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4 Stars Drummer Boy of John John Mark Greenwood Frané Lessac Lee and Low Books Pages: 32 Ages: 4+ Jacket: Carnival is coming and the villagers of John John, Trinidad, are getting ready to jump up and celebrate with music dancing, and a parade. Best of all, the Roti King has promised free rotis—tasty friend [...]Add a Comment
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Blog: Kid Lit Reviews (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Blog: a wrung sponge (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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by Ana A. de Eulate, Illustrated by Sonja Wimmer. Cuento de Luz SL (May 2012) (Review copy). A little girl in Afghanistan gazes at the sky and dreams of peace, her heart soaring above a grey-brown landscape torn by war. She visualizes peace as a kite of brilliant colors, with tails and strings connecting people of all places, races, and faces. She sees children and adults together, leaning
Such gorgeous illustrations!
I knew you'd like that Jules! They are fabulous.
Blog: andrea joseph's sketchblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Andrea Joseph drawings, the sepia one, drawn by Andrea Joseph, AJ, sepia, moleskine, spices, andrea joseph, Add a tag
10th April 2007
"In my quest to draw everything in my house I stopped by the spice rack. I'm quite happy with this. It reminds me of the illustrations you'd find in recipe books from the 70's. Books that were usually called something like 'The Whole Food Kitchen'. The kind of book that gave you interesting ideas for things to do with lentils and chick peas. The type of book where you can still smell the patchouli wafting through the pages. I dream of illustrating one of those books. One day. One day...."
Well, I'm not done with the cliches. You know, if you work hard and really really dig what you do, it seems, you can make your dreams come true. Right, I'm not allowed to say anything more. For now.
As I see it (I haven't been following you for 5 years), this is just another example of how you've taken the common and made it Uncommon. I've enjoyed every post. This one is as good as the first.
A cliché is worn-out & meaningless... but a classic is something of lasting worth, it's timeless. Every artist has to develop & keep evolving their personal style - which you've done *quite* well! This earlier piece of yours is still a good piece - it's a classic :-)
I suspect you have a cookbook commission...?
Well, I think I can wait a bit to say "I was sure" :)
fabulous, love your work
Thank you, guys.
Caroline, you might be barking up the right tree!
I can reveal all, so to speak, soon.
very fine drawings...you have got your own style...nice blog...
Wow Andrea. I remember you posting this! I can't believe 5 years has gone by.
Congrats on all you have accomplished in that time. Your work is stunning.
Can't wait to see the new project ;)
love this picture! it tells such a charming story ;)
can't wait for the reveal of the secret project!!
i love this picture! and i can't wait to find out what it is you're working on ;)
Blog: Literature & Fiction (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Author Interviews, author interview, cookery book, cooking, non-fiction, spices, Add a tag
Yvonne Pat Wright returned to live in the United Kingdom from Jamaica in 2006. She fulfilled her desire to write by taking a course in creative writing. From Spice to Eternity is her first book, and she has plans to follow this up with a sophomore book.
Hi Yvonne, Please tell everyone a little about yourself:
Yvonne: I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and lived there for the first twenty years of my life. By the time I left to go to England, I was married and had two daughters. I matured in the UK and sometimes I feel I am more anglicised than Caribbean, but I cherish my Jamaican roots and will never relinquish them. I've worked in real estate, the world of media, radio and advertising.
I seem to shift bases in twenty to twenty-five year cycles. So it was the UK for twenty-five years, Jamaica for twenty years, and now the UK for the remainder of my life, I believe. A devout Christian, I teach Bible Studies and am a Lay Preacher.
When did the writing bug bite, and in what genre(s)?
Yvonne: I have always been a scribbler. In school I did a lot of essays. I remember, in boarding school, a group of us would gather round and I would read. In much later years, I did poems, none of which were published. I produced church magazines and ended up writing most of the copy when there were not enough submissions. From Spice to Eternity was my first attempt to do substantial writing, and because of the genesis, it had to be non-fiction. I can see myself moving into the biblical saga type novels, which is the plan for my second or third book.
When you started writing, what goals did you want to accomplish? Is there a message you want readers to grasp?
Yvonne: In whatever sphere, my aim and goal for the reader, the listener, is to come away thinking that there is something better to be had and having a desire to obtain it.
Briefly tell us about your latest book.
Yvonne: From Spice to Eternity is probably part one of two parts. It is a collection of inspirational true life stories drawn from my life and the lives of family and friends. The theme for the story is based on the characteristic of a herb or spice, which is described at the beginning of each chapter. The story is rounded off with a delicious spicy or herby recipe.
Do you have a specific writing style? Preferred POV?
Yvonne: I think I prefer a limited POV, and I rather like to use the 'show' rather than the 'tell' style of writing.
How does your environment/upbringing colour your wrting?
Yvonne: So far, I have written from my experience and the environments that I am very familiar with. I am likely to always anchor on to a very familiar aspect of my environment or upbringing as I am very comfortable in that zone.
Share the best review (or a portion) that you've even had.
The passion for both her cooking and her faith has allowed Yvonne Pat Wright to write a marvelous book that is both a cookbook and a devotional to God. Each of the forty-two recipes for cooking has an accompanying recipe for living a Christian life. The author first gives a description of an ingredient used in a cooking recipe. Not only are the ingredient's uses given0 Comments on Yvonne Pat Wright as of 1/1/1900Add a Comment
Blog: andrea joseph's sketchblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: illustration friday, herbs, EDM, ink, sepia, spices, herbs, EDM, sepia, spices, Add a tag
EDM challenge 143; draw a herb or spice. Illustration Friday; multiple.
(Click on image to view)
Gosh, this is so amazing when seen in the larger, clicked-on format! Wonderful, Andrea--I really like your quirky yet classical style ;D.
I love your attention to detail, especially when drawing little things! :o)
you have way more patience than the average artist. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G-!
OMG!!! Who would have thought of drawing something like except you!! Fabulous!!
Oh, you have captured my favorite spice here! Favorite not because of their taste, but because of how pretty they are. Fantastic drawing, I never thought to draw ALL the star anises in the package... Beautiful!
very cool! i wouldn't think that there was so much variety in the details!
I so enjoy your drawings! As others already said, fun to see it in it's larger format - so much detail - amazing :)
Holy smoke! I don't know which is more surprising, your attention to detail, or HOW FEW STAR ANISESESES there are in a jar!! I bet they smelled good, too. Here's a miniature rendering of a jar of cinnamon: ^
aka Moomstex on EDM
Aaaahhhhh SOOOOOO lovely!!!! Would so use that as a kitchen wallpaper or wrapping paper for bread or something ....
I love the fact that you were up drawing these in the wee hours of the morning...I adore your gentle, delicate touch...and...I am flabbergasted by your exceptional level of patience! Another masterpiece! ;)
Beautiful piece. I would love this framed in my kitchen. Great choice for the Illustration Friday theme.
Patience! I love this drawing.
Lovely as always. Loved the red and green boxes, are we going to get other colours..hope so.
Thanks folks,
Yeah, the star anise is the prettiest of all the spices, and it was the sweetest smelling subject.
I think this one looks better in 'real life'. A bit disappointing on screen. Oh well.
Cheers, gang.
Andrea this is amazing. this has to be one of my favorites! Your patience and talent are insane.
This is lovely. Again, your eye for composition is fantastic.
Blog: a wrung sponge (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Preschool Kindergarten, memoir, SPICES, books, Primary grades, race ethnicity, Add a tag
by Patricia Polacco This is a story from Polacco's childhood. As a girl she and her neighbors Winston and Stewart want to raise enough money to buy the boy's grandmother a new Easter bonnet that she has been admiring. Patricia is over their house for chicken dinner every Sunday and she considers Miss Eula her grandmother too. When they go to try to get a job at the hat shop they are mistaken for
Oh, I remember this book!!! I was weeding out the library at my Mom's early childhood education center, and I got to stop and read this one -- and keep it. Lovely.
We have this book and the boys enjoy it! It would be a great "easter" book. I need to pull it out to read this week. Thanks for the reminder. We just got "The Boy Who Didn't Believe in Spring" and it was completely perfect to read right now. It's the story of two little guys who get impatient with everyone saying spring is "right around the corner," so they actually go around the corner to
The nice thing about Patricia Polacco's books is that they appeal to older children, too. I think the actual reading level is about 4th grade. We liked Chicken Sunday, too.
Mayhem we have that Believe in Spring book and we love it. When he says "Man I think you tripped on these crops!" It always cracks me up.I should have said that, Susan, you are right. It is often recommended for older kids.
Chicken Sunday is a big favorite around here, and I expect that it will be for years to come.
Blog: a wrung sponge (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Preschool Kindergarten, SPICES, books, Primary grades, Add a tag
and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Triviza. This is a "fractured fairytale" reversing the story of the three little pigs. "Once upon a time, there were three cuddly little wolves with soft fur and fluffy tails who lived with their mother." She sends them into the world to build a house for themselves. Unfortunately the Big Bad Pig comes prowling around and destroys their houses one after another.
This is one of the signature books at my son's preschool; all the classes use it in some way or another. We love it at home, too--our favorite is spotting the teapot every time the wolves rescue it from their besieged house(s). Thanks for the review!
Hey that's great! I never even noticed the teapot. I just love the expressions on the wolves' faces.I bought this book for my five year old last fall at the bookfair. He loves it!
I love this book too! Charlotte
Blog: a wrung sponge (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Preschool Kindergarten, SPICES, books, Primary grades, Middle grades, folklore, Add a tag
A Chinese Folktale adapted by Caryn Yacowitz, illustrated by Ju-Hong Chen. Pelican Publishing Company, 2005. (first published by Holiday House, 1992) In the back of this picture book is a word from the author Caryn Yacowitz. She explains that the story was heard by a merchant named A. L. Gump on a trip to Beijing in 1917. He told the story to his son Richard, who put it in a book titled Jade,
Thank you for your lovely review of my book The Jade Stone!I also appreciate the Quaker values you suggest it teaches.Best regards,Caryn Yacowitz
Blog: a wrung sponge (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: nonfiction, Young Adult, SPICES, Middle grades, Add a tag
One Hundred Years of Nonviolent Resistance, by Anne Sibley O'Brien and Perry Edmond O'Brien. Charlesbridge, 2009. Review copy. In 1906 Mohandas Gandhi was working as a lawyer for the Asian Indian community in South Africa. On September 11, 1906 Gandhi made his first speech to a large crowd calling for nonviolent resistance to the government's oppressive requirement that all Asian residents
Thanks for your kind note! I can't find the original -- I have three email accounts -- so I'm responding here. Much appreciated, and thanks for reading.
Thanks so much for this wonderful and extended review of our book! Perry and I had a great experience researching and writing these stories. As our nation and the world face seemingly insoluble conflicts and challenges, it's moving and instructive to have the example of these people who, in the face of far greater difficulties, responded with extraordinary courage, strategic thinking and
Don, I think it was in Twitter. Hope all is well with you & your family.Anne, Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. I am glad to hear about how you worked with Middle School students on the development of the book. That is really inspiring. What a great way to involve readers in the project! I'm also glad to hear they liked the graphics style and would chose more books like that. I am
thanks for telling about this. I want to get a copy for my niece.
Oh thanks for this! I want to read it so badly. Jules7-Imp
Hi, Cloudscome,Lovely to hear that the book will be in your library.You might want to know about some additional resources for the book: The publisher, Charlesbridge, has created a website for the book (http://www.charlesbridge.com/client/client_pages/after_gandhi/gandhi_home.html) with a discussion and activity guide, downloadable posters, interviews, and links.Perry and I have launched our
Blog: a wrung sponge (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: nonfiction, blog tours, SPICES, Add a tag
Cycle of Life: A Story of Sustainable Farming by Jan Reynolds. Review copy. This is the story of sustainable rice farming in the island of Bali, a part of Indonesia that has been a major rice producer for thousands of years. The whole island is networked with a complex system of irrigation canals and channels that move fresh water from the top of volcanic mountains to each farmer's fields in time
Blog: a wrung sponge (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Young Adult, #48hbc, SPICES, 48 Hours, books, Add a tag
by Kashimira Sheth. Hyperion, 2007. Leela is a twelve year old girl living with her family in Gujarat, India in 1918. She was engaged at the age of two and married at nine, but hasn't moved to her husband's family household yet. She is a person of the high Brahman caste, so she is pampered and endulged by her parents with pretty clothes, sweets, and jewlery.She lives a happy life and is generally
I really enjoyed this book and found it fairly easy to booktalk to my 7th graders who study India in Social Studies.
I am going to have to read it! My sixth graders study India in social studies (7th is state history here) and it sounds like a valuable resource. Maybe for First Day School, too! Thank you so much for posting this!
This sounds really good. I've noticed once you start to look its easier to find diverse YA lit.
Blog: Emily Smith Pearce (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Food, Recipes, chai, expatriate, Germany, Hannover, hot tea, recipe, rooibos, rooibos chai, spices, tea, Add a tag
What with the dropping temperatures and snow I've been drinking a lot of hot tea. There is plenty of rooibos tea here in Germany, and in fact they have a blend of rooibos and caramel that is awesome (can you get that in the U.S.?). But I haven't found any rooibos chai, which I've been craving. I've made my own blend before, but I lost that recipe, so this time I tried this one, with modifications.
Obviously, I used rooibos rather than black tea, but I upped the dosage to 2-3 TB to make it stronger, since rooibos can be a little weak. I also added some black cardamom (and when making the second batch had no green cardamom left) and subbed fresh nutmeg for the allspice. I had no anise, so I left that out. I used fresh orange peel rather than dried. It turned out really well. I didn't realize that the ginger is what gives it such a nice bite, so if you want spice, use plenty of it. I used fresh ginger, but I'll have to make a big batch of a dried version recipe so I can have the tea whenever I like.
Let me know if you see a rooibos caramel blend in the U.S. so I'll know if I need to stockpile it before we leave Germany.
We've never heard of rooibos chia. Is it some form of tea or something else? Sounds like there were a lot of etours in that formula before you were finished with it.
GD Bob
Yes, it is tea. Rooibos means "red bush," and it is a kind of herbal tea from South Africa that tastes a little bit like regular black tea but has no caffeine. You can serve it with milk and sugar like black tea. Yes, I changed several things but in essentials it's similar to the original. Chai (rhymes with "bye") is a spicy Indian tea served with milk and sugar —-it is usually made with black tea.
Blog: CJ Hardy's ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: stucco, sunset, nostalgia, 1920, nostalgia, 1920, remembrance, home, sunset, stucco, Add a tag
I can't tell if my rendition of this 1920 something home or the home itself evokes the memory. I never lived there but have been fascinated for as long as i can remember by this stucco home setting as it does today on a hillside. It represents to me a simpler time I would have loved to visit. So my contribution to this week's theme REMEMBER.
cute. i am also fascinated by this style of home.
Beautiful. Very calm and peaceful looking.
that house looks cozy. very nice
love the colors and the trees! ^_^
nice calming colours...
beautiful atmospheric effect.


