text:
I did not make this headline up
Dear Mr. Woodson; Quit talking to Mark Snyder.
Dear Mr. Woodson,
I see your name in a headline, in today's Detroit Free Press. It probably isn't what you had in mind.
Before saying anything else, however, let me thank you for your great years in Ann Arbor and all of the thrills we saw on the football field. Thanks for all of your hard work. Thanks also for all the time you've devoted to Mott Children's Hospital. You've done so much good, through the hospital and through your foundation.
I presume that as you have been getting ready for the annual Mott Golf Outing and assorted fundraisers, the outreach people have been talking to your agent, and arranging for you to talk to reporters, to promote the event. I presume that that is how Mark Snyder of the Free Press got some of your time in a private telephone interview. As much as you'd like to promote Mott events, it was a mistake on your part to talk to Snyder.
Because while Snyder is willing to throw in a few lines about Mott fundraising, you should have known what would happen; Snyder would ask you all about Mott, get your guard down, and then ask you about Rich Rodriguez. And whatever you gave him, Rodriguez (and not Mott) would become the day's headline.
That is part of the reason that Brady Hoke and David Brandon are not doing any private interviews with Snyder. Your interview with Snyder tore up that page of the Michigan playbook. The other very large part of the story, as you really ought to know, is that Snyder was part of the tag-team that did such damage to the football program. Your Michigan football program. Michigan's NCAA investigation was a wholly-produced effort in which Snyder played a big part. After the harm that was caused by Snyder, why you would give someone like that a private interview is almost unbelievable. There are other ways to get out the news of the annual Mott Golf Outing; in fact, the way that the Free Press goes about its business, it is almost guaratneed to distract from those good works.
There has not been much harm done, by one interview; so that much is no big deal. But put yourself in Snyder's position. He will be at the golf course and the clubhouse that day for the meetings and the dinner, and he will be looking for interviews and stories. You and your fellow football alumni should not give him anything. You all should know that the story that he wants is "the bad old days of Rich Rodriguez" story. He wants to use you guys, to essentially support his story from 2009. You don't have to give it to him. You don't have to talk to Snyder. And if you do, you can say, "All that I have to say about those years, is that the Free Press was awful to this football program. You want me to go on?"
If anyone wants to say, "Hey let's forget about the past; let's move on," that's fine. Just be assured, that when you are talking to Mark Snyder, his idea of "moving on" is by delcaring that Rich Rodriguez was a personal disaster, because that is what his paper is invested in. If you think it is time to "move on," then think about making that your answer when Mark Snyder asks you for an interview. Because that is the message that Brady Hoke and David Brandon are interested in. Ask them, if you are unclear about this.
Quit. Talking. To. Mark. Snyder.
Choosing Playoff Participants: Poll, Committee, or Autobid?
All of the key players (conference commissioners, bowls, TV) seem now to agree that some kind of four-team playoff is coming to college football. The challenge now turns to exactly how the four participants will be selected.
Three main options have emerged: 1) Polls; 2) A Selection Committee; or 3) Autobids for the four best conference champions. I'd like to explore the pros and cons of these options and suggest the likely outcome.
There are also hybrid options, which I'll get into below.
Polls would be the most straightforward extension of the system we have now: instead of the top two qualifying, the top four would qualify. This is not to say that the BCS standings would be computed as they are today, only that some combination of computer and human polls would determine who gets in.
A Selection Committee would be a system similar to basketball, where a small group of experts would weigh the candidates and choose the best four.
Autobids would take the decision almost entirely out of human hands: the four best conference champions would qualify for the playoff. Of course, you'd still need polls to decide the four best, but the influence of the polls would be greatly minimized. For instance, last season the rankings of the six BCS league champions were 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and unranked. I doubt that any rational observer would have had a serious argument with that order.
A few Hybrid proposals have been widely circulated. For instance, Jim Delany has suggested autobids for conference champions, but only if they're ranked at least sixth. This system would enhance the value of winning your conference, but would eliminate weak champions from playoff consideration. (Last year, UCLA had a shot at winning the Pac-12 with a 6-6 regular-season record.)
The pure "Autobid" option seems to me highly unlikely to be selected, because it would allow weak conference champions into the playoff. One could argue the relative merits of Oklahoma State and Alabama last year. But in a system where four teams qualify, could anyone but a Wisconsin fan really claim that the Badgers, despite winning the Big Ten in a down year, had a better season than the Crimson Tide? Seriously?
A playoff that fails to select the four best teams is not credible. Conference champions aren't necessarily the best, except perhaps in their own league (and sometimes not even there). And in any event, the SEC would never agree to that—and no proposal will be adopted that the SEC doesn't support. That's the political reality.
Another political reality is that you need a system that accommodates Notre Dame. Irish-haters may say, "Let 'em join a league." But no one with any actual authority in the matter is trying to freeze the Irish out: ND Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick is a full voting member in the BCS negotiations. And the various interested parties (bowls, television) won't accept a system in which the Irish can't qualify. Whatever you think of them, the Irish are a big draw. So there needs to be a system that accommodates highly-ranked teams that didn't win a conference.
The pure "Polls" option is the easiest to understand: reach the top four, and you're in. But it can lead to some anomalies. Last year, for instance, Stanford was #4 in the BCS standings, but the Pac-10 champion Oregon Ducks, who beat Stanford in the regular season, were #5. The Delany proposal, which gives priority to conference champs, as long as they're in the top six, would correct for that. So would a rule that allows conference runners-up only if the conference champion also qualifies.
Wisconsin Athletic Director Barry Alvarez favors a selection comittee, which he feels is more transparent: if you don't like the result, you'd know exactly who was responsible. This differs from the current BCS standings, where most people don't even know what algorithms the computers are relying on.
But where would you find a committee of manageable size, whose loyalties wouldn't be in question. Alvarez is apparently unaware of the irony, when he suggests Kirk Herbstreit as an ideal member of the committee, saying the former Buckeye "is neutral, is on top of it, [and] talks to coaches around the country."
Can you imagine the uproar if there's a close call between #4 and #5, and Ohio State is one of the two teams? Or if it's Michigan? No one would believe that Herbstreit was neutral in that transaction. And of course, as ESPN's #1 booth analyst, he'd be helping to decide the participants in the very game he was going to broadcast. It's hard to imagine a more obvious conflict of interest.
This is not to single out Herbstreit. I can't imagine who you could put on that committee, who would be accepted as truly neutral. There is hardly anyone in college football who doesn't have some allegiance (real or perceived) to a particular school or conference.
I do realize that the NCAA has a selection committee for basketball, but it's a completely different situation. The lowest seed ever to win the tournament was #8 Villanova in 1985. The lowest seed ever to reach a Final Four was #11 (which has happened twice). So none of the teams that get left out, the so-called bubble teams, have any realistic shot at winning it. Narrowly missing the tourney is no doubt frustrating to the fans of those particular schools, but the rest of the country doesn't care.
In a four-team football playoff, the difference between #4 and #5 is immense. You might not like the BCS standings (Barry Alvarez clearly doesn't), but there are so many inputs to them that there is no one person you can blame if you don't like where your team is ranked. On any committee, there invariably would be a backlash in close cases.
That doesn't mean the BCS formula is perfect. For instance, the coaches' poll ought to be dropped: it's a clear conflict of interest. And the computer rankings that participate today are not the best ones. But the basic idea of a ranking based on some combination of computers and human polling is the right way to go.
There's a lot of talk in college football about "honoring" the regular season. It's a bunch of hooey. Under any of the suggested formats, your team will have to have a very good regular season to qualify for the playoff. Either you'll have to win your conference, or be ranked in the top four to six, or some combination of the two.
In short, what I think we'll wind up with is some kind of hybrid qualification model, which will favor conference champions, but with a provision for wild cards, and/or a requirement that conference champs be rated at least sixth. And I think the rating mechanism is more likely to be a combination of polls and computers, not a committee.
Beware History
This isn't exactly an exhaustively researched report, but there has been nothing in the diaries lately, and I thought I'd bring up a foreboding bit of Michigan history for you all. As we prepare to enter the 2012 season, I got just a minor sense of foreboding thinking of a few parallels to another well known season.
