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Note: Resources mentioned below do not imply endorsement by the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.
Recall Notice for the Bayer CONTOUR TS
Blood Glucose Meter Test Strips
Bayer Diabetes Care is voluntarily recalling test strips (sensors) used with the Contour TS Blood Glucose Meter. Bayer, during a quality control process, identified a manufacturing issue with test strips from specific lots that could result in falsely high blood glucose readings.
This issue is not related to the Contour TS meter itself and pertains only
to specific test strips used with the Contour TS and no other meter.
The affected strips were produced on new manufacturing equipment designed for the new Contour TS strips. The quality of Bayer products and our customers' satisfaction are important to Bayer and we have corrected the problem.
Healthcare providers, retailers, patients and other customers who use Contour TS should check the lot number on the bottles of Contour TS strips and contact Bayer Diabetes Care about returning and replacing strips. The lot numbers can be found on the bottom of the strip box and on the side of the strip bottle.
The affected lots begin with WK followed by the characters 7D, 7E, 7F or 7G and then followed by a series of other numbers and letters (for example WK7ED3E52C). Only bottles of test strips with the characters 7D, 7E, 7F, or 7G in the third and fourth position in the sequence are affected. Bottles with a lot number including 7J through 7M after WK are not affected and need not be returned. The following are product descriptions and code numbers from affected lots:
Meter kit with 10 strips #1802
Meter kit with 10 strips #1802N
Bottle of 50 strips #1820
Bottle of 50 strips #1823
Bottle of 25 strips #1825
Bottle of 10 strips #9578
Please call Bayer customer service 1-800-348-8100 to return any affected bottle of strips and to get a replacement, or visit www.bayerdiabetes.com/us/news for more information.
Visionaware.org Announces A Special Free Publication on Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy
VisionAWARE is pleased to present Are You AWARE? A Special Newsletter Issue on Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy with Debbie Sokol-McKay, OTR/L, CVRT, CDE, CLVT as guest author. Debbie holds certifications as a vision rehabilitation therapist, diabetes educator, and low vision therapist, and is a licensed occupational therapist.
Contents and Special Features:
• An introduction to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy
• How blood glucose levels relate to diabetes
• The difference between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
• How diabetes affects the eyes and vision
• Detecting diabetic eye disease
• Treating diabetes and managing your diabetes
• Resources and links for diabetes
VisionAWARE is also pleased to offer our Special Issue Newsletter on Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy in the following formats:
• A regular print downloadable version
• A large print downloadable version
• Read it online
Contact Us:
VisionAWARE's "Self-Help for Vision Loss" Web site contains free, practical information to enhance quality of life and independence for adults with vision loss, their families and friends, caregivers, and vision professionals. Learn more at www.visionAWARE.org
Software for Managing Diabetes
For a comprehensive and up-to-date listing of all varieties of software for managing diabetes (both free and for sale) visit www.ChildrenWithDiabetes.com/d_06_150.htm. Another very useful site is www.Mendosa.com/Software.htm
Portable Magnifier
The Senseview is a small, portable CCTV magnifier that makes it possible to see life's fine details. At GW Micro, we believe in new technologies that make lives better. Our passion is developing new products and features that open up new possibilities for our customers. For more information or to find a dealer, call 260.489.3671 or visit www.gwmicro.com
Get the NEW Prodigy Voice Monitor FREE!
Homecare Supply of America accepts most insurance including Medicare and Medicaid.
Right now, you can trade in your obsolete Accu-Check Advantage monitor and get
the NEW Prodigy Voice at no charge, if you qualify. For more information call
Read the Paper by PHONE with NFB-NEWSLINE®
NFB-NEWSLINE® makes daily newspapers and magazines accessible by phone. Users listen to the news via synthesized voice. No computer is needed and it is FREE! New feature: national television listings! To subscribe contact: NFB-NEWSLINE®, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (866) 504-7300.
Diabetes Supplies
American Diabetic Supply, Inc., will ship your diabetes supplies to your door. They handle all insurance claims and provide free delivery. Those with Medicare and/or private insurance (no HMOs) may receive supplies at no further cost. For information, contact: American Diabetic Supply, Inc., telephone: (800) 453-9033, ext. 611; Web site: www.americandiabeticsupply.com.
Prodigy Meter
Prodigy® Voice makes monitoring your blood glucose level easier than ever. An essential tool for the visually impaired, the audio function is also perfect for all who prefer the spoken word to a digital display. Audio prompts guide you through each step of using your meter and testing your blood, and when the test is done you hear the results. For more information visit www.prodigymeter.com or call 800-366-5901.
The National Kidney Foundation Can Assist Diabetics
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) publishes a variety of informational materials
about diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The NKF also provides resources and
support for those undergoing dialysis or kidney transplants. The NKF seeks to
prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being
of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability
of all organs for transplantation. For more information, call the NKF at (800)
622-9010, or go to www.kidney.org.
Ambassadors: Sharing the Voice in your town has just gotten easier
