Dick Cheney's transplant reopens debate about age

FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2011 file photo, former Vice President Dick Cheney is interviewed in New York. Former Vice President Dick Cheney is recovering after having a heart transplant. That's according to his office. It released a statement Saturday, March 24, 2012 disclosing the surgery, and saying that Cheney has been on the transplant list for more than 20 months. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2011 file photo, former Vice President Dick Cheney is interviewed in New York. Former Vice President Dick Cheney is recovering after having a heart transplant. That's according to his office. It released a statement Saturday, March 24, 2012 disclosing the surgery, and saying that Cheney has been on the transplant list for more than 20 months. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

(AP) ? Doctors say it is unlikely that former Vice President Dick Cheney got special treatment when he was given a new heart at age 71 that thousands of younger people also were in line to receive.

Still, his case reopens debate about whether rules should be changed to favor youth over age in giving out scarce organs. As it stands now, time on the waiting list, medical need and where you live determine the odds of scoring a new heart ? not how many years you'll live to make use of it.

"The ethical issues are not that he had a transplant, but who didn't?" Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist at Scripps Health in La Jolla, Calif., wrote on Twitter.

Cheney received the transplant Saturday at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Va., the same place where he received an implanted heart pump that has kept him alive since July 2010. It appears he went on the transplant wait list around that time, 20 months ago.

He had severe congestive heart failure and had suffered five heart attacks over the past 25 years. Cheney has had countless procedures to keep him going ? bypasses, artery-opening angioplasty, pacemakers and surgery on his legs. Yet he must have had a healthy liver and kidneys to qualify for a new heart, doctors said.

"We have done several patients hovering around age 70" although that's about "the upper limit" for a transplant, said Dr. Mariell Jessup, a University of Pennsylvania heart failure specialist and American Heart Association spokeswoman. "The fact he waited such a long time shows he didn't get any favors."

More than 3,100 Americans are waiting now for a new heart, and about 330 die each year before one becomes available. When one does, doctors check to see who is a good match and in highest medical need. The heart is offered locally, then regionally and finally nationally until a match is made.

"You can't leapfrog the system," said Dr. Allen Taylor, cardiology chief at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. "It's a very regimented and fair process and heavily policed."

Jessup and Taylor spoke Sunday from the American College of Cardiology's annual conference in Chicago, where Cheney's treatment was a hot topic.

Patients can get on more than one transplant list if they can afford the medical tests that each center requires to ensure eligibility, and can afford to fly there on short notice if an organ becomes available. For example, the late Apple chief Steve Jobs was on a transplant list in Tennessee and received a new liver at a hospital there in 2009 even though he lived in California.

That's not done nearly as often with hearts as it is for livers or kidneys, said Dr. Samer Najjar, heart transplant chief at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Each transplant center decides for itself how old a patient it will accept, he said.

"Most centers wouldn't put somebody on" at Cheney's age, said University of Pennsylvania bioethicist Art Caplan, who has testified before many panels on organ sharing issues.

"I've been arguing for a long time that the system should pay more attention to age because you'll get a better return on the gift" because younger people are more likely to live longer with a donor organ, Caplan said.

News reports detail other successful heart transplants in septuagenarians.

In Canada, a man described as a home builder and philanthropist received a heart transplant when he was 79 at the University Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He lived for more than a decade with the organ, dying in 2010 at age 90.

In Texas, a 75-year-old retired veterinarian received a heart last year from a 61-year-old donor, but he had been a marathon runner and was presumably healthier than many of his peers.

Cheney will have to take daily medicines to prevent rejection of his new heart and go through rehabilitation to walk and return to normal living. He was former President George W. Bush's vice president for eight years, from 2001 until 2009.

