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Howdy folxs,
I'm about to be graduating with a Bach in Music Ed. I've been thinkin' about the summer months and have been doin' some research on a summer gig while I'm launchin' a career... so, Cruise gigs, pros and cons
And.... DISCUSS!
Howdy folxs,
I'm about to be graduating with a Bach in Music Ed. I've been thinkin' about the summer months and have been doin' some research on a summer gig while I'm launchin' a career... so, Cruise gigs, pros and cons
And.... DISCUSS!
"I'm about to be graduating with a Bach in Music Ed."
Is that a Bflat Bach.................
I have worked extensively for Carnival Cruise Lines. If you have any specific questions you would like me to address, or if you would like to hear a recording of some music you may come across, please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]
Matthew Anklan
Pros: Easy gig, easy money, traveling opportunities, meet some new people
Cons: The people you meet aren't alwasy the greatest, and you're stuck with them for a while, pretty repititive gig, money can easily be blown on booze
Music isn't a career, it's a way of life.
From the people that I have talked to that have done it, it can be a really neat gig, or it can also be a gig that really wasn't a great experience in the end.
I've talked to some that thought it was great - fairly easy (if repetitive) repertoire, but pretty good at building the chops. Then there were the "opportunities" to meet people, not to mention going to exotic locales and such.
Then there were guys who totally hated it. They thought they were overworked for what they got paid, were not allowed to talk to the folks on the ship, and in general were treated like second class citizens.
I think that a lot of it depends on which cruise line you wind up working for, but off of the top of my head, I can't remember which ones were referred to as good and which were referred to as bad.
For what it's worth, I have always wanted to do it if only for the experience, however, it's just not the kind of job married dude with kids takes. If my wife ever gets a wild hair, leaves me and takes the kids(doubtful after nearly 15 years) I'll probably give it a go.
Patrick Gleason
"What we do in life echoes in eternity"
"At my signal, unleash hell."
- Maximus Decimus Meridius
a few cons:
I have know more than a few guys from school that went that route (all with different lines) and none of them were to happy with it in the end. While a few of them said they got better, a few of them said they got worse as well. None of them so far have been able to really use that as a stepping stone to something else.
If you are thinking about doing a teaching gig it will be hard to interview when you are called if you are out on a ship. It also seems to me that the only prior job experience that matters when you interview for a job in education is public school teaching or perhaps military. So I don't think it will help your resume out.
That is very correct. I would recommend doing a stint in either the Air Force or Navy bands opposed to the cruise ships. The cruise ships are something you should do during the summers BEFORE you graduate, not upon getting yoru degree. For me, the ships were good. No rent for the summer to pay for, made some easy money to pay off a couple quarters of school. The gig isn't always great, and it GREATLY depends on the people you work with.Originally Posted by dizforprez
The band doesn't get free drinks or anything, and you all but live in steerage. It can be a good thing. You have to be very very careful about hurting yourself. Based on your previous posts, I suppose you will be wanting to play lead. I was a lead player on those ships, and it can get bad. Be very careful about your chops. Take it easy when you need to and you will be fine. But yeah, since you ahve a degree and are going into teaching, the cruise ships really won't help you that much.
trumpet: Flip Oaked Wind Thing in gold plate, #1 Tuning Slide
piece: Monette PRANA BL3
Flugel: Yamaha 631, Rose brass bell (I really want a Flip Oakes Flugel... putting together the cash)
Q: Do you know how to make a musician complain?
A: Give him a gig.
Bach = Bachelor's. Could've said "BS" or "BMA" but those are funny too...Originally Posted by dbacon
Anyways, no, I don't HAVE to play lead. I was just wanting some expeirence doin' some different things and I've talked to some folxs who loved it and others who'va hated it. Just tryin' to get a feel for the general consensus on the boards. As for beefin' up the resume for a teaching job, I'm not too worried about that aspect. In regards to a stint in the military ensembles, last time I tried (after highschool) I was not accepted due to health and weight problems... Although the military has some great ensembles which would be amazingly fun to partake in.
I have played quite a few contracts onboard various lines. Carnival is the best. The most important thing that I have heard here is the "be careful with your chops" thing. If you go out there, make sure that you maintain a very good warm up daily. I have seen and known players that have gone out there and ruined their chops. They would stay in the "crew bar" drinking .50 cent beers (yes, .50 cents!) and then sleep in. They would sleep in until 5 minutes prior to the gig or the rehearsal with no time to warm up. Guys would sit there, all hung over trying to make that E above high C. It was painful to watch.....and to listen.
Other than that, easy gig. The money on the ships is too low however. The pay is actually quite insulting for the amount of playing involved.
Good luck.
Bb: Yamaha Xeno Matte finish
Flugel: Inderbinen Wood
C: Yamalone
Eb/D: Schilke
Picc: Schilke P5/4 Gold
Cornet: Bach. Strad
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It seems only yesterday that the lifts stopped turning, we had our last snowboard run and we had packed the snowboards and skis back into storage. Suddenly the hot sticky summers of Seoul had me back into the realization that we are now more than half way to the next snow season and I need some down time with friends in the cool mountainous air. My life has been busy, no time for fun, no time for myself. So I decided that it was time to check out, grab some friends and supporters of Korea Snow and head back to the place of my winter dreams.
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Ondol. On what?
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If you are looking for a professional ski fitting and equipment hire service in Hoenggye, drop in and see the staff at Ski Jumping. The shop services Yongpyong and Alpensia Ski resorts and for the non-Korean speakers, the owners speak English fluently!
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Big air in snowboarding and greater female participation at the Winter Olympics Games. Yeah baby! On Monday the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved four new events for 2018 Pyeongchang, which it hopes will attract younger audiences and boost the number of women taking part in the games to record levels.
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Snow Wear FAQs
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Two bomb blasts ripped through a busy market in Lahore, Pakistan, on Monday evening, killing at least 36 people and injuring about 100. The bombs were reportedly set off via remote control, and the explosions came on the heels of a suicide bombing in Peshawar that killed at least 10 earlier in the day. —KA
One official said the blasts happened in quick succession and that dozens were injured when the blast struck the market, crammed with shoppers and traders.
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The aftermath of the two bombings at Lahore's Moon Market is shown in this still from BBC's video coverage of the attack.


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Get an overview of this hotelPruszcz Gdanski hotel in Bystra with restaurant and bar/lounge
Collect 200 points
Simply enter your Nectar card number when prompted. Your points will be credited 30 days after you return from your trip.*Offers may apply
Located in Bystra, this hotel is within 9 mi (15 km) of GKS Wybrzeze, Gdansk Crane, and Artus Court. Gdansk Main Town Hall and Neptune's Fountain are also within 9 mi (15 km).
Hotel Features
A restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a rooftop terrace are available at this hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, conference rooms, a 24-hour front desk, and tour/ticket assistance are onsite.
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All 39 rooms provide free WiFi, room service, and satellite TV. Other amenities available to guests include showers, desks, and free toiletries.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
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Hotel Amenities
The hotel offers a restaurant. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Public areas are equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. This Pruszcz Gdanski hotel also offers a rooftop terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and a safe deposit box at the front desk.
Pod Lipami has designated areas for smoking.
- 24-hour front desk
- Total number of rooms - 39
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Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
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Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7 AM and 10 AM.