One of the most heartwarming aspects of working for the NFB Voice of the Diabetic is getting to know our incredibly dedicated volunteers. For nearly 25 years our loyal volunteers have been helping us achieve our mission to educate, empower and inspire people living with diabetes and its complications. Each quarter, more than six thousand of you take free copies of Voice of the Diabetic to the nooks and crannies of our fair nation. Advocates, diabetics and health care professionals everywhere find creative ways to share our message with those who need our help.
Now that the Voice has unveiled our new and improved look we are also preparing to roll out a brand new distribution strategy. To get the Voice into the hands of readers as quickly as possible, we are asking our volunteer distributors to help us get copies of the Voice sent directly to their end distribution points.
So, instead of receiving a large bundle at your home and delivering smaller quantities to your health center, your eye doctor, your foot doctor, your church and local senior center, we're asking you to identify your contact people at each site so that we can ship their copies directly to them.
We'd love to have you look for new places to distribute the Voice and, periodically, we would need you to check in to the outlets you arrange, in person or by phone, to make sure they are getting their copies. We want to make sure everyone who needs the Voice gets the Voice in a timely fashion. At the same time, we want to make sure we continue to be good stewards with our limited resources by eliminating waste and improving service to Voice subscribers.
As a Voice of the Diabetic Ambassador, you can also help if people would like a personal copy delivered directly to their home or office. This way they do not have to worry about missing a single issue. Simply keep a few Voice of the Diabetic subscription forms with you or encourage people to sign up online at www.voiceofthediabetic.org. Remember that the Voice is available in print, audio cassette, email and MP3 versions.
Arranging for direct shipments:
1. Identify a contact person at the location.
2. Sign up the end point outlet using the form inside the Voice of the Diabetic or through the website, www.voiceofthediabetic.org.
3. Change the number of bulk copies you receive by emailing [email protected] Include as much specific information from your mailing label as possible so that we can find your record in our database. This is especially true if the copies are being shipped to somebody's attention at a business address. You can also call 1-888-581-4741 with the information, but please be specific and spell everything clearly.
To register as an Ambassador sign up online at www.voiceofthediabetic.org, use the form in the back of the magazine, or contact the Circulation Manager directly at 888-581-4741 or [email protected]
Without all of our great volunteer distributors, Voice of the Diabetic would not be the wonderful magazine it is today. A big THANK YOU to all volunteers who have given many hours of dedicated service to help us get the word out about diabetes and the National Federation of the Blind.
Raise Your Voice
Help us share your stories with those who are new to blindness and diabetes!
The Raise Your Voice campaign is our newest project, and we want to hear from you! We want to reach other diabetics who have lost vision, or people who are newly diabetic and may be feeling discouraged, scared, or overwhelmed. Voice of the Diabetic readers know that people can and do manage diabetes with little or no vision, and no loss of independence. So share your story!
We also want to share your voices with pharmaceutical companies, pump manufacturers, blood glucose meter producers, and others in the diabetes industry and tell them how important it is to make their products accessible to diabetics with little or no vision. We hope to show those companies that there is a growing and vocal population of blind diabetics who need and deserve accessible diabetes technology!
So please, Raise Your Voice and add your story! Here's how to do it: Call the Raise Your Voice line at (410) 504-1940. After the recorded greeting, leave your story at the beep. It couldn't be easier! Please keep a few things in mind.
• First, introduce yourself using your first name. Tell us about your
diabetes and blindness. (For example: "I'm Gail, a 38-year-old type
two diabetic. I was diagnosed six years ago when I was pregnant, and became
legally blind last year…").
• Second, you don't have to be a diabetes superhero to share your story. Ordinary people living with diabetes and vision loss are inspiring enough! Your story should be between three and five minutes, but even thirty seconds is fine!
• Third, stay positive! Newly diagnosed diabetics or newly blind diabetics need to hear success stories. Share thoughts, information, or stories that will be helpful to others. What do you wish you had known when you first lost your vision? How do you work around your vision loss, or other complications, such as amputations and kidney failure? What are your successes?
Raise Your Voice and help others!
Watch the next issue of Voice of the Diabetic for details on how to listen to all the stories we collect.
Sponsor the Voice of the Diabetic Team in the Second Annual March for Independence – The Walk for Opportunity
The March for Independence is a 5K walk-a-thon and celebration demonstrating the independent spirit of the nation's organized blind, their friends, family, and supporters, which will raise funds for the Imagination Fund. The Imagination Fund supports local and state outreach efforts for blind people in your community, and blind children, teens, youth, college students, adults, and seniors losing their vision through the programs and initiatives of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Jernigan Institute.
The March for Independence will take place on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 amidst the 68th National Federation of the Blind annual convention in Dallas, Texas.
To sponsor our team, log on to www.marchforindependence.org , click on "Sponsor a Team" and select Voice of the Diabetic to make your pledge.
Thank you for your support!