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In Lotto (the UK lottery), you pick 6 numbers from a pool of 49. How many tickets would you need to guarantee at least one match of 3 numbers?
Wikipedia shows the probability of matching 3 numbers at 55:1. Does that mean if you buy 55 tickets you are guaranteed to get at least one match?
(P.S. I did search here and find another lottery question, possibly asking the same thing - but obviously didn't understand that.)

subset: commoncrawl


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One player was a long time New York Giants' mainstay, while the other was simply a one-year rental, but according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, the Giants have voided the 2014 contracts of cornerback Corey Webster and tight end Brandon Myers.
Schwartz wrote yesterday, "In a move of little surprise, the Giants on Friday parted ways with two players who had perhaps the most disappointing 2013 seasons of all — tight end Brandon Myers and cornerback Corey Webster — when their contracts were automatically voided."
Officially there was nothing reported by the team on the players' contract situations on the Giants' website, Giants.com, or Twitter, however.
Webster was a second round draft pick of New York in the 2005 NFL draft, he was a part of the two recent Giants' championships in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI. Meanwhile, Myers was signed as a free agent who played for the Oakland Raiders in 2012. He was brought in to replace incumbent Martellus Bennett at tight end, but struggled through a disappointing campaign.
"Myers, who caught 79 passes for 806 yards and four touchdowns in 2012 for a bad Raiders team, never became that reliable target for Manning, who loves to throw to his tight ends," Schwartz penned yesterday.
Myers only had 47 catches for 522 receiving yards and four touchdown catches as he exemplified the offensive struggles the team had this past season.
Trumaine McBride took over for the injury plagued Webster last season, but McBride is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, unless he re-signs with the Giants before March 11th. Bear Pascoe, Larry Donnell and Adrien Robinson are other tight ends on Big Blue's roster. But Pascoe is also a free agent and not a true receiving threat, while Robinson and Donnell have little experience.
Also, the team recently signed ex-Patriots tight end Daniel Fells to a reserve/futures deal to compete at the position this off season.
The G-men could opt to select a tight end like Eric Ebron of North Carolina or Jace Amaro of Texas Tech in the upcoming college draft, but it is probably not likely as the team has a plethora of roster needs.


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Tyree Talton
Position: DB
Height: 5-11 Weight: 201 lbs.
Born: May 10, 1976 in Beloit, WI
High School: Turner
College: Northern Iowa
Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 5th round (137th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft.
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 0 (15060th overall since 1950)
Sponsor this page for $5 and help Pro-Football-Reference.com provide this service. Your message will replace this ad.


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The Wanderer
by Anonymous
Lines 1-5 Summary
Get out the microscope, because we're going through this poem line-by-line.
Lines 1-5
Often the lone-dweller waits for favor,
mercy of the Measurer, though he unhappy
across the seaways long time must
stir with his hands the rime-cold sea,
tread exile tracks. Fate is established!
- This opening section is like a mini-prologue that sets up the initial situation of the poem: we have a mysterious character, the "lone-dweller," who is apparently in exile. Exile for him means being forced to travel across the icy sea.
- Despite the fact that the lone-dweller is in this desperate situation, the opening line injects a note of hope, since the man is waiting for favor or mercy. He's hopeful that his situation will get better.
- The translator has translated the Old English anhaga as "lone-dweller." Sometimes, though, it's translated as "solitary one." In any case, the message is clear: this guy is totally, completely alone and isolated.
- The "Measurer" here refers to God. We wonder why God is called that, rather than something like "the Creator" or just God. The reason might have to do with the fact that the Old English word for mercy, miltse, begins with an "m" just like the word for measurer, metod, creating alliteration (metudes miltse). But that can't be the whole reason. Do you have a guess? What might God be measuring?
- The image of the lone-dweller "stirring" the rime-cold sea with his hands is probably just a way of saying that he's rowing a boat. ("Rime," by the way, means "frost.") But adding that bit about the rime makes the lone-dweller's situation seem even more desperate. It's like he's a body without even the protection of a boat, being tossed about on the waves. He's "stirring" the icy sea with his own hands? Brrrrr!
- "Exile-tracks" is also sometimes translated as the "paths of exile." The lone-dweller must go the way that all exiles before him have gone – he must travel alone through an inhospitable, cold landscape.
- The introduction of fate in the final line, in Old English wyrd, introduces the Old English poetic idea of uncontrollable destiny. It makes us think that, although the lone-dweller is hoping for a turnaround in his situation, his destiny may not allow for that. It also makes us wonder about the relationship of God and fate, since both of them seem to have some control over what happens to the lone-dweller. Are they one and the same?