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Need to remove exhaust cam on a late c20xe, bit of a step into unknown, so any help much appreciated(needed?).
Have removed cam cover, bearing 11 on exhaust cam + sensor + dis plate etc., timing belt cover, airbox & hose.
What next? Can I just flip the timing belt off, undo remaining bearings (in vague headbolt sequence) and lift out cam or am I missing something?
Is the lining up of various timing notches something I only have to worry about when putting cam back in again?


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Super Quick on Your Phone
It all started with what seemed like a simple headache...
Van and SaMonna's favorite little guy started complaining of head pain on Friday, February 14, 2014. Having just gotten over a stomach virus, his complaints caused his parents no real alarm. The pain continued through the weekend, so first thing Monday morning SaMonna took him to the doctor's office. After a thorough examination, it appeared that Brayden was simply demonstrating symptoms of migraine headaches. They were sent home with a list of migraine-producing foods to eliminate from his diet. Since the Watts' household already practices healthy living, most of those foods were already excluded from their diet.
After returning home, Brayden's complaints of a headache continued. In the middle of the night, he awoke out of his sleep, crying about the pain in his head. SaMonna gave him some medication and he was able to go back to sleep. Early Tuesday morning, in response to Brayden's continued complaints of pain and discomfort, they rushed him back to the doctor and panic began to set in. What was going on? They just wanted answers and for the pain to stop. After a second thorough examination, Brayden's pediatrician was still unable to identify any significant cause for his headaches, but ordered a CT scan.
On Wednesday morning the CT scan results came back, but were unable to generate any additional information. Everything "appeared" normal. SaMonna was unable to accept these results at face value and began to strongly express her concerns to Brayden's doctor. She was advised to follow the dietary guidelines given to rule out migraines and to schedule a follow up in two weeks. With an unsettled spirit, SaMonna contacted another physician, Dr. Theodore Watkins, a close family friend and mentor. He quickly consulted with another specialist and they collectively agreed that Brayden needed specialized attention, and fast.
SaMonna was able to get an appointment to see a Pediatric Neurologist on Friday at Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C, but that was two days away. SaMonna asked God to prompt her if two days was too long to wait and she closely monitored Brayden for the rest of the day. He played happily and "appeared" to be his normal self, only complaining of slight head pain two or three times that day. Later that evening (Wednesday), SaMonna received a follow-up call from Dr. Watkins. He informed her that he wasn't comfortable with waiting untilFriday for the appointment. Shortly after the call, Brayden woke up again screaming about the pain in his head. SaMonna and Van found themselves rushing to the Emergency Department around 1am Thursday morning.
…The battle is just beginning...
Once at the ER, an MRI was performed which revealed that Brayden had a growth on his cerebellum. Brayden was immediately rushed to Children's Hospital for further investigation. After a flurry of additional tests, it was confirmed that Brayden indeed had two brain tumors on his cerebellum. Surgery to remove the tumors was scheduled for the following Monday, February 17, 2014.
The surgery was proven a success in that both tumors were completely removed, however more concerning news was shared by the doctors post-surgery. Brayden was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer. SaMonna and Van were advised that the cancer had disseminated to other areas of his brain and aggressive treatment was necessary immediately. …Where we are today…
In less than a week, SaMonna and Van's lives have been turned upside down. They had limited preparation for the emotional and financial toll that the next few months would have on their family. But, God knew and He has made provisions for EVERY need they have to be supplied.
This site has been created by family and friends to help offset the financial expenses that SaMonna and Van are facing. As they prayerfully continue on this journey with Brayden, they are holding onto God with arms of faith. Some of the SIGNIFICANT expenses facing the Watts family on this road include, but are not limited to medical/prescription costs not covered by insurance and travel costs associated with Brayden's out of state treatments (e.g., housing, food and transportation). Your amazing support will greatly help the Watts family with the emotional and financial challenges ahead. ...What your gifts will be used for...
The initial amount of $45,000 is going to cover the out of pocket medical (e.g. deductibles, co-payments, not-covered benefits and medication), travel, prescription and supplement (e.g. fruit and vegetables for juicing) expenses for the first phase of Brayden's journey to healing (e.g. 1 of the 4 prescriptions required this week WITH insurance cost $1,600 out of pocket). As treatment progresses and additional expenses arise, we will adjust our goal accordingly and pray for your continued support. UPDATE: Now that the first set of bills have been received it is evident our intial goal of $45,000 was too low. Brayden is in the beginning stages of his journey and already his medical expenses are astronomical. Due to this we are increasing his fund goal to $100,000. Thank you for your continued support.
This site allows friends / family to send gifts using a paypal account or credit card. If anyone prefers to send a check, please email email@example.com the mailing address or with any questions. Please note, these gifts are NOT tax-deductible. ...Facts Are...Truth Is...
Fact: Brayden has a serious diagnosis...Truth: God is a healer!
Join us on this journey of faith! God WILL get the glory! And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. James 5:15Link to SaMonna's testimony given at Breath of Life's Women's Breakfast March 1, 2014. https://www.dropbox.com/s/9hot5xtdl8z1v7h/SaMonna.m4a**Please click the link on the top right of the screen to receive updates on Brayden's progress.***IMPORTANT: Please note that your gifts will take a few hours to post to your bank account or for you to receive the reciept, but no need to re-submit.
The other day Van and I were at the store and he passed by a teenage girl who had the same surgical scar Brayden had. A few moments later I ran into her and realized it was one of the beautiful children we had met in Philadelphia. Of course my eyes started to water up. Children should not have to suffer with diseases but it's the reality of the world we live in. Everywhere you turn someone is going through.
Throughout this experience many individuals have shared with me their trials and suffering. People are hurting. We live in a jacked up world, but were it not for grace! Though trials sting, when you trust in God He will show you the beauty in them.
This will be my last post on this site. I'm not sure how long you caring will have it available, so to be safe I will look into transferring the posts to my website. If you know of anyone who is going through a trial similar to the one we've endured please share the posts with them. Prayerfully our journey with Brayden will be a source of encouragement to them and anyone dealing with adversity.
I also solicit your prayers. The Lord is calling me to a life of ministry. What that exactly looks like I'm not completely certain. However, I do know that as long as I follow His lead I'll be alright. So please pray with me in that regard.
For now I'm going to continue to try to share encouraging words and the love of God through my blog. You can check it out at www.samonnawatts.com. Your support has been amazing and we, the Watts family love you all!
It's been about a month now since Brayden took his rest and I'm here to tell you that God is amazing. He is the only reason that our family is keeping it together. Prior to actually finding myself in this situation I would always think that I would never be able to handle the loss of a loved one. Even as we went through this journey I blocked the thought out of my head because it was too painful. When Van and I would talk about it our thoughts were continually on SaVanna. I just knew I wouldn't be able to handle explaining the situation to her and comforting her. The thought of the pain she would experience was unbearable for us as parents. Then there is Van. He said from day one that if Brayden passed he would be done. He declared that he would not be able to handle it. Yet, this morning I can tell you with full confidence that God still sits on His throne!
