text:
Top 10 Questions
1. How can chiropractic care help the health and wellness of my family?
Your spine is an integral part of your mind and body. From even before you are born, your brain communicates and controls the many functions of your body through the nervous system. The nerves from the brain run down your spine to each and every part of you. Many families experience unavoidable physical, mental and chemical stresses (such as lack of sleep, less exercise, balancing work with home life). These stresses can cause tension in the spine (called subluxations) and irritate the corresponding nerves. Over time, subtle spinal subluxations may cause pain, stress, degeneration and even organ dysfunction. Your chiropractor will release the tension in your spine (through adjustments) so that your body can function optimally and express a maximum state of health and wellness. Many families are proactive and have regular chiropractic check-ups much in the same way we preventatively see a dentist. Chiropractic maintenance is a natural approach for a healthier and happier family.
2. Is prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care safe and gentle?
Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of healthcare for expectant mothers and their children. It is a natural, drug-free, non-invasive approach specific to the mother and child. Your chiropractor will use individualized techniques to release spinal tension with as little amount of pressure as a finger touch. Special pillow supports assist the pregnant mother for comfortable care. Infants and children relax and enjoy their adjustments. Safe and gentle care for you and your family.
3. When should I see a chiropractor if I am pregnant?
During the first trimester, adjustments can help balance your spine and pelvis prior to the increase in weight gain to prevent prenatal back pain as well as help you adapt to the fluctuating hormones and all the changes they bring such as fatigue, nausea and headaches. In the second trimester, proper alignment continues to assist in the stability of your spine so that you can stay active, sleep well and handle ergonomic strain. As you move through the third trimester, specific techniques help with common occurrences such as sciatica, rib pain, ligament tension, pubic dysfunction, tailbone strain, plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. For many expectant mothers, their babies are already in the optimal fetal position at 32 weeks if they have had chiropractic assistance through their pregnancies. It is never too late to see a chiropractor for prenatal care but earlier support decreases discomfort, encourages your baby to move into the head down occiput anterior position and aids in an easier labour and birth, naturally.
4. How can chiropractic care help the baby be in a good position for birth?
The Webster Technique is a chiropractic adjustment to encourage the baby to turn into the head down occiput anterior position prior to labour. Dr. Larry Webster of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association founded the technique which has been proven to be 82% successful in clinical studies (JMPT 2002 Jul-Aug 25(6)) for breech and posterior-positioned babies. It is a gentle, non-invasive procedure that restores balance to your spine and pelvis to release any tension that may be preventing the baby from moving into the ideal position. Even a mild spinal and pelvic misalignment may cause tension in the uterus (called intrauterine constraint) which makes it uncomfortable for the baby to turn into the proper position. It is very safe as the technique does not force the baby to turn if the baby shouldn't (ex. cord or placenta problem). As well, if the baby is already in the proper position, it will help the baby stay there and not move the baby out of place . The number of adjustments required vary, depending on the individual and her health history. The Webster Technique may also assist in a more successful external version. As well, your chiropractor can recommend exercises, postural changes and ergonomic modifications to decrease the chance of any intrauterine constraint. If you are 32 weeks pregnant and your baby is not head down and/or posterior, have a chiropractor check your alignment for a natural birth experience.
5. Why should I see my chiropractor after I have had my baby?
Postnatal care will help you recover from your pregnancy and birth so that you can focus on the health and wellness of your new baby and enjoy the precious days of your "babymoon." It is best to have a chiropractic adjustment within the first few weeks so that you have optimal balance as your ligaments tighten. Chiropractic care will continue to help with the common "mommy strains" such as neck and upper back pain, headaches, fatigue, stress and wrist tendonitis. Techniques will be modified to accommodate your recovery whether from a vaginal birth or cesarean section. As well, your chiropractor can assist you with specific postnatal exercises and the proper ergonomics of nursing and carrying your newborn. And a family wellness program will support you through the exciting changes that occur as your baby grows and develops.
6. What are some of the signs that my newborn should be checked by a chiropractor?
Having a chiropractic newborn assessment within the first few weeks following birth can help your new baby in so many ways. Many newborns have subtle spinal tension either from inutero or from the labour and delivery (whether long and prolonged or fast and intense). Interventions may have been required such as vacuum extraction, forceps or cesarean.
The unavoidable physical and biochemical stresses of pregnancy and birth may contribute to the following:
- baby looks and/or keeps his/her head more to one side
- problems with latch or suck when breastfeeding
- flattening of head
- inconsolable periods of crying
- colic and gas
- gastric reflux/uncomfortable spitting up
- struggles to move bowels
- sleep difficulties
- hip joints click
If your baby has any of these issues, chiropractic is a natural way to remove spinal tension and help your baby be healthier and happier. A newborn check-up will also help to prevent future pediatric disorders and assist your baby through his/her growth and developmental milestones.
7. How does chiropractic care help infants with newborn issues such as gas and colic?
Many infants suffer from gas and colic, especially in their first 3 months of life. They are born with their digestive systems still developing and must suddenly adapt to being nourished from an umbilical cord to breastfeeding. They may also have spinal tension from inutero or the birth itself. This spinal nerve irritation (subluxation) can interrupt the connection between your baby's brain and the functions of his/her digestion. Pediatric chiropractic care gently and safely removes this tension to allow your baby's digestive system to work as effectively and efficiently as possible. In fact, the latest research has proven chiropractic care to be more effective than traditional medicine in the treatment of colic with significantly reduced hours of crying from discomfort (JMPT 1999, 22 (8)). A natural way to help your baby help him/herself.
8. When should my child have chiropractic check-ups?
Your baby goes through incredible physical and neurological changes especially during their first year of life. For optimal growth and development, your child should be checked periodically by your chiropractor. Removing spinal tension will help with specific issues such as nursing difficulties and colic and help prevent future health problems like ear infections and asthma. Many parents remark on how healthy their children are when they are under chiropractic maintenance care and how effectively they reach their growth and developmental milestones. Just like us, children cannot avoid certain stresses that may cause spinal tension whether its from sleeping without neck support as a newborn, the many falls of a toddler or the sports and backpack strains of youth. Infants and children respond to their adjustments better than adults because they don't have years of spinal strain to overcome and their spines are more adaptable. And it is far better to remove spinal tension before symptoms arise once their body cannot compensate for the imbalances. For healthier children and generations to come!
9. Will my chiropractor help me with family health-related questions?
Along with chiropractic adjustments, your chiropractor can help you with other health-related questions and issues. Specific exercises are recommended for both the prenatal and postnatal period as well as active labour techniques for a natural birth. Nutritional and supplement recommendations can help ease pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and heartburn. Certain foods can decrease your baby's chance of colickiness and sensitivities. Relaxation techniques will aid you through labour and the common worries of parenthood. Your chiropractor can also give you support with breastfeeding, sleep habits and properly wearing your baby for both your comfort. As your baby grows, your chiropractor can check his or her developmental milestones and offer guidance on such issues as car seat use, backpack safety and scoliosis screening. And don�t forget that Daddy's spine can also use some natural chiropractic care too! Your family chiropractor is there for every step of the way.
10. What is the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association?
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing awareness of the family wellness lifestyle. The ICPA values and respects parents' rights to make informed health care decisions throughout pregnancy, birth and childhood. They offer continuing education, training and research in pregnancy and pediatrics for chiropractors to help them fulfill their vision in the world. Their website (www.icpa4kids.org) has the most up to date studies and resources, many of which have been included under the Archives section of www.bechiro.ca.


text:
Don't forget to enter my give-a-way drawing! Scroll down to find it!
Good Friday morning! It's time for another one of Taylor's fantastic Cupcake Challenges! Today's sketch was actually fairly easy for me to work with! I was quite surprised because I was a little nervous when I first saw it! Anyway, I used my ODBD set called "Flourished Christian Symbols" and paired it with my retired SU! set called Best Yet! I also used some more of my BasicGrey Granola paper. I paper pierced the corners too!
Make sure you stop by Taylor's blog to see the sketch as well as this week's featured sampler!
Want to see more? Sure you do! Check out the rest of the Cupcake Design Girls!
Jami Sibley: More is More
Monika Davis: M.A.D. Stamper
Jackie Pedro: The Scalloped Edge
Donna Baker: Serenity in Stamping
Sherrie Siemens: Card Creme
Ana Wohlfahrt: Ink a Stamp
Vicki Chrisman: This Art That Makes Me Happy
Again, sorry for a short post but I am currently running around in Denver at my conference! I will be back tomorrow though!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #54
10 comments:
- Amy said...
This is really pretty Steph!!!
- February 6, 2009 at 9:15 AM
- Donna said...
pretty card! so peaceful
- February 6, 2009 at 9:15 AM
This is lovely!
- February 6, 2009 at 9:37 AM
- Jessie/knightrone said...
Absolutely gorgeous Stephanie!!
- February 6, 2009 at 10:03 AM
- Jami said...
Really pretty Steph! And congrats on your Blogaversary!
- February 6, 2009 at 10:12 AM
- Monika/Buzsy said...
Great card Steph! Love the colors and that pretty image. TFS!
- February 6, 2009 at 12:07 PM
- Ana said...
Beautiful!! Love every detail Steph!!
- February 6, 2009 at 12:07 PM
- Vicki C said...
Wow.. totally gorgeous card!!
- February 6, 2009 at 4:42 PM
- Ida P. Krause said...
Fabulous Card. Love the stamps you used and the papers and colors. It all goes so well together.
- February 6, 2009 at 8:02 PM
- Denise (peanutbee) said...
This is REALLY pretty, Steph! Great colors!!
- February 8, 2009 at 9:06 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
What Is "Glow?"
"Glow" is a subjective term, but somehow we all know it when we see it. Just look at children's skin!
Glow is caused by several factors. The most important is the eveness of the skin's outer layer (stratum corneum). The more even it is, the more the skin reflects light.
Other factors are the quality and number of the blood vessels nourishing the skin, the health of the second layer (epidermis) which gets damaged by UVA and B, and the thickness and health of the collagen (deeper in the dermis).
Next week – how to get your glow back.