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|Home > RNJ > 2011 > March/April > Memory Matters in Assisted Living
Memory Matters in Assisted Living
Memory loss often signifies loss of independence, which is a growing concern for residents in assisted living (AL) facilities. The purpose of this exploratory study was to characterize the memory experiences and concerns of AL residents. Six residents voluntarily participated in 1-hour recorded interviews focusing on memory and guided by eight open-ended questions. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Subjects reported varying degrees of memory loss they found frightening and frustrating, but also accepted the loss as a natural part of the aging process. Concerns focused primarily on inability to recall staff and resident names and activities, schedules, and appointments. Understanding memory experiences and concerns is important for nursing staff members who care for AL residents. Memory challenges identified by these residents were used to develop a memory intervention for older adults residents of this and other AL facilities. Improving cognitive skills may help AL residents maintain their functional abilities, enabling them to "age in place" in AL.
Learning and information retention are imperative to functioning successfully and performing activities of daily living. The images and impressions that are memories from one's past act as a deterrent or support for future actions. Intact memory elevates a sense of independence and contributes to improved quality of life. As described by one group of researchers, "Forgetfulness is more than a simple loss of information and becomes real through its impact on skills and everyday meaningful know-how" (Imhof, Wallhagen, Mahrer-Imhof, & Monsch, 2006, p. 351).
Residents in assisted living (AL) facilities are at a pivotal point in their life. Although they need supportive care or supervision, they can maintain a certain level of independence. Consequently, AL is the fastest-growing residential care choice among older adults. Many AL residents fear a possible future move to a nursing home, however (Aud & Rantz, 2005; Williams & Warren, 2008, 2009). They have seen friends and family go through similar situations, and they value their independence and strive to maintain it for as long as possible. Gathering information about the memory experiences of this population may increase healthcare providers' understanding of the limitations of those with memory impairment. Increased understanding of AL resident experiences and perceptions of memory loss may lead to nursing interventions that will increase the quality of supportive care received in AL facilities.
Literature Review
The causes, effects, and treatments of memory changes in the aging population are topics of increasing interest to researchers in the United States. Memory training research and commercial products now target older adults based on the premise that "use it or lose it" applies to both cognitive and physical abilities in aging. Older adults increasingly are concerned about their memory performance due to increased awareness of the risk for and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Normal age-associated reductions in short-term working memory and memory processing speed may be confused with signs of an early pathological cognitive disorder. Many older adults fear cognitive decline because it may lead to loss of self-concept or personhood. Memory loss and other cognitive loss also threaten self-care abilities and independent living, which universally are valued by older adults (Cutler & Hodgson, 1996; McDougall, 2000; Saczynski & Rebok, 2004).
Research has established a trajectory of performance decline on a variety of cognitive abilities including memory with aging (Schaie & Zanjani, 2006). By age 60, nearly all people demonstrate some measurable decline in cognitive performance. More significant impairments that affect daily functioning typically are present during the 70s. Memory self-efficacy, or the perception of one's memory abilities, also declines with age and may negatively impact quality of life and participation in social activities that rely on memory. Memory lapses or "senior moments" are frustrating and embarrassing for older adults who do not want to be labeled as forgetful (Imhof et al., 2006). Memory decline has emotional and physical effects and may limit the ways in which a person functions in his or her daily routines that are essential to independent living (Imhof et al.; Willis et al., 2006).
Memory training interventions have been shown to significantly increase memory performance and memory self-efficacy (McDougall, 2002). Evidence supports the effectiveness of memory strategies, including mnemonic strategies, visualization, association, attention, and external memory aids for improving memory in older adults (Willis et al., 2006). Saczynski and Rebok (2004) demonstrated that memory decline can be slowed or reversed with the use of memory interventions that focus on modeling and practicing strategies specific to the tasks that require memory. Interventions have been successful in improving both the cognitive and emotional aspects of memory performance of older adults, but to this point research has focused on community-dwelling older adults. Limited research has tested cognitive interventions to improve memory and other cognitive functions in older adults who require supportive care in residential long-term care settings (McDougall, 2002; Williams, 2008). Older adults in AL have great potential to benefit from interventions that improve or maintain memory, and these interventions may enable them to continue living in AL in supported independence.
Purpose and Problem
The goal of this pilot study was to identify AL residents' memory issues as a basis to develop an AL-specific training program to support memory. An additional goal was to identify variables that influence AL residents' ability to remember. Based on the Health Belief Model (Becker, 1974), questions were designed to address memory loss perceptions of residents, barriers to remembering, resources residents used as memory supports, and actions residents would be willing to try to overcome barriers and improve their memory. Answers to these questions may provide insight into the challenges this population faces and will prove valuable for developing memory training interventions targeting the specific needs of AL residents.
A qualitative content analysis of guided interviews focusing on memory experiences was used to uncover information about memory issues encountered by AL residents. Approval to conduct the study was obtained from the university institutional review board. AL facility personnel provided a letter of agreement indicating their willingness to allow the research team to conduct the study on site. Interviews were conducted to elicit responses from the resident participants. Interviews were guided by questions or prompts and audio was recorded.
Subjects were recruited from an AL facility that was home to 40 residents in northeastern Kansas. The facility had expressed interest in participating in nursing research to improve care for residents. The research team announced the research opportunity at a resident council meeting and later recruited residents who requested the staff have the research team contact them to explain the study opportunity.
Four of the six subjects who volunteered were women and two were men. Five identified themselves as Caucasian and one was African American. The participants ranged in age from 77 to 89 (M = 82) years old. The residents had lived in the AL facility for 9 months to 4 years (M = 1.5 years). One resident had a graduate degree, one had a high school diploma, and the others had post-high school educations. Residents each had between 4 and 10 medical diagnoses, including chronic medical conditions. The number of prescribed medications ranged from 8 to 14. Fifty percent of the subjects reported they had been diagnosed with a minor form of dementia, but dementia was not documented in their AL medical records, and their Mini-Mental State Examination scores ranged between 25 and 30. All participants were responsible for decision making regarding their care in AL; were able to summarize the goals, activities, and risks of the study; provide signed informed consent; and respond appropriately to the interview questions. Recruitment of subjects continued until completed interviews demonstrated data saturation.
The interviews took place in residents' apartments. This provided a comfortable and private environment for the residents. This setting was chosen to aid in the elicitation of sensitive personal information about emotions triggered by memory loss.
Eight interview questions were developed based on current literature about memory loss and aging guided by the Health Belief Model. The questions were reviewed by a qualitative expert consultant (Warren & Williams, 2008). Minor modifications were made to the interview questions (Table 1). After extensive discussion and modeling of the interview questions and format, the investigators conducted the individual interviews.
The length of interviews ranged between 8 and 50 minutes, with the average interview length being 29 minutes. Each resident consented to be recorded during the interview process. Portable minidisc recorders were used during each interview. At the end of each interview, the research team member summarized the information given by the resident. Interviews continued until the investigators concluded that novel responses to the questions were exhausted (data saturation was achieved). Demographic data were obtained from the AL medical records of each participant.
The recordings were archived in digital audio Wav (Waveform audio format) files in a secure computer. Using the Transcript Builder program Version 1.9.1 (Thinking Publications, Greenville, SC), the interviews were transcribed verbatim to allow for further analysis.
Data Analysis
Qualitative content analysis was used to evaluate the transcripts and involved a color-coded system that reflected the interview questions. Before analysis, both investigators (the authors of this paper) reviewed all transcripts to become familiar with the data and form an overall impression of the responses. Deductive analysis then was used, guided by the Health Belief Model and the interview questions (Elo & Kyngas, 2007; Hsieh & Shannon, 2005). The two investigators agreed on the categories for the analyses and jointly coded a partial transcript; this prompted discussion of the rationale for category assignment, clarification of the categories, and development and revision of written operational definitions.
Several training sessions were held. Each guided interview question was assigned a color. Each utterance (sentence) or group of utterances that fit each question category were color-coded (highlighted) according to the corresponding interview question color. We achieved 90% agreement on category assignment on a separately coded transcript. We resolved the coding discrepancies, and the first author continued to code the remaining interview transcripts.
To assure trustworthiness of data coding, both authors individually coded one-third of the total transcripts in the sample. Interrater agreement on coding was 90% for identifying topic content (interrater coding in qualitative research is an established method to demonstrate reliability). There is disagreement about the proportion of a sample that should be jointly coded, however. Some qualitative methodologists do not believe that intercoder reliability is warranted in true qualitative research in which the coder is considered an instrument to subjectively interpret data (Carey, 2009; Elo & Kyngas, 2007; Hsieh & Shannon, 2005).
After all of the initial color coding was complete, all information pertaining to each category was compiled. This compilation helped the researchers to identify trends and reach conclusions about the data correlating to each interview question.
Findings are summarized for each of the eight interview question categories (Table 1).
1. Do you feel that your memory is not as good as it used to be? All of the residents participating in the study said their memory was not as good as it used to be. Residents A, E, and F stated that their short-term memory function is lower than it used to be. Residents A and E attributed their loss of memory to medical conditions including visual impairments and stroke. Although residents A, B, D, and E admitted they experienced some level of memory loss, all participants emphasized their current ability to retain memory. Words and phrases such as "fortunate," "made good time," and "long-term memory is almost perfect" reflect this optimistic view of memory loss. Residents C and F revealed that their memory loss was a slow process, stating that it came on "gradually" and it "sneaks up on you."
2. Please tell me about the first time you noticed your memory was not as good as it used to be. None of the six residents could recall the first time they noticed their memory was not as good as it used to be.
3. Describe another situation when you could not remember something. All of the residents could describe a separate instance during which their memory failed them. Situations in which the residents' memory failed them included trying to remember names of neighbors and staff, breakfast items, and crossword puzzle clues and answers; trying to follow multistep instructions and answer direct questions; and ¨misplacing items. Residents A and E reported difficulty with remembering and accomplishing multistep directions/tasks. During the interview, Resident A played an answering machine message that detailed a multistep process to reach the caller. This process seemed daunting to this resident, who stated, "Now I have to rem … the thing is I have to remember tomorrow and in the meantime I have to find out how to call her. And then I have to go through the process of calling her. So for me those are difficult things."
4. How did this make you feel? All of the residents used negative terms to describe their feelings toward memory loss. Common language included the words frustrating, confusing, mad, nervous, embarrassing, worry, and lost. Other negative descriptions included fear, scary, strange, terrible, disbelief, hate, uncomfortable, and aggravating. Resident E felt "less than adequate," as a result of memory loss. Resident A said that not being able to remember and function in certain situations can be "taxing." Resident C recalled an example from a previous shopping experience: "It's just scary. When you think, 'Gosh I don't remember what door I came out of or what store I was at' and . . . it, it, uh, makes you think about a lot of things." The decreased ability to remember can become dangerous. Recounting an experience that almost resulted in a traffic incident, Resident E felt it was scary "because not only are you a danger to others, you're a danger to yourself."
Although all of the residents held negative views toward memory loss, five of six reported they tried to maintain a positive attitude about their memory. Resident A said, "I don't let it defeat me." When encountering memory loss, Resident C tries to "pass it off" or make "a joke of it." Resident B simply said "You can't reverse the aging process."
5. What kinds of things do you tend to forget? and 6. Are there particular situations that make it harder to remember? All six residents reported trouble remembering names. Resident E said, "I do have great difficulty remembering peoples' names. I can remember the old, older people that I knew years ago. I can almost name all of them but I can't…something happened." The residents felt they had trouble remembering many types of items or situations. These included names (objects, people, places), placement of items, events and appointments, conversations, directions, date and time, tasks (multistep), addresses, telephone numbers, current events, and reading material (newspaper articles and books). Resident C emphasized a specific problem: "I can put things away where I think I know right where they are and they're not there." Most participants shared concerns about remembering telephone numbers and addresses. Resident E carried notes with the address and telephone number of the AL residence when going shopping or to appointments. "I carry two or three of 'em in my pocket so I can always get home."
The residents attributed their memory impairment to several factors. Resident A thought that visual impairment made it more difficult to remember. Residents B and D believed their hearing impairments hindered their ability to remember. Resident C said that crowded situations made it harder to remember because this resident "[didn't] want to miss anything." Resident F said that loud situations caused distraction that made it harder to remember.
7. Do you use any techniques to help you remember things? Resident A was the only participant who reported using self-testing techniques. Resident A would name each medication and its purpose before taking it. This resident stated, "I really had a little purpose in it. I was testing my own mind and I'm educating [the other residents] that these are valuable things that you take." Resident A also participated in a group crossword puzzle exercise. Resident A said, "It's, it's good for my mind…I like to do this and I still get my share, I think."
Many of the residents shared common techniques to help them remember, including written reminders, lists, calendars, routine placement of objects, connection and association, and repetition. Resident E used photo albums, journals, and other written records to help remember important events and dates. One resident said, "I have these stickers all over everything. If you were to ask me, 'Well, what's your phone number?' I don't know, but I'll have to look it up. 'Where do you stay?' I don't really know, but I'll look it up." These stickers were written notes placed on tables, telephones, and even carried in this resident's pocket. Resident D explained why repetition helped preserve memory: "You have an easier time remembering somebody's name that you, you know, see every day then you do somebody you haven't seen for a while."
8. If you were able to participate in a memory training class would you do so? Why or why not? All of the participants expressed interest in participating in a memory training class. Resident A hoped to get "a little faster response on my part" from a class if it were offered. Resident C stated there was no particular reason for wanting to participate in a class, but noted potential advantages in being able to, "remember upcoming dates, you know, without having to write out a calendar or something like that." Resident D said that gaining knowledge about techniques "that would refresh your memory" would be helpful and useful in his or her daily activities. Resident E said there was not a specific thing he or she would like to get out of the class; instead, the resident, "just hope[s] to remember more."
Our ability to remember declines as we age. This decline often leaves older adults troubled by memory loss. All of the AL resident participants reported memory challenges and concerns. Our findings may not be generalizable to other older adult populations due to the unique responses of older adults in residential care settings (Warren & Williams, 2008). Although data saturation was achieved, the memory issues described by our convenience sample may not be representative of other older adults in AL residency. However, the information provided and consensus among our subjects provides a starting point with which to design a memory training intervention for AL populations.
All of the residents expressed difficulty remembering names, dates, and appointment times. Telephone numbers, past conversations, and addresses were other areas of concern. Although all of these participants experienced memory loss, they could compensate for their decreased ability to remember. Many residents used calendars, lists, and written notes as reminders throughout their day. One resident used self-testing methods to sharpen memory abilities. Others relied on written records, photo albums, special placement of objects, and association techniques to strengthen their ability to remember.
The interviews also revealed sensitive details about the emotional toll of memory loss. Words such as frustrating, confusing, nervous, and embarrassing were used when discussing the hardships of memory loss. Although all of the residents held negative views of their memory loss, five of the six participants expressed a positive outlook on their experiences with memory loss. Memory loss is a process that all older people will experience at some point in their lives. This study identified common themes regarding the ways in which memory loss is perceived and experienced by members of the AL population.
Implications for Nursing Practice
Nurses strive for excellence in helping patients to achieve optimal wellness. Understanding patient perspectives regarding health and mental health issues is vital to tailoring interventions that result in quality care. This study identified important aspects of the memory experiences of AL residents that may inform nursing practice. Nurses may assist residents by being sensitive to and supporting memory abilities. AL nursing staff may be able to provide care that is less reliant on highly functional memory ability and can reinforce residents' previously successful memory strategies. For example, staff should consistently wear name tags, and using table place cards in the dining room may reduce memory demands for AL residents. Care can become more personalized as nursing staff and residents share memories. Staff also can learn to increase their knowledge about useful memory techniques and share this knowledge with residents during routine care or activities. Knowledgeable care providers can teach residents specific strategies to address their memory challenges. These techniques, when reinforced in the AL environment and shared with other residents, may increase independence and self-esteem. Improved memory self-efficacy may encourage AL resident participation in social and recreational activities. The ability to recall names is considered polite during many social activities, and this ability can enhance quality of life.
This study was conducted to develop a memory training program tailored for an AL resident population, adding to the few cognitive interventions specifically targeting older adults in AL (McDougall, 2000; Williams, 2008). The findings provided the background to develop a memory training program targeting AL residents. The Memory Exercises in Assisted Living (MEAL) intervention was pilot tested in a small sample of AL residents. The MEAL pilot study results are reported in a separate article (Williams, manuscript submitted for publication).
This study established that learning practical strategies to remember and recall names of other AL residents and staff (a need identified by all subjects in our study) is a priority for AL residents. Memory training for AL residents may take place in a formal program or informally during care activities. Teaching a variety of approaches to remember names may be required to meet the needs of diverse residents. Additional AL-specific memory topics should include recall of phone numbers, appointments, and schedules; the ability to locate objects around the apartment; and the efficient use of external memory aids (notes and lists). Group classes can spotlight residents who are willing to share their favorite memory strategy with others. Understanding the memory-encoding and recall process may increase an older adult's perceived control of and confidence in their memory abilities. Negative attitudes, embarrassment, and fear about memory loss also must be addressed and confidentiality assured for participants. Educating older adults about normal reductions in memory (in contrast to pathological cognitive decline) may provide reassurance and promote successful adaptation.
All of the residents in this study expressed an interest and were receptive to the idea of possible improvement or maintenance of their current memory performance. Common memory loss experiences will dictate content that is meaningful and applicable to AL residents. Increasing the awareness of memory experiences will help nurses working with older adults in a variety of settings to optimize memory performance and improve quality of care.
This research was supported by the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health (BIRCWH) K-12 Award to Dr. Williams at Kansas University Medical Center School of Medicine, HD052027, P. Thomas PI.
About the Authors
Jenna Asha Malini Marchant, BS RN, is a staff nurse at Truman Medical Centers Hospital Hill, Kansas City, KS.
Kristine N. Williams, PhD RN, is an associate professor at the University of Kansas School of Nursing, Kansas City, KS. Addresss correspondence to her at email@example.com.
Aud, M. A., & Rantz, M. (2005). Admissions to skilled nursing facilities from assisted living facilities. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 20(1), 16–25.
Becker, M. H. (Ed.). (1974). The Health Belief Model and personal health behavior. Health Education Monographs, 2, 324–473.
Carey, J. W. (2009). Intercoder agreement in analysis of responses to open-ended interview questions: Examples from tuberculosis research. Cultural Anthropology Methods, 8, 1–5.
Cutler, S., & Hodgson, L. (1996). Anticipatory dementia: A link between memory appraisals and concerns about developing Alzheimer's disease. The Gerontologist, 36, 657–664.
Elo, S., & Kyngas, H. (2007). The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62(1), 107–115.
Hsieh, H. F., & Shannon, S. E. (2005). Three approaches to qualitative content analysis. Qualitative Health Research, 15, 1277–1288.
Imhof, L., Wallhagen, M., Mahrer-Imhof, R., & Monsch, A. (2006). Becoming forgetful: How elderly people deal with forgetfulness in everyday life. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, 21, 347–353.
McDougall, G. (2000). Memory improvement in assisted living elders. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 21, 217–233.
McDougall, G. (2002). Memory improvement in octogenarians. Applied Nursing Research, 15, 2–10.
Saczynski, J., & Rebok, G. (2004). Strategies for memory improvement in older adults. Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing eJournal, 4(1), 1–11.
Schaie, K. W., & Zanjani, F. (2006). Intellectual development across adulthood. In C. Hoare (Ed.), Oxford handbook of adult development and learning (pp. 99–122). New York: Oxford University Press.
Warren, C., & Williams, K. (2008). Interviewing residents in assisted living. Qualitative Sociology, 31, 407–424.
Williams, K. (2008). Reasoning exercises in assisted living (REAL): A feasibility study. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 29, 797–816.
Williams, K. (Accepted for publication). Targeting memory improvement in assisted living: A pilot study. Rehabilitation Nursing.
Williams, K., & Warren, C. (2008). Assisted living and the aging trajectory. Journal of Women and Aging, 20(3/4), 309–327.
Williams, K. N., & Warren, C. A. B. (2009). Communication in assisted living. Journal of Aging Studies, 23(1).
Willis, S., Tennstedt, S., Marsiske, M., Ball, K., Elias, J., Mann Koepke, K., et al. (2006). Long-term effects of cognitive training on everyday functional outcomes in older adults. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 296, 2805–2814.