___

Marilynn Marchione can be followed at ?http://twitter.com/MMarchioneAP

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2012-03-25-Cheney%20Transplant/id-179224e052ce4421b9eb1c1afa7b8d8f

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Religions Must Cover Birth Control? - Health Insurance In Los Angeles

Health Insurance In Los Angeles

170+ Fox News Bias videos at bit.ly The birth control coverage regulation announced by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on January 20, slightly modified today, led to a lot of misinformation about the rule in the media, especially on Fox News where I found Fox News anchors misinforming viewers about the exemption for religious employers, about whether ?abortion pills? were covered, and about the cost to employers of covering contraceptives, as I show in this video. The clips I use of Fox News anchor Steve Doocy and Fox News Legal Analyst Peter Johnson. Jr., come from a longer segment of Fox News? February 1, 2012, broadcast of ?Fox and Friends? available online at bit.ly The clip I use of Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer interviewing Becket Fund lawyer Hannah Smith comes from a longer segment of Fox News? February 2, 2012, broadcast of ?America?s Newsroom? available online at bit.ly The clip I use of Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly citing the ?cost? of contraceptive coverage comes from a longer segment of Fox News? February 6, 2012, broadcast of ?America? Live? which I have not found available online The quote I use of the HHS regulation exempting some religious employers from covering contraceptives for their employees comes from the US government webpage at 1.usa.gov The image I use of the California Supreme Court case of Catholic Charities of Sacramento Inc. v. Superior Court, 32 Cal.4th 527 (2004), comes from the Findlaw webpage at bit.ly The image I use ?

Health Insurance in Los AngelesHealth Insurance in Los Angeles

Guide to Buy Individual Health Insurance in Los Angeles

Most individuals want to stay without any type of security than going for a personal strategy as the later is more costly Health Insurance in Los Angeles plan to buy.

WHEN TO GO FOR AN INDIVIDUAL PLAN?
Individual programs are not generally desired by individuals as they are not affordable. However if a individual is self applied, or his household insurance plan does not deal with him or if he is between tasks, then the only substitute that he has is to go for an personal specialist strategy.

TYPES OF INDIVIDUAL PLANS
While a individual in such a scenario has no other choice, but to go for an personal strategy, the selection can be found in the type of strategy he chooses. There are various specialist programs that are not too hefty on the wallet. Here is a look at the few of them.
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QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
When looking to buy one of the more expensive types of specialist strategy, it is important that you are fulfilled that it provides you with exactly the type of security that you are looking. Quick guidelines on the following and you can be confident of the security.
- Is your selection of physician involved in the offered network?
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- What will be the Health Insurance in Los Angeles deductible, top quality and the co-insurance that I am expected to pay?
- What are the advantages specific to the strategy I am looking for?

Health Insurance In Los Angeles

TIPS TO GET YOUR INDIVIDUAL PLAN CHEAP
Agreed that personal programs are expensive, but that does not mean there is no way around. If you research properly, then you will absolutely come across programs that are relatively more cost-effective.
Agreeing to pay a higher Health Insurance in Los Angeles deductible instantly indicates that you are shelling out a smaller top quality. So if you looking for a strategy that hopefully you will never use, then this is a excellent permutation to look for.
One can also lower the top quality by eliminating certain health services in the strategy. For example, if you have no programs of maternity currently, then why pay more for pregnancy advantages in your specialist programs.
However, the sure taken way getting a strategy at a more cost-effective rate is to buy it as soon as possible. Premium will depend on the specialist position and age of the individual which generally indicates the mature you get, the more top quality you have to pay. Hence the idea is to buy your personal strategy now so that you don?t have to pay more for it later on.

INDIVIDUAL PLANS AFTER THE REFORMS
There is a common false impression that one has to pay more after the reforms are integrated. But in fact, rates could go down by 14 to 20 % after the Act is integrated. And with the tax credit being available to the citizens, personal rates could depreciate further by about 60%. Individuals do not have to pay more for co-pays and insurance deductibles either as there would be a cap on how much one will pay from his wallet.
Individual programs will also come with some other essential advantages. This will involve avoidance and Health Insurance in Los Angeles and fitness advantages at no additional cost, suggested vaccination and an access to the state-based Change. They will also allow individuals to select their own physician from the taking part suppliers. Also there would be no prior endorsement necessary to visit an ob-gyn.
Buying a personal specialist strategy can be hard no uncertainty, but with a careful strategy and the right analysis, one will be able to pick up a really wonderful deal for himself.