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With oil and gas issues dominating Alaska politics, it can be easy to forget that as many as 20,000 people work in the state's commercial fishing industry every year. That's 6,000 to 7,000 more jobs than on the North Slope.
So as many fishermen near retirement age, the next generation is looking to step into leadership roles.
For the last four years, the Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit has brought together some of the brightest young minds in the industry. Casey Kelly has more on the gathering, which took place in Juneau for the first time this year.
Fairbanks Republican Representative Steve Thompson asks if anyone else in the public would like to speak to the House Fisheries Committee.
A young man steps forward, fidgeting nervously in a blue sport coat: "Thank you, Mr. Chair. My name's Timothy Nick and I come from Dillingham."
Nick is here to ask the committee to pass a resolution pledging support for programs designed to boost the fishing industry.
The 21-year-old got his first crew share at 15, working for his family's Bristol Bay setnet operation. But he never intended to make a career out of fishing.
"It was hard for me to watch my dad go through hardships and not have that much profit come out of fishing," he testifies.
But when he was 18, Nick's father gave him the family permit and bought another one. Today, the father and son operations are turning a small profit.
Nick says House Concurrent Resolution 18, which pledges continued support for education and loan programs for fishermen, shows that the state is committed to growing the industry.
"It would be great to have that pass, so that young fishermen like myself who almost didn't go into fishing, [will] be able to keep the permits inside the state and amongst the local citizens who rely on fishing as a main source of income," he says.
Sunny Rice is the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program Agent in Petersburg.
"We're always really thrilled when we see one of our past participants writing a letter to the editor, or testifying before the Board of Fisheries," Rice says.
Since 2009, the University of Alaska Fairbanks program has organized the annual Young Fishermen's Summit to groom the next generation for leadership roles. Rice says that's becoming more important as older fishermen get ready to retire – the so-called "Graying of the Fleet."
"Not only do you have to know all that there is about gear and fishing and running your boat safely; but you need to have a head for business, you need to have some business training to help you balance your books," says Rice. "You need to understand the markets for your product; and you need to know about the science and the management of your fisheries; and you need to get involved in the regulatory process."
The two-day summit features panel discussions and seminars, not only with scientists and policy makers, but also bankers, insurance agents and economists with expertise in the fishing industry.
Timothy Nick says he got tips at the conference that should help his family's fishing operation. While they only fish during the summer, Nick says the money has to last throughout the year.
"Being able to make that money stretch through the winter is one of the problems I deal with," he says. "Also, understanding the insurance stuff, the tax information, I've always wondered about that through the years. But this is opening me up to those learning opportunities."
In its first three years, the Young Fishermen's Summit was held in Anchorage. Having it in Juneau this year gave participants the added benefit of interacting with lawmakers.
Lexi Fish – a 27-year-old troller and long liner from Sitka with the perfect name for a fisherman – says she's always been interested in fisheries policy, and thinks the summit will give her more confidence to express herself.
"Probably my biggest priority is making the resource sustainable over the long-term," Fish says. "It has to provide for people to keep their livelihoods commercial fishing."
Rice says one of the goals of the conference is to help young fishermen find their voice.
"What they have to say is important," she says. "Their individual stories make a difference and those decision makers want to hear those stories."
After hearing from participants in the Young Fishermen's Summit, the House Fisheries Committee unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 18. The non-binding measure appears to be headed for a vote on the House floor.
About 50 young fishermen take part in the summit each year. Several seafood companies help sponsor the event.
Recent headlines
A $60,000 travel bill is normal for high school football in JuneauA few years ago, Juneau School District gradually started cutting the travel budget for high school activities. Then the money stopped.
New JACC boosters back off hotel bed tax funding requestProject coordinator Katharine Heumann said the decision came after hearing criticism of the proposal from Travel Juneau and members of the community.
It's time to go back to school in JuneauWednesday is the first day of school for about 4,700 students across Juneau.
U.S., Canadian buoy tenders converge on Juneau for annual training, competitionEight buoy tenders and their crews from Alaska, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest are in Juneau this week for the annual Buoy Tender Roundup and Olympics.