If there ever was a time that we needed to be in the word it's now. We were in it hard when we were seeking God to heal, but now we need it even more. The devil is relentless. He understands that God has a remedy for every situation that we go through and because of this he wants to keep us out of the word. It's so easy to find yourself laid out in tears feeling physically and emotionally paralyzed with no desire to seek God. I had to fight this and force myself to search God's word for comfort during this time. So let me tell you what I know. When I get into that word I start thinking about God's character, about His goodness, about His love for me, about the things He has prepared for me, and about the things He desires for me and all of a sudden I start praising! The tears that were rolling down my face are now accompanied by a big ol' smile. I can't explain it but even in your pain God WILL supply comfort! Hallelujah!! He's doing it for me and Van. Don't get me wrong, we hurt and we cry but we find God even in the midst of that.
I'm learning to take control of my mind. I think of Brayden all day long. I can look at pictures and smile. What I can't do is listen to certain music. It just makes me too emotional. The times when I feel like I'm going down a path of negative emotions I pray and pull out my phone to read my scriptures. It works every time… well every time I do it. LOL. Sometimes, I just want to wallow in my tears and I do. However, I really don't do this often because I feel much better when I decide to turn my focus toward God even if I still need to cry. Like I said, He's amazing.
Van is doing much better than he or I would've ever imagined. He gets up every morning and has his time with God and it sustains him. He even is starting to be social again. Last week was his first week back to church and we had dinner with friends afterwards. If you know Van you'd understand this is a big deal. This is a man who says if anything ever happened to me he would move to some secluded place and be a hermit. LOL. I just knew he was going to shut down the outside world, but he didn't! He's my support when I'm down and I'm his when he's down. He's stronger than I could have ever imagined. Side note- He's strong but he is still Van. If you come to him consoling him about Brayden he might give you the side eye. He doesn't want the hugs of comfort (he and I are totally different) talk to him as you would if this had never happened. He will appreciate that.
SaVanna is doing pretty good. The past week she hasn't asked about or mentioned Brayden as much as she had been. She was praying that God would bring him back every single day. Yet from day one she didn't cry or act sad. Her young age is a blessing in disguise. She gets that he's gone but she doesn't get it. She understands that mommy and daddy feel sad because before she leaves either one of us she tends to ask will we be ok? It's the cutest thing. So one time I told her no I wouldn't be ok and she quickly replied, "Ok mommy, I'll stay with you." I was just messing with her to see what she would say. She is really the sweetest child. She's always been a mama's girl but the week Brayden passed she was looking out for her daddy. She offered to sleep by him and she would rub his back making sure he was alright.
It is adjustment for all of us here at home. SaVanna does not like to be left alone. We had a play area set up for the kids in the basement. This was their main hang out spot. Obviously, that has all changed. SaVanna is fine playing by herself but she doesn't want to be alone. If you go to the bathroom she wants to make sure that you don't leave her by herself. I can't go anywhere in the house without her being right on my coat tails. So we make an extra special effort to give her all the attention she needs.
Then there is the issue of the noise. I was confident we had the loudest happiest kids in the world. Now the house is silent. You don't realize how much you miss it till it is gone. Van mentions it all the time when he comes home from work. The noise is gone and he misses it.
Well, I just wanted to send out a little update on us. Ya'll we are surviving! All of the prayers you send up for us are being answered. In no way is this an easy road, but it could be much worse if Jesus wasn't carrying us. We still laugh and have a good time with each other despite the pain. It's a day by day thing. I know there are stages of grief. I haven't looked them up nor studied them because I don't care what they are. I'm choosing to take this thing day by day and God has promised to help. Each morning I pray for His strength, His comfort, His peace, His joy, and an extra portion of His Holy Spirit. I know that TODAY, His grace is sufficient for me and that is all that matters. Be blessed!
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Brayden's Praise Party was wonderful. I can honestly say that was the best memorial/funeral I've ever attended. We gave the Lord the praise He is worthy of. In life or death He is worthy of the praise. Everyone looked beautiful in their white. The music was beautiful and the atmosphere was filled with the presence of the Lord. This has been quite the journey and it has ended in victory! Brayden's battle is won! Hallelujah! Can't wait to see my little guy and YOU when Jesus returns.
If you would like to see the service online please use the link below. Be blessed and keep praising Jesus! http://new.livestream.com/sligochurch1/events/3241626/videos/58224846
Please click on the link below to join us virtually for Brayden's Funeral and Praise Party Part II, which will be streaming live on Sunday August 3, 2014 at 11:00am EST. Just click on the link, and in the 'Worship Live' box, you will be able to view the service.
We are about to have a Praise Party! Brayden's funeral will not be a sorrowful ceremony it will be a time of praise and thanksgiving! If possible we ask that those attending where white, or light colors such as khaki. Why? Simply because this is a celebration of the white robe God has waiting for Brayden in eternity. The service will be held this Sunday, August 3rd at 11:00 am. The address is Sligo SDA Church, 7700 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912. Please join us as we lift up praises to our mighty God. For those who can't attend live streaming information will be posted once available.
I feel compelled to share this. At the very beginning of this journey God clearly spoke to my heart. When I first received the news that Brayden had a tumor God told me that He would bring me through this trial victorious, which He has. I never presumed that it meant healing here on this earth. I couldn't safely do that because that is not what He said. That is the only message I received directly from God. Several months into the journey I began receiving messages from third parties. Based upon these messages I assumed that God was confirming that Brayden was healed. God never spoke this to me directly. I had to clarify this seeing I boldly proclaimed for the last month of this journey that God said Brayden was healed. Healed eternally yes, but not in the physical. God is not a man that He should lie and He doesn't play with our emotions. Based upon my testimony I don't want anyone to think that God told me something and didn't fulfill it. I have no explanation for the messages I received from others. Just wanted to clear that up so that I don't misrepresent God in any way. Be blessed.
God is faithful. This morning Van and I prayed over Brayden. I asked God to end this pain and either heal Brayden today or put him to sleep. Several days ago we had come to the conclusion that it might not be God's will to heal Brayden. Though it's not what we want we trust God to have His way because He is a God of love. About 15 minutes after we prayed my precious little son went to sleep in Jesus. He finally had rest. It's super painful but at the same time Van and I felt relief. It was torture to watch our son in such a state and to know that he is now at peace is a relief. Painful but a relief. I pray that this news doesn't discourage anyone. God knows what we don't know and our greatest desire for Brayden is that he make it to the kingdom and he will. We are confident that when Jesus comes to take His children home, Brayden will be among that number. This life here on earth is less than a second in time compared to eternity. To know that we will spend ceaseless ages with Brayden in glory is worth it all. I can't even begin to imagine the pain that we are going to feel. Losing a child seems like one of the greatest pains we can experience on earth, something God the Father is familiar with. However, God promises to comfort and be our strength. Van and I are holding Him to that. :) Your support through this journey has been tremendous. God bless you all and continue to keep the faith. God be praised!
The Watts' family is still holding on! We are patiently waiting for the Lord to move in our situation. The wait ain't easy, but God is working on our hearts during the wait. As Van and I reflect upon the situation we realize that faith has not been perfected in us. God allows trials to work things out in our characters promoting spiritual growth. We are confident that God has healed Brayden and we are waiting for the manifestation of that healing. Nobody can convince us that God is not going to heal our son. However, we find ourselves entertaining fear and God doesn't like that. Fear works contrary to faith just as the enemy works contrary to God. Fear also results in torment. 1 John 4:18 tells us,"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." Mercy, I ain't got time to ALLOW the enemy to torment me. As a child of God that's just plain stupid.