text:
Grand Manan Island (GMI) in New Brunswick (NB), Canada is usually found in the genealogical history of most Guptill descendants. It is a small island of about 2,000 residents in the Bay of Fundy. If you want to go there, here are some resources.
By SeaRoute of ferry
There are no scheduled flights, so a ferry ride is available only from Blacks Harbour, Canada, despite GMI being very close to the Maine coast. A fee is charged only on the return leg to the mainland. The ferry is operated by Coastal Transport Ltd, whose schedule is here:
During 20 June to 10 September, there are three additional sailings to GMI.


text: For a long time, it has been known that, when studying religion, one must consider the role of the media. In fact, one could argue that the science of religion started with the insight made into the difference between orality and literacy in the 19th century. As the science of religion and its literate objects have been more congruent, it took some time for the role of the electronic mass media to be accounted for. However, within the last decade, we have witnessed a rapid increase of studies in the media. Such studies include 'electronic' mass media but, recently, also consider 'internet' and digital media (Hoesgard, 2005; Krüger, 2012).


text:
Everest Base Camp Trek
If you ask any trekker or traveler for his/her bucket list, Everest Base Camp Trek would definitely be in the top five. Why shouldn't it be? This is the holy grail of trekking. This is as close a one could get to the highest peak in the world, interact with the summiteers, climbers and other trekkers from different corners of the globe, breathe the adventure along with the cold nippy air, feast on the local delicacies and the staple dal-bhat (rice and lentils), discover the Sherpa culture and learn to appreciate their way of life and the hardships they go through. At the end of it, of course, achieve the bragging rights of having trekked so high and come close to Mt. Everest, only a miniscule percentage of the world population has achieved. All in all, Everest Base Camp Trek is an amazing experience that is bound to leave an indelible impression on your mind.
Because its there.George Mallory, when asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest
- Destination: Nepal
- Location: Everest Base Camp
- Departure: Kathmandu
- Google Map Co-ordinates: 28°0'26"N 86°51′34″E
- Highest Altitude: Kalapathar (5,547 m/18,200 ft), Everest Base Camp (5,380 m/17,600 ft)
- Nearest City (Airport): Lukla with flights to Kathmandu
- Dates: On request
- Months: April-May, September-October
- Level: Strenuous
- Guide: Available
- Price: On request
Retrace the route from the movie – Everest (and/or from the book – Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer) and walk into the footsteps of many a legendary mountaineers towards the holy grail of high-altitude mountaineering.
The journey starts from the bustling, crowded and chaotic yet charming Kathmandu that is an eclectic mix of religion, culture and adventure. The flight to Lukla is an heart to mouth experience but the flying so close to the mighty Himalayan peaks make one forget that.
The first stop after the eventful landing at Lukla is Phakding. Immediately the cold mountains welcome you with their warmth through the hearth at the Tea house and meeting fellow trekkers and if lucky summit climbers. The initial trail from Phakding to Namche Bazaar is marked with ups and downs with criss-crossing bridges over the Dudh Kosi river. You could see the magnificent snow capped peaks of Thamserku and Kusum Kangru. It's a pleasant walk till Jorsalle. However, the difficulty of the trek becomes evident post lunch while climbing the steep trail to Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar is a large village, marked with shops catering to trekkers and climbers. It is a social and commercial hub of the Sherpas. High speed cybercafes, bakeries, pool parlours and pubs are a commonplace here. Namche is very well developed, with the per capita income higher than that of Kathmandu. It has its own uninterrupted power supply from a hydroelectric plant nearby. The village is very clean as it has its own efficient garbage disposal system with incinerators etc.
For acclimatization, you would have to stay an extra day here and walk up to the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters and museum. You could see the magnificent peaks – Ama Dablam and Lhotse (4th highest mountain peak in the world). You could have a glimpse of Mt. Everest from here.
The next pit stop is the small hamlet of Tengboche is known for its monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Extremely beautiful, nestled amongst the peaks. Do attend the prayers if you can. Tengboche to Dingboche is an easy walk downhill through the forest. The soft ground is a pleasure to walk on after days of rocky climbing and walking. Dingboche is a small hamlet with a handful of lodges and huts. It is characterized with agricultural land (potatoes and other vegetables) and a helipad of HRA- Himalayan Rescue Association. The helicopters buzz regularly flying in AMS patients to lower heights. An extra day will be spent here for acclimatization.
The next stop is Lobuche and on the way you will stop at Dughla for lunch. Dughla is a village marked with only 3-4 lodges. After the lunch you will set out for a steep 1 hour climb. The top of this mountain has memorials of various Everest climbers like Scott Fischer (from the '96 Everest disaster), Babu Chiri Sherpa (who holds 2 world records – fastest ascent and spending 21 hours without oxygen on the summit.).
Lobuche is at a height of 16,000 ft. If you already, haven't felt effects of mountain sickness, headaches, you are bound to feel that here. But, you shouldn't worry much. Just stick to the mantra of high altitude climbing – climb slow, climb high, sleep low and imbibe lots of water/fluid.
The next day will be a long one as you would have to reach Gorakshep and then Everest Base Camp. Gorakshep was the first base camp for the first successful expedition of Edmund Hillary/Tenzing Norgay. Gorakshep was the first base camp set up during Hillary-Norgay expedition. The place had now transformed into a small hamlet of lodges (with sat phones and internet access) catering to trekkers and summiteers (many of them) from the base camp.
There is a narrow trail uphill for a long way towards the base camp. You would have to give way to yaks and porters, who will pass you by on regular intervals. On the right you will see the famous Khumbu glacier. It would be covered with rock and sand, but one couldn't miss the blue ice peering from beneath at various points. It is massive.
The next day or early morning is the climb to Kalapathar. Kalapathar is a mountain just below the south face of Pumori (7,161m/23,494 ft). Mt. Everest can be viewed clearly on top of Kalapathar.
After the Kalapthar ascent, its all downhill (in parts uphill ☺) retracing back the same path all the way to Lukla for the flight back to Kathmandu.
- Day 1 / Arrival in Kathmandu. Day for Local shopping, relaxing, sightseeing.
- Day 2 / Kathmandu. Briefing, sightseeing, shopping for gear.
- Day 3 / Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,650 m/9,248 ft): 10 km/5-6 hrs
- Day 4 / Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,500 m/11,480 ft): 8 km/7-8 hrs
- Day 5 / Spend the day for acclimatization, hike up to the famous Everest Hotel , and exploring Namche Bazaar.
- Day 6 / Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,867 m/12,687 ft): 12 km/6 hrs
- Day 7 / Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,470 ft): 12 km/6 hrs
- Day 8 / Acclimatization in Dingboche (4,410 m/14,470 ft)
- Day 9 / From Dingboche trek to Lobuche (4,930 m/16,163 ft): 12 km/6 hrs
- Day 10 / Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,180 m/17,000 ft) to Everest Base Camp (5,380 m/17,600 ft) and back to Gorakshep: 10km/7-8 hrs
- Day 11 / Hike up to Kalapathar (5,547 m/18,200 ft) and retreat trek to Pheriche: 15 km/7-8 hrs
- Day 12 / Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar: 14 km/7-8 hrs
- Day 13 / Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 15 km/6-7 hrs
- Day 14 / Lukla to Kathmandu flight.
- Day 15 / Buffer day.
- A buffer day is needed in case there is a reschedule of flight between Kathmandu and Lukla or one is stuck due to bad weather.
- Day 16 / Departure from Nepal.
- Airport pickup and drop.
- 4 nights accommodation (Twin share) Kathmandu in 3 star or similar hotel.
- All meals and accommodation during the scheduled trek days. One meal only from the menu for Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- One hot drink (Tea or Coffee ) at breakfast, lunch and dinner time during the trek.
- An experienced and registered trekking guide from Kathmandu. If group size is 8 or 10 then we will provide one assistant guide from Lukla.
- Porters for carrying one rucksack of Max 10 Kgs per head during the trek. (2 guest one porter)
- Necessary permits (for Indian citizens, price varies for foreigners and shall be charged extra as per the local charges).
- Return flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This shall be booked at an extra price on the actuals.
- Any other activities during the buffer days stays in Kathmandu.
- In case of natural disasters or unplanned situations, any type of price incurred due to additional accommodation, transportation, food, etc.
- Any evacuation expenses, Hospitalization charges, any kind of Medical expenses. Any kind of Insurance.
- Sleeping bags (you can hire them from us at a nominal price) .
- All beverages incl. water.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Additional tips to porters and guide.
- Any other expenses not mentioned in inclusions.
Book or Personalize
Its interesting, isn't it?
Its now time to go out there and experience.
Join today.
Book Now
Hope you liked it. Do you want to request some changes and personalize the experience – in terms of date of travel, exclusive group, additional facilities and any other?If yes, then
Personalize Here


text:
Property Search
Search Filter
my property worth?Contact us on
020 8830 3841
or request a
free valuation here
Buying with Marble
Find your next home with us
Whether you are a first time buyer or a seasoned investor, the process of buying a property can easily become overwhelming and challenging.
Our expertise enables us to identify the best properties in the right locations that meet your individual needs.
Whatever type of home you are looking for, we offer advice on all different property types ranging from houses with period features and listed building to modern or commercial units.
Life is busy. Let us help
We understand that you may not have the time to spend house – hunting and that staying one step ahead of the market to find your perfect home, can be stressful and time consuming. We also understand some clients prefer discretion when purchasing.
It is for these reasons that Marble are pleased to present a bespoke service, offering 100% privacy and discretion. We can help to source the right property for your needs or make enquiries to owners of properties that catch your eye.
You can trust us with negotiations in full confidence knowing that we will endeavour to obtain the best terms and property for you.
Why buy through us?
- We are an independent agency with over 30 years' experience.
- Our sales team have an in-depth knowledge of the local property marketplace
- We can offer you a vast selection of properties suitable to all types of purchasers. Many of our properties are not listed on our website and sold on a discretion basis to our client list.
- We provide a service above and beyond the types offered by other agents.
- We work hard to find the right property for you.
- Unlike other agents, we guide you every step of the way and are in constant communication with you, right up until completion
- Most importantly we pride ourselves on honesty and sincerity in all our dealings.