subset: commoncrawl


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Oh, how I love Kate. She has been a constant source of light in my world, and a beam of encouragement when I needed it most. Her texts would begin with, "Hello, wonderful photographer!" and even before I looked at the number I knew it was Kate.
Kate is lively, funny, goofy and not afraid to laugh at herself. She is one bride's that out of all the images we took for her bridals, I had to post "outtakes" along with the others.
Her wedding day yesterday was nothing short of who her and James are, and with a little luck I'll be able to post more of that soon. Meanwhile, here are her gorgeous bridals from Winghaven Gardens.


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English, PDF, 202kb
Agricultural research fellowship award grants and international conferences sponsorships of the Co-operative Research Programme (CRP): Biological Resource Management for Sustainable Agricultural Systems; advice for applicants for funding.
This publication contains statistics on fisheries in OECD member countries (with the exception of Austria) and some non-member economies (Argentina, People's Republic of China, Colombia, Indonesia, Latvia, Lithuania, Peru, Russian Federation, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand) from 2007 to 2014. Data provided concern fishing fleet capacity, employment in fisheries, fish landings, aquaculture production, recreational fisheries, government financial transfers, and imports and exports of fish.
English, PDF, 460kb
Policies to Manage Agricultural Groundwater Use - country profile Netherlands
The food and agricultural system in the Netherlands is innovative and export-oriented, with high value-added along the food chain and significant world export shares for many products. To maintain and build on this performance, government policy should increasingly focus on measures to boost innovation and improve sustainability performance, according to a new OECD report.
The Dutch food, agriculture and horticulture sector is innovative and export oriented, with high value-added along the food chain and significant world export shares for many products. Continuous adoption of innovation has permitted to reach high levels of productivity and sustained productivity growth, in particular at the farm level, in a context of increasing environmental regulatory constraints. The challenge is whether marginal improvements in current technologies and know-how will be enough to pursue current rates of productivity growth – sustainably – and whether the innovation system will be able to generate the new ideas that are needed to face future challenges, including those linked to climate change.
This overview of the management of risk due to livestock diseases focuses on government policies relating to livestock health systems and compensation scheme designs, and includes case studies of Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands and Viet Nam.
Dutch agricultural risk management should develop an ex ante policy framework for assistance in catastrophic events such as livestock epidemics and climatic disasters, as well as a longer-term strategy on insurance.
English, , 5,630kb
Booklet for the conference on biosecurity organised by CSIRO in Canberra, November 2009 on the threats and opportunities, and sponsored by the OECD Co-operative Research Programme on Biological Resource Management for Sustainable Agricultural Systems (CRP).
English, , 303kb
Describes the sort of scientific agricultural research the CRP is interested in sponsoring or giving grants for researchers to carry out in another country, aiding international co-operation, international collaboration and networking; or for funding international conferences.
English, , 335kb
Country questionnaire for the OECD publication Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Agriculture