The year is 2006. Michigan football rebounds from an extremely disappointing 7-5 2005 campaign that sees losses to OSU and the bowl game to have a breakout year. The juniors on the team finally seem to gel completely and Michigan storms to an 11-2 record, including playing one of the most epic games in one of the most storied rivalries ever.
The following season, the pundits say, if there were ever a Michigan team that was primed to make a big run, it was the 2007 Wolverines. A truly gifted senior QB entering his 4th year of starting, who looks poised to make that leap to true stardom. A lockdown left tackle clearly produced by the NFL's most crack genetic engineers. A tailback that had emerged from a rash of injuries the previous season to prove a star, and a defense that had lost a few pieces but had improved so vastly from the seaon before that an upward trajectory could only be expected to continue.
Of course, we all know how that went.
Consider the 2011 Wolverines. Fresh off an extremely disappointing 7-5 campaign that sees losses to OSU and in the bowl game, the Wolverines put together a breakout year. The team seems to gel and Michigan storms to an 11-2 season including playing in one of the most epic games in one of the most storied rivalries ever.
For the 2012 season, Michigan will feature a truly gifted senior QB entering his 4th year of starting. He seems primed to make the leap from extremely talented to true stardom. Michigan features a lockdown left tackle seemingly produced by the NFL's most crack genetic engineers. We even have a tailback that emerged from a rash of injuries last season to prove a star, and a defense that made a stratospheric leap that bodes extremely well for the future.
Now, I'm not saying that Michigan 2012 is Michigan 2007. These teams are extremely different. But, it is the middle of the off season, and with Hoke heading things up, it's all sunshine and lollipops. What fun is that? Maybe it's good to be a little scared?
The Blockhams in "SUMMER BREAK"
(Click the image to view full size)
That time of year. Keep reading in the next few weeks to see what
kind of job Glenn has lined up for his youngest son, and the
adventures that will follow as a result.
On Thursday we'll catch up with young Charlie, still struggling
with his recent Involuntary Spartafication.
THE BLOCKHAMS™ runs (typically) every Tuesday here at MGoBlog, and at least
every Thursday on its official home page. Also, don't forget to check out our newest
feature, Friday Roughs, a spontaneous low-end comic based on trending
Michigan events, available on Twitter and Facebook every Friday.
Follow THE BLOCKHAMS™ on Twitter at @theblockhams, and don't forget to
LIKE THE BLOCKHAMS™ on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theblockhams.
Press Release: Hoops to play N.C. State in B1G/ACC Challenge
Via U-M Media Relations:
Michigan to Host N.C. State for 2012 Big Ten/ACC Challenge
May 14, 2012
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- In conjunction with the Big Ten, the ACC and ESPN, the University of Michigan men's basketball team announced Monday (May 14) that it will host N.C. State for its 2012 Big Ten/ACC Challenge match-up on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Crisler Center.
All Challenge games will be televised on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU, with platforms and times being announced at a later date. After expanding to a 12-team event last year, following the addition of Nebraska to the Big Ten, the 2012 Challenge will be played over a two-day period, Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 27-28.
Each day of the Challenge will be split evenly with three home and three road contests for each conference. The first day of play will feature U-M's home contest against N.C. State, Minnesota hosting Florida State, and Indiana facing North Carolina. Big Ten road games will be Northwestern traveling to Maryland, Iowa heading to Virginia Tech, and Nebraska going to Wake Forest.
The second day will feature Illinois hosting Georgia Tech, Penn State playing Boston College, and Wisconsin taking on Virginia in Big Ten home games. The three remaining games will be Ohio State traveling to Duke, Purdue at Clemson, and Michigan State heading south to face Miami (Fla.).
The Big Ten has claimed the last three Commissioner's Cups after an 8-4 series win in 2011. Overall, the ACC has won 10 of the 13 Challenges.
2012 ACC/Big Ten Challenge
Tuesday, November 27th
Minnesota at Florida State
North Carolina at Indiana
N.C. State at Michigan
Maryland at Northwestern
Iowa at Virginia Tech
Nebraska at Wake Forest
Wednesday, November 28th
Purdue at Clemson
Ohio State at Duke
Georgia Tech at Illinois
Michigan State at Miami (Fla.)
Boston College at Penn State
Virginia at Wisconsin
Michigan in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge
1999 -- vs. Georgia Tech (W, 80-77)
2000 -- Wake Forest (L, 71-60)
2001 -- no participation
2002 -- no participation
2003 -- N.C. State (W, 68-61)
2004 -- at Georgia Tech (L, 99-68)
2005 -- Miami (Fla.) (W, 74-53)
2006 -- at N.C. State (L, 74-67)
2007 -- Boston College (L, 64-77)
2008 -- at Maryland (L, 70-75)
2009 -- Boston College (L, 58-62)
2010 -- at Clemson (W, 69-61)
2011 -- at Virginia (L, 70-58)
Big Ten/ACC Challenge Results
2009 -- Big Ten (6-5)
2010 -- Big Ten (6-5)
2011 -- Big Ten (8-4)
Big Ten Recruiting Rankings: 5-14-12
Michigan picks up a commitment, so the rankings are front-paged this week. There was very little action elsewhere this week, with the rest of the top eight remaining entirely unchanged. Also, Indiana continues to be unaware that they have a football program, which is probably for the best. Changes since the last rankings:
5-9-12: Michigan picks up Csont'e York. Illinois picks up Kenton Gibbs. Purdue picks up Randy Gregory.
Chart? Chart:
|Big Ten+ Recruiting Class Rankings
|# Commits
|Rivals Avg
|Scout Avg
|24/7 Avg
|ESPN Avg
|Avg Avg^
|Ohio State
|Notre Dame
|Penn State
|Michigan State
^The average of the average rankings of the four recruiting services (the previous four columns). The figure is calculated based on the raw numbers and then rounded, so the numbers above may not average out exactly.
NOTE: Unranked recruits are counted as two-star players.
On to the full data after the jump.


text:
Delegates and participants in the 18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America and the 89th National Convention of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians of America, both of which will be held here in mid-July 2015, are urged to make hotel reservations at their earliest convenience.
At their spring session held at the Chancery here in mid-March 2015, the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America approved the use of the "Stewards of Children" [SOC] sexual abuse prevention training program.
During the last week of March, a letter was sent to all bishops and clergy concerning the program. The letter is available in PDF format.
The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America held its spring session at the Chancery in Syosset, NY from March 17-20, 2015.
Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood, NY, and noted Orthodox Christian priest, theologian, preacher, and speaker, fell asleep in the Lord on the afternoon of March 18, 2015.
Father Thomas was the beloved husband of Matushka Anne [Schmemann] Hopko. They were married on June 9, 1963. Together, Father Thomas and Anne are the parents of five children, sixteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
The spring session of the Archdiocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Canada, the Orthodox Church in America was held at Annunciation/St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa, ON on March 12-13, 2015.
After an opening Moleben at Annunciation St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa, ON, His Grace Irénée, Bishop of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada opened a first Archdiocesan Council meeting from the time of His Enthronement as a Ruling Bishop of the Archdiocese of Canada. His Grace delivered the opening address, in which he reflected on the future life of the Archdiocese of Canada and its spiritual growth and development.
Thank you, to each and every one of you, for your ongoing love, prayers, and concern for our dear Father Thomas! He is truly blessed, and is most grateful!
As many of you know, Fr. Thomas has had several serious health concerns over recent years. The most serious medical issue by far is his diagnosis with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to the fact that he has senile systemic amyloidosis. Simply put, the deposits of a protein-like material called amyloid lodge in the heart and cause stiffening and compromised function. Therefore, it cannot work efficiently, and heart failure ensues.
Leonid Turkevich, Ph.D, grandson of the late beloved Metropolitan Leonty (1876-1965), will be among those offering presentations at the Academic Symposium devoted to the life and work of the late Metropolitan at Saint Tikhon's Seminary here May 14, 2015.
An inspiring article describing the "In-reach/Outreach Committee" established at Holy Cross Church, Medford, NJ is now available as part of the Department of Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid's Parish Ministry Resources, formerly known as the Resource Handbook.