text:
Kantar Health "Catalyst Award"
Kantar Health "Catalyst Award"
These custom employee recognition awards were created for Kantar Health, a leading global healthcare consulting firm. Bennett Awards produced these awards based on a specification provided by Kantar Health, working first to close on decisions regarding final materials and production methods, and then producing the physical awards.
These unique recognition awards are constructed in the shape of a rectangular block: 8.75"h x 3.5"w x 3.5"d. They are composed of two materials: hardwood and pewter. The upper and lower blocks of the award are made from handcrafted Bocote Wood, an exotic wood from Mexico and Central America known for its unique grain. The band in the lower-middle of the award is made from cast pewter.
These custom awards utilize two forms of engraving. The award name and year of presentation are routed directly in the wood blocks - the award name on the upper block, and the year of presentation on the lower block. The Kantar Health logo and recipient name are chemically etched into the pewter band - the recipient name on the front of the band, and the company logo on one side of the band.
This award is a good example of the beautiful and artistic effect that can be created by combining two contrasting materials into a single award.
Kantar Health is a leading global healthcare consulting firm and trusted advisor to many pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device and diagnostic companies worldwide. It combines evidence-based research capabilities with deep scientific, therapeutic and clinical knowledge, commercial development know-how, and brand and marketing expertise to help clients evaluate opportunities, launch products and maintain brand and market leadership. More information on Kantar Health can be found at www.kantarhealth.com.


text:
Olive Oil Is Skin Care Gold
Kerri Vilaverde
I once spilled nearly a half bottle of olive oil on my kitchen counter. I could have wept. To avoid it going to waste, I hand-squeegeed it into a Tupperware and moved it to the bathroom. I used it on my legs, my cuticles, in the tub, and in my hair. Anywhere I thought sounded like a good idea. It's something my grandmother would have recommended, and let me tell you she knew what she was talking about.
Olive oil is packed with antioxidants, lipids, fatty acids, and squalene. These components can help protect against free radicals and plump and hydrate skin. It also has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Olive oil has a long history of skin care use. Considering that the olive tree is possibly the oldest known tree on earth, that's not too surprising. In 2012, scientists carbon-dated olive trees in Gethsemane and found them to be at least 900 years old AND in excellent health.
The ancient Greeks thought that olive trees were a gift from the goddess Athena. As the story goes, the first king of Athens, Cecrops, who was half person and half snake, wanted to find a patron God or Goddess for his city. Athena and Poseidon were chosen to compete and after much fighting, presented a gift to the King and the city for judgment. Poseidon struck the earth with his trident and created a salt water spring. Athena, on the other hand, planted an olive branch in the ground. After a tree grew in its place, Cecrops chose Athena's gift and the olive tree has remained a central part of Greek culture for thousands of years.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used olive oil in cleansers and as a moisturizer. Cleopatra is said to have used olive oil on her skin as part of her many famously luxurious rituals. Many ancient cultures including Indian and Greek believed that if you couldn't eat something and put it into your body you wouldn't put it on the outside of your body either.
Many of us have adopted a similar philosophy today. Beauty icons such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr, and Chloë Grace Moretz have admitted to using olive oil in beauty treatments. But perhaps the most revered user is the legendary movie star, Sophia Loren. Throughout her life, she was often asked about her secret to looking young and beautiful and is quoted as saying "a love of life, spaghetti and the odd bath in virgin olive oil.". That is how I want to live my life. How about you? Pass the pasta, please.


text:
This weekend:
Thor hammers the competition again; Judd Apatow is always the Bridesmaid and never the bride; Alec Baldwin is unsure if he wants to Rock; David O'Russell and Mark Wahlberg have a Silver Lining; Safety Not Guaranteed for time-travel; The Hoff takes a bite out of Piranha 3DD and Colin Firth and Emily Blunt want your life.
Box Office
Thor retained the top spot at the box office taking in an estimated $34.5 million – down less than 50% from last weekend's debut (which indicates very good word of mouth). The 3D Marvel comic book adaptation has now grossed an impressive $119 million in the U.S. so far, a figure which bodes well for next year's The Avengers.
Judd Apatow's latest production Bridesmaids opened in second place with an impressive $24.4 million start. The raunchy female-driven comedy surpassed expectations due to good reviews (read ours here) and it looks like it could be one of the sleeper hits of the summer season. If this has legs then it might just mean that there will be more chick-led R-rated comedies hitting screens. Here come the girls indeed,
Men – have no fear. Testosterone rules at #3 with Fast Five. The fifth instalment of the Fast and the Furious franchise shot up over $19.5 million in its third week for a strong $168 million cumulative gross.
The oft-delayed Priest (read our review) finally opened this weekend. The Paul Bettany vampire film quietly surpassed expectations and scored a respectable $14.5 in a crowded market place. The debut was below Bettany's last religious themed action film with director Scott Charles Stewart- Legion. That film grossed $17.5 million, on its way to a $40 million total haul.
Animated film Rio was fifth after banking another $8 million. The Anne Hathaway voiced 'toon has now upped its cume to $124.9 million. Jumping The Broom banked another $7.3 million for a total of almost $26 million. Meanwhile, Kate Hudson's latest foray into the romantic comedy genre took a major hit from Bridesmaids. Something Borrowed dipped over 50%, bringing in another $7 million for a total of over $25 million. Expect this to find more of an audience on DVD.
Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson's Water for Elephants scored another $4 million for a $48.5 million total. While the figure for the film isn't terrible, it shows that Witherspoon's star power may be on the wane and it again highlights that Pattinson is a limited box office draw outside of the Twilight franchise.
Tyler Perry continues to shine as a one man brand. The writer/director/producer/star's latest comedy Madea's Big Happy Family brought in $2.2 million for a smidgen over $50 million grand total.
The top ten was rounded out by sleeper hit Soul Surfer. The $18 million budgeted drama grossed another $1.8 million, upping its gross to almost $40 million.
Movie News
1. For a brief moment it looked like Alec Baldwin was going to bail on Adam Shankman's Rock of Ages.
The controversial star apparently had a "newly discovered medical condition" and he asked New Line to replace him on the project "if at all possible." It appears it wasn't possible, and Baldwin is still on the project, recently joining cast mates in Miami for a script read through.
Will Ferrell and Steve Carell were original choices for Baldwin's role in the film, and producers were worried that they might not replace the 30 Rock star with such short notice.
Rock of Ages is an 80's set musical starring Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Mary J. Blige, Malin Akerman and Bryan Cranston.
Source: Deadline
2. It seems that David O. Russell and Mark Wahlberg love working together. Not only have the duo worked on Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees and last year's hit The Fighter, but they also have an Uncharted movie in the works, Cocaine Cowboys on the way and now Russell wants Wahlberg for The Silver Lining Playbook.
According to Vulture:
"The Silver Lining Playbook [is] about a delusional former high school history teacher who's just been released into the custody of his mom. Believing that he's only been away for a few months instead of the four years he just spent in a mental institution, the teacher sets about wooing back his ex-wife."
The last time that Wahlberg played a teacher was in The Happening. I'm just saying.
Source: Vulture
3. Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass and Jake Johnson will star in the new time-travel comedy Safety Not Guaranteed.
According to Variety:
"[The] story's based on a real ad placed in Backwoods Home Magazine, and centers on a trio of magazine employees sent to investigate a classified ad seeking a partner for time travel. A cynical aspiring journalist poses as a candidate to accompany a paranoid but compelling loner, but her motivations become confused when she develops feelings for him and begins to wonder whether he is really building a time machine."
Kristen Bell, Jenica Bergere, Jeff Garlin, Karan Soni, Lynn Shelton, and Mary Lynn Rajskub also star in the film which is now shooting in Seattle.
Source: Variety
4. Baywatch icon David Hasselhoff will join Christopher Lloyd, Ving Rhames and Paul Scheer in Piranha 3DD.
While "The Hoff" is a new addition the series it's Lloyd, Rhames and Scheer's second bite at the fishy franchise. It remains to be seen if Hasselhoff will play the role "straight" or if he will riff on his image by playing a lifeguard, drive a talking car or by being a talent show judge. You'll find out on November 23.
Director John Gulager is currently shooting the sequel to last year's 3D schlock remake which grossed $83 million worldwide from a $24 million budget.
5. Oscar winner Colin Firth and Emily Blunt will star in an untitled dark comedy for director Dante Ariola.
According to THR:
"It is set to roll in the fall this year and details the story of man who fakes his own death in an attempt to reinvent himself and meets a woman who is also in the process of trying to escape her old life. They both break into empty houses to seal the identities of the absent owners."
Director Ariola made his name directing commercials for a range of products including Coca-Cola, Adidas, Nike, Lexus and Volkswagen.
Source: THR
That's it for now. See you at the movies.