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Brookyln-based synth-pop band Lemonade released a video for their album-closer and KEXP favorite "Softkiss" today. The video, which features the band standing in a brightly lit room, walking through a waterfall, and standing under some sort of planetary eclipse (that is secretly [SPOILER ALERT] a disco ball!), feels, like most things Lemonade does, straight outRead more…
Listen Live:
High Quality AAC+
Excellent for PC, Mac, iPhones/iPads, Android Devices, tablets, iTunes, Winamp, and VLC. High quality audio, low bandwidth
MP3 Stream
Best for computers running OSX or Windows with iTunes or the open source VideoLAN Player installed
KEXP AND THE UWKEXP is an
affiliate of the
University of Washington
iTunes and KEXPYou can now find KEXP under "Eclectic" in iTunes after the demise of the "Public" category, to better represent the diversity of our daytime variety shows and numerous specialty programs.
KEXP Suggests


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The official synopsis says Sayid is faced with a difficult decision, while the spoiler says it may involve his long lost lover Nadia.
ABC is so secretive that it has censored the most part in the preview to the next episode of "Lost". But what can be derived from the glimpses are some things which are concluded on the previous episode. Someone bad is coming to the temple like Jacob had said and Claire sends a warning to the inhabitants.
The episode title, "Sundown", indicates the opposite of sunrise which means Japan. A few [SPOILERS] have been circulating around and they include Dogen explaining why he left Japan for the island. Also, there would be a scene of Ilana holding Ben at gunpoint. This explains Ilana's significance and answering why Ilana was included in the season 6 promo poster along with the show's more primary characters.
Despite the title and the temple story, "Sundown" is more Sayid-centric. According to the synopsis, he would be faced with a difficult decision. It has been reported a while back that Andrea Gabriel is back to reprise her role as Sayid's beloved Nadia on this particular episode. Shooting reports said that there will be a scene involving Nadia, Sayid and Jack in a hospital.


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CommentsBack to Article
Contribute your own thoughts, experience, questions, and knowledge for the benefit of all MedPage Today Healthcare Professionals and Expert Patients™.Post a comment
David Bourinot
These are very similar to pt's c/o non healing sores that they think is morgellons syndrome.
Although many of these suffering from same type , are sent to have psychological evaluation.
Can some one explain this to me.
As I looked on a few of these morgellons web sites and found what see as bonifide disease proceses.


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Claire Shaeffer explores five cuffs from Chanel jackets in this article from Threads #151. You'll get an up-close look at the subtleties of trims designers have marveled at for decades and be inspired to incorporate inventive trim in your sewing. Discover how this legendary designer put artistry in every edge.
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We are looking forward to our International Compass meeting next year, from January 11-14, 2017 in Benalmadena, near Malaga in Spain!
Jesus commissioned us to "Go, make disciples of all nations, teaching them ALL I have commanded you …" A major part of Jesus' teaching, some 2'300 verses and half of His parables, deal with money and possessions!
This conference will give you inspiration, resources and know-how to enable you to teach Biblical stewardship in your churches and organizations, as an essential part of the process of making disciples!
-Those interested in discovering biblical financial stewardship
-People that want to start a Compass ministry/to start running a course,
-Financial christian counselors,
-Business people that want to run their business on biblical principles,
-Current leaders of Compass groups and national Compass leaders.
Content of the conference
-Digging deeper into biblical financial stewardship
-Knowing how to start a Compass ministry/course
-How to prepare for the coming economic earthquake
-As a professional financial counselor – how should I advise my clients, biblically ?
-Running a business on biblical principles
Objectives of the conference
-Learn more about biblical financial stewardship teaching
-Equip current Compass leaders to develop their ministry
-Help new leaders to start a stewardship ministry
-Exchange material, best practices between the different countries.
-Equip business people and financial professionals with biblical financial tools