On March 1, 2015, the first Sunday of Great Lent, St. Herman of Alaska Sobor in Edmonton, Alberta hosted the celebration of the Triumph of Orthodoxy.
Liturgical music in French now available

subset: commoncrawl


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December 5, 2013
November 29, 2012
Today's top stories
- 5 cool new products from 4iiii, Mio, ISM, Ortlieb and Effetto Mariposa
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- Win a limited edition Dubai Tour Kask Protone Helmet… as worn by Team Sky!
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Latest comments
it'll look good on me ;)
Ooh, this would go perfectly with my new Rapha Gear! to be the ultimate FKW...
Very shiny and minimalistic. How does one carry the thing? Sellotape to top tube?
Being a pedant too, it doesn't say that G rode with the Ajax, just that Maindy is where he got ...
A lot of the graphics on these new bikes look like Carreras. Hmmmm.
Having been to many LBS's in the last 2 years I wanted to put the counter argument from a consumers ...
What's the pricing been like?
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text:
Sleep Inn
500 Veterans Blvd.
Bryson City, NC 28713
Phone: (828) 488-0326
Fax: (828) 488-4114
Arts & Museums
Smoky Mountain Trains
The Smoky Mountain Trains museum is an exceptionally educative museum about trains, cars, engines and their origins. The museum consists of everything from locomotives to diesel trains and trains that date back to the early 1900's. Besides the museum, this place also houses a kids activity center where children can amuse themselves while adults take in the sights and more. There is a gift and toy shop too, if anyone would like to take back a souvenir or two. This place is surely worth a visit. For further details on timings and other information do check their website.
100 Greenlee Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
+1 828 488 5200
Earn valuable points toward free nights.


text:
Clarkson, Stephen.
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text:
March 27th, 2015 | Julia Braime
blingin' beautiful.
White Embellished Box Clutch Bag by River Island, Limited Edition, £35
March 27th, 2015 | Julia Braime
image source, photography by Paige Winn Photos
This morning, our big debate is one for the hens. We're wondering whether your hen party will be a stretched out celebration or a one day affair? Grab a coffee (or hey, if you're on Rachel's side, why not make it a cocktail?), it's time to open the floor…
rachel says: make it a weekend
I know, I know – it's too much time away from home, it will be expensive, people will struggle to get time off work, but it will also be one heck of a good time! In my eyes if you can stretch a birthday across a few days why can't the same be done with a hen do? After all, you only live once!
If the trip is planned in advance and well thought out so your gals have plenty of forewarning about what's coming they will have time to save and make necessary arrangements work and family wise meaning weekend-long celebrations aren't out of reach for all.
Indulging in a full hen weekend away not only gives you quality time with the leading ladies in your life, but it also gives you lots of time to really explore your chosen location and to let down your hair after all that stressful wedding planning – girl you earned it!
Agreed a weekend hen do is undoubtedly going to cost more than a one-night knees-up but hens can choose to make it a budget or blowout affair. For example, great value hen party packages are available with accommodation, activities, and in some cases, food and drink, all in. There are also some fab cheap breaks abroad which can work out cheaper than remaining in the UK and will give you and your girlies the opportunity to catch a tan before the big day. Meanwhile for those sticking to home turf there are some gorgeous rural retreats and city centre apartments available for groups to hire and take their own food and drink along to save money. If you take up the rural option you can also make your activities cheap too – think chilled out walks (to the pub), sunbathing (if the weather is kind), DIY pamper sessions and afternoon tea.
If push to comes shove and some girls are governed by work, family or budget restrictions it might be that they can just join you for part of the celebrations (if you aren't travelling too far from home that is). Having different people arriving at different times can also help freshen up the group and mix people together more gradually.
When all said and done, just like your wedding should be what you want, so should your hen do and if that means a weekend away your gals need to get packing!
julia says: one night only
I have three little words for you: Three. Day. Hangover.
That's what my last weekend long hen do did to me (and all the other ones before that). Girls, in the days of Deliciously Ella and Reformer Pilates, it's just not the done thing to be sweating vodka on a Tuesday morning.
Ok, I get it. Your hen weekend is your last big hurrah with your girls (and if he'll believe that, he'll believe anything), an excuse for a bit of R&R (or G&T) in a fabulously glam city location or a chance to get away from wedding planning for three glorious lost days. But, I'm here to argue the side for less is more – a side I'm not usually sitting on – and like everything I do, I'll sure as hell give it my best shot.
These days, I'm a bit of a convert to the mind-set that if something's worth doing, it's worth doing really, really well. Why even try to keep the excitement going over a three day session? Why not concentrate all your spa bliss, glam-up enthusiasm, cocktail quaffing stamina and dance floor energy into one perfect 24 hours that you'll remember forever as a brilliant burst of fabulousness.
No awkward, used all the conversation up yesterday, pauses. No splitting of the group. No hungover activity drop outs. No latecomers turning up on day two and wondering why the rest of you are all feeling a little flat.
Just a perfect day of all your best girls (or guys) together, doing something fun, and doing it with fully committed gusto.
It'll be cooler, cheaper (something your hens will all be secretly pleased about) – and you'll have saved yourself 24 hours of "down time" to recover before diving headlong back into
the wedding planning, er, work, on Monday morning.
Think about it. And spend the saved night's accommodation on a knock out, one night only ensemble.
That's chicomics for you.
Have fun!
what you said on facebook:
Kerri: "Blow out in Amsterdam with my closest friends and then going to have a meal in the UK so that everyone can come."
Sophie: "I think the key is to keep it flexible so as many people as possible can join in as much or as little as their budget and family commitments will allow."
Allison: "I'm having a meal & cocktails on the Saturday night then spa day on the Sunday. Staying at home though, just less expense for everyone & everyone has a choice if they want to come to meal or spa or both."
Rachel: "Blow out in Barcelona, day out in York and work friend drinks… so I'd say I'm blowing out!"
March 26th, 2015 | Rachel Parry
image via greylikesweddings.com, photography by by Pasha Belman Photography
For most girls that get engaged there is often one person even more excited the news than they are – their mum. Enter the mother of the bride…
While you might think you have been dreaming about the big day forever, your mum has had the occasion firmly placed in her future diary since you were a little girl – and now it's actually happening!
But after the whoops and cheers have died down some mothers of the bride, and sometimes of the groom, can be known to get a little carried away and overbearing when it comes to planning the 'perfect day'.
On top of the stress organising a wedding can bring, the last thing you want is a family feud so it's important to know how to handle over-enthusiastic mums that take off down this route. Brides Up North, I'm here to help.
image via queenslandbrides.blogspot.com.au
be clear from the start
Though I'm yet to have a ring on my finger I have to say me and my mum talk about my fictional wedding all the time, but then I constantly change my mind on what I think I'll have (I blame the day job).
Whether your mum is in the know or not, once you and your partner have made some key decisions about the type of wedding you want, arrange to meet up or speak to your mum over the phone about your plans to gage her thoughts/approval. Be sure to give reasons on your decisions and emphasise that you came to these conclusions with your groom so that she can tell you've really thought about these elements and that it's what you both want as a couple.
Whether she fully agrees or not she will appreciate you keeping her informed on the decisions and for seeking her opinion. Be sure to keep the updates coming throughout the planning process to ensure she doesn't feel out of touch or surplus to your requirements.
meddling mums
If you and your mum have different ideas about what will make the perfect day your mum could come to meddle in your plans in an attempt to get her own way.
Try to figure out early on what elements of the wedding you think will be particularly important to your mum to avoid her trying to change your plans later down the line. This might be who should be included on the guest list, the location in which you should tie the knot or what type of food you should be serving up.
Take on board her thoughts and if you can compromise in these areas to avoid your mum looking like she's sucking on a lemon at the top table come your big day.
image via bridalguide.com, photography by Lorraine Daley Wedding Photography
play on her strengths
Having a mum that wants to get involved in the wedding can work to your advantage, especially if they have a great skill set.
Think of your mum's talents and try to give her jobs that will let her shine. So if she gives Mary Berry a run for her money in the kitchen ask her to make your wedding cake, if she knows of more flowers than Alan Titchmarsh take her along to the florists or if she's more of a Kirstie Allsopp give her some crafty tasks to take ownership of, like making decorations or stationery.