Furthermore God has not given us the spirit of fear, the enemy has. We have seen some scary stuff and we have feared. Fear creeps in when we see Brayden struggling to breathe, when we see his heart rate drop too high or too low, and when his blood pressure is really low. We entertain fear when it's hard for us to sleep peacefully at night because we are always looking to make sure Brayden is still breathing. God does not like that. How can we believe that God is taking care of Brayden and still fear? We have nothing to fear.
God is growing us through this situation. He desires that we have perfect peace while going through the storm. It's similar to the story of Paul in Acts chapter 27. He is on a ship during a terrible storm. The angel tells him not to fear and that no soul would be lost only the ship. At that point Paul was at perfect peace. He didn't allow every wave or crack of thunder to cause him to fear, nor did he let the destruction of the vessel that was supposed to carry him safely in the water to shake him. He was at peace without fear. God showed me, that he expects the same from us. If Brayden doesn't swallow to take another ounce of food, if his blood pressure drops down to nothing, or if lungs fail to get oxygenated, I am not to fear. My only job is to trust the God who created Brayden fully believing that He will restore him. Not on the other side of glory but here on this earth.
God checked me and basically told me to "stop trippin." Here I am posting things about our victory being won at the cross, yet I was still trippin'. God I get it! Lord continue to work on our hearts. My motto is "living the extraordinary life in Christ," and God is showing me that I haven't even hit the tip of the iceberg. As Christians we are to live and walk in victory. That's what the cross did for us. So I'm here to tell you that Van and I have kicked fear to the curb! The enemy will not have that stronghold over us any longer. As a matter of fact, we slept peacefully last night fully trusting that God was taking care of Brayden and of course He did.
I'm continuing to study the word regarding fear. I plan to do a post on my blog next week about it because it is so detrimental to the Christian walk. In regard to Brayden, he is perfectly fine. He can't talk, walk, move, or eat, LOL, but he is fine. No longer our we focusing on the waves, we focus on the God who controls the waves. He's not worried so we aren't worried. Be blessed!
Good morning! It is a beautiful morning! God continues to send His peace and His strength in the midst of our storm. Glory to His name! I don't say this because it sounds like the right thing to say. I say it because it is truly how my heart feels which is why I'm so thankful. How can a family go through what we are going through and feel such peace? Only God, and for that I'm ever thankful.
Since we've been released from medical care we have turned to hospice care. Not because we believe this is a hospice situation but simply because we need their services. Things like a hospital bed and the ability to have someone come to the house in an emergency. During the admission process they made it very clear that they are not in the reviving business, they are in the "make you comfortable til you sleep," business. Yea we get all that, and in turn we made it clear that this was not that type of situation. So, based upon my responses it appeared that their services were not available to us. Regardless, I wasn't budging. I wasn't going to say things that I didn't believe simply to get care. Long story short, God worked that thing out. We are receiving their services with their clear understanding of our position. God did us one even better by having the staff that is assigned to us stand in agreement with the FACT that Brayden is healed! I mentioned our wonderful nurse in a previous post.
So Wednesday we had a visit from the doctor assigned to us. This was his first visit. As I saw him walking up the drive way, my stomach began to turn. You see, every time we talk to a doctor the news is heartbreaking. Before he walked in the door I yelled out, "Bump you devil!" LOL. Yes I took it back to the 90's with Bump You. Hee hee. I needed to put him in his place. Messing with me trying to get me worried about what doesn't matter. The only thing that matters in this situation is what God said. When we greeted him at the door he had that I'm sorry type look on his face, which is understandable. He came in and looked at Brayden, his demeanor changed and then he said, "I've gotta say, I'm pleasantly surprised at what I see." At this point Brayden is still not moving or talking. He is laying there very alert, looking around very peaceful. Van asked the doc what he expected to see, and the doc responded, "based upon the MRI reports…you've seen them right?" I told him I knew he expected to see a child at death's door. He did not disagree. Again, I've got to shout out, "Whose report will you believe?" No MRI, CT Scan, Medical record, or whatever, can stop an almighty God. God says life, reports say death. God rules!
We are totally in God's hand regarding Brayden's medical care. The other morning he woke up with a high fever. This was scary. I immediately called a doctor who is family to us. He was not available. In an instant I was checked. Duh call on God. We then laid hands on Brayden and prayed. When the prayer was finished the fever was gone! No Tylenol, no other remedy but God! Yesterday, we encountered a similar situation. Brayden began to start chomping his jaws, slamming his teeth together. My mother was there and knew that was a prerequisite for a seizure. Our hearts sank. I wanted to cry but it was no time for tears. I could hear another family member just crying. Ya'll this thing is painful, but we got it together. The four of us who were there (the Claibornes) laid our hands on Brayden and prayed, pleading with God to stop this. We anointed him with oil and just cried out to the Lord. God answered. No seizure and the chomping stopped. Praise Him!
This is our Job like experience. I say Job like because it really can't compare to what Job had to suffer but it feels similar. We had a visit from a social worker. He is a believer. He talked with me about Job and the fact that even in that situation God doesn't owe anyone an explanation. He's God. He is creator and ruler of all. Are job is to trust Him. Period.
It has become so clear to me that this situation is so much bigger than Brayden, me, Van, or SaVanna. God is doing a mighty work. He is testing the faith of not only us but thousands. I'm telling you what I know based upon the messages I receive and how far reaching Brayden's story has become. Only God could orchestrate that and what He orchestrates He does to fulfill His purposes. If this was me, nobody would care, but God knows that people's hearts would be drawn to an innocent child, so he chose Brayden. When we were trying to get pregnant and throughout the pregnancy I prayed specific prayers about Brayden. I asked the Lord to bless me with a child who would be like Caleb, Joshua, Moses, Daniel, Samuel, and the 3 Hebrew Boys. I wanted a child who would stand for God and do a mighty work for Him. This wasn't a fly by night type of prayer. I was praying hard and if I had known that God would answer in such a way I would've adjusted my prayer. LOL. It would've been more like, "God just have my child make it to the kingdom." LOL. God answers prayers. Not in the way that we imagine them being answered, but for His perfect will to be fulfilled and for that I'm thankful. I'm certain that Brayden has been chosen to do God's work.
Finally, as I've stated so many times before, God has blessed us with a community of believers who I now consider family. Our facebook community has put together a nightly prayer line to lift up this situation until the manifestation of Brayden's healing is revealed. Ya'll I've never met these women and they have never met Brayden. That's God. The prayer line is every day at 6 am and 7 pm eastern standard time. The number is 712-432-1500 dial in code 230513#. Join us as we intercede on Brayden's behalf.
Be blessed. Trust God in your situation fully believing, not this lip service crap, that He is willing and able to do the impossible in your life!
Let me first start off by saying, I'm so encouraged!!! God has truly blessed me with what I've come to consider my "extended family." Friends, aquaintences, and folks I have never met have rallied themselves around my family to support us through this process. For the past couple of days I've been in the pit. Monday was so hard for me, I was weak and worn down. My body actually felt numb and I was constantly on the verge of tears. Late last night I go on facebook and I find nothing but messages of encouragement. Messages that were there prior to me posting about how I was feeling. You guys are family. We are all part of the family of God, but I really consider you family. Only family could show the type of love and support you all have shown. When I was too weak to lift myself up you all prayed for my strength and God answered. Amen!!! My spirits were truly lifted today. Another day in the fight!