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117 Cherry St. Seattle, Wa. 98104
(206) 587 - 5737
Open: 10 - 5 Monday - Saturday, 12 - 5 Sunday
Hyde and Shriek (Hardcover)
November 2012 Indie Next List
"This is a wonderful retelling of the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story. When Ms. Clevis suddenly splits apart into two different personalities, it's up to the kids in her sixth grade science class to put her back together again. This is a fun and slightly creepy new series that should have kids on the edge of their seats."
— Janice Hunsche, Kaleidosaurus Books, Fishers, IN
There's something strange going on at Washington Irving Elementary School. People are turning into monsters-literally
Ms. Clevis is one of the most popular teachers at Washington Irving. Until the morning she accidentally puts some of the wrong ingredients into her breakfast smoothie. Suddenly she finds herself switching back and forth between mean substitute teacher Ms. Hyde and a sweet sixth grade girl named Jackie. Will Jackie figure out the cure before she changes into the horrible Ms. Hyde forever? Find out in David Lubar's" Hyde and Shriek.
About the Author
DAVID LUBAR created a sensation with his debut novel, Hidden Talents, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. He is also the author of the Nathan Abercrombie series, True Talents, Flip, and six Weenies short story collections. He lives in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
Praise For…
"Whoever thinks the short story is dead, or that kids don't like short stories, hasn't talked to any real live kids and hasn't read the latest in this popular series." —School Library Journal on Attack of the Vampire Weenies
"Bullies and others get their due in this hilarious new collection of 35 warped and creepy tales by the master of the 'weenie' story."—Buffalo News on The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies
"This book will talk itself right off the shelves, and reluctant readers will devour it."— School Library Journal on The Curse of the Campfire Weenies
"Another cool collection. This would be perfect to read around a campfire—or at any sleepover. They are creepy, but also hilarious." —Detroit Free Press on The Curse of the Campfire Weenies
"Lubar strikes again. Another winning round-up." — Booklist on Invasion of the Road Weenies
"This spring's most coveted title." — The Arizona Republic on Invasion of the Road Weenies
"These stories creeped us out — and we loved it. Four stars!" —Chicago Tribune on In the Land of the Lawn Weenies


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The money to 'bring a little bit of relief to the troops and their families' is taken from 1 percent of Sheen's earnings from 'Anger Management'.
Charlie Sheen is giving back 1 percent of his earnings from his new show "Anger Management" to help United Service Organization, a non-profit group that supports the U.S. troops. The funnyman gives an unlimited cap to the donation and promises minimum funds of $1 million to benefit the USO.
The former "Two and a Half Men" star reportedly will hand over the first payment of $250,000 in a private ceremony later this week. "[His] support is greatly appreciated, especially from our wounded warriors and their families," says General John I. Pray Jr., Executive Vice President and Joint Chief of Staff of U.S. Air Force.
Sheen himself humbly states, "It's an honor for me to be able to give back to these men and women of the military who have done so much for all of us. They put their lives on the line for us every day, and I'm just happy that my work on 'Anger Management' can bring a little bit of relief to the troops and their families."
Fellow comedian Jeffrey Ross, who is also a USO regular, is proud of Sheen for what he did to help the military. "It goes to show you that underneath all those hookers is a really great guy," the roastmaster joked to New York Daily News, referring to Sheen's meltdown days after getting fired from the CBS sitcom.
The donation will be used to fund an entertainment facility for seriously injured military troops in Bethesda, Maryland.