text:
App info:Refill prescriptions faster, get photo prints in about an hour, and know the deals before you shop.PHARMACY FEATURES• Refill by Scan - Refill prescriptions by simply scanning your Rx label. Get 500 Balance® Rewards points for every refill.* • Pill Reminder** – Get reminded to take your prescr... Read More >
• Refill by Scan - Refill prescriptions by simply scanning your Rx label. Get 500 Balance® Rewards points for every refill.*
• Pill Reminder** – Get reminded to take your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications and vitamins
• Refill Reminders – Receive alerts when it's time to refill your prescriptions
• Rx Info & Updates – Access your Rx history and status
• Live Doctor Consultation - Now available in select states. Skip the waiting room and see a doctor right away in a live video call! This feature requires access to your phone & microphone, so you'll notice there is a new permission request for that access.
• Print photos from your phone, Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox, Flickr and Walgreens.com albums. Pick up at your local Walgreens in about an hour
• Turn your pictures into Photo Cards, Posters, Collage Prints, Canvas Prints and Wood Panels, and print them straight from your phone. Ready for pickup the same day.
• Photo Editing – Edit your photos using filters and a variety of editing tools
• Scan your mobile card at checkout to earn points, check your point status and apply savings from your clipped coupons
• Check your point status wherever you are
• View and manage your clipped coupons
• Weekly Ad & Coupons - Find exclusive deals and savings every week. Clip manufacturers' coupons and coupons from the Weekly Ad to your Balance® Rewards. Redeem in store by scanning your mobile card at checkout
• In-Store Experience – Easily access the tools you need when you shop in store
• Promos & Offers –Find exclusive deals and limited-time offers
• Coupons Widget – Preview coupons from your home screen
Permissions help you access specific app functions and features
• Contact permissions share your Shopping List with your contacts via Weekly Ad & Coupons feature
• Calendar permissions add Healthcare Clinic appointments to your calendar
• Location permissions display nearby stores and map out directions
• Screen permissions adjust the display when you rotate your device
• Telephony permissions let you call a Walgreens store from the app
• Camera, Vibrate Flashlight and Wi-Fi permissions use the Transfer Prescription by Scan and Refill by Scan features
• Store and Receive Boot Completed permissions store non-personal information—such as reminders
There is no charge to download the Walgreens App, but specified rates from your wireless provider and other fees as noted in your Walgreens account agreement(s) still apply.
* Due to state and federal laws, points cannot be earned on some items. Points will not be awarded to anyone who currently is or was at any time in the 6 months prior to purchasing Pharmacy Items covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare or any other government-funded healthcare program. Pharmacy Items must be purchased at participating Walgreens Drugstore, Rxpress, Duane Reade, or Walgreens Pharmacy locations ("Participating Stores") to earn points. Excludes Pharmacy Items purchased from AR, NJ or NY pharmacies and prescriptions transferred to a Participating Store located in AL, MS, OR or PR. See Balance Rewards terms and conditions for full details
**Pill Reminder only available on phone


text:
Gorgeous hair and make-up that left us inspired…
Tousled, romantic, sexy updos. Untouched, undefined hair styles, together with 60's and 70's make-up inspiration. Blended lip colours, sexy smudgy eye make-up and lots of choppy textured bobs, with thick bangs.
Feeling as inspired as we are?
Book now for a NYFW inspired re-style!
Michael Kors
Rachel Zoe's Funky French Braids.
Marc Jacobs


text:
Pregnant? Have Heartburn? 5 Tips for Natural Relief
Heartburn, more formally known as acid reflux is when the acid that is normally in your stomach backs up into your esophagus. It's super common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes that affect the digestive system, and also increasing pressure from the growing "BELLY" on your pregnant stomach. Thus it usually gets worse as the pregnancy progresses.
Symptoms of acid reflux include:
- A burning in your chest or throat
- An acidic taste in your mouth
- A gnawing sensation in your stomach
- Nausea
- A hoarse voice
- A cough
Tests are not usually needed as it is a common problem and generally obvious. However, if you are pregnant and having chest pain, it's important to let your midwife or doctor know right away.
Typical medical treatments include antacids, histamine blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. While these are generally safe for short-term use, taken over the course of weeks they can interfere with nutrient absorption and have other side effects. Many women would rather try practical and natural approaches before taking the medications.
Here are 5 safe and easy tips I use as a midwife and doctor. (Yup, I'm both!)
1. Get some herbal help.
Slippery elm is a gentle, safe herb made mostly of a type of carbohydrate that turns slippery when wet -- hence the name. Slippery elm helps to coat the lining of the esophagus and stomach, easing acid, and healing the tissue. The easiest way is to use it is to purchase Thayer Slippery Elm lozenges from a natural foods store. They are totally safe in pregnancy. Dose: 2-4 at a time, repeat as needed. They can be taken right before sleep.
Marshmallow root is another herb that gets slippery when wet. It is excellent in the treatment of prenatal reflux. You have to purchase the herb in bulk form and make tea, or you can take capsules. Dose 1 cup of tea twice daily. To prepare, steep 1 TBS of the chopped root in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes, then drink. Or take 2 capsules 2 to 4 times a day.
2. Chew 10 or so raw almonds.
Almonds help to tone the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscular gateway between the esophagus and the stomach, keeping stomach acid in its proper place!
3. Avoid mint in all forms except inhalation, i.e. aromatherapy.
Mint relaxes the LES letting stomach acid seep upward where it causes havoc!
4. Watch when and when you eat.
Make it a point to eat at least three hours before bed. Avoid tomatoes, spicy foods, sodas, and coffee, especially at dinner time.
5. Sleep propped up on several pillows.
Aim to create an angle of at least 45 degrees.
Wishing you a joyous and comfortable pregnancy!
Ready to learn more about how to unlock the power of food to heal your body, prevent disease & achieve optimal health? Register now for our FREE web class with nutrition expert Kelly LeVeque.


text:
Does the CIO also play a HR manager's role, even if informal?
Can the CIO make contributions to HR? Certainly yes, will be my answer to this query.
Now, if we go by the traditional view, the CIO is a technology wizard who peers at the computer screen and makes various machines work. He is considered a back-end guy, someone who has very little to do directly with the people. But haven't things changed over the last few years?
Today, IT touches us our everyday lives, and we are very largely dependent on it. Unless the CIO has an idea of the accruable benefits and how IT influences the way we do our work, he would certainly not be of any help. Therefore, the CIO has now come out of his hiding and to do everything that is needed—alongside the people around him.
Let me cite a few examples from my experience. During my stint with a chemical company (way back in 1992), I fought against the prevailing opinion and persuaded the management to sanction the budget required to roll out state-of-the art IT infrastructure throughout the company. With sheer enthusiasm, I went about putting in Windows 3.1, introducing e-mail throughout the company, connecting all offices through the 9.6 kbps STD link, and organizing large scale training to staff on the new platforms. In doing so, I made visits to all locations to ensure functioning of the programme. Within a short period of three months, people were playing around and connecting with people from other offices whom they might have not spoken with for years.
Unwittingly, I had played the role of binding people and getting them interested in work. With a modern IT infrastructure in place, the factory (which was in a remote location) started to attract Graduate Engineering Trainees (GETs). People gave me the informal title of 'the real HR head', and this was a pleasant surprise.
Yet another example I can use comes from my tenure with an automobile company. I worked hard to get the systems right in this organization – not one of the pleasantest of things. I met with resistance, but somehow managed to put in improved systems across various areas, which covered work flow, ERP systems and process automation through bar codes. To make systems more effective, I worked with users to bring about process improvements. The results were amazing; apart from financial benefits, there was a transformation in the work load on people and reduction in stress levels. Cessation of overtime and late sitting came as a boon to people. Realizing the popularity of the IT department with the masses, the HR department started to use us for rolling out some of their initiatives in the organization—with the HR head frankly admitting that IT had more credibility.
I am sure that many of our friends would have similar experiences to narrate. In my opinion, today's CIO has come of age. While doing so, he brings about changes that bring in positive changes to the environment. These above examples just emphasize the fact that a CIO is more human than some may think, and can really be of more value to the organization.


text:
Five Levels of Muscle Training/
- Moving and Coordinating; running, jumping, rolling, lifting, stretching, etc.
- Static Structure; The ability to hold a static shape for a long period of time, and transfer force applied on any part of the body to the feet, the back or another limb.
- Continuous Structure with Movement; All muscles must move in twists and spirals following the flow of the bones and ligaments. Muscles weaken and become sensitive. Force can be applied in motion at any angle from any part of the body. Force can be avoided without losing whole body integration.
- Empty and Full at the Same Time; All muscle tension must be discarded along with all intention to move. Any solid concept of body structure must be discarded or melted away. Muscles function like liquid and air. (Power becomes unstoppable but unfocused and difficult to direct.)
- Whole Body Becomes a Ball. Resistance training for big muscles only. Small muscles are used mainly for sensitivity and force transfer (ligament support). Muscles move only by "ten directions breathing," they move in all directions using expansion and condensation, not lengthening and shortening.
The separation of jing and qi, which happens automatically in stillness, needs to be available in motion to enter level 4.
In order to act through a body, that body must be felt as a dream. Dreaming is not like the conscious mind. If you think about running, you are likely to stumble. In order to run, speak, or do any of these types of muscle training, you must first dream it. In order to reach level 5, levels 1 through 4 must be felt as dream. In other words, they can be done spontaneously by feeling, without thinking, or willing.
From my experience, this order is essential. Each level takes a minimum of two years training. Some internal traditions attempt to start their training at level 4 and then go back and fill in gaps in levels 1 and 2 through diligent forms practice. The attempt to fill gaps in level 3 through push-hands training. That seems like a mistake.
The quickest way to get level one skills is through rough play or dance (forms with speed and rhythm).
Level 2 can only be learned through a teacher/partner who tests your structure.
Levels 3 and 4 will be inhibited by strength training.
The key to transitioning from level 3 to level 4 is non-aggression, wuwei. Aggression is refined to perfection and then discarded. This transition probably requires working with emotionally mature partners.
Applications do not work at level 4. Period. But paradoxically, the ability to use weight and momentum improves.
The good news! Yes, it takes at least ten years (two years for each level, and a minimum of three hours everyday), but levels 2 through 5 can be practiced at any age. Levels 2 through 5 actually get easier with age because muscles become weaker and skin becomes looser!