text:
"It's not just a workout for Mom, it's an enriching experience for Baby"
What is the "Happy Baby" Workout?
The Happy Baby Workout is a unique exercise training routine for Mom and Baby designed to benefit them both and strengthen their bond. Moms get to exercise, and the baby builds valuable coordination skills, develops his brain, and gets "tummy time" to build strength in his neck muscles. The program is revolutionary in its approach to combining mom and baby fitness along with early childhood development lessons.
The Happy Baby Workout was designed by the sister power team duo of Fitness Expert, Dulcinea Lee Hellings and Early Childhood Educator, Andrea Vickers.
"Happy Baby" Workout Benefits:
1. Mom gets Fit
2. Baby gets Tummy Time
3. No baby sitter or gym required
4. Baby develops fine and gross motor skills
5. Mom and Baby get quality "play time" through exercise
6. Baby's mind is stimulated for learning
7. Mom rebuilds core strength
8. Baby's sensory development is unparallel
9. Mom and Baby increase their flexibility
10. Mom and Baby develop a unique and lasting bond
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What is the workout like?
How does it help my baby develop?
Incorporated in the Happy Baby workout are various strength training moves using your baby for resistance, interactive Mom and Baby exercises where the baby receives quality Tummy Time, and also some fun exercise drills where your baby can learn and be entertained by you. The Happy Baby exercises we include employ movements for the baby that help develop their coordination and brain function, ensuring they grow into smart and adept little children…all while you as a Mom are getting fit.
Do I need a sitter when I do the workout?
You don't need a gym with a childcare center and you don't need to hire a sitter when you go for a workout. You can have the satisfaction of caring for yourself and your baby all at once with the Happy Baby Workout plan. You can fit in exercise as a mom, there is a way….the Happy Baby Workout!
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If you want your pre-baby body back, if you need to strengthen your core after birth, if you need new ways for baby tummy time, if you need a good after pregnancy workout -- HAPPY BABY WORKOUT IS FOR YOU!
If you need help getting back in shape after pregnancy, if you want to help baby meet milestones, if you need creative mom and baby exercises, if you need to get fit after baby -- HAPPY BABY WORKOUT IS FOR YOU!
If you are looking for new mom fitness, if you have the baby blues, if you want to help baby develop, if you have pregnancy weight to lose -- HAPPY BABY WORKOUT IS FOR YOU!
From Dulcinea, your Fitness Expert:
When you begin the HBW, be sure and make your health and safety and that of your baby a priority. Wither you have just received clearance from you doctor or if you have been cleared for a while, pay attention to your bodies signs. Be sure and apply the workout modifications when needed and if at any point you do not feel comfortable with the hold you have on your baby, put him/her down and rest. It will take time to build up your strength and endurance. Be patience and know that it will all come in time.
A note from Andrea your Early Childhood Education Specialist:
The HBW is a truly an enriching and stimulating experience for you baby. Don't be surprised if your baby doesn't make it thru the workout the first few times. You may see your little one rubbing their eyes or looking away and even acting a little 'cranky' in the beginning. Just as you are building you're your muscles, your baby is building their stamina. The more you do the workouts, the more your baby will adjust to the stimulation, so give them time and aim to make it a little farther into the workout each time you do it. The hbw is a fabulous workout for you, and it is truly wonderful boding experience for you and your baby as well. Take care of yourself as you begin your workout routines and keep it a positive experience for your baby as well, pay attention to their signals as you ease them into to the workout. Most of all enjoy this time with your baby knowing that with each move, you are burning calories and building muscles and your baby is working on their sensory development, fine and gross motor development, brain development and so much more.
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Real New Mom Story
I was so stressed after I had my new baby for so many reasons. Like many new moms I had a new baby, a small child, family and work all to take care of at the same time and going to the gym was a struggle.
I really wanted my pre-baby body back but I felt guilty about going to the gym and leaving my responsibilities behind. I hated the way my new pregnancy belly looked and I was desperate to get back in to some sort of shape but I had no idea how I could find the time or energy to do anything about it.
Even before my baby I was really worried. I didn't know how I would I get back in to shape afterwards. This was my second child, I am 37 years old, and honestly I kind of let myself go during the second pregnancy. I did workout during pregnancy with my first child, but not this time, and I was significantly larger than after the birth of my first.
I got really depressed about my baby belly, especially after Jackson was born, and with it being a C-section delivery this time, I was terrified that I would never get my pre-baby body back like I wanted. I felt doomed to have "baby belly" forever.
After a little searching online, I found the Happy Baby Workout DVD and seemed like the perfect answer to my "get in shape after baby" plan. I could workout at home with my baby and the routine seemed fun and interesting for both Jackson and I.
Within days of starting the workout I was getting compliments like "wow, you look great for just having a baby," "how did you lose the pregnancy weight," and "you look like such a happy new mom." Within 2 weeks I had lost 8 lbs and that gave me motivation to keep going! Now after 4 months of 3x/wk doing the Happy Baby Workout, I am back in my old clothes and I feel incredible!
All the fear I had about losing my baby belly and the weight I'd gained have been subsided thanks to the Happy Baby Workout. It is a cute, fun, effective workout that I actually enjoyed doing every week with Jackson. He loved it too! Whenever I put the DVD in to start, Jackson would get excited and start to coo. And the best part of it all is I could get the job done at home and make time for my family
--Milly Joshua, Grand Rapids MI
40 minute interactive Mom and Baby exercise routine
"Happy Baby" DVD's are HERE!
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Lose the Baby Weight -- you can do it!
BEFORE & AFTER 7 mos
Andrea lost 56 lbs in 7 mos!!!
"I am proud to say that 3 ½ months after beginning to do the Happy Baby Workout I have to date lost 42lbs"
"It has also been such a joy to know that my workouts are anything but selfish; they are actually beneficial to my baby"
"I was able to watch my Baby roll over for the first time as we did the work out and that was truly exciting"
"At his 6 month check-up, the nurse was impressed by how well he was already sitting up, reaching and made several comments as to how alert he was"
Get your body back after baby -- you can do it!
Watch the Video to see REAL Moms and babies getting fit at home with the Happy Baby Workout method.
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Get Fit after Baby -- you can do it!
The Happy Baby Workout is a unique and special way for Moms to get fit with their baby, there is no other exercise plan for Mom's to date quite like the Happy Baby Workout. Yes, working out with your baby is not a totally new thing, but developing the baby's mind while you are working out? Yes, that is a totally revolutionary thing. Every exercise in the Happy Baby Workout series has not just the Mom's fitness, but the baby's development in mind. From warm up to cardio to strength and then stretch Mom and baby interact with each other and get healthy as a family.
The Original "Happy Baby" Gary Vickers
Get your pre baby body back -- you can do it!
"Happy Baby" DVD's are HERE!
SPECIAL SALE only $15.99 through 9/15/16!
Losing the Baby weight can be hard for many new moms. Helping your Baby meet milestones can be hard for new moms. That's why we created the Happy Baby Workout interactive mom and baby exercise program.
With the Happy Baby Workout new mom fitness program you can lose the Baby Weight and bond with your Baby at the same time.
Gaining pregnancy weight and struggling to get back in shape after birth can lead to post pardum depression and difficulties bonding with baby.
With the Happy Baby mom and baby fitness routine you can workout after pregnancy, lose the baby weight, battle the baby blues, and help your babies brain development.
Get your Pre-baby body back -- you can do it!
Going to the gym to workout after pregnancy can be tough for a new mom and the baby. There aren't many good gyms with childcare centers you can trust, and its hard to get your post baby workout on if you are constantly worried about your baby.
You don't need a gym with good childcare when you do the Happy Baby Workout for moms and babies. You can spend quality time bonding with your baby and losing the baby weight right at home.
Finding tummy time exercises for your baby can be a challenge...as a new mom you know how hard it is to get a baby to enjoy its tummy time.
In the Happy Baby Workout new mom fitness program we offer lots of tummy time ideas as we incorporate it into the workout. Several of the Happy Baby mom and baby exercises give your baby the tummy time he needs to grow strong.
What is the "Happy Baby" Workout?
The Happy Baby Workout is a unique exercise training routine for Mom and Baby designed to benefit them both and strengthen their bond. Moms get to exercise, and the baby builds valuable coordination skills, develops his brain, and gets "tummy time" to build strength in his neck muscles. The program is revolutionary in its approach to combining mom and baby fitness along with early childhood development lessons.
The Happy Baby Workout was designed by the sister power team duo of Fitness Expert, Dulcinea Lee Hellings and Early Childhood Educator, Andrea Vickers.
Special SALE only $15.99 through 9/15/16!
Lose the Pregnancy Weight -- you can do it!
The Happy Baby Workout new mom fitness program with mom and baby exercises helps moms in lots of ways...
If you need help getting back in shape after baby, if you have postpartum depresssion, if you need creative ways to bond with baby, if you need to lose the baby weight -- HAPPY BABY WORKOUT IS FOR YOU!
If you want your pre-baby body back, if you need to strengthen your core after birth, if you need new ways for baby tummy time, if you need a good after pregnancy workout -- HAPPY BABY WORKOUT IS FOR YOU!
If you need help getting back in shape after pregnancy, if you want to help baby meet milestones, if you need creative mom and baby exercises, if you need to get fit after baby -- HAPPY BABY WORKOUT IS FOR YOU!
If you are looking for new mom fitness, if you have the baby blues, if you want to help baby develop, if you have pregnancy weight to lose -- HAPPY BABY WORKOUT IS FOR YOU!
BEFORE AND AFTER 7 mos
This is my first time to ever do a blog, but for the first time, I have started to loose my baby weight and I want to share my story with with other moms out there so you know your not alone.
With my daughter, I was found a wonderful mom's group to be a part of and truly benefited from the sharing of tips and ideas on how to make tummy time fun, ways to enhance babies development and so much more. It is my hope that through this blog I can offer some of the same comforts and suggestions to other mom's out there through my early childhood degree, experience (failures and successes) and other mom's stories and advice as well.
I will start by letting you know that I am, my husband and I will have been married 11 years this September. We have a Consulting business that we run out of our home and Brian is a member of the National Guard Reserves. I am a proud mother of two. My daughter Emma is now 4 1/2. She encompasses the three S's: spunky, smart and stubborn. My pregnancy with her was so perfect, she was two weeks late and I could have carried her forever. My son Gary just turned 9 months and he is the sweetest little guy with the biggest smile you have ever seen...except when he's hungry, then look out. My pregnancy with him was not as much fun. I was sick the first 4 months, heartburn, exhausted and my face broke out like I was 16 again.
I did enjoy both pregnancy's to the fullest and with Emma gained 48lbs and with Gary gained 38lbs. After I had Emma, I had a hard time loosing the weight, I was so into the 'mom' mode and worried about her development, focusing my everything on her, the house, my husband, that I never really took time to take care of me. With Gary, I knew I had to make myself a priority and start to take care of me. In future entries, I hope to share with you my troubles with weight loss and how I have found a way to combine spending time with Gary and loosing weight in a way that is developmentally benifical to Gary.
Thanks for being a part of my BLOG.