As I mentioned last time, Brayden had a mild seizure on Friday. These seizures knock him out and it's very disheartening to see all the progress he made disappear in a matter of seconds. He was no longer able to eat, so all day Saturday, Sunday, and most of Monday he was unable to swallow. He's already skin and bones and lost 7 lbs!!!! Dude needs nourishment to survive. That really bothered me. To look at your son lay in the bed in a listless state, unable to talk, unable to move his limbs, and unable to eat is a serious burden. It hurts and I had to wrestle with God about the process. Brayden is going to be healed, that is not a question, but the road to healing is a painful one. I obviously want a microwave healing but God very well could be on that crock pot healing. He's God, He knows what's best. Maybe there are more lessons to learn, more pruning needs to take place, God knows what we need so I don't question Him. It makes me think of David. David was anointed King years before he actually became king. I'm sure he felt like we feel, wondering how long. To make matters worse in his waiting period he was chased down like an animal by Saul. Like Brayden's situation, that too had to suck! Yet, God in His wisdom was preparing David to be the greatest king Israel would ever have and I must believe He's preparing our family for something as well.
In regard to Brayden's progress, today is a new day. He is very alert and aware of us. He follows us with his eyes and though he can't verbally respond it appears he is mentally back to where he was. His body is very limp and frail but now he can swallow so we can work on getting his strength up. We give him liquids through a syringe and it takes him about 25 minutes to drink 8 oz of juice. That is a long time but if I have to sit by his bedside all day long so he can get nourishment, that is what I will do. Believe it or not this is great improvement from yesterday so we are so thankful! His nurse came by today and was very pleased with his progress.
The enemy tried to sucka punch me yesterday, but today I'm back in the fight. He can't win, He won't win, He is defeated! Not because of any strength we possess but simply because the God of the universe is fighting our battle. Fight on Jesus, fight on!
BTW, based upon our last hospital visit Brayden should've been gone before the weekend. I guess God disagreed!!!!!
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Furniture Reupholstery Services in Spring, TX
Prescreened Furniture Reupholstery Services in Spring, TX
Lazo's Caning & Wicker
26 Verified Ratings
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20519 Sunshine Lane.
Spring, TX 77388
Furniture Doctor
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3410 East Lockwood
Houston, TX 77026
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Fibrenew North Houston
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16020 Sweetwater Fields Lane
Tomball, TX 77377
Serving Spring, TX
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Reviews of Spring Furniture Reupholstery Services
Spring, TX
Mr. Lazo created all the upholstered bench and booth seating for our restaurant, Craft Grill, located at 25219 Kuykendahl Road. He was extremely prompt, and his work was exceptional and professional. His turn-around time was faster than anyone else we could find, and he was an extremely nice person to do business with. I highly recommend his work!
Spring, TX
fantastic job on our chair and ottoman. The price is great, the quality is top notch. We will be using him again on some other items we need done. He's more than just upholstery. He can repair and build furniture as well. A++++
Spring, TX
Jacob -- the Furniture Doctor -- removed an entire arm off a leather sofa. The cushions were sewn on, and he had to re-shape them, and re-upholster the new arm. Requested some funds up front to manage the project, and completed the sofa in 4 days. Highly recommend, and he is very courteous, and timely. Was the only contractor who agreed to come check-out the project before bidding on it, and gave a solid bid as opposed to a ballpark. Might explain why he has been successful for 20+ yrs in the industry.
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National Council of Jewish Women Incorporated
Rating: 4.93 stars 30 30 reviews
543 North Fairfax Ave Los Angeles CA 90036 USA
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Target demographics:
Women, children and families in need and at-risk throughout Los Angeles
Direct beneficiaries per year:
15,000 individuals
Geographic areas served:
Los Angeles
Women Helping Children (WHC) Art & Literacy Programs for Youth is committed to bringing art and literacy programs to over 6,500 children at 16 sites including several Title I Elementary Schools, LAUSD Teen Mom High School programs, and two mid-city shelters across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Over 100 volunteers help children build their confidence and foster their creative skills by teaching them to navigate in a library and providing after-school tutoring and art education programs. Women Helping Women (WHW) Community Counseling & Support Services serving over 4,000 individuals each year offers individual, couples, and family counseling, Women's Empowerment (WE) support groups, school and community-based counseling, domestic violence support services and case management. WHW also maintains an Emergency Survival Fund to assist women and their families in crisis, and advocates on behalf of clients' issues such as welfare reform and domestic violence. Trained paraprofessional Talkline counselors are provided to offer guidance, expert resources and someone to listen through NCJW/LA's WHW Free Counseling Talkline 877-655-3807. Scholarship Program - In recognition of the organization's commitment to addressing the social and economic realities facing women and their families, the NCJW/LA WHW Scholarship Committee has awarded financial assistance to Los Angeles County residents for more than 20 years. Since its inception, it has provided more than $250,000 in grants that are focused on improving the quality of life through responsive social service programs distinguished by a vigorous commitment to self-sufficiency, education, and social responsibility. It distributes funds to women and men who have shown initiative and courage in facing the obstacles in their lives. They have also made a commitment to higher education in order to achieve a better future for themselves and their families. Advocacy - At the forefront of social change, NCJW/LA's Advocacy Committee and supporters are outspoken champions for progressive policies at the federal, state, and local levels. Over the years, the National Council of Jewish Women's collective voice has changed the world for the better, impacting the lives of women, children, and families throughout California, the United States and Israel. NCJW/LA hosts programs that address issues facing the community; these include reproductive rights, domestic violence, human trafficking, access to contraception, separation of church and state, the environment, individual rights, and other important issues. NCJW/LA's Council Thrift Shops have been known throughout the Los Angeles community as the place to find a great deal on one-of-a-kind items. NCJW/LA Council Thrift Shops were selected as the "Best of the Best" Thrift Shop Appraisal by Los Angeles Magazine in 2009. NCJW/LA 's Council Thrift Shops are the key funding resource for NCJW/LA's implementation of wide-reaching programs and services to in need and at-risk women, children and families throughout Los Angeles through NCJW/La's Women Helping Women Community Counseling & Support Services and NCJW/LA's Women Helping Children Art &Literacy programs for Youth. There are currently nine Council Thrift Shops throughout Los Angeles. They offer free pickup by calling 800-400-6259. Annual Clothing Giveaway & Resource Fair Through donations to Council Thrift Shops NCJW/LA is able to provide an Annual Free Clothing Giveaway distributing approximately 70,000 pieces of clothing and books to over 5,000 individuals in Los Angeles. Along with the Clothing Giveaway, NCJW/LA established a Resource Fair in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles, City of West Hollywood, LA Gay & Lesbian Center, JVS (WHEST), Saban Free Clinic, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), and others to provide individuals with resources needed to help them. Clothing Voucher Program -Also, through the many donations to Council Thrift Shops NCJW/LA is able to provide clothing vouchers to other community organizations, to help their clients with clothing needs. The Clothing Voucher program helps over 1,000 individuals each year. Women Making a Difference Reaching out to new supporters of NCJW/LA, our Women Making a Difference program affords individuals opportunities to help others through monthly community service projects. Intern Program - NCJW/LA provides a training ground for students in both Bachelor and Master's degree programs at various universities including, UCLA, USC and Cal State Northridge. Intern field of study includes, Social Work, Non-Profit Management, Public Administration, Communication, Advocacy, etc.