The Importance of

Before you publication your holiday, look into your health insurance with security. Most individuals expect their Credit score Card companies and life programs, deal with them while visiting or often individuals believe nothing will happen to them. It is best to analysis all of your alternatives, so that you are completely knowledgeable and can create the right choice for enough security. If you have already ordered your holiday, understand that buying insurance plan is a must.
There are many alternatives to select from before you publication your holiday. Shop around and discover out what you already have. Only then can you create a knowledgeable decision regarding what additional Health Insurance in Los Angeles you may need to be completely protected. Traveling is used to be a stress-free pleasant time. For example, your insurance plan could arrive at over $ 1000.00 if you have a pre-existing scenario, are over 65 and are vacationing for two several weeks. If you get in a nip, there are always third celebration loan companies that would allow you to go on that special holiday if you necessary a loan for your Health Insurance in Los Angeles plan security.

What does OHIP deal with if I depart the nation on vacation?
- OHIP highly suggests buying additional specialist insurance plan security.
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Credit Card Coverage: Concerns to ask?
-If I own cards with specialist insurance plan circumstances but do not publication a holiday using that card, am I still protected through them?
-Do I need to tell my Card company I am getting the holiday and do I have to identify all of the details?
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-What is the most covered? Will it deal with me to be traveled house if required?
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-Is my household protected under the same card?

When buying a Take a travel Insurance plan that?s right for you, buy it with the attitude that you will use it. There are several aspects to consider in buying a personalized Health Insurance in Los Angeles plan. Most programs are according to age, the length of your energy and effort you will be out of the nation, and your historical past.
Banks can provide you with extremely specific guidelines that clearly magic out every possible scenario. They offer a wide range of alternatives from all-inclusive programs, to just crisis specialist offers, to holiday termination guidelines.
Things to keep in mind when shopping for the best fit through different Health Insurance in Los Angeles Providers
-The common supply for Medical/Hospital Insurance security is up to $ 5,000.000. Is that enough?
-Are you a individual of Canada? If you are not a individual you may not be qualified for certain programs.
-Take a content of the plan papers with you and create sure you have all assisting information. Ensure you involve a computer file of your own historical past such as a household physician?s contact information, and all drugs you are currently getting.
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-Find out if you are accountable for shelling out the Medical or if your Health Insurance in Los Angeles plan company immediately covers that.
Take proper excellent you and your household so that you can enjoy your some time to effort overseas.

Health Insurance in Los Angeles

Source: http://healthinsuranceinlosangeles.org/health-insurance-in-los-angeles-religions-must-cover-birth-control/

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BadCreditLoans.com Posts a Brand New ... - Pay Day Loans Austin

BadCreditLoans.com Posts a Brand New Finance Article that Succinctly and Effectively Explains how the Payday Lending Process Works











BadCreditLoans.com

(PRWEB) March 05, 2012

While convenience and speed are essential parts of payday lending, so too are information and responsible borrowing habits. With this in mind, BadCreditLoans.com has posted brand new educational articles on the payday lending industry. Consumers can read these free articles to learn how to submit an electronic application for instant approval, compare loan quotes, select a lender, and find the lowest price available.

?BadCreditLoans.com works in every way possible to offer an assortment of educational materials to those who visit the site whether they?re in search of an affordable payday loan or insightful information about the payday lending process,? says BadCreditLoans.com spokesperson Chris Roberts. ?By putting educational materials into the hands of the public, BadCreditLoans.com can ensure consumers are up-to-date on payday lending law, familiar with common payday lending terms and fully aware of payday lending policies.?