text: To get rid of ants, put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it or take it home to the others. They cant digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you dont have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!


text:
For drivers that require 30% more airflow* and a lifetime, washable air filter** but without an increase in intake sound, Pipercross Air filters provide the perfect solution.
Designed as an original equipment replacement, Pipercross Air filters replaces the factory air filter within the airbox. Installation is as simple as opening the airbox, discarding the old filter and replacing it with a free-flowing Pipercross Air filters.
As airborn dirt particles are trapped by a paper or cotton-gauze air filter, there is a dramatic increase in pressure drop which essentially robs the engine of airflow and power. Due to the deep foam construction of Pipercross Air filters, airflow is able to negotiate trapped dirt.
Air filter service intervals are extended with the Pipercross panel filter, with a lifespan (between cleaning) of double that of the same paper filter and nearly three times that of a cotton-gauze filter. By simply cleaning and refitting the Pipercross panel filter, there is less waste and service costs are reduced.
*when compared to a paper element panel filter
**lifetime warranty when cleaned with genuine Pipercross service kits
Pipercross Air Filters
- Increased Air Flow – 30% more air than a paper filter
- Easy to fit – Drops straight into your airbox
- Reduced Service costs – Easy to clean and refit
- Made in Britain – Hand Built in Northampton
Big Brands, Small Prices, Direct To You
Established in 2002, we're celebrating over a decade of delivering performance car parts to over 70,000 satisfied customers. We have over the past decade become one of the biggest leading retailers of performance car parts, performance motorbike parts, 4×4 & Truck parts, car parts & accessories. Working in partnership with the biggest brands in the industry we are able to offer the biggest and best, at the smallest prices direct to your door. we pride ourselves on our customer service, knowledgeable sales staff and our commitment to first class after sales support.


text: This office has a large format black and white copier available to other county offices and members of the public for a fee. We also have a large format inkjet printer that we can print aerial maps and other electronic files for a fee. For further information on either of these services, please contact the office directly. Pricing on these items is subject to sizing and type of files to be copied or printed.


text:
AmazingSaturday, May 23rd, 2009
We were just about to start our second set at the Sly Fox last night when we saw the phenomenal final shot by LeBron James. Unreal. Go Cavs!
It really turned the atmosphere around. Everyone was feeling good, and we had a great time playing for the first time since Scotty's return from Tennessee.
Tonight we return to Johnny Malloy's in Medina – the fun continues! Hope to see you there.
EDIT: Pics from last night are posted in the gallery.


text:
One of the changes was that consumers can now buy insurance directly from customer service counters or websites of insurance companies directly without having to go through a financial advisor. The premiums will be cheaper as no commission will be imposed. Some of us may be all ready to abandon our financial advisers and buy those cheaper premium insurance. But, after looking deeper at the Direct Purchase Insurance (DPI) scheme, there seems to be some critical and important differences of the Direct Purchase Insurance (DPI) as compared to non-DPI.
Image credit: openclipart.org
DIYInsurance has kindly updated and provided me with good information on this DPI scheme. I will touch on some of the limitations in this post.
Critical and important differences of the Direct Purchase Insurance (DPI)
There are differences between DPI and Non-DPI products. I will touch on 2 of the insurance components mainly Total Permanent Disability (TPD) and Critical Illness.
1. Total Permanent Disability (TPD) Definitions
When making claims for TPD, here are the differences between DPI and non DPI products:
DPI Products
Total and irrecoverable lost of use of any 2 of 6 limbs namely, the eyes, legs above ankles and hands above wrist.
Non – DPI Products
Total and irrecoverable lost of use of any 2 of 6 limbs namely, the eyes, legs above ankles and hands above wrist;
Inability to perform any 2 or 3 Activities of Daily Living, namely, Transferring, mobility, toileting, dressing, washing, feeding.
*This means non-DPI products are more flexible when claiming for total permanent disability (TPD).
2. No. of Critical illness definitions
The number of critical illness definitions varies for DPI and Non-DPI products:
DPI Products
30 critical illness covered
Non – DPI Products
30 to 37 or more critical illness covered
*This means non-DPI products have a wider range of critical illness which we can claim for.
Limitation of $400,000 coverage for each insurance purchased through DPI
If you purchase your insurance through the DPI scheme, the limitation for each insurance policy coverage is $400,000. It is important to note that for any life insurance coverage of above $400,000, it is more cost-efficient and affordable not to purchase through the Direct Purchase Insurance (DPI) channel. This is because most DPI products are not as affordable as compared to other offerings out there even though there are no commissions involved with DPI offered by the insurance companies.
Let me show you an example to illustrate what I mean by more cost effective not to purchase through DPI if coverage is above $400,000.
Assuming an example of the following profile:
- A 30 year-old Male
- Requires $500,000 of life insurance coverage (with no critical illness benefit) up to 65 years old
The most cost-efficient way of providing for this coverage is to purchase:
|Insurance Coverage ($)
|Cost (Annual premiums) ($)
|Total Commission Rebates ($)
|Annual Premiums ($)
|AXA Life Term Protector
|633 (Quoted by DIYInsurance)
|55 (From DIYInsurance)
Making your full-purchase on your own from Direct Purchase Insurance products will incur the following cost:
|Insurance Coverage ($)
|Cost (Annual premiums) ($)
|Total Commission Rebates ($)
|Annual Premiums ($)
|DIRECT–AXA Term Lite
|490 (Quoted on comparefirst)
|DIRECT-Z Basic
|187 (Quoted on comparefirst)
This shows that for any coverage which is above $400,000, buying through DIYInsurance will be the most cost-efficient method. There is a cost savings of $44 in annual premiums together with $55 of total commission rebates. ($633 in annual premiums for the first calculation versus $677 of buying through the Direct Purchase Insurance channel).
Furthermore, this provides you with great convenience. Instead of going to 2 or more insurers to purchase insurance products, you are able to fulfill your insurance needs just by going to DIYInsurance.
I hope the above information and example gives you a better understanding of the new DPI scheme and when to or not to purchase through DPI in order to get the best cost benefit. Next time when you hear about DPI, I am sure you'll be more aware of what's happening out there just like how I have learnt through research and writing this post. I would be smarter not to overpay for my insurance purchases in the future.
If you want to learn more about insurance, you can also consider attending the following complimentary event organised by DIYInsurance (Click on link below to sign up)
The following topics will be covered:
- Understanding Direct Purchase Insurance (DPI) and their differences
- Understanding how life insurance web aggregators work
- Using life insurance web aggregators to compare and save money
- Understanding yours' and your family's insurance needs
- Crafting your own insurance plan
- Understanding what commission rebates are
*This is a sponsored post by Providend Ltd


text:
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones that you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Mark Twain-
Sunday, March 14, 2010
I bet you don't hear that everyday. From the marina in El Salvador, we headed to an island in the Gulf of Fonseca (still El Salvador) and anchored for a few calm days. We had to hike to the other side of the island to check out the local town. They don't mess around with their hikes (see photos). When we left the anchorage, we were met by 30 knot winds and crazy confused seas, but sailed along at 7+knots and found ourselves at Marina Puesta Del Sol in Nicaragua by dinnertime. The marina was great, but a bit pricey when you consider the area and the fact that they burn sugarcane fields miles away and the ash rains down incessantly on the boat. Other than that, we have nothing but fantastic reviews for Nicaragua and would recommend it to anyone interested in an off the beaten path vacation. Check out www.labahiabeachhotel.com and the attached photos of a beautiful hotel/restaurant near the marina. Though many of the houses are little more than sticks and plastic and the children go dirty and unshorn, they are a very happy and pleasant bunch of folks. We ate at the shackstaurant of a Portuguese sailor, who circumnavigated the globe twice, once each direction, that settled here and founded the pueblito of Joe Portunica. I am starting to see why. The beaches are beautiful and the climate beats a sharp stick in the eye. We sailed for twelve hours from Puesta Del Sol and motored the last bit to San Juan del Sur to find a grand little touristy town. The houses are very colorful and there is an abundance of local services. The water in the bay is very clean, along with the town, and once again very friendly. I think Brady and I would seriously consider moving here. Don't worry Todd, we are only 25 miles or so from Cost Rica and we will reluctantly move on.
While traveling, we have come across many that are less fortunate than ourselves. Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere and, in places, people walk miles to get water from a local well. They have to deal with rolling black outs and live in conditions that would bring you to tears. We have tried to think of ways that we could help improve the lives of the many people we have met. In San Juan Del Sur we ran across an organization that is making a difference. A well travelled young man, with parents from Norway and education from Denver approached the local population and asked what needed the most attention. The overwhelming response was the schools. He formed a non-profit organization called proyecto remedios educativos. They help by building schools and providing computers and other much needed supplies in Nicaragua. If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to a great cause their website is www.prehelps.org. We will continue to post any information of this nature as we find it and hopefully, we can all make a small difference.
Posted by seaparents at 4:38 PM 3 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
It's rushed, it's full of coincidences, I know that. But damn, this episode was surprisingly good here. I really want to praise the creators here, that even though they had to cut god knows how much from the manga in order to make this fit into just one episode, they still managed to make it work. This show is indeed visibly flawed, but it also avoids the single biggest pitfall for any rushed anime: the fact that the plot doesn't come together.
This episode just kept building up its tension, right from the start, and within these 20 minutes, they really did lot here: they gave the doctor a good backstory, it fleshed the rest of the cast, especially Gotou tried to squeeze a bit of personality as much as he could without getting in the way of the story or the rest of the characters, we know a bit more about the new intern (who despite his whining is surprisingly useful), and most importantly: we now know who Yakumo's father is. That certainly added a neat twist to this series.
The atmosphere was particularly wonderful in this episode. That's where it really helps to be a Bee-Train series, because that soundtrack definitely kept me to the edge of my seat, and it worked great with the storytelling and the pacing of the series. This balance is probably the thing that makes this show works so well: the characters and story are very well balanced in each episode, and the creators make sure to give all of them equal time to show themselves off. Its definitely not the most solid series, but to me it does feel like everything comes together like it should.
Rating: ** (Excellent)


