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Media Article: Searching for the Roots of Empathy in Rituals of Care
Media Article: Searching for the Roots of Empathy in Rituals of Care
By: Emily Wilson
Submitted by: Valerie Fulmer, ASPE President
Kerry Tribe is interested in memory, language and awkward connections. These come together in her latest project, Standardized Patient. These SPs (as Tribe calls them) are professional actors used to train future doctors how to listen, be empathetic, and establish a rapport with patients. After observing classes at Stanford University and the University of Southern California, Tribe came up with four case scenarios, and she's made a two-channel video installation, on display in San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's New Work series through February 25 — her first solo exhibition at a major U.S. museum. Read the full article at Hyperallergic.com here.
Publications Committee Mission: "To bring high quality reporting of current research, trends, techniques and information regarding SP methodology and other relevant industry articles to the attention of the membership through the web-based ASPE eNews blog."
Please provide comments, questions or suggestions about the ASPE eNews Blog here.


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The NYTimes.com Dot Earth blog recently featured an interesting piece on the scuttling of a boat called the Ady Gil, featured in a television program called "Whale Wars" shown on Animal Planet. "Whale Wars" is about the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and their ongoing harassment and confrontations of Japanese whaling vessels. If you watch the show (I don't, and in fact I had not heard of it until now) you already knew of the confrontation which resulted in the destruction of the Ady Gil. It is what happened after this incident, however, that is the focus here. From the post:
The news doesn't relate to the collision, but the aftermath. Pete Bethune, who was the skipper of the destroyed speedboat, the Ady Gil, resigned this week from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, claiming that the boat, donated by Ady Gil, the millionaire it was named for, was unnecessarily scuttled to generate better publicity. There's quite a bit of coverage in the Sydney Morning Herald.
In the New Zealand Herald, Gil is quoted as saying that he believes Bethune. Watson denies the allegations. (Shortly after the first boat was damaged, Gil started raising money for a replacement.)
In a later post to the Dot Earth blog, Paul Watson, the Sea Shepherd campaign's leader, responds to this allegation:
On camera, I say, "it's Pete's boat, it's Pete' call."
On camera, Pete Bethune says that the boat cannot be salvaged and that his decision was to abandon it.
Abandoning it would have left it as a navigational hazard. It was Pete who went to the vessel to attempt to scuttle it and Maritime Safety Australia was made aware of this. I am not criticizing Pete's decision. It was the correct decision to make. What I am saying is that neither Captain Chuck Swift nor I ordered Pete to scuttle the vessel.
So why has Pete Bethune decided to make such an accusation to the media and the public that I ordered him to sink the Ady Gil?
The answer is obvious. I fired him the day before for providing false testimony to the Japanese police. He threatened to make this allegation to me if I did not reinstate him. I refused. In fact I sent the threats to the media before he released them.
So what is this story about?
To put it bluntly it was the seizing of an opportunity to make a scandal out of nothing, based on the words of a man who had been fired from Sea Shepherd the day before.
The abandonment of the vessel and the failed attempt to scuttle it was a responsible decision and made known to the proper authorities at the time. What was not justified is the deliberate destruction of the vessel by the Japanese ship Shonan Maru #2.
Now, I admire a good publicity stunt just like most other marketing and public relations counselors/consultants out there. If true, the accusation that a boat was intentionally wrecked and then scuttled (intentionally sank) simply for publicity is pretty damning. However, instead this appears to be more of a case of a skipper fired from his organization for lying to the Japanese police, attempting to extort his way back to his job. It didn't work.
It does put a huge black mark on the Japanese whalers collectively that the crew of the Shonan Maru #2 intentionally rammed the Ady Gil, an act which was reckless and patently devoid of scruples. However, Pete Bethune, the skipper of the Ady Gil, deserves the same black mark for a pathetic attempt at extortion, and lying about events that were well documented on video for future use in a television program.
We can all learn from Mr. Bethune's actions as an example of what not to do. Shame on you, Pete Bethune, and good luck finding a new job. You're going to need it.