In my fist blog, I mentioned the weight that I piled on while I enjoyed both of my pregnancy's. After I had Emma (now 41/2) I just had a hard time losing the weight. I so enjoyed just laying around and playing with her and when I did load her up and take her to the gym with me...I was called out after the first 5 minutes to get her because she was crying. Eventually, I just gave up on going to the gym. I became comfortable with my body (then 40+lbs heavier) and my husband was so loving that I just bought clothes in a bigger size and soon was ok with my new shape. As Emma got older, I soon realized that I didn't want to pass on my bad eating and exercise habits to her. I started going to the gym and eating better. I was able to lose close to 25 lbs...then I found out I was pregnant with Gary! I was scared. It was so hard for me to loose the weight after having Emma, what was I thinking putting my body thru this again. I wasn't going to wait. I was going to get the jump on it this time. I tried working out while I was pregnant with Gary, but wow, carrying a boy sure was different. I was so tired all the time and it looked like a swallowed a basketball, my sense of balance was thrown. I did find enjoyment in water aerobics and it did help to keep me from gaining as much weight as I had with my daughter. Even though I was working out several times a week, I still managed to pack on 38lbs. Now, 10lbs 1oz of that was my actual baby, that's right, he was a big guy from the get go, but that left over lbs that I had to take off on top of the 40lbs I had from before. I turned to my sister who was is a fitness instructor in L.A.. At Christmas, she brought out a workout routine for me that was fabulous! I was counting the days until my doctor was going to clear me so I could get started.
You know what they say about the best made plans. A month after I was cleared to workout, Dulcie called to check on my workouts, almost in tears I had to let her know that Gary was quite the mommies boy and if it didn't involve me holding him, it wasn't happening. She really listened, understood and took everything I had to say to heart. Within a week she called me and had some exercises for me to do that involved Gary. I loved them and was craving more. She continued to build and build upon what she was giving me and it was starting to turn into a workout. Being an early childhood educator, I was more than excited for me, I was excited for Gary. With a few additions or position changes to Gary, my workout was also benefical to his development. Before I knew it, Dulcie and I were working together to form the Happy Baby Workout (www.happybabyworkout.com). It saved me. I started doing it in rough edition when Gary was 5 months old and continue to do it to this day. Gary is now 10 months and I am happy to say that in less than 5 months. I have lost almost 50lbs. Pictures will soon be posted on our website of me after Gary was born and new pics of me now. I still have a little ways to go. My goal is to loose 25 more lbs which will put me back to the weight I was before I got pregnant with Emma. It was amazing to not have to worry about packing up Gary and leaving him in a gym daycare crying. I was able to bond with him on our time, in my home and at our pace. For those of you out there looking to make the most of you time with your baby and looking to shed a few lbs, check out our website and the Happy Baby Workout. Next time I will blog a bit about the benefits of the workout for the baby...can't wait!
I love my children, I mean I really love them as much as any mother could. My daughter was so great when she was a baby. She didn't nap much, but she slept thru the night and most important, she could entertain herself. When I was cooking dinner, she would play with the pots and pans, I could play with her on the floor then get up to take care of something and then come back and love on her again. My son...there was no issue with bonding, he was the most clingy little monkey known to man. Almost to the point where it was overboard attachment, it was almost the opposite of bonding, I was just wanting a few minutes to cook with two hands, jump up and grab something...anything. Especially when it came to having a little me time. Going to the gym with my daughter was always hard, but I could at least get a little workout in here and there with her playing off on the side, but not with Gary.
That's why I was so relieved to have the Happy Baby Workout come along, I was able to workout, relieve some tension and stress and find a way to make it special between the two of us. The workout allowed us to spend time together and bond in a new and unique way. Throughout the workout Gary was up and down and having such a good time, I was able to see the joy in his face and able to really enjoy it since i knew that with all the fun he was having, i was having some 'me' time by getting in my workout. I was elated to see him roll over for the first time while doing the kissy baby push-ups and to watch him grow and strengthen and really enjoy tummy time while doing the super baby was truly and exciting moment. Through the workout I was able to really bond with him and enjoy that face to face one on one time. And through giving him so much undivided attention during the workout, Gary not only took fabulous naps (which gave me some great time to myself), but it also helped to build some independence in Gary as well. Knowing we had that solid time together everyday, he began to take some time to himself and not fuss if I got up to grab a drink or answed the phone. The Happy Baby Workout really helped me find the way to enjoy the clingy time Gary and I had and turned it into so much more!
Why is Tummy Time such a big deal?
So how do we as parents go about making it more enjoyable for them? Get on the floor with the baby, clap, squeak a toy, make noises and silly faces so they are distracted during this time. As the baby gets older you can play little games with them, be on the floor face to face, have a little toy give them a kiss on the nose or make a funny sound and tickle their neck, then pull the toy back towards you. This will encourage the baby to reach out for the toy and track it with their eyes. And don't just think that tummy time means you have to have the baby flat on the floor on their belly. That is the ideal, but there are so many fun ways to incorporate tummy time into your everyday play and even into your workouts (check out www.happybabyworkout.com for more details). Take the tummy time recommendations seriously, but enjoy that time with your baby. Make it fun for the both of you!
How often does your baby laugh?
My daughter is tall, slender with blond hair and killer blue eyes, but she at the same time is the biggest goof ball you have ever come across. I always tell people that when she gets older I see her being the one people look at and say "I bet she is prom queen or head cheerleader' and then I say 'nope, she was voted class clown!" I love her laughter, it will literally fill a room and it's contagious on top of that. She can make my 14 month old son smile and laugh like there is no tomorrow. Some times as adults we get stressed, overworked and loose that ability to just let it all go and be silly. At times I catch myself telling Emma 'that's enough' or to 'calm down' but when I really check in with myself, I realize that maybe i'm not enjoying it enough. Don't get me wrong, out in public or at the dinner table good manners must always be in full swing, but in the early evening, when i'm cooking dinner, why not let them get a little silly. They say laughter is good for the soul. I have tried to make a conscious effort to not only allow the silliness to take place, but to turn down the stove and join in on it. After all, I don't want to join that 'Grumpy Old Men Club' too soon!
On that same note, they say that laughter releases endorphin just as exercise does. For those new moms out there who are having a hard time finding the humor in being at home or getting your body back in shape, check out www.happybabyworkout.com . It was one of the best things that I did for myself and my son. It was a fabulous workout for me, a stimulating experience for him and at the same time it provided many moments of laughter as I was able to fully enjoy his expressions, movements and little noises all thru our workout together.
When it's a good workout, it's a good workout!
Holiday Travel with Baby by Plane
1- don't be afraid to take that stroller to the airport. In most airports, it will get you to the family or special needs line of security which means less waiting in line and the stroller is very needed when going to the restroom especially if you are traveling alone. You will have to gate check it and if it doesn't fit through the security belt it will need to be swabbed at a special counter at the security check point so allow for that extra time.
2- have all of your diaper lotions, baby foods etc...all bagged up nice and neat and packed on top of your carry on so when you get to the security check point you can pull it out with ease.
3- if you little one is crawling or starting to walk, don't rush to be the first one on the plane. Let them walk around and crawl as much as possible so they can wear themselves out and hopefully sleep on the plane.
4- try and plan your flight around your little ones nap or bed time, especially if they are on the move, why struggle with an active child on a long flight when you could just sit back, plug in your ear phones and hold them while they sleep
5- when you are packing those extra diapers and change of clothes for your little one, throw in an extra t-shirt for you at the bottom. It can double as a blanket for your little one and you are covered in case you get spit up on early in the flight.
6- breastfeed, give a bottle or pacifier to you little one during take off and landing to help with their ear popping. If my little one is sleeping, I never wake him during landing, and it had not bothered him.
7- you would be amazed at how entertaining a cup and some ice rolling around in it can be for a baby. My daughter loved to grab the ice and move it from one cup to the next, kept her busy for a long time and it was something I could get on the plane (one less thing to have to pack).
8- i know it's hard, but I fully believe that your baby feeds off of you. If you are feeling uptight and nervous, then your baby will pick up on that, if you are calm and relaxed then your little one will most likely be as well.
9- You will come across some travelers who are less than open to the idea of being in the row with a baby. They may huff and puff or get uptight if your little one even puts forth a small cry. To those fine travelers, I like to give them a friendly nod and simply say "I am sure you were a perfect traveler when you were a baby, if you have any tips, i'm up for trying anything". I always say it with a smile and it's never meant to be rude, i am always open to new suggestions and learning new ways to make traveling easy. Most of the time they will shrug and let you be, and then you can focus on your little one.
10- when all else fails, just smile knowing that if you forgot it, you can buy it when you land and no matter how long the flight may seem, you will land.
Don't forget to go to www.happybabyworkout.com to buy you mommy and baby fitness DVD. It can be done anywhere and is a great stress reliever for you both when traveling!
With the Gym Comes the Germs...
I had forgotten what a hassle it was, you have to pack a diaper bag cause the one time you don't is the one time you get called out of class to change a poop diaper. You have to have snacks for the ride, a change of clothes and the timing...oh there are so many classes I would love to take at my gym, but they fall right in the middle of his nap time so they are out. It's hard getting him use to the people there to start with, you can't try and leave them when they are tired and cranky. And what I forgot was the germs...oh those germs...it's like a non-stop green snot party in that room. When Gary has the green snot, I keep him home but I am realizing there's no point in that, since i'm the only one who does. He gets a cold, I keep him home and miss out on my gym workout for a few days, take him back when his nose has cleared up only to drop him in a pen of toddlers with green snot streaming down their noses.
I do love my gym and the classes I make it to are wonderful and oh I dream of one day making to those really great sounding classes that only fall during his morning nap time but the germs and these winter colds are killing me! As a parent you can only do so much, if everyone would just make the 3-4 day gym sacrifice and keep their kids home when they are sick, it could be a better experience for everyone. In the meantime, I am lucky, when I am at home with Gary, I still have the Happy Baby Workout to rely on. While we no longer go thru the entire video, there are so many great ab, cardio, strength and stretching moves that we can do together when we are home with the gym germs that I still feel like I was able to get in a decent workout. I have to admit, while no one likes a baby with the green snot, thanks to the Happy Baby Workout, I can at least make the most of our time together at home.