Not only will she enjoy the challenge but she will also feel touched that you've given her a special role in the proceedings.
image via blog.theknot.com, photography by Rob Greer Photography
set mum-sized boundaries
While you have taken the time to listen to the areas that are important to your mum and to include her, don't be afraid to let her know the areas that are important to you and the groom, elements that you are not prepared to change your mind on.
Of course approach the conversation with care but gently let her know where you draw the line in negotiating.
image via stylemepretty.com, photography by Katelyn James Photography
mums that overstep the mark
Having set the boundaries if your mum chooses to hop, skip and triple jump over them, pull her up on it to avoid heartbreak and fallouts.
Speak to her and try to figure out why she's feeling the need to try to overrule your wishes. It could be that your parents are paying for the majority of the wedding and therefore she feels she has the right to call the shots. In such circumstances try to explain that while you are grateful for their kind contribution and want them to have a say and feel included, the wedding is a huge milestone in your relationship and should therefore be a reflection of you as a couple and what you want.
Alternatively it could be that your mother didn't get much say in her own wedding and therefore she is either mimicking her mum by taking on the chief planning role or trying to create the wedding she really wanted through your big day. Again take the time to talk to your mum about this – listen to her feelings and share your own. Remind her how it felt to have someone else calling the shots and try to make her see that organising parts together is a much more enjoyable and fair way to go about things.
image via blog.theknot.com, photography by Leo Timoshuk Photography
dealing with the mother-in-law
Some mothers can find it difficult to let go of their sons and such feelings can manifest themselves in reactions to your wedding plans.
Just like with your own mum be sure to let your mother-in-law know your plans early on so she feels included and continue with regular updates. Also as a wedding is ultimately the joining of two families, invite your mother-in-law to join you and your mum when arranging some parts of the wedding, such as choosing the flowers or shopping for decorations. This will also help you to bond as a family.
If however your mother-in-law gets a little out of hand, ask your partner to have a gentle word with her and to explain that you have made your decisions as a couple to avoid her taking up issue with you alone.
image via stylemepretty.com, photography by Caroline Maxcy Photography
have fun
Most importantly – have fun with it. This is a great time of your life for mother/daughter bonding and while the planning path might not run entirely smooth, it's a perfect opportunity to spend quality time together and to create some fabulous memories.
A mum's input can be particularly helpful in areas that the groom just can't get enthused about, such as chair covers and sashes, so there are plenty of different areas in which to get those most important to you involved.
Planning with your mum is also a great excuse for numerous shopping trips and glasses of fizz, just don't mention it to the men that will be left at home!
March 26th, 2015 | Rachel Parry
Avid Brides Up North reader Sarah's wedding to her new husband Ross was a truly gorgeous affair. From her lace Victoria Jane dress (oh, how we love a gown with beautiful back detailing) to the stately setting and vintage transport, everything about the big day is stunning.
We also absolutely adore the theme for this fabulous North West wedding – love is the key.
So join us as we unlock and relive Sarah and Ross' big day.
With images by James Tracey Photography and Daniel Lloyd Photography.
sarah says: We got engaged on 14th August 2013. This was the day before my birthday and Ross had surprised me with a night at Peckforton Castle in Tarporley. Whilst he was checking in, they told him there would be a tour of the hotel before dinner. I was more concerned about traipsing around in my heels but Ross managed to persuade me (as he had planned this it was a good job!) The guy showing us round took us all around the hotel, telling us the history which was great. In the grounds of the castle there is a chapel, as we walked in the whole place was filled with candles and looked beautiful. As I was looking around, Ross had gone down on one knee with a beautiful ring. I was so shocked and lost for words he had to ask me three times if it was a yes! We came out to a champagne reception and had the most amazing meal – it was perfect.
We chose to get married on 15th February 2015. It gave us 18 months to plan which we thought would be about right. We looked at having it on Valentine's Day but we though guests might want to be on their own that day. Also it means that Ross has to buy me a present for Valentine's and our anniversary now instead of having a combined one!
We got married at Adlington Hall & Gardens. We looked at a few venues, as we were having a civil ceremony, we knew we didn't just want to get married in any old hotel room and none we saw were quite right. We made an appointment to view Adlington Hall and as soon as we walked into The Great Hall we were absolutely blown away by how stunning it was, it was the one! We loved the fact the whole place was ours for the day and we were truly treated like royalty. We also loved the fact we had two different venues in one. The ceremony in The Great Hall and wedding breakfast at the Hunting Lodge. From the very first meeting we had, the whole team were amazing professionals. This gave us confidence that the day would go smoothly. It was perfect!
We have two children Scarlett, aged eight, and Oscar, aged three, who were our flower girl and page boy at the wedding. Scarlett did a beautiful reading (A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton) at the ceremony which was very special and there were definitely a few tears shed by all. It was lovely to have them involved.
I came across the quote by Oliver Wendel Holmes – 'love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness' – and the whole 'Love is the Key' theme was born! I wanted something elegant and vintage that would reflect the history of the venue. Also very romantic with lots of candles, beautiful flowers and pearls.
We chose lilac and ivory as our colour scheme. Purple is my favourite colour and this fitted in nicely for the vintage elegance we were trying to achieve.
I knew I wanted a fitted, mermaid style lace dress but I wanted something at the back of the dress that made it different. As soon as I saw the Victoria Jane Ivy dress I knew that ticked all the boxes! I loved the pearl draping at the back and I thought it looked very elegant and vintage, which is exactly what I was looking for. I teamed this with a beautiful pearl headpiece which reflected the draping on the dress. I got this from a shop on Etsy called Gilded Shadows, it came over from the United States and was perfect. I also wore a crystal edged veil which was my 'something borrowed' as it was my wonderful sister Rebecca's wedding veil she let me use. My diamante encrusted shoes came from Next and matched perfectly.
Ross wore a dark blue suit with grey waistcoat by Paul Costelloe. He teamed this with a grey and lilac tie which brought the whole outfit together. He looked very handsome!
My two sisters wore long lilac chiffon dresses with embellished necklines, which they teamed with a pale lilac feather cape from Coast. They also wore a pearl hair comb from Highland Angel which finished the whole outfit beautifully, they looked stunning!
The three (yes three!) best men and our fathers all wore two-piece navy blue suits from Austin Reed. They teamed this with a lilac tie. My son and three nephews as pageboys wore navy suits from BHS with lilac bow ties and lilac trainers – super cute! My daughter's dress was by Pearce Fionda, I also got a vintage style diamante brooch to put on the waistband which mirrored my dress.
My father, my son and I arrived at the venue in a stunning 1930s Beauford. The rest of the bridal party arrived in a Daimler State Limousine.
Our photographer was James Tracey. I had looked at loads of photographers on the internet and James' images really stood out. We knew we didn't want the cheesy poses and wanted natural, documentary style images that really told the story of our day. James did not disappoint at all. We met for a pre-wedding shoot which was fantastic as it really helped us to relax in front of the camera when wedding day nerves set in and gave us confidence that the images would be great on the day. The images we have are stunning and have really captured the best moments of the day. James really talked us through every stage but was so unobtrusive on the day, it was perfect. We were both blown away and would highly recommend him. So many of our guests have commented on how amazing the images are too!
I wanted an informal bouquet in lilac and ivory with foliage. I had seen the amnesia rose and knew I wanted them included as they are a beautiful lilac colour and look so vintage. I also included lavender in all the flowers as I love the smell and the colours and style matched perfectly with the day. I also got some vintage style pearl brooches which were put onto mine and my bridesmaids' bouquets and really finished them off. The flowers were provided by The Wild Bunch in Macclesfield. They were absolutely fantastic and exceeded my expectations in how they translated my vision for the styling of the day.
The Wild Bunch also provided flowers for the decor. I wanted lots of candles and cluster vases with various flowers that tied in with my bouquet. We had this set up for the ceremony table and also the top table. We used some vases which my sister-in-law had used at her wedding last year which was a special touch. It was stunning and took my breath away when I first walked in. The smell of lavender was amazing. The tables had fish bowl centre pieces with matching flowers. I had sourced lots of mercury glass tea light holders as well as some gorgeous antique lilac coloured ones which had pearl details on. There were lots of holders in various shapes and sizes on every table and around the cake. It created such a romantic feel to the day. There were also scatters of table pearls which completed the look.