subset: commoncrawl


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On 30th July, 2008, Salman, our son, returned to his Maker after spending just 35 years in this world. I have tried to find the words that adequately express the grief of his departure but know full well that I have failed.
Download the book by clicking on the link above


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Market Research Reports, Inc. has announced the addition of "Life Cycle Management Strategies - Optimizing revenues and defending generic competition" research report to their website http://www.MarketResearchReports.com
Lewes, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/18/2015 -- Life Cycle Management Strategies - Optimizing revenues and defending generic competition" discusses various stages of product lifecycle management (LCM), Developmental, commercial and legal LCM strategies, objectives, benefits, factors impacting the choice of lifecycle management strategies, and keys to successful implementation of the strategies. The report provides detailed case studies for each of the key strategies such as indication expansion, reformulation, fixed-dose combinations, pricing strategies and so on.
Companies mentioned in the report are AbbVie, Actavis, AstraZeneca, Cipla, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Gleevec, Janssen, MannKind, Merck, Novartis, Orexo, Otsuka, Pfizer, Roche, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi-Aventis, Solvay, Teva and Vifor Pharma.
- Introduction of LCM and product life cycle
- Objectives of LCM and factors impacting the choice of strategies
- LCM strategies depending on the way of approach
- Impact of LCM strategies on sales and growth trend of selected products
- Patent term extension and market exclusivity in the US and Europe
- LCM strategies of pipeline drugs of key players
- Keys to successful implementation of LCM strategies
Reasons to buy
- Identify the key LCM strategies used by most of the pharmaceutical companies
- Analyze the strategies to increase lifecycle and revenues of a drug
- Gain an understanding on the implementation of multiple strategies for a single product by including case studies
- Understand the operational pipeline strategies of key players
Spanning over 100 pages "Life Cycle Management Strategies - Optimizing revenues and defending generic competition" report covers Executive Summary, Introduction, Overview of Product Life Cycle, Developmental Strategies, and Appendix.
For further information on this report, please visit-
Find all Healthcare Reports at: http://www.marketresearchreports.com/healthcare
About Market Research Reports, Inc.
Market Research Reports, Inc. is the world's leading source for market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest market research reports on global markets, key industries, leading companies, new products and latest industry analysis & trends.
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1. Sovereignty and Democracy: Overcoming Supranational Mutual Double-Binds from the Eurozone
(Francesco Pigozzo/Essay)
(Francesco Pigozzo/Essay)
... European unification process to the progressive weakening of US hegemony in the world from 1971 onward. In this paper I point out that two double-binds mutually prevent a full (and widespread) understanding ...
2. Regional electoral legislation in Italy. A short essay on the rise and fall of the myth of territorial differentiation
(Enrico Grosso/Essay)
(Enrico Grosso/Essay)
... widespread use of federalist rhetoric, and how scantily independent they appear to be. The effect is that the actual uniformity of electoral systems will cause a further step towards uniformity of party ...
3. Regional and Local People Consultation through Referendum
(Afonso Celotto/Note)
(Afonso Celotto/Note)
... in Italy at local and regional level is very heterogeneous and requires clear rules and more widespread information among the population ...
4. Speaking in Name of the Constituent Power: the Spanish Constitutional Court and the New Catalan Estatut
(Giacomo Delledonne/Note)
(Giacomo Delledonne/Note)
... those provisions aiming at 'constitutionalizing' Catalan identity have been widely neutralized or deprived of their legal significance. By doing so, however, the Court has attracted widespread criticism, ...


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October 21, 2012
An Opportunity Missed
Posted in A Bigger Picture, Organisation responsibilities, Professional Development, Recognition of Volunteering tagged business, community and voluntary sector, Organisation development, Organisation management, Social Investment at 4:06 am by Sue Hine
There are a lot of disappointed people around the country this week. There were just not enough of them to prevent cancellation of the conference planned by Volunteering Auckland for the beginning of November.
Let's Get Connected aimed at bringing together people from across sectors – community, business and government – to listen and discuss topical issues relating to volunteering. Just what we needed in times of change.
Just what we need when every day there are new stories about business sponsorship and partnerships with NFP organisations. Just what organisations need, in order to get to learn more about social enterprise.