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Reviews for National Council of Jewish Women Incorporated
I have been a volunteer with various children's programs for NCJW/LA as well as having served on the Board. It's a phenomenal organization that - in short - fills in the gaps. It helps people, no matter who they are. It is there for people in a way that other organizations can not be. And, the people who are involved are so passionate and committed and are just really great people!
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
It's so easy to see the difference this organization makes in the lives of women, children & families. The children really depend on the volunteers -- particularly when it comes to homework help. It's very satisfying.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
hope that more funding would be able to provide more great services!
1 person found this review helpful
Before I was asked to join the Board in 2008, I enjoyed volunteering at the annual Clothing Giveaway with my mother. We volunteer together at this event every year, and always come away with a great feeling of community, satisfaction and gratitude. While we serve our community at the event, we station ourselves at different tables, Mom usually at the Women's table and I usually at the Men's. After our shift is over, we share our experience over lunch at Canter's, where I learn of some of her brief, yet incredibly poignent and meaningful, encounters with women seeking clothing for work, for home, for chores and for school; and she learns of mine with the men. As we talk, our conversation is often peppered with tears, with great guffaws of joy, and sometimes with silence as we count our own blessings. In 2009, the line went around the block on Rosewood, and then around that block to Hayworth, and then down almost to Beverly Blvd.! The last clothing giveaway was in December 2010, and we were both SHOCKED to see the number of people lined up! I believe there were almost 6,000 people served that overcast December Sunday, and 92.3 FM sent dj's to play fabulous old school jams that kept our spirits up and our faces smiling with song!
The staff at NCJW/LA deserves mention, because they're not just "staff". They seem to live and breathe for the Organization, showing up to events in the evenings, weekends and on holidays! I am always amazed and envious of their seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm for their jobs and the people they serve!
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
A very unique way...as a Board Member, I am able to see how many people the Organization serves every month; I talk to many people at the Annual Clothing Giveaway and try to help with their immediate needs; I attend all sorts of functions that attract a variety of people from all walks of life brought together as one, interested in the topic being presented, the issue being debated, or the ideas being entertained.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Simply enhance it with more and more programs designed to serve the underprivileged, the unheard, and the underserved in our community.
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Will you tell others about this organization?
How did you learn about this organization?
An old school chum of my mother's was hired there about 10 years ago, or so. When my mother started volunteering at the Annual Clothing Giveaway, I joined her, the Organization, and then the Board!
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
NCJW/LA's top short-term priority is raising the community's awareness of the work NCJW/LA does, whether it is to increase membership and outreach to the community at large, to garner more financial support in the form of donations of quality goods to our Council House Thrift Shops, or to encourage people to shop at our Council House Thrift Shops.
What is its top priority in the long run?
NCJW/LA's top priority in the long run is to continue providing the amazing programs it already has in place and to expand on those programs, adding new services, more staff, and even more programs.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?


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Review Details
Citizen Messenger Bag
- Product Review (submitted on April 30, 2013):
- I bike to campus everyday in the rain and all. I also have a few classes that are outside or shine all of my books and netbook stay dry. The only thing I would like to see is maybe an optional aditinal strap that you can put on for more stability like the larger messanger bags but its still the best bag ive ever used.


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Located in Taitung, Taitung Bali Suites Hotel is convenient to Righteousness Road Night Market and Tiehuacun. This aparthotel is within close proximity of Taitung Railway Art Village and Taitung Stadium.
Make yourself at home in one of the 130 guestrooms featuring refrigerators. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as bicycles to rent, or other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Getting to nearby attractions is a breeze with the complimentary area shuttle.
Enjoy a satisfying meal at a restaurant serving guests of Taitung Bali Suites Hotel.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include a business center, multilingual staff, and luggage storage. Event facilities at this aparthotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle and a train station pick-up service are supplied at no charge.


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Revision as of 12:24, 10 May 2012
Using Waze in Australia
About Waze
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A large-scale, multicentre, double-blind trial of ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with chronic hepatitis C
- Masao Omata1,
- Haruhiko Yoshida1,
- Joji Toyota2,
- Eiichi Tomita3,
- Shuhei Nishiguchi4,
- Norio Hayashi5,
- Shiro Iino6,
- Isao Makino7,
- Kiwamu Okita8,
- Gotaro Toda9,
- Kyuichi Tanikawa10,
- Hiromitsu Kumada11
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- 2Department of Gastroenterology, Sapporo Kosei General Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
- 3Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
- 4Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
- 5Department of Molecular Therapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
- 6Seizankai Kiyokawa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- 7Hokushinkai Megumino Hospitals, Hokkaido, Japan
- 8Social Insurance Shimonoseki Kosei Hospital, Yamaguchi, Japan
- 9Sempo Tokyo Takanawa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- 10International Institute for Liver Research, Fukuoka, Japan
- 11Department of Gastroenterology, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Professor Masao Omata, Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; omata-2im{at}h.u-tokyo.ac.jp
- Revised 23 May 2007
- Accepted 5 June 2007
- Published Online First 15 June 2007
Background: Combined pegylated interferon and ribavirin has improved chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) therapy; however, sustained virological response is achieved in only about half of the patients with a 1b genotype infection. We assessed oral ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on serum biomarkers as a possible treatment for interferon non-responders.
Methods: CH-C patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were assigned randomly to 150 (n = 199), 600 (n = 200) or 900 mg/day (n = 197) UDCA intake for 24 weeks. Changes in ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were assessed. This study is registered at ClinicalTrial.gov, identifier NCT00200343.
Results: ALT, AST and GGT decreased at week 4 and then remained constant during drug administration. The median changes (150, 600 and 900 mg/day, respectively) were: ALT, −15.3, −29.2 and −36.2%; AST, −13.6, −25.0 and −29.8%; GGT, −22.4, −41.0 and −50.0%. These biomarkers decreased significantly less in the 150 mg/day than in the other two groups. Although changes in ALT and AST did not differ between the 600 and 900 mg/day groups, GGT was significantly lower in the 900 mg/day group. In subgroup analysis, ALT decreased significantly in the 900 mg/day group when the baseline GGT exceeded 80 IU/l. Serum HCV-RNA did not change in any group. Adverse effects were reported by 19.1% of the patients, with no differences between groups.
Conclusions: A 600 mg/day UDCA dose was optimal to decrease ALT and AST levels in CH-C patients. The 900 mg/day dose decreased GGT levels further, and may be preferable in patients with prevailing biliary injuries.
- Abbreviations:
- alanine aminotransferase
- aspartate aminotransferase
- chronic hepatitis C
- gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase
- hepatitis C virus
- ursodeoxycholic acid


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This review was updated in September 2016 and all the information is correct as of that date
This is my review of the Tesco Clubcard MasterCard credit card.
It is part of my series of articles looking at the major UK loyalty credit cards and discussing whether or not they are worth applying for. These articles will be linked to the relevant sections of the 'Credit Cards Update' page. My other UK airline and hotel credit card reviews can be found here.