text:
The Christian Police Association is non-denominational. What unites us is our belief in the following principles found in the Bible:
We believe that there is one God revealed through the Scriptures as a Trinity of three distinct persons; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he became a man born of a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit and that he lived a sinless life on Earth.
We believe that in his great love Jesus died for us and for our sins and in so doing suffered the judgment of God which we deserve, that we might be forgiven, be reconciled to God and brought close to him.
We believe that his physical body was raised from death to life and was witnessed by many; that after his resurrection, he ascended and returned to his Father in heaven where he reigns with him and intercedes on behalf of all those who have believed in him.
We believe that Jesus will return to Earth personally as he promised.
We believe that the Holy Spirit is still at work convincing of sin and turning a person to Christ for a new life. He helps them to change and live their lives according to God's will, making them more like Christ.
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the only complete authority in all matters of faith and doctrine.
We believe that sin entered the world when man chose to disobey God and please himself. Since then sin has affected the core of humanity, touching every part of our nature and being.
We believe that it is only by God's grace and mercy that the sinful person is made right with him through faith in Jesus Christ.
We believe that the soul of a person is eternal and that there will be a physical resurrection of the body for everyone who will then be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who have died but who have believed and been forgiven will be raised and together with those believers who are still alive will be taken to live with Christ forever. Those who have refused to believe will be condemned from God's presence forever.
We believe that all Christians have an obligation to demonstrate their true allegiance to Christ by living their lives to please Him.


text:
We are looking to hire a full time chef to join our new Japanese Yakiniku restaurant in Adelaide CBD location.
We are looking for someone who meets the criteria as per below:-
1. Hard working;
2. Energetic;
3. Creative;
4. Knowledgeable in menu creation;
5. Strong working ethics;
6. Reliable;
7. Basic English communication skill;
8. Minimum 5 years chef experience in Japanese modern cuisine, experience in yakiniku is preferred;
9. Japanese speakers are preferred.
We offer good conditions, if you are interested please email your resume to firstname.lastname@example.com. We will consider offering employer sponsorship if you are the right candidate.
職種Kitchen staff/chef position
勤務地Gouger Street, Adelaide


text:
The CQC is visiting our Trust for a comprehensive planned inspection the week commencing 4th April.
Inspectors are running pre inspection focus groups the week commencing 14th March.
The focus groups are strictly for staff only and should take place away from management. The timetable for the groups are listed on the front-line of UNISONs March newsletter:
Please attend if you can, as this is your opportunity to speak to the inspectors.
UNISON is in regular contact with the CQC and we continue to raise a number of ongoing issues with them, such as late finishes, problems with annual leave, casework delays, lack of traction, culture, retention and the enormous pressures on staff.
Please be aware that the email address set up by the trust 'CQCdata' is an internal trust email address and you are not communicating with the CQC directly.
If you wish to contact the CQC, which we would encourage you to do, you need to use the following link:
Or you can email the CQC by using firstname.lastname@example.com
The new inspection regime is very robust and is informed by ongoing local feedback and concerns, local and national data, pre-inspection information gathering and onsite inspections.
There are five key lines of enquiry (KLOE): safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. Each KLOE will be given a rating: Outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate. There is also an overall rating applied.
If you want to read more about the KLOEs and understand the process and methodology, please visit the CQC website and read the providers handbooks for Ambulance Services.
This is the most in-depth inspection we have been subject to, so please make sure you share your experiences with the CQC, so the regulator can document areas that need improvement, as well as recognising what we do well.
Kind regards,
Fraer Stevenson
UNISON Branch Secretary


text:
I had some nausea and vomiting in first trimester. It seemed to strike in the morning, evenings, and especially the middle of the night. However, starting at about 19 1/2 weeks, I've been VERY nauseated only after dinner every. single. night. It's like clockwork. It hits about 20 minutes after I'm done taking my last bite. The bigger problem I'm running into is that I take all of my pills with dinner and have thrown them up (violently, might I add) a few times now. I'm planning to shift my pills to breakfast so even as I inevitably get sick at dinner, at least my pills won't be lost. I have a normal sized lunch and a small breakfast and this doesn't happen. Dinner is the winner here! And PS, I don't think it's the pills causing this because I've been on these exact same pills for far longer than I've been pregnant. No issues until just recently.
I'm not complaining, I'm so grateful to be in this position to even ask this question, but I'm wondering if anyone else ran into something similar? Only after-dinner nausea and vomiting? Sammy is breech, and the only explanation I can come up with is that her sweet little (or big?) noggin is squishing my stomach making it unable to hold very much volume. If I eat a VERY small dinner, it seems to help somewhat. So that's kind of my resolution right now. A few bites for dinner every night. Curious if this sounded familiar to anyone else reading.


text:
How to Find Affordable 30×30 Garage Prices
Looking for affordable 30×30 garage prices can be easy if you know where to look. Finding affordable garage is only natural, especially since these things require a considerable amount of investment. Many people are often confused with the concept of affordable garage. Buying affordable garage means getting what you need from a car garage without spending too much unnecessarily. To give you some tips of how you can find affordable garage kit products, see the details below:
Tips in Finding Affordable 30×30 Garage Prices
Compare 30×30 garage prices from different manufacturers. This will give you the chance to evaluate who among your preferred suppliers can give the best value for your money. Some garage kit may be more expensive than the others because of the packaged additional accessories or features integrated in them, which is actually a popular sales tactic used by many garage kit manufacturers. Others on the other hand have a higher price because of the quality of the materials integrated in the garage kit. Depending on your purpose for the garage kit you may find the pricing model of one company more advantageous than the other. This is the reason why you must do some comparing before you finally decided which product to buy.
Look for Promos
Affordable 30×30 garage prices also tend to become available during year end sale season. Many garage kit manufacturers put their products on sale during the year end so they can restock new products for the upcoming new year. You can take advantage of this by looking into the websites of your preferred manufacturers and find out which ones are launching a year end sale. In case you can no longer wait, then you might want to research local prefabricated garage kit manufacturers who are offering promos and discounts during peak season. Either way, it is during these event promos can you get another chance to find affordable 30×30 garage prices.
Rent to Own Garage
Another way garage manufacturers are making their 30×30 garage prices more affordable is through rent to own programs. Rent to own program is another affordable way to get garage kit,. This is especially applicable for people who can't afford to pay for a garage kit in a single installment. Instead of paying for the product in one go, manufacturers now offer a scheduled installment scheme spread out in multiple payments to make it affordable for the buyers.
The details provided here are just some of the things that you can consider to help you find affordable 30×30 garage prices.


text:
BOSTON — A Salvadoran man, now living in Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to making false statements on immigration forms and committing perjury in order to remain in the United States. The guilty plea is the result of an extensive investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Inocente Orlando Montano, 70, of Everett, Mass., pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to three counts of immigration fraud and three counts of perjury. Had the case proceeded to trial, the evidence would have proved that Montano, a citizen of El Salvador, served as an officer in the military of El Salvador for 30 years, including during the period of El Salvador's civil war, from 1979 through 1991.
Montano also served as El Salvador's vice minister for public security from 1989 to 1992. The government alleges that the Salvadoran military committed various human rights violations during the civil war, including torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings and disappearances according to several reports published in the early 1990s. These reports allege that certain human rights abuses were committed by troops directly under Montano's command. In 1994, Montano retired from the military, and at some point thereafter left El Salvador, eventually coming to Massachusetts.
In or about 2002, Montano was present in the United States and, on several occasions thereafter, applied for and received immigration benefits which allowed him to remain in the United States temporarily.
In 2007, 2008 and 2010, Montano submitted benefit applications in which he falsely stated that he had entered the United States on June 30, 2000, a date which would have precluded him from receiving these benefits. In fact, Montano entered the United States in July 2001. Montano falsely stated his date of entry with the intent to deceive U.S. authorities because he knew that, if he had stated the correct entry date, he would have been ineligible for immigration benefits.
Judge Woodlock scheduled sentencing for Dec. 18.
Montano faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for each of the three counts of making false statements on an immigration application and a maximum of five years in prison on each of the three counts of perjury. All charges carry a maximum fine of $250,000 on each count, as well as deportation after serving the sentence the court imposes.
ICE's Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center investigates human rights violators who try to evade justice by seeking shelter in the United States, including those who have participated in war crimes and acts of genocide, torture and extrajudicial killings. These individuals may use fraudulent identities to enter the country and attempt to blend into communities in the United States. Members of the public who have information about foreign nationals suspected of engaging in human rights abuses or war crimes are urged to call the toll-free HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or to complete its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. To learn more about the assistance available to victims in these cases, the public should contact ICE's confidential victim-witness toll-free number at 1-866-872-4973. Tips may be provided anonymously.
Since fiscal year 2004, ICE has arrested more than 225 individuals for human rights-related violations under various criminal and/or immigration statutes. During that same period, ICE obtained deportation orders and physically removed more than 540 known or suspected human rights violators from the United States. Currently, HSI has more than 140 active investigations and ICE is pursuing more than 1,900 leads and removal cases involving suspected human rights violators from nearly 95 different countries.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Capin, District of Massachusetts, on behalf of the U.S. government.