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Yuvraj Singh Celebrating Birthday With Family [Photo]
Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh celebrating his 30th birthday with family and some close friends. You can wish Yuvi on his 30th birthday here.
Tags: Birthday, Family, Photo, Yuvraj Singh
2 Comments
many many happy returns of the day santhosha janmadinam yuvi (this is malayalam)
it was my birthday on 13th. i celebrated it on 12th


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A success model for business process modeling: findings from a multiple case study
Sedera, Wasana, Gable, Guy G., Rosemann, Michael, & Smyth, Robert W. (2004) A success model for business process modeling: findings from a multiple case study. In Eighth Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems, July 8-11, Shanghai, China.
|PDF (229kB)
Business process modeling has gained widespread acceptance and is employed as a design and management technique for a wide variety of purposes. While there has been much research on process modeling techniques and corresponding tools, there has been little empirical research into the important factors of effective process modeling, and the post-hoc evaluation of process modeling success. This study is the first that attempts to identify process modeling success factors and measures. This paper reports on the consolidated research findings of three case studies conducted in leading Australian organizations. It reports on an empirically derived Process Modeling Success model with success factors and success measures of business process modeling.
Impact and interest:
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These databases contain citations from different subsets of available publications and different time periods and thus the citation count from each is usually different. Some works are not in either database and no count is displayed. Scopus includes citations from articles published in 1996 onwards, and Web of Science® generally from 1980 onwards.
Citations counts from the Google Scholar™ indexing service can be viewed at the linked Google Scholar™ search.
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|ID Code:
|Item Type:
|Conference Paper
|Additional URLs:
|Business process modeling, critical success factors, success measures, case study method
|Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification > INFORMATION AND COMPUTING SCIENCES (080000) > INFORMATION SYSTEMS (080600) > Conceptual Modelling (080603)
|Past > QUT Faculties & Divisions > Faculty of Science and Technology
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|Copyright 2004 (please consult author)
|Deposited On:
|10 Aug 2006 00:00
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|29 Feb 2012 13:04
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When Jaxx and Amica came to visit.
Bonus link to Care.com's Whippet care page. They've asked for my opinion. Uh oh.
You can also bookmark this on del.icio.us or check the cosmos
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Modulator Says:
June 10th, 2011 at 9:33 am
Friday Ark #342…
We'll post links to sites that have Friday (plus or minus a few days) photos of their chosen animals (photoshops at our discretion and humans only in supporting roles). Watch the Exception category for rocks, beer, coffee cups, and….? Visit all the …
Thomas Says:
June 10th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Interesting. Whippets sound like a dog that is as close to keeping a cat as keeping a cat. Without shredded furniture. When cats Zoom they always make me think they're on drugs, or should be. Maybe they that's when they think they're dogs…
Dani Hope Says:
August 24th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Whippets!!! Are the Best Doggies ever!!