With hundreds of payday lending websites claiming to approve bad credit loans, consumers may find it difficult to decide which website is best. BadCreditLoans.com understands the challenge and offers a widely spanning array of financial articles and informational guides to help any consumers make the right decision.

The newest article in the BadCreditLoans.com library is entitled ?How It Works.? By taking just a few minutes to read through it, customers can learn everything they need to know about the application, approval, disbursal of funds, and eventual repayment of their loan. It is a simple way to help anyone prepare for the financial decision they may be about to make.

Visitors to BadCreditLoans.com will find a one-stop resource in the search for a simple, fast and secure payday loan. Consumers who have a bank account and can provide other personal information, such as a Social Security number, home address, and work phone number, can complete an electronic application in just a few minutes. Once approved, they can select a lender, sign an e-signature contract, and get emergency cash deposited into a valid checking account within the following 24 hours.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Find More Payday Cash Press Releases

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Source: http://www.paydayloansaustin.net/badcreditloans-com-posts-a-brand-new-finance-article-that-succinctly-and-effectively-explains-how-the-payday-lending-process-works/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=badcreditloans-com-posts-a-brand-new-finance-article-that-succinctly-and-effectively-explains-how-the-payday-lending-process-works

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Dr. Dre To Produce Horror Movie 'Thaw'

Movie focuses on ancient evil unearthed from a glacier.
By Gil Kaufman


Dr. Dre
Photo: Getty Images

Rick Ross recently told MTV News that he had joined the likes of Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, 50 Cent and Nas as a contributor
 to the top secret project.

"We making some things happen, man— we just gonna see where the pieces fall," Ross said. "But we most definitely putting in major work.

Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1681559/dr-dre-thaw-movie-producer.jhtml

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Weather Channel: Weekend Getaways From D.C. ... - Travel Leisure

03.23.12

This year is the centennial of the National Cherry Blossom Festival(March 20?April 27), which kicked off this week in D.C. For travelers headed to see the flowers, T+L's Sarah Spagnolo presents easy weekend getaways from the nation's capital on the Weather Channel's Wake Up and Go.

1.??? Sporty College Town: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
A five-hour drive south on I-85 will get you to Chapel Hill, home to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, located on 729 leafy acres. This weekend is a great time to visit: join students as they watch the school?s Tar Heels basketball team play in the NCAA Tournament on Friday night in St. Louis. WHERE TO STAY The Siena Hotel, a Tuscan-style retreat, has French doors, circular tubs, and balconies that overlook Franklin Street, the city?s main artery. PRICE $120 a night. BOOK NOW

2.??? Family Seaside Escape: Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
This waterfront destination, three hours southeast of D.C. on Virginia?s Northern Neck, is great for kayaking, paddle boating, and golf. Plus, it?s within driving distance of Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. WHERE TO STAY Tides Inn, a 2012 T+L 500 hotel, has creekside rooms, a George Cobb-designed golf course, and s?mores on the beach. PRICE $275 a night. BOOK NOW

3.??? Wine Trip: Lynchburg, Virginia
An undiscovered town in Central Virginia, Lynchburg is home to two of the state?s top wineries, both framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The historic destination, just a three-hour drive southwest from D.C., is also filled with museums, charming boutiques, and orchards. WHERE TO STAY Craddock Terry Hotel, set in a converted shoe factory, pays homage to the site?s roots with unique touches, such as room service served in an antique wood shoeshine box. PRICE $189 a night. BOOK NOW

Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-blog/carry-on/2012/3/23/weather-channel-weekend-getaways-from-dc

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Signs of lung cancer | lung cancer facts | Job, Health, Home ...