text:
I admit it. I HATE Frog Hops. If any of you have been in one of Stacey's classes in the last two months then you have experienced the phenomenon of the Frog Hop. It is like she is obsessed with them and now other teachers (thanks Darcy) have caught on to this new trend and are incorporating them in their classes too! So I decided to confront my dislike of this particular yoga pose knowing that I would soon be starting the 40 Days to Personal Revolution and needed to explore the "nuances" of my yoga practice. So why did I hate them so much? Was it the fact that they are challenging and require a lot of shoulder stability, which is one of my weak areas? Is it the fear of going upside down? Is it the loss of control as my feet leave the ground and I picture myself somersaulting over onto my back? Or maybe it is an innate phobia of amphibians?? Probably not the last one. So what would Baron Baptiste do? He would do more of them of course- practice outside of my comfort zone and challenge my edge. So that is what I did. I started doing sets of five Frog Hops a couple times a day- before I took a shower, while I was waiting for the pasta water to boil, during commercials while binge-watching Netflix….etc. And guess what- I got better. I felt more confident and stronger. I might have even begun to like them (a little).
So, as I was flowing through the yoga practice during Stacey's Power 60 class I knew the Frog Hops were coming. And here were the cues: hands flat as pancakes shoulder width apart; big toes and heels glued together; inhale and bend knees; exhale and jump! And she starts counting: 10 (OK I am doing them), 9 (hmmm… not as bad as last class), 8 (hey- I am getting a little air time), 7 (ohh…that was a good one), 6….. And then Stacey was next to me cueing me to go up. Not having a moment to second guess the decision, I was in a handstand! At first, she was supporting me and then she told me to tuck my pelvis and extend my legs back and she LET GO. I let out an audible "Oh my gosh!!" and was able to maintain the handstand for a couple of moments on my own before bringing my feet back to earth. I was thinking while resting in child's pose, "What just happened?"
Suffice to say, I had one of those moments that yoga teachers are always talking about. I was in the moment 100%, not forcing the pose, but allowing it to unfold organically with the help of the right cues from a teacher. This is why we keep coming back to our mats. This is why we meditate and bring our thoughts back to our breath. This is why we committed to 40 Days of Personal Revolution. And this is why I am grateful to my body and my mind for enabling me to practice yoga.
And I guess that extra work at home doing sets of Frog Hops might have had something to do with my successful moment. So next time a teacher cues Frog Hops, I won't inwardly groan..…maybe :)
Have a great week!
~Christine McGee
SHPY 40 Days Participant - Winter 2016


text:
All Destinations » UK » Devon » Woolacombe
Woolacombe in North Devon is home to one of the most popular beaches in the country, where miles of golden sand, excellent surf and secluded coves combine to offer a beautiful seaside holiday destination for all the family.
Woolacombe Wildlife The North Devon coast is a haven for wildlife, perfect for those wanting to explore the great outdoors and spot the animals that call this landscape their home. The wild headland of Morte Point is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and affords visitors the chance to see kestrels, or walk on the coastpath to spot seals basking in the secluded coves below and, if you're lucky, see dolphins frolicking in the surf. Hop aboard a boat to Lundy Island to spot puffins, seabirds and the occasional basking shark frequenting the mild Devon waters. The open moorland of Exmoor National Park is renowned for its dramatic coastal views, offering guests plenty of opportunities to enjoy romantic walks and lengthy hikes within the peaceful surroundings amidst wild ponies and tweeting birds.
What To Do In Woolacombe Woolacombe offers a variety of activities to entertain families on holiday whatever the weather. The award-winning Blue Flag beach boasts miles of golden sand, and a range of on-the-water activities including surfing, sea kayaking, windsurfing and stand up paddleboarding. Swim safely in Woolacombe's lifeguarded waters or relax on the soft, fine sands. Nearby Bennett's Mouth is a secluded cove known for its dramatic rock formations and rockpools are great for little ones who can enjoy crabbing or starfish hunting. Spend the day at Exmoor Zoo (the famous Devon zoo that inspired the hit Hollywood movie), or in the charming harbour town of Ilfracombe, which flaunts a family-friendly aquarium and vibrant 'beside the seaside' atmosphere.


text:
Nancy Pelosi Is 'Garbage': Allen West's New Aide
Referring to the opposite party's leadership as "garbage" is usually not the best way to make a good first impression on Capitol Hill, even with members of your own party.
But that's exactly what Joyce Kaufman did. She's the newly named chief of staff to Allen West, the Republican who beat the Democratic incumbent in Florida's 22nd Congressional District,
The Washington Post reported that Kaufman, a South Florida radio personality and something of a rhetorical bomb thrower, made the less than decorous remark on her radio show about Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
In discussing the move on her show Tuesday afternoon, the husky-voiced radio commentator said she is excited to come to Washington and get a "bird's-eye view" of Congress. Kaufman dismissed the outgoing Democratic leadership as "garbage."
"Over these months I have been blessed to form very wonderful relationships with the West family," Kaufman said, adding that she had been a supporter of his campaign. "I looked at this family and [told] myself, how do you not fight and put them up on the pedestal when we've got this garbage up on the pedestal now, people like Nancy Pelosi?"
Looks like presumptive speaker to be John Boehner could really have his job cut out for him, to say the least, in terms of keeping his Republicans on message.
West, one of the two new African-American Republicans elected last week, had Tea Party movement support in his rematch against Klein which West won going away with 54 percent of the vote to Klein's 46 percent.
But the district is a swing one, with a significant percentage of independents. Just two years ago, Klein beat West 55 percent to 45 percent.
An excerpt from the Sun-sentinel on the importance of independents in the district:
And those independent voters were the biggest factor in the outcomes, said Kevin Hill, a political scientist at Florida International University.
They went Republican this year after trending Democratic in recent elections. In the coastal Broward and Palm Beach county district West won from Klein, Obama won 52 percent of the vote in 2008. Klein won just 46 percent of the vote this year.
Hill said that's not unique to Florida's 22nd Congressional District. "That happened everywhere," he said. "The independents swung against them [Democrats]."
Independents are famous for not liking the partisan ugliness that characterizes so much of contemporary U.S. politics. Repeated surveys have underscored their antipathy for nasty interparty fights.
Comments like Kaufman's could threaten West's appeal to these independents.
Meanwhile, the liberal web site, Thinkprogress.org, reports that Kaufman's plans to report for radio station WTFL while serving as West's chief of staff could present additional problems.
Carol Dixon, counsel for the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, told ThinkProgress that she had not heard of Kaufman's situation in particular, but said that generally this setup could be "potentially problematic." "There may be potential confidentiality issues — some of the issues she's reporting on may be gained by virtue of her House status. At a staff level it seems problematic," Dixon said. The committee's rules also say Kaufman must earn a fair market salary from WFTL, and refrain from using any office equipment for her radio duties.


text:
Memories of Crescent Farm - DVD Video
Recollections of life on Crescent Farm from Native American days to its zenith as one of the South's premier horse farms in the first quarter of the 20th century. This video features Historic text by Elizabeth Coggins Jones, raised on Crescent Farm. Narrated, accurate reenactments, historic photographs, period music.