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Youth Health Connection is governed by five advisory boards which meet regularly through the academic school year. These advisory boards represent a core element of coalition building and provide connection and linkage to the adults in the lives of children and families. Advisory Boards exist for the following:
Youth Health Connection recognizes the importance of evidence based practice in the health and education field, connecting students and trusted adults and providing education. The following components are recommended and provided:
Check test results, review diagnostic imaging reports and more.


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I learned to knit from a friend of my mothers' when I was about 7. Over the years I picked it up once in while never really completing anything, until about 6 years ago. I took a knit class at my lys and finished a sweater...I have been knitting daily ever since. I have knitted just about everything but my love is shawls!
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 saved projects
Take Craftsy with you!
Craftsy Apps for iOS and Android. Read more »


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Home >
> Montauk Twill Cotton Fabric - PFD White
Montauk Twill
Montauk Twill Fabric in Prepared For Dye White from Robert Kaufman Fabric
Twill is a fabric essential that should always be kept in your stash, especially when creating apparel projects. The special weave of twill creates a diagonal pattern that drapes especially well. Such an awesome material works well in fall and winter apparel projects; such as jackets, pants, dresses, and skirts. Overall, we are delighted to carry this prepared for dye white twill here at our fabric store. Order a yard or two online today and see what you can create


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23Kentrell Brice
@LATechFB Places Four Additional Players on NFL Rosters
Four Bulldogs sign UDFA deals
Unheralded Players Turn Heads at @LATechFB Pro Day
Several former Bulldogs currently in NFL in attendance Tuesday
@LATechFB Hosts Annual Pro Day Tuesday
Program to host event at Joe Aillet Stadium beginning at 9 a.m.
Post-Game Notes
LA Tech defeated Arkansas State 47-28 in Saturday's R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
@LATechFB Continues Prep for R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
The Bulldogs take on Arkansas State at 8 p.m. CT Saturday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Louisiana Tech vs. North Texas
Photos from Louisiana Tech's game vs. North Texas
Louisiana Tech vs. Middle Tennessee
Photos from Louisiana Tech's game against Middle Tennessee
LA Tech vs. ULL 10/3/15
The Bulldogs and Ragin' Cajuns battled it out at Joe Aillet Stadium
Louisiana Tech at Marshall (C-USA Championship)
Photos from the Conference USA Championship Game at Marshall
Louisiana Tech at Old Dominion
Photos from the LA Tech game at ODU.
2014: Led the team with 86 total tackles (65 solo, 21 assisted) on the season with four sacks for a loss of 32 yards, a team-high four forced fumbles, five QB hurries, five pass break-ups and two interceptions ... Led all players with nine total tackles (six solo, three assisted) at No. 4/3 Oklahoma (8/30) ... Registered five total tackles (four solo, one assisted) in a 48-20 rout of UL-Lafayette (9/6) while being credited with a QB hurry ... Forced a fumble and totaled six tackles (five solo, one assisted) at North Texas (9/11) ... Registered eight total tackles (three solo, five assisted) at No. 5/5 Auburn while breaking up a pass ... Registered five solo tackles against UTEP (10/4) while forcing a fumble and being credited with a pass break-up ... Made four total tackles (three solo, one assisted) against UTSA (10/18) and was credited with a pass break-up ... Led the team with seven total tackles (all solo) at Southern Miss (10/25) including a sack for a loss of 10 yards and a pass break-up ... Led the defense against Western Kentucky (11/1) with eight total tackles (six solo, two assisted) with a sack for a loss of eight yards ... Registered six solo tackles including a sack for a loss of five yards and forced a fumble at UAB (11/8) ... Totaled six tackles (three solo, three assisted) and returned an interception two yards at Old Dominion (11/22) ... Totaled three tackles (one solo, two assists) and one pass breakup against Rice (11/29) ... Registered five solo tackles and assisted on two for a total of seven tackles, including one pass break-up and one quarterback hurry at Marshall in the C-USA Championship (12/6) ... Tallied six solo tackles - including one for a loss of nine yards - along with a QB hurry against Illinois (12/26) in the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl.
2013: Played in all 12 games, starting in six ... Registered 54 total tackles (35 solo, 19 assisted) with 1.5 tackles for a loss of two yards and two fumbles recovered for nine yards ... Opened the year with 11 total tackles at NC State (8/31) ... Registered nine total tackles against Lamar (9/7) ... Totaled six tackles (three solo, three assisted) against Tulane (9/12) and assisted on a tackle for a loss of one yard ... Notched a tackle for a loss at Kansas (9/21) ... Registered two total tackles against Army (9/28) ... Credited with four total tackles (two solo, two assisted) at UTEP (10/5) ... Notched two solo tackles against North Texas (10/19) ... Made two solo tackles at FIU (10/26) and vs. Southern Miss (11/9) ... Registered six solo tackles at Rice (11/16) ... Also registered sixe total tackles (three solo, three assisted) against Tulsa (11/23) while also recovering a fumble for nine yards ... Credited with three total tackles at UTSA (11/30) while recovering a fumble for the second consecutive game.
2012: Recorded 10 total tackles in 2012 with eight solo stops and two assisted tackles ... Registered a solo tackle at Illinois (9/22) ... Assisted on a tackle at Virginia (9/29) ... Recorded two solo tackles against UNLV (10/6) ... Registered one tackle on special teams against No. 22 Texas A&M (10/13) ... Recorded two solo tackles at Texas State (11/10) ... Made one solo stop at San Jose State (11/24).
High School: A three-star athlete that lettered in football, track and field and basketball at Ruston High School ... Registered 104 solo tackles, 55 assisted tackles, nine tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 31 pass break-ups, six interceptions, eight blocked field goals, one interception returned 96 yards for a touchdown and two kickoff returns for a score his senior year as he led Ruston to the third round of the playoffs ... Named first team all-district, honorable mention all-state and the Elite 22 Defensive MVP of the Year ... Coached by Billy Laird.
Personal: Kentrell Montez Brice ... Born on Aug. 11, 1994 in Ruston, La. ... Chose Louisiana Tech over Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Missouri, Oregon State, Nebraska, Kansas State and Indiana ... Recruited by Tommy Spangler.
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Hello all, My name is Johan Cwiklinski, I lives in the North of France. I've been involved in french translations on the fedoraproject's wiki for a few month, and active within the french Fedora community. I've recently participated to a few events (described in Armel's message) in Lille and Paris. And so I've decided to join the ambassador's community :) Cheers, Johan
Description: OpenPGP digital signature