There has never been a better time to Get Together, to take the opportunity to sit at the same table and to listen and learn from each other. Getting community, business and government together could have kick-started new relationships and collaboration.
We have missed out because registration numbers were too low. Because, it is said, there is little money available for training and development in the current economic climate. I hope reference to the recession is not a euphemism for organisations giving low priority to a conference related to volunteering and managing volunteers.
That would mean a big mistake as well as a missed opportunity. It's also a bit of a worry for future conference planning. Prospective sponsors and funders may look twice at a group that could not muster the numbers for a conference in their own best interest.
In the UK one writer refers to present state of the third sector as a 'great unsettlement'. Certainly in New Zealand there are signs of potential transformation. The government's Better Public Services report promotes a focus on results and outcomes, greater efficiency and effectiveness, and getting value-for-money. A responsible businesslike approach for the 21st century you could say – with an inevitable flow-on impact on community organisations providing services under government contracts.
Streamlined contracting arrangements are to be welcomed for reducing compliance costs and duplication. Meeting conditions of provider capability, and more rigorous performance measurement will undoubtedly test organisational capacity to meet new arrangements.
This is no time to doubt community resilience, responsiveness and volunteer readiness.
This is where forging connections with business and social enterprise, as well as government, could stimulate new models of development in community organisations. There's a helping hand in a new report offering information and tools to help businesses and charities work better in partnership – produced by the government's Department of Internal Affairs. Let's Get Connected, indeed!
In real life we can curse a bit when we miss a travel connection: it's simply a frustrating delay till the next bus (or whatever) comes along. But missing an opportunity to consider new ideas and new ways of operating is like leaving the rugby field open for others to score all the tries.
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1 Comment »
Wendy Moore said,
October 23, 2012 at 11:05 am
Thank you Sue for sharing your concern for the sector. I agree that it is unfortunate that such an opportunity for relationship building and collaboration was missed.


text: Time for the first ride Posted by ONE-UP Moto Garage on September 3, 2014 Posted in: Honda CM200t "Mrs. Minimoto". Leave a comment Finally got the tank back from paint and buttoned this little dude all up for the maiden voyage…My gas can is empty…Damn! I will get a photo shoot lined up for her soon. I need to come up with a name! Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading... Related Posts navigation ← Back on track Maya's photo shoot →


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Things You Won't Hear Your Dad Say
June 15, 2014No Comments
In honor of all the Dad's out there, please enjoy the Top Things You Won't Hear Your Dad Say. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Boy did I make the right decision choosing one woman to have sex with for the rest of my life.
How did I feel when you wanted to play the viola instead of football? Ecstatic, of course.
This Father's Day I want nothing more than to be with you kids and your mom.
Why didn't you just say you wanted to drop out of college and become a street musician? Let me buy you a new harmonica.
There's no way I can build that new addition . . . I have minimal experience and substandard tools!
Thanks to menopause, your mom looks hotter than ever.
You're right, honey. The NFL RedZone package is taking me away from you on Sundays. I'll cancel it.
Even though you still live in my basement, son, I'm glad you're my namesake.
There's no way I'm going to stop and admire that classic Corvette in the grocery store parking lot.
You SURE you want to go to college? It would be a shame to see all that stand-up comedian potential go to waste.
Ugh, enough with the Bob Seger music!
Thanks, but Old Spice is a bit too strong for me.
Wouldn't it be a better idea to invest in a sensible Dodge Caravan?
Instead of me trying to fix this, let's just call a repairman.
You'll never catch me in a pair of Dockers!
I'm proud of you. WHY? WHY? WOULD IT HAVE HURT TO JUST SAY IT ONCE IN A WHILE? Uh, sorry about that.
I love and respect your mother way too much to hit on the golf cart girl at this golf course.
A clogged-up sink? Well, I certainly lack the knowledge and expertise to handle that, better call a plumber!
No beer for me, thanks. I like to watch my football sober.
Your mom and I are having way too much sex.
Gonna skip watching football today . . . don't want to miss the big clearance sale at Linens & Things.
Honey, would you please go to my computer and look at my browser history, and then clear it, please?