We gave our guests bottle openers shaped like a vintage key as favours. They seemed to like the practical gift! For the evening we made some hangover kits. I found some small muslin bags on Etsy and had them personalised and sent over from The States. I filled them with mints, plasters and Alka Seltzer and put them over a bottle of water. A lifesaver for those who were celebrating a bit too hard!
My amazing friend Nova made my cake despite being nearly eight months pregnant! It was a three-tier sponge cake of chocolate, lemon and vanilla – delicious! It was lilac and ivory and had lace effect icing on the top two tiers. There were ivory and amnesia roses, foliage and pearl droplets in between the bottom two tiers. I also had an amazing cake topper custom made from Better off Wed on Etsy which said Love is the Key.
Ross and I are massive foodies so this was a really important part of the day. We had a delicious selection of canapés after the ceremony with champagne and mulled wine, which was perfect for a winter wedding. For our wedding breakfast we wanted food that we love and decided on smoked salmon to start, fillet mignon, which was absolutely amazing and perfectly cooked, for main followed by profiteroles with chocolate rum sauce for the gents and raspberry creme brûlée with shortbread biscuit for the ladies with coffee and petit fours to finish. We had a choice of wine and champagne too. For the evening we had bacon, sausage and fish finger sandwiches. Just what was needed! The crepes just about finished us off but I managed to squeeze in a chocolate and Baileys one!
The food was unbelievable, all our guests couldn't compliment it enough. We also used vintage champagne saucers for the toast. These had been tirelessly scoured for by Ross' parents and sister Fran and had been used at her wedding last year. It was a lovely finishing touch and was extra special as they were hers.
We used the amazing pianist Guy Porteous, to play from the ceremony right through to the end of the wedding breakfast. He is fantastically talented and was a lovely extra special touch to have him there. In the evening we chose to have a DJ to get the party started. He is the resident DJ at Adlington Hall and did a great job getting everyone dancing with a variety of songs that catered for the varied age range.
In terms of special touches, I had seen the large light up letters people hire for weddings and thought they made such a great focal point. I hired our LOVE sign from Dressed to Impress at Blakemere and it added a real wow factor, perfect for photo poses! We also had a wish tree as an alternative guest book. I found some tags on eBay which guests wrote their 'key to a happy marriage' message on and hung them on the tree. This was decorated with fairy lights, crystals and some vintage keys borrowed from Ross' parents. I spent ages making escort card tags for the guest seating plan. I attached small keys to each tag and hung them from a mirror on ribbons. The guests then took their own key tag to keep. It was something different and the guests loved it. We hired a crepe station as a surprise for our guests in the evening. Original Crepes were fantastic, they provided a huge choice of sweet and savoury crepes and they tasted delicious. It was something the guests weren't expecting and everyone loved it!
I had a sign made for our son Oscar to carry down the aisle, it said: 'Daddy here comes Mummy'. He'd been practicing holding it and walking so steadily and was so proud of himself when he got to the end! We also had framed photographs of both sets of parents on their wedding days, as they have both been married for over 40 years this was a good inspiration!
We hired a videographer as we wanted to capture the day and have a great memento of the action. We used Creative Videos, Barry was fantastic and as he had filmed my sister's wedding previously, we knew the video would be fantastic.
We would absolutely recommend Adlington Hall! From the moment we walked in we were overwhelmed by how stunning it was. The food amazing, the staff so professional and accommodating. Everything was more than we hoped for, my dream wedding venue!
I think my favourite part of the day was when the doors opened to The Great Hall and I was ready to walk down the aisle. On my dad's arm, looking at all the most important people in our lives all there just for us was totally overwhelming.
We are going on a family honeymoon with our children in the summer. My next planning project now I have no wedding to plan!
My top tip to other Brides Up North is to utilise the talents of your friends and family. My sisters Rebecca and Jessica did my makeup and hair and my talented friend Nova made our fabulous cake. It was extra special for them to play such an important role. Oh yes, and plenty of waterproof mascara!
From getting engaged Brides up North was my go to for inspiration. I have been an avid reader of the real life weddings and I'm so excited to now be one of them!
Posted in Featured Supplier, North West Wedding, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography | Filed Under | leave a comment.
adlington hall and gardens, austin reed, better off wed, bhs, brides up north featured supplier, cheshire wedding, coast, creative videos, daniel lloyd, dressed to impress, gilded shadows, guy porteous, highland angel, james tracey photography, original crepes, paul costelloe, pearce fionda, peckforton castle, ronald joyce, the wild bunch, uk wedding blog, victoria jane
March 25th, 2015 | Rachel Parry
Perhaps the most talked about hue in the world right now following the first film release of E L James' saucy books. But today ladies we're keeping things clean and classy (no cable ties here) as we take a look at how different tones of elegant grey can be incorporated into elements of your big day for some seriously swoon-worthy styling.
Grey has long been favoured by brides and grooms, particularly when paired with blush pink for a truly classic colour palette. And while this particular pairing continues to prove popular, we're pushing the boundaries a little further by focusing on other ways to give the neutral shade a bold boost.
So sit back and let us show you some greys that are equally as irresistible as Jamie Dornan (well, almost!).
glistening greys
Clockwise from top left: image source, photography by Philip Ficks| image source| image source| image source| image source| image source| image source| image source, photography by images by Shoot Lifestyle Wedding Photography| image source| image source, photography by Bryce Covey Photography
Sprinkling a little sparkle over a grey colour scheme adds instant glamour for those wanting to throw an opulent affair. Glittering greys also work particularly well with crisp winter weddings by emitting a frosty ice like appearance.
Brides who choose to go down this route may well have a tough time deciding on their big day attire with numerous sparkling dresses and accessories available from boutiques and online. Many dress designs feature twinkling detailing in silver sequins and mirrored beads, varying from top-to-toe adornments to just hints of sparkle on sleeves, bodices and belts. But if a bride would rather steer clear from heavy detailing they can still achieve a glistening grey effect by opting for a satin or silk dress design that gleams in the light.
Alternatively brides can leave the full on sparkle to their maids and instead just pick out one or two dazzling accessories to complete their own look, such as a jewel-encrusted headpiece and a pair of head-turning heels (Jimmy Choo and Louboutin being particular experts in this area).
While the groom is unlikely to get in on the glitter it can most certainly be doused over the décor. To set the scene at the reception we advise couples to go for one of two looks; matt grey table dressings finished with twinkling accessories such as glitter edged stationery, antique style tea light holders and metallic spray-painted flowers and foliage, or alternatively switch it round and lay out lavish sequined table cloths or runners, keeping tableware simple in white and silver. Candles and glass touches are particularly good for capturing and reflecting glistening details so be sure to add in such décor for maximum effect.
pastel palette
Clockwise from top left: image source| image source, photography by Branco Prata| image source, photography by Chelsie Burkhart Photography| image source, photography by Ned Jackson Photography| image source| image source| image source| image source| image source, photography by Abbey Rose Photo| image source, photography by Edyta Szyszlo Photography
Like we said by no means are we against the classic slate grey and pretty pink combo but there are ways in which couples can mix up the look a little to separate themselves from the crowd. So instead of just going for the default duo why not add two, three or even four playful pastels to the palette?
Think baby blue, powder pink, lilac, lemon, peach and mint – so many delicious possibilities!
The mismatched bridesmaid dress trend works a dream in these sweet shades and means maids can pick a hue that suits their hair colour and complexion rather than struggling to come to an agreement on just one colour for all.
Both the bride and groom can incorporate the palette into their chosen outfits too. The Honour dress from Stephanie Allin is a gorgeous option for brides with a pastel scheme as it features a sage green sash and romantic pale pink corsage. Meanwhile to lift their classic grey suit, grooms can add pop of colour in a pastel tie or even a dicky bow.
A pastel scheme lends itself to spring and summer weddings beautifully and is a top choice for those having outdoorsy weddings with celebrations held in barns, marquees and tepees. When decorating such venues we love to see soft and playful additions such as paper pomp poms and lanterns hanging from ceilings, big blousy flowers such as roses and peonies in simple vases and jars and soft organza sashes draped across chair backs.