The reasons for this are unclear signs of ?lung cancer. The group has launched an aggressive membership campaign like an educational and information campaign for susceptible visitors to undergo cancer screening by means of CT scan. After skin, prostate cancer may be the next most commonly encountered type of this disease for men in the U.S. Typical side effects are impotence and urinary incontinence. Since 2000 the incidence rate of this disease has stayed fairly stable signs of lung cancer.?The reasons behind this are uncertain. The group has launched a hostile membership campaign such as an educational and information campaign for susceptible visitors to undergo cancer screening with CT scan. Close to you, you can support this campaign in several ways. Radiotherapy is accomplished over the space of roughly 5 weeks and requires you to attend a clinic for 5 consecutive days weekly. Unfortunately, the PSA testing remains not deemed to be very reliable.

The opposite featured clinical trial will be the Radiation Therapy in treating people with substantial small cell lung cancer staying held at Sparta, New Jersey. Their criteria for other characteristics for ladies are certainly not pregnant or nursing, negative pregnancy test and must use contraceptives during fertility stage. Ablation is to remove a substance using heat and evaporation. After your participation in these lung cancer clinical trials study is completed, you will be provided with appropriate follow-up care and assistance. Depression may set in at any time, be it after diagnosis, during treatment, or after treatment and. In case your husband goes through prostate cancer or simply dealing with treatment, listed here are tips you need to remember to ensure allowing him each of the support he requirements.

Lung cancer facts

Live a healthy lifestyle to reduce your chances of getting prostate cancer, but get hold of your oncologist about all your options if you do get diagnosed with the disease and lung cancer facts. While using American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common non-skin cancer and is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Only 5% of people found afflicted managed to survive in a five year study period. Vast amounts of dollars are spent by cancer patients each year on treatments and medication. In the event you underwent surgery, your doctor can discern with different pathologic stage. How will you cope up with life being a cancer preventing survivor?

You?ll want to educate yourself in regards to the ins and outs of lung cancer, latest hi tech laser or cell treatments and alternative remedies. The main element distinction amid benign and malignant tumors is always that malignant tumors can enter into the brain tissues and quickly grow and lung cancer facts. This kind of cancer affects probably the most vital a part of a human body ? the central nervous system. Physical exercise or leading an active lifestyle boosts the immune system, elevates circulation, increases energy levels so it helps in preventing diseases. Brain tumors differ inside their growth speed as well as capacity to demonstrate warning signs. Children with this sort of cancer possess the highest rate of survival at 73%. Early detection is vital considering that the outlook for successful treatment is high using the earlier cancer stages.

And a significant decrease in tumor volume, connection between this research showed the formula also worked to inhibit many genes associated with cancer proliferation and metastasis. The symptoms will also be just like those of a urinary tract infection and prompt medical attention is required. Our brain has many different kinds of cells and each with a different function. Life after cancer treatment solutions are generally radically distinct from it had been before cancer diagnosis. As most other kinds of cancer, brain cancer can also be classified as primary brain cancer and secondary brain cancer. Based on the CDC, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, cancer of the breast is easily the most widespread cancer among women in america. Exercise frequently and stay informed about any medical issues pertaining to brain cancer.

Source: http://www.phamacytechnician-salary.com/how-to-know-signs-of-lung-cancer-facts/

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Surprise payment to student loan, plus great lawyer news ...

NT's other student loan (NOT the one that hasn't yet registered a couple payments they received 6 months ago) has been messing up too.

In December they sent us a late-payment notice and I discovered they hadn't added his most recent amount borrowed to the autopay for some reason. I got them to promise to add it to autopay and to apply the late fee to principal.

Then a few days ago, we got a late-payment notice; they had never added the loan to autopay as promised, and were once again charging us a $5 late fee.

I emailed and explained the situation, asked them to add it to autopay for real this time, and requested they refund the late fee again since it still wasn't our fault. They replied to say OK to all, but that I had to manually pay the late amount because they couldn't retroactively collect it via autopay.

I immediately did so. Today the amount I paid was deducted from checking -- twice! Sigh. I went onto the loan account and at least it was deducted twice. So I'm not going to argue, since the extra payment -- plus the late fee amount -- went toward principal.

So, unexpectedly, that's $24 more paid to student loans. Now we're at $1911 down, $87 to go on our March goal.