Don't call what your mom does all the time "nagging" . . . it's constructive criticism only meant to make me feel better about myself.
Actually, you kids have it much harder now than when I was a kid. I had a spoiled and entitled childhood.
According to this article in "Cosmo" . . .
I get tons of compliments when I wear dark socks with sandals.


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No, out-of-home marketing is not dead. In fact, brands continue to supplement their television, radio and print advertising campaigns with out-of-home banners, billboards, point of purchase displays, street furniture ads and transit advertising. But the recent digital transformation has certainly changed the face of out-of-home marketing campaigns, making them highly efficient, transparent, measurable, and impactful.
Although traditional marketing principles continue to hold strong even today, brands have to up their game in order to get the best out of their out-of-home marketing campaigns. Designing a colorful and informative billboard and putting it up in a high-traffic area is good in its own place. But succeeding in the game of out-of-home marketing is a challenge for brands, especially with so many players competing for consumers' attention.
Don't worry if you are struggling to make your OOH campaigns more effective. Here are a few tips that can help you get the best out of your efforts:
Craft crisp and effective messages
The copy of your out-of-home advertisement is perhaps the most important element to focus on. Given the short attention span of people, long ad copies can simply kill their interest. Your copy should be crisp enough for people to be able to read it at one go. You should try communicating your message using minimum number of words. Creating a concise copy with six or less words can actually create the right impact on people.
Keep the design as simple as possible
While it's a common practice to clutter billboards and banners with too much information, simplicity in design actually creates the real magic. Out-of-home marketing, whether traditional or digital, should be direct to the point, and focus on a single convincing idea. A perfect out-of-home ad contains a properly-chosen image or graphic, a brief copy highlighting the brand's USP and the company's name, logo and contact details.
Make a strategic choice of locations
The choice of location is extremely crucial for succeeding in out-of-home marketing. Brands nowadays pump in whopping sums of money into advertising media in order to increase reach of their advertising campaign. You, as a brand owner, need to ensure that your advertisement is put up in a space where it's likely to grab the maximum eyeballs. Doing so will help you maximize your returns from the investment you make in OOH marketing.
Leverage social media
The effectiveness of a single banner ad can be increased ten times when it is run on social media. Digital advertising panels are highly beneficial for brands because they establish real-time connections between marketers and social media feeds. Leveraging social media channels like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter will not only increase visibility of a brand by increasing reach but also provide necessary data to measure campaign performance.
Always know your competitors
Last but certainly not the least, you have to keep pace with your competitors. While it's always recommended that you stay original, you cannot completely ignore your competitors' strategies. You cannot put up an ad that contradicts your brand's core values and ridicules your competitor. Rather you should draw inspiration from your competitors and do something which is closely in line with their strategies.


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Elvis PresleyArtist Of The Century (1999)
Текст песни с переводом слов Elvis Presley «The Girl Of My Best Friend» из альбома «Artist Of The Century» (1999).
The Girl Of My Best Friend
(words & music by Beverly Ross - Sam Bobrick)
The way she walks,
The way she talks
How long can I pretend
Oh I can't help I'm in love
With the girl of my best friend
Her lovely hair,
Her skin so fair
I could go on and never end
Oh, I can't help I'm in love
With the girl of my best friend
I want to tell her
How I love her so
And hold her in my arms, but then
What if she got real mad and told him so
I could never face either one again
The way they kiss
Their happiness
Will my aching heart ever mend
Or will I always be in love
With the girl of my best friend?
Never end,
Will it ever end?
Please let it end
Elvis Presley - все тексты песен исполнителя (группы).


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HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheet 2019; Published 10 January 2020
Information from the Phytoplankton Expert Group (PEG)
Authors: Janina Kownacka1, Susanne Busch2, Jeanette Göbel3, Sławomira Gromisz1, Heidi Hällfors4, Helena Höglander5, Siv Huseby6, Andres Jaanus7, Hans Henrik Jakobsen8, Marie Johansen9, Marléne Johansson6, Iveta Jurgensone10, Wojciech Kraśniewski11, Sirpa Lehtinen4, Irina Olenina12, Mario v. Weber13, Norbert Wasmund2
Key Message
- The different areas of the Baltic Sea are characterized by different magnitudes of biomass of the nitrogen-fixing (diazotrophic) cyanobacteria genera Aphanizomenon, Nodularia and Dolichospermum. The highest biomass (for the studied months June-August, during the study period from year 1990 to 2018) occurs in the Gulf of Finland, whereas no or low biomass of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria appears in the Bothnian Bay and the Kiel Bay/Kattegat area.