If you want to check your credit record before applying for a new card, click here to get your free Equifax credit report and score. Your first 30 days are free then it's £14.95 per month. You can cancel at anytime.
As with all rewards cards, this is not a suitable product for you if you do not clear your balance in full every month. You should focus on a credit card with a low interest rate such as the AA Low Rate Card. This has a very attractive representative APR of 6.4% variable on purchases and balance transfers.
Key link: Tesco Clubcard MasterCard application form
Key facts: No annual fee
The representative APR is 18.9% variable
About the card
The Tesco Clubcard MasterCard is issued by Tesco Bank, which is now wholly owned by Tesco following its acquisition of Royal Bank of Scotland's stake a couple of years ago.
What is the sign-up bonus?
Nothing. However, some comparison sites are currently offering 1,000 Clubcard points if you apply via them.
Any other benefits?
What do I earn per £1 spent on the card?
You earn 1 Clubcard point for every £8 spent on the card on a 'per transaction' basis.
Transaction in Tesco stores will earn double points.
It is important that potential applicants understand what this means. At the most extreme, if you bought 100 items at £7.99 in separate transactions, you would earn zero Clubcard points. A £15.99 transaction would only earn one point, whilst a £16.00 transaction would earn two points.
One Clubcard point is worth 2.4 Avios or 2.5 Virgin Flying Club miles, so every £1 spent on the card gets you up to 0.3 Avios or 0.312 Virgin miles.
You will receive a statement once a quarter containing your Clubcard vouchers, and you can convert these online to Avios or Virgin or redeem them for any of Tesco's other 'Clubcard Boost' deals. You can even spend the vouchers in-store at Tesco at their face value, although this is a poor use of them.
Tesco used to run fairly regular transfer bonuses with Avios. After a three year gap these restarted in Autumn 2015, although the bonus was restricted to 20% and limited to £100 of converted vouchers per account.
On the face of it, this is the most generous free Visa or MasterCard card available for earning Avios. 0.3 Avios per £1 is better than you get from the cheaper Lloyds Avios Rewards cards. However, my enthusiasm for the Tesco card has dropped since it halved its earning rate:
the 'rounding down to the nearest £8′ rule will have a MAJOR impact on the points you earn. Unless you only use the card for major (£100+) purchases, you will find that your average earning rate per £1 spent is far lower than the advertised 0.125 Clubcard points / 0.3 Avios.
if you get the £24 Lloyds Avios Rewards card (0.25 Avios per £1 on the MasterCard – which may be more than you get in reality from the Tesco card after rounding down), your spend will also count towards the flight upgrade voucher issued at £7,000 of spending.
The major virtues of the Tesco Clubcard MasterCard are:
it is free, whilst the Lloyds Avios Rewards card costs £24 per year
you don't have to deal with Lloyds!
if there is now going to be a return to regular 'Clubcard to Avios' transfer bonuses, your earnings rate will be better than you think
you can use your Clubcard points for something else if you change your mind about taking Avios
If you meet the stringent wealth criteria for getting the card, remember that the HSBC Premier MasterCard offers an unbeatable 0.5 Avios per £1 – and the card is free. I compare the various alternatives to the Tesco Clubcard MasterCard in detail in this article.
Any other quirks?
Yes. Your credit card doubles up as a standard Tesco Clubcard.
It is perfectly acceptable to hand over your Tesco credit card in a Tesco store and ask them to swipe it as a Clubcard. You can then pay for your shopping on a more lucrative credit card!
What is an Avios point worth?
This post outlines my view of what an Avios point is worth, based on your typical redemption patterns.
One key benefit of Tesco Clubcard points is that you do not have to convert to Avios. Unlike dedicated airline credit cards, you have the option to convert to Avios or Virgin miles, but there is also the flexibility to use them for any other good Tesco deals that come along. I use a large pile of vouchers to pay a regular Safestore bill ….
How does this compare to a cashback credit card?
The best cashback card on the market which offers a) a MasterCard or Visa, b) no annual fee and c) unlimited cashback is the ASDA Money card, which pays 0.5% in ASDA vouchers.
Whilst the Tesco Clubcard MasterCard is the most generous free Visa or MasterCard option for earning Avios for most people, you should still consider whether a non loyalty card would be a better deal.
Remember that the Tesco card has an FX fee of almost 3% for foreign currency transactions. You may want to consider getting a separate card to use abroad which charges no foreign exchange fees. I recommend the Lloyds Avios Rewards card which also earns Avios points – even on your 0% FX transactions! It comes with a 4,500 Avios sign-up bonus if I refer you. My review of the Lloyds Avios Rewards card is here.
Other points to note
There are a number of variants of the card available, offering different combinations of interest rate, balance transfer rate and 0% interest rate periods. These are outlined on the Tesco Bank site. If you always clear your bill at the end of the month, it is immaterial which version you choose.
This is not a sexy credit card, and the girls (or guys) are unlikely to be impressed when you pull it out in a bar or restaurant!
Assuming you convert your Clubcard vouchers to Avios points, the earning rate of 0.3 Avios points per £1 is not great. It may be better than the alternative Avios Visa and MasterCard options but that is not saying much.
If Tesco continues to run conversion bonus to Avios then this rate will look better. Conversion bonuses to Virgin Flying Club from Tesco are more common so you may rate the card higher if you collect Virgin miles. If not, you may want to look at cashback MasterCard or Visa cards instead.
The application form for the Tesco Clubcard MasterCard can be found here.
Disclaimer: Head for Points is a journalistic website. Nothing here should be construed as financial advice, and it is your own responsibility to ensure that any product is right for your circumstances. Recommendations are based primarily on the ability to earn miles and points and do not consider interest rates, service levels or any impact on your credit history. By recommending credit cards on this site, I am – technically – acting as a credit broker. Robert Burgess, trading as Head for Points, is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a credit broker.


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After being for a while in End content in a populated shard (serv) and a low populated shard, there are rly huge drawbacks for the way the end content is build or more to the point the community that suppose to do this end content.
There are alot of wow players in rift and it seems they brought all the bad attitude from there to rift, and they playing it like its wow. for example there is way too much emphasis on gear than on builds (points spent in class), while build has a very determintal effect on the effectivens of ur class. gear is there mostly to augment the build rather then the opposite. it is mostly to do with dmg resistance and the ability to hit some bosses. Your build effects the stats , ur stats mean nothing if ur build is bad.
They seem to be very closed guilded instead of doing what rift tried to do, group up with ppl and not get closed down in ur guild. each guild try to make its own raids thus actualy hurting the overall chance of non guilds or few players guild to actauly join the raid content.
The "elitistic" attitude toward inexperience or low dmg players is still there in raids, (it is actauly less in open raids (rift raids)). U can really see who played wow for 6 years and who just joined rift, there is a strong "conservatisem" in the ex-wow crowd, blizzard in a sense have grown a new orthdox or even fantaic virtual religion with very strict rules that doesnt welcome new ppl. the religion in that sense is the way ppl treat each other and treat players who do not conform to their idea of how to play an mmo.
It is bad for u to play the same social game for 6 long years it seems. for so many hours. its like the badly beahviour ppl have left their mark and all the players who want a change and to play in their own style (which rift treid to do) are getting shunned by those mmo "fanatics" as i would like to call them.