To put it simply, let the grey act as your base here and then build upon it in pastels to your heart's content.
shades of grey
Clockwise from left: image source, photography by Mi Amore Foto| image source| image source| image source| image source, photography by Clack & Walker Studios| image source| image source, photography by Brett Heidebrecht| image source, photography by BG Productions| image source| image source, photography by Matt Spour and Lucy Tanner
Struggling to decide on which shade of grey to go for? Then why not use tones from the light to dark end of the spectrum to add interest and depth to the scheme? The result is a clean, crisp and sophisticated look.
For brides wanting to move away from traditional white or ivory for their gown, grey is an ideal option as it doesn't force ladies to step too far out of the comfort zone. As well as ethereal princess style designs with voluminous tulle skirts there are elegant slim-line designs with dainty detailing, providing options for all shapes, sizes and tastes.
Another option is to dress the bridesmaids in varying tones of grey and possibly also in different dress designs to suit their individual figures. Think of mixing up asymmetrical gowns with strapless and capped sleeve designs in dove, stone, slate shades for the desired effect.
Again this is a look the groom and his men can adopt too, either by mismatching their trousers, suit jackets and ties or selecting one shade for the groom and another for the groomsmen to make it easy to differentiate between the two.
Elsewhere different tones can be used in the cake design (we heart ombre culinary creations), in the tableware and centrepieces and also the stationery to give the scheme consistency from beginning to end.
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Coconut Oil for Sunburns: Just in Time for Summer!
By joanna ralston on June 04, 2014
Featured Member Post
I am a big proponent for coconut oil. I slather the stuff on my skin; use it in my baking and as an agent for soothing sunburn.
Coconut oil works wonders as a moisturizer, so when I came home from the beach the other day with a nasty sunburn on the backs of my legs (we've all been there, you know, that upper part near your butt that you always miss when you put on sunscreen), I decided to try a little coconut love.
Let me backtrack, I had originally been plucking aloe vera leaves off my one plant, and it didn't seem to be helping much. When I had harvested about half my aloe vera plant in about three hours after returning home, I decided I needed something more. That was when I thought about the moisturizing miracle of the coconut. Besides, those aloe vera plants have pokey sides that feel like knives when rubbing them on tender, sunburned skin.
So since I like having an aloe vera plant that has actual plant components to it, I got to work.
In a small jar I spooned out about a cup of coconut oil. The oil wasn't melted enough to be a liquid, but it was soft and easy to spoon/stir. I added some lavender oil (about 10 drops) and squeezed some aloe vera (straight from the plant) into the jar as well. I stir the concoction until it was… well, stirred.
I used a spatula (straight from the kitchen drawer and never to return) to rub that glorious white goop all over my body. While the backs of my legs were suffering the most (they were burning, really), my entire body felt itchy as if I had overdone my vitamin D dosage for a few days.
The results were fantastic! Immediately, my skin felt cool and calm. I kept slathering the stuff on and within 24 hours, my burn was no longer burning all the time. Within two days, my burn had turned to a tan and I was one comfy camper. At home. Out of the sun.
Now, be warned. Coconut oil melts. And it gets everywhere. I stained my bedding because of it. You should sit on a towel and not make the same mistake I did. Also, wear a giant t-shirt, or a dress you don't care about, as the oil may stain your clothes as well.
The lavender oil I used. Lavender is one of those oils that doesn't require a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive) to apply to the skin.
The harvested aloe vera plant.
My finished product. Goopy goodness for after sun fun!
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You know that you want to buy paper bags for your retail store or restaurant, but do you know what bag will best suit your needs? WEBstaurantStore.com is here to help! We have devised a short blog to help guide you through some of the ambiguities and unfamiliar terms associated with paper bags so that you can purchase with confidence.
When you search for paper bags here on WEBstaurantStore.com, you will see a weight included within the products' titles. "Lb." is used as a measurement of size when identifying paper bags and so, for example, our 1 lb. brown paper bag has significantly smaller dimensions than our 25 lb. brown paper bag.
Basis weight is a term used to describe the thickness of the paper used to construct a bag and, as basis weight climbs in number, so grows the thickness of the bag's paper. For example, bags with a basis weight of 30 lbs. to 49 lbs. will be marked as "standard duty," while those with a basis weight of 50 lbs. and up will be marked as "heavy duty."
Is your head spinning yet? If you're able to wrap your mind around bag measurements and basis weight, you're well on your way to being a paper bag expert! There are just a few other terms to be well acquainted with before you can confidently shop for the paper bag that is right for you.
Be sure to check back next week for a pros and cons comparison of paper and plastic bags!
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When the recession deepened, many contracting businesses depleted liquidity. As markets recover, now is an appropriate time to review investment strategies for rebuilding lost wealth. This month, we take a look at a common investment vehicle and one system for selecting products. READ MORE
Denise Norberg-Johnson
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Denise Norberg-Johnson is a former subcontractor and past president of two national construction associations. She may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Articles by Denise Norberg-Johnson
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Recent economic forecasts offer some hope for electrical contractors in 2012. As market conditions improve, it is more important than ever to avoid common contractor mistakes. Ensure you are alert to these business killers, and you will focus on ways to guarantee your success in the coming year. READ MORE
December 2011
Business decisions are sometimes based on beliefs that are sheer nonsense. As you plan for a profitable new year, take a hard look at these ideas that sound good but have little validity. Subcontractors are powerless Subcontractors perform the majority of the work, and construction would stop if they chose to cease operations. READ MORE
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A century before electrical contracting existed, Victor Hugo wrote, "There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come." Rapidly changing technology requires more progressive thinking today, but the powerful idea that appears as an outlier often goes unrecognized. READ MORE
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Financial planning and strategizing during chaotic economic times is like white-water rafting without a paddle. As you bounce between rocks, holding tight and hoping your craft doesn't spring a leak, you analyze your situation. You can't see the end of the turbulence through the spray, and you have no way to steer. READ MORE
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Electrical contractors are realists. While you may long for a Utopian world in which your employees whistle happily as they create perfect work for delighted customers who pay you on time, earning you a healthy profit, you don't expect this outcome. Recognizing that perfection is impossible, you are willing to settle for fewer "uff da" moments. READ MORE
July 2011
Leverage is generally defined as the ability to generate more results with less direct effort. You cannot lift a truck directly to change a tire, so you use a jack to leverage your effort. In your electrical contracting business, leverage is the use of long-term borrowed capital to increase the return on owner equity. Financial leverage measures the effect of interest rates on borrowed debt. READ MORE
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The need for security drives financial planning. Business owners attempt to ensure the survival of their operations by preparing for likely events and asserting control over the future. You reinvest profit, negotiate the best loan rates, and hold onto your cash, deluding yourself that strategy and analysis will protect you from the forces of change. READ MORE


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Instant Product Engine 2.0 review. Does it work? This review provided by Karla J. Pollock (186 Chatham Way Washington, MD 20005).
Karla Says:
In less than 10 minutes, you will have created and launched your own Unique Product with the most cutting edge automation system you've ever seen! Actually when I have tried Instant Product Engine 2.0 system for the first time it took me 23 minutes to create and launch my product. But all the next launches were much faster. I highly recommend this awesome product to everyone. Why? Because it's so easy to make money online with Instant Product Engine 2.0. If I can ( I am only 23 years old) so why this can't happened to you?
Click Here to Learn More about Instant Product Engine 2.0 System
W wish you all the success today and always!
Thank you!
Diabetes Miracle Cure Program Reviews
in Books
Diabetes Miracle Cure program reviews. Let's talk about this new program in PDF format to cure diabetes. What people say about this Diabetes Cure Miracle system? Kate Davenport says:
"Honestly I was very skeptical when I heard about a diabetes curing secret! I had never heard of something like it before. As a long time sufferer of type 2 diabetes for over 10 years, I was sick and tired of the day-to-day medications and testing so I really had nothing to lose... Well it's been only 29 days and I never would have expected results like this! I have lost 11 pounds of fat, and the most amazing part is that I'm now in total control of my blood glucose! My husband says I have never looked better and I've never been so confident. I highly recommend Diabetes Miracle Cure system by Dr. Robert Evans for download to everyone."