- Biomass of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria may show opposing trends between different sea areas. For example, biomass was extremely low in the Arkona Basin and Bornholm Basin in 2004, 2005, 2017 and 2018 but relatively high in the neighbouring Eastern Gotland Basin. In 2017, cyanobacteria biomass was high in the gulfs, but low in the southern Baltic Proper. This confirms that the sea areas have to be evaluated separately.
- The year-to-year variability in the biomass of bloom-forming cyanobacteria is high. A tendency of decreasing cyanobacteria biomass in the Arkona Basin (1990-2014) was interrupted by high biomass values in 2015 and 2016, but continued by extremely low biomass in 2017 and 2018. Decreasing tendency was observed as well in the Gulf of Riga, Eastern Gotland and Bornholm Basins but in the Eastern Gotland Basin the decreasing tendency was interrupted in 2018. Cyanobacteria biomass is increasing in the Bothnian Sea since the mid of the 1990s and to a small extent at the Landsort Deep.
- The genus Nodularia is more common in the central and southern part of the Baltic Sea compared to the northern part, namely the Gulfs of Bothnia, Finland and Riga, where the genus Aphanizomenon dominates.
Results and Assessments
Relevance of the indicator for describing developments in the environment
Nitrogen-fixing (diazotrophic) cyanobacteria are an important component of the ecosystem. By their ability to fix molecular nitrogen, the bloom-forming cyanobacteria of the genera Aphanizomenon, Nodularia and Dolichospermum prevent severe nitrogen shortage and resulting starvation in all trophic levels of the ecosystem in the summer. However, human activity has imported a surplus of nutrients into the Baltic Sea for decades which turned the originally indispensable cyanobacteria into a nuisance because their nitrogen fixation counteracts the measures to reduce eutrophication, as specified in the following section.
According to Wasmund (1997), nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria may be considered as a "bloom concentration" when biomass is about 200 µg/L in the mixed upper water layer from 0 m to the depth of 10 m. If this biomass is floating and enriched at the water surface it becomes visible and is also clearly perceived from satellites (Kahru & Elmgren 2014).
Policy relevance and policy references
The blooms of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria seem to have increased at least since the 1960s (Finni et al. 2001, Funkey et al. 2014). If cyanobacteria occur in large blooms, they indicate and contribute to eutrophication, oxygen depletion in deep waters and toxic effects. The displeasing view of the coloured surface scum alone may impair the touristic use of the coasts in summer. The changes in cyanobacteria biomass and composition represent changes in the ecosystem with far-reaching consequences. Their trends are of high relevance and interest. This Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheet (BSEFS) "Cyanobacteria Biomass" serves the long-term documentation of the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria biomass development.
An Indicator Fact Sheet on a "Cyanobacteria bloom index" covering semi-quantitative rank data from year 1999 to 2007 was presented by Kaitala and Hällfors (2008). Information about the spatial extension of the bloom during summer based on satellite data is available (BSEFS "Cyanobacterial blooms in the Baltic Sea", Öberg 2018). In contrast to semi-quantitative rank data and satellite image data, our BSEFS presents quantitative biomass data and gives additional information about the species composition in the water column. The species composition is relevant also because Nodularia and Dolichospermum have the potential to be hepatotoxic whereas similar hepatotoxicity of Aphanizomenon has not been confirmed in the Baltic Sea, even though Cox et al. (2005) have reported potential for production of a neurotoxic amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) within the strains of Baltic Sea Aphanizomenon.