text:
I have a 01 Diablo that doesn't have the lock assemblies on the engine cover or rear hatch that supports the wing. Can anyone provide guidance as to what to use?
I also have the "Air Ride" airbag system on the front that i'm not happy with (will be selling shortly) and would like to change to regular coil overs. Can anyone recommend shocks and spring rates?
What kind of weather striping should i use for the front trunk area?
Thanks, Dennis


text:
Kate the Great
May 14, 2013
I needed some 'sporty' inspiration to keep me motivated / active throughout the winter months and what is better than hot photos of Kate Moss in sporting gear? Anyway I best get back to homework x
Brooklyn's Finest
May 08, 2013
Being the huge hip-hop lover I am, I was amazed to find a tribute to the two best rappers from Brooklyn (The Notorious B.I.G. & Ol' Dirty Bastard) on a wall in Ivanhoe, Melbourne! The C.R.E.A.M. quote also caught my eye and I obviously took this time for a photo opportunity!
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
The greenhouse has been a terrific success for the tomatoes, sweet peppers and chilli peppers.
I was worried that it would be too hot, but the Coolaroo shading the Bon Viveur put up in May seems to have worked well, even though the south side and the roof have not yet been shaded.
It's a 50% shading from Australia and seems mainly to be used for sails and shaded pergolas in the garden. Not my first choice, but it works. Although with the disadvantage that it has been trapping a fair few butterflies and moths, for whom I feel sorry every day as I rush past in the heat.
Perhaps some more traditional green shading for the roof next year would keep it cooler, but temperatures have not risen about 35.2 degrees C. Sounds bad, but the thermometer on the supper terrace (open on all sides, but shaded) shows me temperatures have been up to 36.8 degrees there.
I received a very welcome present of a vine cutting from a friend, and I'm planning to use it as a more natural 'shading' – at the moment the little thing is trying to climb up the Coolaroo – so pretty successful! I'm also toying with the idea of a tub of water in the centre, which would be filled with cooling water and in which, who knows, I might even be able to grow a tiny waterlily like 'Perry's Baby Red'. Mmm … could be nice.
At the beginning of July we also put in the louvre ventilation purchased with the greenhouse, but not installed straight off. Instantly we noticed a really big difference in air-flow.
So – my bad dreams of the whole thing exploding in a burst of broken glass and melted metal in the first summer turned out to just be nightmares.
I wish I had started my annual seeds off earlier, however. I was forced to sow everything at the beginning of April, since I was away at the end of March and knew that everything would die if left untended.
In some cases this was a big mistake, because it meant that I was still planting out in the second half of June when the heat struck us – much earlier than usual this year. The heat came so early, in fact, that my cannas and castor oil plants have never seen soil and remain in pots. At least the cannas will be fine for next year, but they'll need to be planted out as soon as possible after the Saints de glace (Ice Saints) next year, so quickly after 11-13 May.
For some annuals the heat was too much – they should have seen their permanent summer positions by the end of May, latest. I was so excited about the good germination of little Rudbeckia 'Cappuchino'. But when planted out in pots in mid-June, no amount of spraying over could save them from shrivelling in the sun. I think I have only 2 plants left. Other failures were my little 'Cactus Mix' dahlias, from Sarah Raven. The plants in the street (shaded for some of the day) are oksh, but those in the garden have never really found their feet after first being ravaged by slugs and then exposed to fierce sun as struggling babies.
But the joy of watching all those little seedlings germinate so easily and then grow into small plants that were – for the first time at Chatillon – not etiolated and miserable will not be forgotten in a hurry. There's always next year.
We had some shading left, so the BV created a little canopy over my frame where I attempt to grow lettuce, radish, carrots and rocket. It's working quite nicely (sprayed over once a day), but I'm not having any luck with germinating lettuce in there at the moment. Predictably, since lettuce tends not to germinate above 26 degrees C. Those days are far behind us now!
The tomatoes in the greenhouse are fabulous! I grew two from Thompson & Morgan called 'Big Daddy' and 'Mountain Magic', as well as a tomato reputed to be the best for pizzas – 'Cuore di Bue'.
Pointless to tell the BV that with three plants we would, if lucky, have enough fruit for three pizzas. Luckily, the 'Cuore di Bue' are equally lovely in sandwiches and on burgers.
The tomatoes show heat stress by rolling their lower leaves, but I've been cutting those away and they are ripening nicely. Similarly, the best sweet peppers ('Californian Wonder') that I've ever had and already some nice green chillis from 'Joe's Long'. The last is a variety I strongly recommend. It produces prolifically, even in the open ground here – so much so that I still have dried chillis in the kitchen that I grew about 3 years ago. I think I'm going to have a glut this year because I'm growing 5 plants.
The sweet peppers should be thinned – but I'm so proud of them! I've also read that you should prune them to open the centres up a little and ripen the fruit. Next year.
I even have two melons (I know, but I'm only a beginner!) and the best pot herbs – marjoram, basil and lemon basil – I've ever managed to raise here.
The greenhouse was definitely at its most exciting when all the annuals were germinating in April. But the late sowings meant that the newly planted sweet peas struggled to survive the sudden onslaught of heat in June. The delphinium seed that I so lovingly moistened with damp tea towels were a complete flop, because the temperatures had risen so that I panicked a little and started to move them around – up to the house where, predictably, they were frazzled by sun in the space of an afternoon.
The lupins, 'Chandeleer' (pale yellow) and 'The Governor' (blue) were my greatest sadness. I don't know what I'm doing, but I'm not succeeding. I lost a lot of seedlings when they were pricked out into lovingly purchased John Innes No. 2. Then I noticed that they were yellowing (chlorosis) and potted them on. Instant death. Next year I'll not give up and I'll try a peat-based compost and restrict watering to rain water (our water is very, very hard). A friend to whom I gave some seedlings says hers are doing brilliantly – so it must be my poor cultivation technique – possibly over-watering? Always something to learn!
Happy Eclipse season! I hope to be back very soon. August is my most hated month and I've set myself the challenge of posting very regularly to compensate. We'll see …


text:
Clean, clear water, underwater rock formations, and fascinating shipwrecks combine to provide outstanding diving opportunities at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Things To Know Before You Go
To help keep your dive safe and enjoyable, consider the following:
Learn more about Boating in the Apostle Islands.
Dive Sites
Sea Caves and Cliffs
Sandstone caves carved into shoreline cliffs by wave action. Visibility varies due to erosion of clay soils into the lake. Calm conditions necessary for access. Depths: 10 to 25 feet.
Historic Docks
Submerged dock cribs near sandstone quarries active in 1890s. Depths: 4 to 25 feet.
More information on the Lucerne at University of Wisconsin Seagrant
More information on the Noquebay at University of Wisconsin Seagrant
More information on the Sevona at University of Wisconsin Seagrant
Read a first-hand account of the wreck of the Sevona
More information on the Pretoria at University of Wisconsin Seagrant
Learn more about Wisconsin's Lake Superior shipwrecks at the Wisconsin State Historical Society's award-winning web page, Ice Water Mansions.
Last updated: April 10, 2015


text:
Canon B23.4 states that, 'No person shall be admitted to be a sponsor or godparent who has not been baptised and confirmed. Nevertheless, the minister shall have power to dispense with the requirement of confirmation in any case in which in his judgement need so requires.' This gives the minister a certain amount of discretion about godparents who are not confirmed, but the requirement for godparents to have been baptised cannot be varied or dispensed with.
Parents may act as godparents to their own child, as long as there is at least one other godparent (B23.1). If they do so, then the requirements about baptism and confirmation apply to them just as they would to any other godparent.
Nothing is said about a minimum age for someone to be a godparent, though Canon B23.2 says that godparents should be 'persons who will faithfully fulfil their responsibilities, both by their care for the children committed to their charge and by the example of their own godly living.' This suggests that godparents need to be of an age to understand and to fulfil their commitments, and the expectation that godparents are confirmed also suggests that a godparent should not be a young child.
The Church of England also uses the term 'sponsor' in relation to rites of initiation. A sponsor is the equivalent of a godparent for an older candidate: 'When one who is of riper years is to be baptised, he shall choose three, or at least two, to be his sponsors, who shall be ready to present him at the font, and afterwards to put him in mind of his Christian profession and duties' (Canon B23.3). The canon makes clear later (B23.4, quoted above) that the same requirements (of baptism and, normally, of confirmation) apply to sponsors as to godparents.
The notes to Holy Baptism in Common Worship: Christian Initiation also give guidance about who and what a sponsor is: 'The term "sponsor" is used for those who agree to support in the journey of faith candidates (of any age) for baptism, confirmation or affirmation of baptismal faith.' (Note 6, p 99).
The commentary in CW:CI (p 342) suggests that sponsors may also be appointed, in addition to godparents, when a child is being baptised. In this case, they have the spiritual role of supporting the child's growth in faith, without the responsibility of the social role which is usually associated with godparents. So, for instance, sponsors might be found from within the church to supplement godparents chosen by the child's parents. Such sponsors might expect to have a role in encouraging the child's growth in faith and in church membership, but would not expect to have to buy them birthday presents!
In pastoral practice, two issues commonly arise:
It is this second issue which is proving to be increasingly common, and which can be particularly challenging to respond to. It would be contrary to Canon, and would seem to lack integrity (both for the person being asked to be a godparent and for the baptism service) for the unbaptised friend simply to make the promises as a godparent, but it can be pastorally difficult not to acknowledge the genuineness of the friend's desire to support the child, and to deny them a chance to express their commitment publicly. This is a particular challenge when parents have already promised, or at least offered, the godparent role to that person.
Perhaps a good starting point is to recognise that in the service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child the church has already provided material which allows for parents to appoint, in a public service, those who are not godparents, but who will have a key role in supporting them as they bring up their children.
The service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child allows for the appointment of Supporting Friends, who make promises in the service which relate to their support of the family and the child, but which do not commit them to a particular form of that support, or to a specific form of upbringing for the child. In particular, (and in contrast to the promises made in the baptism service) no promises are made about 'drawing them by your example into the community of faith', walking with them 'in the way of Christ', or helping them 'to take their place within the life and worship of Christ's Church'.
From the service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child
Thanksgiving and Blessing
Where parents wish to recognise the role of supporting friends it may be appropriate for them to stand with the parents at the thanksgiving. One of them may present the children to the minister, and informal words may be said.
The minister says:
Do you receive these children as a gift from God?
We do.
Do you wish to give thanks to God and seek his blessing?
We do.
Giving of the Gospel
A copy of a Gospel is presented with these words:
Receive this book.
It is the good news of God's love.
Take it as your guide.
The minister may address the supporting friends and say:
Will you do all that you can to help and support N and N in the bringing up of N?
With the help of God, we will.
SAFEGUARDING The Diocese does not tolerate abuse of any kind. Enquiries
YOUR DATA PRIVACY View the diocesan general privacy notice and data protection policy.