So rift in that sense is bad , beacuse it didnt in its design removed all the end content drawbacks that wow have. they could made the entier end content open raids for example, instead of instanced. they could make rifts the end content, instead they went wow way, very hard content and ex wow players who instead of stepping up to it, make their own filters to who can and who cannot join those raids, and closing them even more with guild only raids.
Summary, the end content if u dont do PVP is preety bad for a casual or even a long time rift player who want to raid , it is so hard to get into, it doesnt worth the hassle or the monthly pay. u can make end game in rift challenging by more than just failing the raid on one player who didnt know what to do, u should make it like the open raids, if u fail u hop in and try again (in instances it is much more hard to reengage the raid bosses after a fail, and it also very discouraging that u dont know what u actualy did wrong), and put emphasis on social aspects rather than stats. gear should be rewarded for all the ppl involved so it wont be "me me" thing, how about making ppl who are more sociable earn all the good stuff rather than rewarding the most unsocial who just want to get it over and done with and dont check their own beahvior toward others.
I am really dissapointed by the end content, it is so hard to get into (mostly from not the most sociable player base,and guild heavy reliance instead of open raids), its a waste rly.
The end game is really dissapointing, and i can say rift is as bad an mmo as wow by now due to its lost potential and bad ex-wow community.
My first article-
Yes, its better than wow (World of Warcraft).
it has more class customization (u can have a warrior with warrior moves a pet and Deathknight (defiler in rift) moves!)
It has dynamic events IE the rifts which are sort of spawn points for enemies who invade the area, and sometimes can even take an outpost if u dont hold them off.
It is much less punishing in dungeon combat , ie if a tank ( the unit that takes most of the damage from enemies while the rest of the group dmgs them) screws up its not an immediate fail, because each class has more or less a healing or defense abilities they do manage to hold their own for a while.
The regular missions are not always solo able u really need to look what enemies ur going to engage, and sometimes u might need some assistance especially if there's a rift going on.
It is also quite cheaper than wow, and feels less of a rip-off. The game itself costs about 5 bucks or 15 with extra stuff,
most of the cost go to the monthly fee (15 bucks a month) which actually only gets to the original release price after 2 months so u save a few bucks.
although monthly fee is a problem after a year, almost 200 bucks for a game is unacceptable.
New content do get released quite often though (about 2 months), much faster than wow, u get 1 raid and few dungeons even a new area each content release. its the time in between thats filled with "grinding" that might be a problem.
The most apparent improvement over wow is the variety of enemies, as opposed to the retexturized enemies in wow (Dragon soul raid, reused enemies in expansions) there is actually quite alot of new units that u didnt see before.
It seems as though rift have a dedicated team to new content and not a skeleton crew that does the minimum in wow such as reusing existing content, it seems as though blizzard has moved all the money to other projects and left wow with a minimal team.
about pvp, it is better than wow and more balanced it takes much more time to die and u dont have those absurd one shot kills. also the grouping is much more fair than wow, which seems to group u up against a better group most pvps.
This game might fit u if u get tired of wow and want something similar but much more improved.
U can see it here
I must add some drawbacks though:
1.Monthly fee-
it should really be done with, they should find a new way to get money from it, although as i said before they charge minimal price for the game itself so it is closer to f2p (free to play) premium accounts but without the f2p.
the only way blizzard keep charging full price for wow is because customers keep paying for it, and they might be a bit greedy, they already have a store which can actually make (due to its financial success) wow f2p with monthly fee for premium accounts and the store that they already have.
The MMO old business model is very bad, it seems to be only viable to one or two game because of the time it consumes from the customers (hard to play 2 mmo at once with 2 monthly fees).
2. The grind to lvl up-
While it doesn't feel as grindy as wow because of the rift dynamic events, and more varied enemies, still the leveling is pretty slow and there is a limit to how much u can kill X number of this or collect X number of that.
Really they should stop make filler missions like kill 12 of that, it's way too much grind should have about half of that.
it's like most of the very precious time u spend is filled with doing same thing X number of times, and the limited abilities just make it more grindy (although the abilities there are more unique different than wow, u don't need to use the same ability each time).
3. Long dungeons-
They should make dungeons 30min max more than that and it becomes a grind and exhausting esp if u tank.
4.uncomprehensible lore-
they should make the lore much more comprehensible, there is too much jibbrish "Regulus" "vigil" who are those? u get subject matter which u have no prior explanation about. They could have gave u a build up missions that provide more info about the lore, and not just missions that seem to be stuck in the middle of some "apocalyptic" events.
Or they could just make somtehing similar to mass effect codex or something.


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The Monty Python team - or at least its living members - are reuniting for a stage show for the first time in over 30 years.
So what better way to celebrate a troupe that influenced generations of comedians - and created hundreds of quotable lines - than with a look back at their classic sketches?
From the Bruces to the Yorkshiremen, the lumberjack to the dead parrot, here are 30 of their greatest small screen (and stage) moments:
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Time zone in Amboin: +10 GMT. Please keep in mind that airplane tickets show the local departure time, so you will have to set your watch prior to your flight.
All airlines that offer direct flights from Amboin:


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text: Home / Kitchen Utensils / Dreidel Kosher Kubes 3-in-1 Tray Dreidel Kosher Kubes 3-in-1 Tray By Kosher cook Out of Stock Notify me when this product is available. $5.95 Add To Wishlist ABOUT Details Ship Time What's cooler than being cool? ICE COLD! And you can make it ice cold in the style of the Tribe by keeping it kosher with Kosher Kubes! You can also make chocolate delights and gelatin cubes with this silicone mold. Leaves the warehouse in 1-2 business days.


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Welcome to Options at Edina High School. Options is a state approved alternative learning program located within Edina High School. It is designed to provide students who qualify with a second chance at designing and pursuing a graduation plan.
Students who are interested in taking courses through the Options alternative learning program must be considered at-risk under at least one of the state determined categories called Graduation Incentives.
Intake into the Options program for full-time students will be considered after a referral from a guidance counselor or administrator and a meeting with a parent, student, guidance counselor, and the program coordinator.
Students interested in credit recovery through after school independent study should meet with a guidance counselor to determine eligibility. If you have further questions, please contact Heidi Howard.
Contact Information
Heidi Howard
Options Traditional School Year Program:
Options Day School Info Packet 2015-2016
Summer School:
2015-16 Summer School Enrollment Form: https://docs.google.com/a/apps.edina.k12.mn.us/document/d/1tOyxGFBpAgfnQHjBFr3_IxHXUrxYM09IEycmehd_s9E/edit?usp=sharing
2015-16 Summer School Enrollment Form (PE ONLY): https://docs.google.com/a/apps.edina.k12.mn.us/document/d/1wDsnxIdCe7swAgCd-Jw3OB5Ev9Z2yBLmPX3mDiFjR6U/edit?usp=sharing
Complete the enrollment form online, save it,
Department Members
Heidi Howard, Coordinator
Annie Weise, Lead Teacher
Debra Johnson, Math Teacher
Gavin McLean, Science Teacher
Jodi Ramirez, Applied Science
Ward Jensen, Applied Science
Nicole Plafcan, Educational Associate