Owing to the high ecological importance of cyanobacterial blooms, they may serve as indicators in the sense of the EU-Marine Strategy Framework Directive (European Union 2008). A new HELCOM pre-core eutrophication indicator Cyanobacterial bloom index is implemented (HELCOM 2018a) and used in the Second HELCOM holistic assessment (HELCOM 2018b). It tries to combine satellite observation data with the biomass monitoring data delivered by the HELCOM Phytoplankton Expert Group (PEG). The biomass data are identical with the data used for this Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheet, but this BSEFS gives also deeper additional information on the differences in the biomasses of genera Nodularia, Aphanizomenon and Dolichospermum in different Baltic Sea areas.
The first Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheet on the cyanobacteria biomass was published in 2011. Just like the earlier Indicator Fact Sheet on a "Cyanobacteria bloom index", it concentrates on the open sea. However, owing to the COMBINE strategy, also coastal stations are considered. The situation near the coast may be different from that in the open sea. Therefore, clusters of coastal stations have been kept apart from open sea stations if they were separated by a long distance (> 70 km). Such separated stations from the Latvian, Lithuanian and Polish coast did not meet the quality criteria of one sampling per month at least (cf. section "technical information", point 5) and are therefore neglected in this report. However, if coastal and open sea stations were close to each other (e.g. Gulf of Riga, Gdańsk Basin), differentiation between them is difficult. We combined the data from the coastal and open sea areas if the coastal stations were near to the central open sea stations (< 70 km).
Stations were pooled by sea area (Fig. 1) in order to get representative data. This pooling also included stations which are rarely sampled (in the Bornholm Basin and the southern parts of the Eastern Gotland Basin), but which are not specified in Fig.1. The data were treated as explained in the technical information below. The seasonal means of the total biomass of the nitrogen-fixing filamentous cyanobacteria in the summer period (June-August) are presented in Fig.1. In the Bothnian Sea, cyanobacteria blooms may extend up to October; therefore the season is defined in this area from June to October. Recently, blooms have extended to September and even later also in some other areas. In order to keep consistency with earlier reports, we still considered only the period from June to August. As shown in earlier fact sheets of the PEG, phytoplankton trends may be even opposite in the different sea areas (e.g. Jaanus et al. 2007). Therefore, separate diagrams for the most relevant sea areas were produced.
In this BSEFS on Cyanobacteria biomass, only nitrogen-fixing species of the genera Aphanizomenon, Nodularia and Dolichospermum are considered, since these are the main genera that form blooms in the Baltic Sea. Specific information on these three cyanobacteria genera is shown in Fig. 2 and 3.
In the Bothnian Bay, the cyanobacteria biomass, dominated mainly by Aphanizomenon, is usually low (monthly average < 50 µg/L) and the results are not presented in a separate figure.
In the Bothnian Sea, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria are more relevant than in the Bothnian Bay. In this region there is a tendency of earlier bloom start (cf. Kahru and Elmgren 2014), but moderate (150–200 µg/L) cyanobacteria biomass is also found in autumn. Therefore we kept the period from June to October for this area. Starting with very low cyanobacteria biomass in the mid of the 1990s, biomass has increased more or less continuously (Andersson et al. 2015). Moreover, in contrast to earlier years, cyanobacterial blooms were also observed in the northern part of the Bothnian Sea (Lehtinen et al., 2019). In the Gulf of Finland, the highest biomass of the whole Baltic Sea occurred with single peak values from 2000 to 7470 µg/L in the late 1990s and in the beginning of the 2000s, in 2009 and again since 2013. The blooms have been mainly dominated by Aphanizomenon with the exception of the year 1999, when Nodularia contributed more to the total cyanobacterial biomass.
The Finnish coastal station "Nau 2361 Seili intens" was the only station situated in the Archipelago Sea. As it could not be combined with other stations, its data gaps could not be filled and the data could not fulfil the requirements explained in the Metadata section "Methodology and frequency of data collection". Thus, data for Archipelago Sea is not presented.
In the Gulf of Riga, high seasonal average biomass value in year 2015 was mainly based on peak values from 4.8.2015 (1981 µg/L). In 2017, the highest biomass was recorded on 6 July, almost exclusively based on Aphanizomenon (1360 µg/L at station 165). In 2018, cyanobacteria biomass was three times lower than in 2017 and by half lower than the long-term mean.