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Eco-Friendly West Coast Hotels
It's Easy Being GreenRecently, Brighter Planet, an eco-minded tech firm, ranked Vagabond Inn as the most energy and carbon-efficient hotel chain in the US. According to their Hotel Energy & Carbon Efficiency report, budget hotels are generally more energy efficient and have smaller carbon footprints. While Vagabond Inn fit the budgets of economic travelers, guests do not have to make sacrifices on any amenities. Our hotels manage to stay green while having everything from Free WiFi High-Speed Internet, Free Parking, Heated Swimming Pools, Direct TV with Free HBO, Microwaves and Refrigerators in every room, to Family Suites and Pet-Friendly Rooms. Whether you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, battle global warming or just a friendly hotel with clean rooms for the night, Vagabond Inn are here for you.
A Greener Night's Sleep: Best & Worst Hotel Chains
Brighter Planet study of 46,000 U.S. hotels shows going greener doesn't have to mean cutting your business and leisure travelPrice is no measure of the best and the worst performing hotel chains when it comes to energy efficiency and carbon footprints, according to a comprehensive new sustainability study of 46,000 U.S. hotels by Brighter Planet, a leading sustainability technology company. Budget hotels beat out more expensive establishments overall on energy efficiency, but greater variation exists within the same class of hotels than between service classes. Some upscale hotels are more energy efficient than many midrange chains and some budget class options. But the analysis finds that informed travelers can significantly reduce their carbon footprints within every hotel price range. "Going greener doesn't have to mean cutting your business or leisure travel," said Patti Prairie, Brighter Planet CEO. "Treating all hotels as equal incorrectly suggests that the only way to reduce lodging impacts is to reduce travel, but that obscures opportunities to lower your energy footprint and make big sustainability gains with smarter travel choices." Brighter Planet's pioneering lodging analysis covers 80 percent of all U.S. hotels with at least 15 rooms, providing credible and user-friendly sustainability information on one of the most difficult segments of the travel industry to measure. The sustainability analytics company modeled the hotels' impacts using details on each unique property. "Hotel efficiency is not about how much a room costs the consumer," said Prairie. "It's determined by the local climate, hotel energy sources, the cleanliness of its electric grid, as well as hotel amenities and the square footage per room." According to Brighter Planet's estimates, the most energy and carbon efficient lodging chain in the U.S. is Vagabond Inn with Red Lion Hotels & Inns ranked No. 2. Both are midrange hotels. Red Carpet Inns, a budget chain, was third. Rounding out the top 10 most efficient chains are Travelodge, Scottish Inns, America's Best Inns & Suites, Shilo Inns & Resorts, Knights Inn, Howard Johnson and Rodeway Inn. Budget chains rating highest in efficiency were Red Carpet Inns, Travelodge, and Scottish Inns. For midrange properties the winners were Vagabond Inn, Red Lion Hotels, and Shilo Inns & Resorts. At the luxury hotel level, the most energy-efficient were Four Points Sheraton, Disney Parks and Resorts, and Marriott Residence Inn. The most energy efficient chain among upscale lodgings, Four Points Hotels by Sheraton, ranks 33rd when compared to all service classes. But the study also found that the Sheraton chain was 20% more energy efficient than the least efficient midrange chain, AmericInn International. The upscale JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts bottomed out in last place, ranking 75th of the 75 chains analyzed. Travel carbon reporting is becoming an increasingly high priority for businesses, with 40 percent of all Global 500 companies now publicly reporting employee travel footprints. The hotel industry is also addressing sustainability issues more aggressively, with the number of LEED certified hotels more than doubling in the past year and industry groups preparing to release official hotel carbon accounting guidelines.
Key findings in the report include
- Energy and carbon per room-night varies tenfold among U.S. hotels. The dirtiest 25 percent of the nation's hotels are responsible for more than half of the entire industry's environmental impact, while the cleanest quarter of hotels represents just 7% of the lodging industry's energy and carbon footprint.
- Travel and sustainability managers can reduce footprints without cutting travel—and can dramatically improve the accuracy of sustainability reporting—by accounting for efficiency variability instead of assuming all hotel rooms are equal.
- Hotels are becoming less efficient. Newer hotels use significantly more energy per roomnight than their older-vintage counterparts, and the energy they use is dirtier. A recent surge in interest in programs like LEED and Energy Star has the potential to reverse this trend.
- LEED and Energy Star hotel carbon calculations fall short for lodging industry sustainability accounting because they fail to take into account the number of rooms that are fit into a hotel. Measuring hotel energy use and emissions per room-night rather than per square foot is more relevant and actionable for business and travel managers.


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The lottery industry is moving towards the Internet, with tickets to large draws increasingly available for purchase through online retailers.
"The Internet is giving players a convenient platform from which to play the lottery," says a spokesperson for WinTrillions, an online retailer that operates a global network of offices and local messengers. "Consumers who may have otherwise missed a draw can now buy tickets through their PC or mobile device, and that flexibility results in growth for the whole industry."
Since 2005, over 260,000 individuals have won lottery prizes through WinTrillions and related websites such as Congalotto.com.
Nearly half of Americans play the lottery, with sales increasing despite a sluggish economy. According to Statista, U.S. sales consistently increased year-over-year from 2009 to 2012, going from $58.25 billion to $68.78 billion within that four-year span.
Lotto Messenger Services
In the United Kingdom, the size of the country's National Lottery grew by 50 percent in the span of a decade, mostly driven by a growing popularity of spin-offs and scratch tickets. Like their U.S. counterparts, about half the British population play the lottery at least once a month, according to Camelot.
"Online messenger services typically scan copies of purchased tickets," according to a spokesperson for WinTrillions. "An electronic copy reduces instances of lost or stolen tickets; an important feature since in many jurisdictions, winning tickets can be a transferable asset where prizes can be awarded to the holder, and not necessarily the buyer."
According to a study by Vision Critical, men are more likely to play the lottery (55 percent versus 42 percent for women). The Vancouver, Canada-based research firm also found that men are more receptive to lottery gaming through the Internet.
Buying Lottery Online
Players are increasingly open to making Web-based purchases. Interestingly, the vast majority of state lotteries still sell their gaming products through traditional outlets such as supermarkets, convenience stores, mall outlets, and gas stations.
Vision Critical's survey involved 958 adult players in the U.S., and 18 percent of respondents said they are likely to purchase lottery tickets online, whereas only 12 percent of women are likely to do so.
Online retailers, such as WinTrillions, are making it convenient for consumers to play the lottery. Here are four benefits of buying lotto tickets on the Internet:
1. Convenience and Efficiency
Players no longer have to drive to a retail store and fall in line to purchase a ticket. When a jackpot becomes huge, there can be significant waiting times. Additionally, many Internet retailers provide players with a subscription option to automate recurring purchases.
2. Digitization
Digitization can reduce instances of fraud. For example, scanned copies provide more assurance to an office pool so that members of the pool have access to their collective purchase. This prevents any single member from cashing a winning ticket without sharing the prize with the rest of the group.
3. Notification
Many online retailers notify players if they have won a prize.
Each year, tens of millions of dollars worth of jackpot and secondary prizes are returned to lottery organizations because of unclaimed tickets. Most lotteries impose 90- and 180-day deadlines to redeem prizes, a constricted timeline unfavorable to loyal players.