***

Now for the REALLY good news. I touched base with our lawyer to let him know the birth is coming up soon and to see when he wants to find about about it so he can start the adoption process. In the secretary's reply, she also mentioned she'd be sending us a retainer agreement soon, and gave us two options for payment:

-- A $3500 flat fee, nonrefundable, that would cover all the lawyer fees, and a $1000 refundable retainer to cover any court costs that might arise

-- A $3500 refundable retainer that would be applied to lawyer and court fees. The catch is that if the hourly lawyer fees + court costs ended up being higher than $3500, we would have to add to the retainer and pay the full amount. It could end up being less than $3500 or a great deal more, depending on how things went.

We opted for the first payment plan, because we're doing two unusual (third-parent) adoptions, so we feel complications (and thus lawyer fees) could easily crop up.

Since I saved up enough money to cover the high end of his very rough estimate during his initial consultation with us, I actually had $6500 set aside. Now that it looks like we'll get both adoptions for under $4500, I'm sending the extra $2000 straight to student loan debt.

I could put it in the EF, since I'm always grousing about being behind on that goal. But the simple truth is, having student loan debt bugs me more than not meeting my EF goals. I know we'll get there eventually with the EF, even if it's not this year. We've got over 3 months' expenses saved already, so it's not like we're unprotected should emergencies arise.

So woo hoo! The payment should hit the account in a couple of days!

Source: http://ceejay74.savingadvice.com/2012/03/20/surprise-payment-to-student-loan-plus-gr_93377/

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Wind of scandal sweeps British elite's rural haven

CHIPPING NORTON, England (Reuters) - In an idyllic corner of England, well-heeled neighbours pop over to each other's manor houses for drinks, ride horses together in the countryside and play the odd bit of tennis. A typical weekend for many members of the British upper classes.

But when the neighbours include the head of government, a powerful newspaper boss and a TV celebrity with a taste for fast cars, the whiff of scandal is unmistakable.

The small, quiet town of Chipping Norton has shot to fame since it emerged that Prime Minister David Cameron and former News International CEO Rebekah Brooks frequently socialised in the area, along with other rich and well-connected friends.

The phone-hacking scandal that led Rupert Murdoch to close the News of the World, and that cost Brooks her job at the helm of Murdoch's British newspapers, has also exposed many secrets of a group of friends now known as the "Chipping Norton set".

Nestled amid rolling fields and woods in Oxfordshire, a two-hour drive northwest of London, Chipping Norton is a typical picturesque English country town, low stone houses ranged around a broad market square lined with estate agents, pubs and grocery stores.

Local shopkeepers, bemused by the acres of newsprint devoted to the set in recent months, are happy to gossip about recent celebrity sightings at the butcher's or florist's, but mostly treat the town's newfound fame as a joke.

"I have lots of celebrity customers but unfortunately they're all getting arrested at the moment. I lost two customers last week," chuckled an antiques dealer, who did not wish to give his name lest he should offend his prized clientele.

Brooks and her husband Charlie, a racehorse trainer, were arrested at dawn on March 13 at their sprawling country home and questioned by police on suspicion of covering up evidence of illegal practices at the News of the World.

It was the latest development in an unending saga that has raised questions about the close relationships between the press and the cream of British politics.

HORSEGATE

These were epitomised by the tale of Raisa, a retired police horse loaned to Rebekah Brooks and once ridden by Cameron, as he finally admitted on March 2 after days of evading the question.

Not only did this confirm that his friendship with the disgraced Brooks went well beyond a neighbourly acquaintance, but it also conjured up the damaging vision of a prime minister enjoying elite country pursuits alien to most voters.

"I don't think I will be getting back into the saddle anytime soon," Cameron told reporters, trying to laugh it off.

But the revelation, dubbed "horsegate" by gleeful media, was the last thing Cameron needed after years of playing down his privileged background, an electoral liability at a time when his government is slashing state spending to reduce the deficit.