The cyanobacteria biomass at the Landsort Deep station (BMP H3) appears relatively low for methodological reasons. This was the only station where the upper 20 m were sampled in contrast to 10 m in the other open sea regions. As cyanobacteria prefer the upper water layers, the inclusion of the lower layer of the euphotic zone reduces the depth-integrated average. The cyanobacteria biomass per m³ might be double, especially for the strongly buoyant Nodularia, if only the upper 0-10 m water layer would be considered. In 2018, the peak biomass (477 µg/L) was found on 18 June, dominated by Aphanizomenon.
Data from the Eastern Gotland Basin were contributed by Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden. Nevertheless, the data basis is rather poor. The biomass peak of the genera considered was recorded on 28 June 2018 (975 µg/L). Mean cyanobacteria biomass increased compared to 2017 and significantly exceeded the long-term mean (197 µg / L). The increase in biomass occurred both in the open sea and the coastal area, where it was necessary to close the beaches even for two weeks in July. (For exemplar along the Polish coast of the Eastern Gotland Basin it was recorded around 30 such events according to the announcements of the State Sanitary Inspection https://sk.gis.gov.pl/index.php/kapielisko/112).
A similar situation occurred in the Gdańsk Basin in 2018. Peak biomass of cyanobacteria (701 µg/L) in 2018 was observed on 4 August at the station BMPL1 (Gdańsk Deep). In the BSEFS Cyanobacteria biomass from previous years, data from the Gdańsk Basin were not considered separately due to the lack of data from the 1990s meeting the criteria of the methodology (averages of at least three months June-August ), and some of them were combined with the Eastern Gotland Basin data. For the first time the Gdańsk Basin is considered in this report based on the available data series from the period 2004-2018 and single years: 2000 and 2002 (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). Data from stations previously included in the Eastern Gotland Basin analysis have now been transferred to the Gdańsk Basin database. Cyanobacteria biomass from the stations BMPL1, BMPL5 and BMPL6 (sampled within the Polish National Monitoring Programme governed by the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection, footnote 11) was combined with nearby stations sampled occasionally by NMFRI (footnote 1). Long-term mean of cyanobacteria biomass in the Gdańsk Basin is lower than long-term mean for the Gulf of Finland and higher than long-term mean for the Eastern Gotland Basin. The single peak values were observed in 2004 (1301 µg/L), 2006 (1125 µg/L), 2008 (2194 µg/L), 2009 (3361 µg/L), 2010 (6216 µg/L) and 2015 (1090 µg/L). Among genera observed in that region Aphanizomenon dominated although in some years Nodularia (2008, 2010, 2016) and Dolichospermum (2010) contribution was significant.
Cyanobacteria biomass in the Bornholm Basin was generally rather low (76% of considered data is below 100 µg/L) in comparison with the northern regions of the Baltic Proper, and did not reach bloom concentrations since 2015.
In the Arkona Basin, cyanobacteria biomass decreased strongly during the investigation period. Indeed, the lowest mean biomass was found in 2018 with a seasonal maximum of only 38 µg/L on 4 August.
In the Bay of Mecklenburg, blooms are not usual, but they may reach the coasts occasionally, e.g. in 2003 and 2006, when beaches had to be closed because of nuisance cyanobacteria blooms. Differences occurred between samplings from 0-10 m depth and samplings from the surface only. Samplings of the upper 10 m in the open sea revealed cyanobacterial biomass exceeding 100 µg/L in the years 2006, 2010 and 2011 in the series from 2004 to 2013 presented by Schneider et al. (2015). The surface samples from coastal and open sea stations showed biomass peaks in 1993, 1994, 2006, 2013 and 2016 (Fig. 2 g). In 2018, high cyanobacteria biomass of 588 µg/L was found at the Mecklenburg coast only on 17 July and was dominated by Nodularia (Wasmund et al. 2019).
