicConnect on August 24, it's stayed up. Litch says CGC has no plans to take it down.

It's certainly boosted site traffic: In the three months since the scan was posted, sessions are up more than 50% from the previous three-month period. Users are up 166%. The scan has received more than 52,000 page views, CGC reports.

David Tosh, an auctioneer specializing in comics with Heritage Auctions in Dallas, says that posting a full scan of a classic comic is "unusual," but he believes it's beneficial to everybody -- including DC Comics, which owns the rights to Superman. (DC Comics is a unit of Time Warner, as is CNN.)

"The scans were done as a historical item, rather than something that would be published, and the book has been reprinted a number of times anyway," he said. "It's all good publicity."

The process of scanning won't do any damage to the value of the comic book, he adds. A lot of the classic books of the '30s and '40s that have been reprinted in book editions are scanned from originals themselves. Also, having online copies available doesn't affect their collectability.

"Most collectors today are not like they were in the 1970s and '80s, when they were buying comics because they liked to read them," he said. "Comics like this are sold as an investment more than anything else. The historical value of the book is still intact, and that's what people are actually buying when they buy a rare comic."

These days, of course, quite a bit is online. Both Marvel and DC, the two major superhero purveyors, have parts of their websites devoted to accessing titles online, both free and for a fees specialize in posting comics old and new.

Nevertheless, when it comes to historical work, Superman --  with DC stablemate Batman -- still reigns supreme. And though the $3.2 million for the Metropolis/ComicConnect Action Comics No. 1 is the most anyone's paid for a comic book, Tosh believes there's a another copy out there somewhere, hidden carefully in somebody's collection.

"One of these days it'll turn up, and it will blow the rest of them out of the water," he said and then added words that even Superman would appreciate: "The sky's the limit."