Click Here to Learn More about Diabetes Miracle Cure Program
We wish you all the success today and always!
Thank you!
TEI 001-Weekly Discussions for Product Managers, Developers, and Innovators
in Business
Hi Global Product Management Talk Audience. I am pleased to welcome you to the first episode of a new podcast for product managers, developers, and innovators by my friend Chad McAllister.
The podcast is all about helping people involved in developing and managing products become more successful, grow their careers, and STANDOUT from their peers.
In this first episode, Chad shared five topics to introduce the podcast:
1. How he became fascinated with product management, development, and innovation and why he teaches the topics now as an innovation management professor and product management trainer
2. Why he is conducting valuable interviews, including how he started interviewing during a 1-year RV trip
3. Highlights of some innovation lessons from past interviews
4. What to expect in the upcoming weekly interviews with professionals that can help product managers, developers, and innovators
5. A free gift for listening
About the Host, Chad McAllister, PhD
I was a boy who loved to take apart things to see what was inside – what made something work. Not too much of a stretch that I found a love for electrical engineering during college. After graduating, I worked with teams in In small, large, and global companies, including four start-ups, developing products. Sometimes the products made customers into raving fans and sometimes it was left to me to pick up the pieces and figure out what went wrong. In pursuit of best practices and proven methodologies, I found great value in earning certifications from several credible professional organizations, including PMI, PDMA, and AIPMM, as well a PhD in business (focusing on requirement issues in product development). Today, with 25+ years in hands-on product development, I provide training and education.
in Business
But the process is more important than the purpose.
Mention the word process to any launch team, and you are likely to hear: "Who needs processes? Don't we have enough to deal with already with trying to get this product out the door, and now we have to create and follow some convoluted, bureaucratic process? By the time we do all of that paperwork to figure out the process and follow the process, the launch could be done!"
Whether you are part of a large launch team or a lonely entrepreneur launching your first product, having a simple process will, believe it or not, save you time and sanity in the long run. By its nature, launching is chaotic. Often, people don't know where to start. Do I do market research first? When do I write marketing materials? Do I wait until the product completes the final testing? It seems as if everything happens at once.
The NLP View -Bad Reviews: How to Make Good Use of Feedback
in Psychology
Have you ever received a bad review from an article or book you have written? As an author and a writers coach, Tom Oberbichler has used his personal experience and his NLP skills to create a motivating and empowering book Bad Reviews: How to Make Good Use of Feedback, that will enable the reader to turn a bad review in a valuable experience. Tune in to this segment of The NLP View Radio Show, as host, Donna Blinston RN is joined by author, Tom Oberbichler to discuss his new book Bad Reviews: How to Make Good Use of Feedback and how he uses NLP to coach writers. Today's show is sponsored by Austria's Finest Naturally Authentic Pumpkin Seeds and Pumpkin Seed Oil from the Steiermark available at OrganicUniverse.com. Listeners of TheOrganicView can receive $1 off their purchase by using the coupon code "orgview". For more offers, please visit our website at www.theorganicview.com
Segment Test with Liz
in Books
Host Liz Gavin interviews Guest Author Bethany Turner
Movie News and Reviews
in Movies
The Movie Geeks observe the passing of legendary documentarian Albert Maysles in a wide-ranging discussion regarding the current state of the form. Plus, reviews of new and classic films, and the latest television offerings.
Wrestlemania Tonight: Ruben jay Reviews WM 31
Wrestlemania Tonight: Ruben jay Reviews WM 31
The Ken Black Radio show - explains MLM product and opportunity
in Business
Ken Black is an established and successful traditional business owner who has been building a home based businesses part time before selling his traditional business.
Today, Ken speaks about his company and the company product line on Building Fortunes Radio.
There are many reasons why Ken chose MLM and the Network Marketing Profession and we over at NetworkLeads and PM Marketing are working with Ken Black to build his career after "retirement".
Listen to this and previous radio show on:
ScreenPicks Movie Reviews: Insurgent, The Gunman
in Movies
On this week's ScreenPicks Movie Show, we review two new films. First, we look at the new Divergent sequel Insurgent, starring Shailene Woodley. Then we'll review the new film The Gunman with Sean Penn, Idris Elba, and Javier Bardem.
- ...
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Candidate Interview ReviewSort: Popular Date Difficulty
1 person found this helpfulInterview Details
Two interviews - first was one-on-one with direct manager and second was with team senior leadership. Had a good impression and feeling about the company based on the interview. Professional but relaxed interview, which proved to be consistent with how the company opeartes.Negotiation DetailsPainless.Accepted Offer


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Search the Library Catalog to find books on our shelves and online.
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Rain Jackets - MensSave on Men's Rain Jackets at Proboardshop.com! Great selection of street gear at unbelievably low prices. Proboardshop has been selling Rain Jackets and outdoor gear for over 30 years and we're proud of it.
Please refine here More in the Outlet Shop.
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T/C Cactus
I just received my Christmas cactus in the mail to find out it's actually a Thanksgiving cactus! I thought they were the same, but now that I looked into it more and read on here, they are not. This is the cactus I bought from Hirts Garden thru Amazon. I think she looks a little rough. I'm going to repot today, should I go a little bigger? This is a 4" pot
>> I'm going to repot today, should I go a little bigger?
It depends more on the size of the roots than the leaves. If the roots are pot-bound, increasing the size of the pot a bit is a good idea. If you want to keep the same pot, then prune the roots if they are pot-bound.
>> I think she looks a little rough.
Looks fine to me - just some insecticide residue that can be gently wiped off with mild soap solution. I generally find needing to repeat the wiping several times with at least a few days in-between because I can't get it all at once and do not want to rub the leaves too much anyway without letting it recover.


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Videos tagged "prickfriamöten"
What are Tags?
Tags are keywords that describe videos. For example, a video of your Hawaiian vacation might be tagged with "Hawaii," "beach," "surfing," and "sunburn."
The more you know…
Check out these lessons to learn how to make videos about prickfriamöten:
Vimeo Video School has awesome lessons and video tutorials to help you get started making better videos.


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Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Monday - February 04, 2008
From: Keller, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Possible invasiveness of non-native Eragrostis curvula
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:I have just moved to Keller, TX and am trying to establish a xeriscape plan for our property. I chose to plant weeping love grass as I learned it was a native plant and did not require fertilizing, a lot of water, nor mowing frequently. Now I have read on the web site that it is considered to be an invasive plant. We have a total of 2 acres of land and about 1/2 of it has been planted with the love grass in a meadow like plan. Do you think this grass will present major problems in the future?
As it turns out, Eragrastus curvula is NOT a native plant, but was imported from South Africa in the late 1920's. Another common name is "Boer love grass." The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is centered on the use and propagation of plants native to North America, and especially concerned about invasive plants, non-native or native. On our Plantwise: Native Alternatives for Invasive Plants list, you will find several native, non-invasive replacements for this grass. However, replacing it may not be altogether practical at this point.
Eragrastus curvula is considered a warm season grass. Keller is approximately on the border between USDA Zones 7b and 8a, meaning that there will seldom be a very long period of sub-freezing temperatures. In cooler climates, weeping lovegrass is considered an annual. In your area, it is probably a tender perennial. If you are concerned about the invasiveness of the plant, consider not replacing any plants that are damaged or killed by cold weather, and replacing them with some of the native alternative grasses found in the weblink above.