The wealthy son of a stockbroker, Cameron was educated at Eton, the most exclusive private school in Britain. His stylish wife, Samantha, is the daughter of a baronet.

Cameron has worked hard since he became leader of the Conservative party in 2005 to rid it of its reputation as the party of the wealthy, the hunting and fishing set. Endless newspaper articles on the gilded lives of the Chipping Norton set are unlikely to help him.

Some observers of British politics say the so-called set is only the establishment doing what it has always done.

"It's not a conspiracy. But that horse symbolises something about our society. It shows that the British establishment is still there and still has a lot of influence," said Ivor Gaber, professor of political journalism at City University in London.

He pointed out that Cameron's Labour predecessors, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, had been equally assiduous in cultivating friendships with members of Murdoch's close circle.

"Murdoch's genius was to spot a winner, back a winner and change sides at the right time. Naturally Rebekah Brooks, his prot?g?e, learnt that lesson," he said.

Both Brown and Cameron, then prime minister and leader of the opposition respectively, attended the 2009 elegant lakeside wedding of Rebekah and Charlie Brooks near Chipping Norton.

CAMELOT

"It's a story of continuity rather than change. Rebekah Brooks has moved effortlessly from one Camelot to another," said Catherine Mayer, Europe editor of the magazine Time, evoking the glamour of John and Jacqueline Kennedy.

"People in the public eye become friends with each other precisely because they are in the public eye. David Cameron felt safe around the Brookses. Ironically, that would have been one of the attractions," she said.

The proximity of the Cameron and Brooks country homes is a coincidence. Cameron bought a home in the secluded hamlet of Dean because it is in his parliamentary constituency of Witney, while Charlie Brooks, who also went to Eton and was friends there with Cameron's older brother, has family ties in the area.

But the intimacy between them and other members of the Chipping Norton set has astonished many Britons.

Among the talking points is a photograph of Cameron in a t-shirt chatting with TV celebrity Jeremy Clarkson as Alex James, the bassist from the band Blur, smiles in the background. It was taken at a food and music festival hosted by James last September at his Cotswolds farm, just west of Oxfordshire.

Clarkson, presenter of the BBC's motoring programme Top Gear, has a luxurious home on the outskirts of Chipping Norton, where he is credited with introducing Charlie Brooks to Rebekah.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

The TV star known for his politically incorrect outbursts is an unlikely but central member of the set. Guests at his 50th birthday party reported that Cameron made a surprise video appearance disguised as The Stig, a famous Top Gear character.

Elisabeth Murdoch, daughter of Rupert, and her husband Matthew Freud, head of an influential public relations firm, are also members of the set even though Clarkson has joked that to residents of Chipping Norton, the Freuds' multi-million-pound home in Burford, a few miles away, "is basically France".

The British media have also endlessly retold the tale of a 2010 Christmas party hosted by the Brooks and attended by Clarkson, the Camerons and James Murdoch, son of Rupert and then chairman of News International.

At the time, it was controversial because the government was considering News Corp's bid to take over the broadcaster BSkyB. Since then, the bid has been dropped, a casualty of the phone-hacking scandal.

Evidence is mounting that many of Cameron's own Conservative allies are unimpressed by the antics of the Chipping Norton set.

"It's all about lifestyle and power. Politically it's completely vacuous. It doesn't do him much credit," said one Conservative member of parliament, who did not wish to be named for fear of damaging his career prospects.

Back in quiet Chipping Norton, these debates were like the distant rumble of thunder when the sky overhead is blue.

Sakine Khosravi, owner of a boutique selling handcrafted items from Iran, spoke in glowing terms of "a lovely, tall, red-haired lady" who once came to select a rug. She learnt later that lady was Rebekah Brooks, but has never seen her again.

"I suppose people like that don't have time to go shopping like normal people," she said.

"They're too busy flying off to Milan or Paris in helicopters for coffee or breakfast," she joked.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/wind-scandal-sweeps-british-elites-rural-haven-150734857.html

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