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In the village of Moriah, there's a wedding procession winding through the streets. To the accompaniment of swirling fiddle music, a laughing groom in a stovepipe hat and a similarly joyful bride in a bustle dress are leading their guests on a traditional "brush-back" dance. The sun's out, a tropical breeze is drifting in off the sea, and cake and wine are at the ready.
This isn't a strictly modern scene – it's an "Ole Time" marriage party, which still forms an integral part of the island's annual Heritage Festival – but it says plenty about Tobago's long-term affection for wedding celebrations.
The island's serene beauty and unrushed pace make it a deeply romantic place to exchange vows, whether you're after an intimate barefoot ceremony or a fuller-bodied festivity. And depending on your tastes, you can choose to get married on a beach, in a flower garden, under a waterfall, at a historic fort, on horseback or even under the sea.
Romantic: say "I do" against a picturesque Tobagonian backdrop
The majority of Tobago's leading hotels, resorts and venues offer tailor-made options for turning your matrimonial dreams into reality. There are various simple regulations to abide by – both parties must be resident in the country for three days before the wedding, for example – but marrying in Tobago is a straightforward process, not to mention an unforgettable one. Photography, catering, flowers, cakes, beauty treatments and transportation are all easily arranged.
You can choose to get married on a beach, under a waterfall, at a historic fort or even under the sea Hotels and venues that provide enticing wedding packages include the Coco Reef Resort & Spa, the Villas at Stonehaven, Magdalena Grand Resort & Spa, Canoe Bay Beach Hotel, Blue Waters Inn, Plantation Beach Villas and the Seahorse Inn.
"We get a lot of wedding guests from the UK," says the Magdalena Grand's Rachael Nathaniel, walking me through the resort's manicured grounds. "The tropical island setting is perfect in so many ways. We even see some couples coming back to celebrate their anniversaries – it's always lovely to welcome them again."
Another prime option for a stylish wedding is the Bacolet Beach Club, an exclusive boutique hotel at the southern tip of the island. Like many of Tobago's wedding venues, it gives you the flexibility to shape your ceremony and reception as you choose, whether that involves live entertainment, a customised wedding cake or something else entirely. Choosing to get married in Tobago is a guarantee of a heavenly backdrop, but it doesn't mean you have to compromise on the little touches that make the day so special.
Choosing to get married in Tobago is a guarantee of a heavenly backdrop And as well as being a superb place to tie the knot, the island also has a deserved reputation as a honeymoon destination. It helps, of course, that romantic activities are second nature on Tobago. You can take an exclusive sunset catamaran cruise and watch the island turn to warm dusk from the water; enjoy a candle-lit table for two sharing chilled champagne and fresh lobster; walk through the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere with a private guide; or just spend a sun-kissed week indulging in wine and waterfalls, beach walks and boutique luxury, palm trees and peace.
There's a further reason to come calling too. "One thing we've noticed recently is guests coming to the island to renew their vows," smiles Germaine David-McPherson at the Villas at Stonehaven, as she looks out across the Caribbean Sea from the edge of an infinity pool.
"We even had one incident recently where a full renewal of vows had been arranged on one of our villa terraces, but only the husband knew anything about it. It all came as a surprise to the wife." She laughs. "And of course it was a beautiful Tobago evening, so she was pretty overwhelmed."
To find out more about British Airways and holidays in Tobago, visit ba.com/tobago
Prize draw: win an iPad mini
You may also be interested in:
• Fly direct to Tobago with British Airways
• Activities to enjoy on the island


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1. Re: How fragment a table in Oracle RACJustinCave Oct 26, 2012 12:35 AM (in response to 970780)If by "fragment" you mean doing what is typically referred to as "sharding" and storing different subsets of the table on different nodes, no, you can't.
Unlike how many databases do clustering with a "shared nothing" architecture, a RAC cluster involves multiple instances (software processes running on each node) to access a single database (set of data files) on a shared storage system. Sharding a table in this context doesn't make sense-- every instance is going to have access to the entire table. Sharding makes sense in other approaches to clustering where the storage system is not shared across multiple nodes.
If you are trying to ensure that different nodes don't conflict with each other when requesting particular blocks, or at least to minimize that contention, you can potentially create different services that run on different nodes and have different users connect to those services. So, for example, if you create a different service for different geographic regions, configured those services to run on particular nodes, configured users in those geographic regions to connect to the service appropriate for their region and the data in a table is naturally separated by region, you would end up with each node preferentially caching blocks that have data associated with their particular region and you would have relatively few cache fusion requests where one node asks for a cached block from a different node.
If you are trying to improve query performance, you can use partitioning instead of sharding the data (you can do this without using RAC as well). This allows Oracle to store different subsets of the data for a table in different physical segments so your queries can hit individual partitions rather than the entire table to retrieve the data they're after.
2. Re: How fragment a table in Oracle RACganc Oct 26, 2012 4:11 AM (in response to 970780)If you can clarify your words "to fragment tables in Oracle RAC" it would be easier for everyone to answer your questons.
3. Re: How fragment a table in Oracle RAC970780 Nov 3, 2012 6:22 AM (in response to 970780)Thanks for your help Justin Cave. Do you know if there is an Oracle solution that can give me this functionality?
Thanks again


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