More Non-Natives Questions
Transplanting non-native crape myrtle in Scottsdale AZ
May 11, 2014 - When is the best time to transplant dwarf crape myrtle in Scottsdale AZ?
view the full question and answer
White specks on unknown houseplant from Ridgeway SC
June 20, 2013 - I have an unknown houseplant that seems to have some sort of pest or disease on it. It has white snowy specks atop its leaf. I bought this purple fuzzy leafed houseplant from Walmart in Winnsboro, SC ...
view the full question and answer
Micro clover for groundcover
March 10, 2012 - Hi there! I am interested in overseeding my lawn with a micro clover mix.. however, I cannot find any information on the web about how it might act here in Central Texas. Do you have any experience wi...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native impatiens in Denton, TX
May 19, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, 4 weeks ago I planted a shady bed (2'x10') with impatiens for the third year in-a-row. Previously, the plants thrived & bloomed till November. Three weeks ago, something ...
view the full question and answer
Non-native Cape Honeysuckle, Tecomaria capensis
March 13, 2006 - I am trying to find general information on the Cape Honeysuckle or "Tecomaria" bush/plant. Is is related to the actual Honeysuckle Plant? What is it's care, propogation, sun tolerance, water requ...
view the full question and answer
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Don't miss: Unofficial PBE Patch Notes for 3/26/2015
ETA of Ashe, Gangplank Reworks and More
Originally Posted by Riot (View Original Source)@Riot Meddler, will we see Ashe testing begin in the PBE really soon?
Not for a while. Gameplay changes haven't been completely locked down yet. Once they have, she'll then go into the queue for the required visual changes. It'll be a while as a result.
Originally Posted by Riot (View Original Source)@meddler Is Darius buffs still planned to be in patch 5.7?
We're still planning to make that change. I'd imagine that'll be in 5.7, though can't guarantee that yet of course.


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Book your room at Hotel Imperial Reforma
Single or double standardMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 2 infants)
Junior Suite, 1 King BedMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Master SuiteMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Family-friendly Mexico City hotel in Reforma, walk to Cristobal Colon Monument
This family-friendly Mexico City hotel is located in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Cristobal Colon Monument, Teatro Diego Rivera, and Monument to the Revolution. Museo Nacional de la Revolucion and Cuauhtemoc Monument are also within 10 minutes.
Hotel Features
Along with 2 restaurants, this smoke-free hotel has a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/café. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a snack bar/deli, a 24-hour business center, and a conference center are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 65 rooms boast deep soaking tubs and offer free WiFi and pillowtop beds. Minibars and room service are standard, as are flat-screen TVs with cable channels.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Dining is available at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants and guests can grab coffee at the coffee shop/café. The property also has a snack bar/deli. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Business-related amenities at this 3-star property consist of a 24-hour business center and a meeting room.
A computer station is located on site and high-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary. Event facilities measuring 3229 square feet (300 square meters) include a conference center. This Art Deco hotel also offers spa services, tour/ticket assistance, and multilingual staff. Limited onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis (surcharge).
Hotel Imperial Reforma is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour front desk
- Airport transportation (surcharge)
- Total number of rooms - 65
- Number of floors - 5
- Bar/lounge
- Coffee shop or café
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-out
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- Laundry facilities
- Parking (limited spaces)
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Luggage storage
- Number of restaurants - 2
- Conference space size (feet) - 3229
- Spa services on site
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Express check-in
- Computer station
- One meeting room
- Multilingual staff
- Porter/bellhop
- Conference space size (meters) - 300
- Year Built 1910
- 24-hour business center
- Conference center
- Snack bar/deli
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Wedding services
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Free Wi-Fi
- Snack bar/deli
- Laundry facilities
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Valet parking (surcharge), Parking (limited spaces)
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Premium TV channels
- Minibar
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe
- Free newspaper
- Free bottled water
- Flat-panel TV
- Free WiFi
- Designer toiletries
- Shower/tub combination
- Deep soaking bathtub
- Rainfall showerhead
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Desk
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Cable TV service
- Dial-up Internet access (surcharge)
- Room service (limited hours)
- Pillowtop mattress
Where to Eat
Breakfast is available for a surcharge and served each morning between 7 AM and noon.
Gaudi - This fine-dining restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Golden Dome - This coffee shop serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.
Nearby Things to Do
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Segway rental/tour nearby
Spa Services
- Body wraps
- Body scrubs
- Ayurvedic treatments
- Massages
- Body treatments
- Facial treatments
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible bathroom
- Accessible parking
- In-room accessibility
- Accessibility equipment for the deaf
- Braille or raised signage
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-out time is Noon
Payment types
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 18 years old.
- The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
No pets or service animals allowed
No rollaway/extra beds available
Parking height restrictions apply
- Breakfast fee: MXN 155 for adults and MXN 110 for children (approximately)
- Valet parking fee: MXN 5.00 per night
We should mention
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties. Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Up to 2 children 11 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms. Some facilities may have restricted access. Guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation. No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.


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Cole Bay Vacation Rentals(7)
7 Results
Didn't find what you're looking for?
View all 10 Cole Bay Vacation Rentals or all 1482 St Maarten / Saint Martin Villa Rentals
Recent Cole Bay Reviews
Incredible views and pure relaxation
Our stay was absolutely perfect. The location is so great... Close enough to the airport and everything else but really feels like your private little paradise. Liz is so helpful and a really great person. Awesome full kitchen if you like cooking. Great beach and beach club (Kokomo) just a few minute walk down the hill. We spent time in most areas of st maarten and were so glad we decided to stay at indigo bay! Thanks again Liz! We'll be back!


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The Dahshur necropolis, located less than an hour from central Cairo, is where ancient Egyptians built their first pyramids to bury their kings.
These days, a different kind of burial ground is being constructed on the archaeological site, and Egyptian authorities are concerned.
In January, the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities reported that area residents had forcibly encroached on archaeological land in the Dahshur area in order to build tombs.
Antiquities Minister Mohammed Ibrahim said government authorities will soon begin to execute special removal orders against these encroachments.
The government is in the process of demarcating another area of Dahshur, far from the archaeological site, to be used as a cemetery for the people of the area, he said.
"Residents seized land by force to build tombs on, threatening the special guard with weapons," said Nasser Ramadan, director general of the Dahshur archaeological site.
The antiquities are in serious danger of being destroyed or looted, he told Al-Shorfa.
"In recent times, many antiquities thieves carried out [illegal] digs in search of pharaonic antiquities to sell on the black market," he said.
Ramadan said the problem stems from the lack of security that followed the January 25th Revolution, and that the solution lies in the return of security authorities in force to the area.
The Dahshur archaeological site sits near the ancient valley temple of Sneferu, the first pharaoh of the 4th Dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom, and father of the famous king Khufu, who ruled in 26th century B.C.E.
Dahshur is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage site list since 1979. Sneferu built two of his three temples on the site -- the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. The latter was the first "true" smooth-sided pyramid in Egypt and at the time of its completion was the tallest man-made structure in the world.
In the Middle Kingdom, the 12th Dynasty kings Amenemhat II, Senusret III and Amenemhat III built their pyramids at the site.
Jewellery belonging to Middle Kingdom princesses was found in those pyramids, and in February 2009, an expedition found coffins and wooden statues from the Ramesside period in Dahshur.
Although Dahshur holds a large number of antiquities, it has not yet been fully developed as a commercial tourist destination, as is the case with the Giza necropolis, which teems with bazaars and tourist restaurants that cater to visitors.
"The protection of Egyptian antiquities issue slid significantly on the Egyptian government's agenda in the past two years," said Niveen Aref, who writes about Egyptian antiquities.
Many institutions and archaeological sites have been ravaged by theft or fire, she told Al-Shorfa, and thousands of rare documents were destroyed when the Egyptian Scientific Institute was set on fire on December 17th, 2011.
"Egyptian law includes provisions that impose prison terms on those who encroach on archaeological sites, but they need to be activated and strictly enforced by executive authorities in conjunction with a popular campaign to urge citizens to preserve their history," Aref said.
Maher Mahmoud, 30, told Al-Shorfa local residents have been asking the government to allocate land for a cemetery in Dahshur for years, but it has yet to respond.
After the revolution, some families began to build tombs on land adjacent to the site, he said.
"All we want is [for the government] to allocate a large tract of land for us to build tombs on," he said, adding, "This is a matter of great importance to us."
Hassan Mohammed, 48, who lives in a farm community adjacent to the site, said residents submitted a request to Giza province four years ago asking that land be allocated for tomb building, but the demand has not yet been answered.
"In October of last year, some began to build foundations for tombs and clashed with the guards at the archaeological sites," he said. "However, the necessary measures have yet to be taken, whether establishing security at the site or opening a dialogue with the area residents."