Data from the Bay of Mecklenburg and Kiel Bight were considered for the first time in the BSEFS report of 2015. Data were delivered by State Agencies (footnotes 3 and 13) and from the coastal monitoring of the IOW (station Heiligendamm = "HD"; see Wasmund et al. 2019). All these data originated from surface samples (about 1 m depth); the few samples from 0-10 m depth were excluded from the analysis in order to prevent mixing of different methods.
The cyanobacterial biomass in Kiel Bight, starting in 2000, was generally low (maximum summer average 167 µg/L in 2012) and is thus not presented in a figure. The biomass peak samples were almost exclusively dominated by Dolichospermum.
Also Kattegat data are not presented because of generally low cyanobacteria biomass, which indicates that heavy cyanobacteria blooms do not occur in that sea area. Only at the end of July 2008, a bloom with biomass peaks of up to 400 µg/L occurred at the two Kattegat stations, but monthly and seasonal means were much lower.
Because of the high variability, no clear trend is visible in most areas. A decrease in cyanobacteria biomass was noticed in the Gulf of Riga and Arkona Basin until 2014, but this trend was interrupted by high biomass values in 2015. An increasing trend seems to establish in the Bothnian Sea (Andersson et al., 2015). This is in line with the results by Lehtinen et al. (2016), who showed that biomass of the class Cyanophyceae has increased statistically significantly in the Bothnian Sea from 1979 to 2014, mainly due to the increasing biomass of Aphanizomenon. Trend analyses by Wasmund et al. (2011) with data from 1979 to 2005 revealed decreasing trends in summer cyanobacteria in the Bornholm Basin and Arkona Basin but not in the Eastern Gotland Basin. Increasing trends in late summer cyanobacterial biomass in the northern Baltic Proper, the Gulf of Finland, and the Åland Sea from year 1979 to 2011 (2014) have been reported by Suikkanen et al. (2013), Lehtinen et al. (2016) and weak increasing trend for the Landsort Deep station has been reported from year 1994 to 2017 by Huseby et al. (2019). Oscillations instead of continuous long-term trends in surface blooms are reported by Kahru et al. (2018).
Large variations between different areas may occur. For example, cyanobacterial biomass was exceptionally low in the Arkona Basin and Bornholm Basin in 2004, 2005, 2017 and 2018 but high in the Eastern Gotland Basin at the same time. The basin-wide differences in bloom distribution are also known from satellite images (Kahru and Elmgren 2014, Kahru et al. 2018, Öberg 2018). This stresses the importance of dividing the Baltic Sea into sub-regions and treating them separately.
Although the satellite images give valuable information on the spatial differences in cyanobacteria abundances, numerous discrepancies between satellite observations and ship-based biomass data exist. For example, the high biomass in the Arkona Basin in 1998 and 2008 is not reflected in the number of days with cyanobacteria observed in the satellite images (Öberg 2018). Also at station Landsort Deep there is only little systematic correlation between actual cyanobacteria biomass and satellite surface data, probably because of deep maxima of Aphanizomenon which cannot be adequately recorded by satellites. Satellites may detect the blooms only under specific weather conditions (clear sky) whereas ship-based measurements are not so selective. If wind mixes the cyanobacterial biomass into the water, surface accumulations will not form even though cyanobacterial biomass was high. On the other hand, calm winds may enable surface blooms to become visible even though actual cyanobacteria biomass was not exceptionally high.
As shown in Fig. 2, Aphanizomenon is dominating in the northern regions of the Baltic Sea whereas Nodularia is mostly dominating in the southern Baltic Sea. This may reflect: (1) a north-south salinity gradient or (2) a coastal versus open sea gradient as most stations in the north are situated near the coast whereas those in the south are mainly remote of the coast. Aphanizomenon seems to prefer lower salinity than Nodularia irrespective of the coasts. Lehtimäki et al. (1997) found that Aphanizomenon from the Baltic Sea grows best at salinities of 0 to 5 psu. Moreover, Nodularia has a higher temperature optimum (20-25 °C) than Aphanizomenon (16-22 °C) according to Lehtimäki et al. (1997). Dolichospermum is of less quantitative importance.
Fig. 1: Map of the regularly sampled stations, containing one graph on diazotrophic cyanobacteria biomass per area (seasonal mean biomass in µg/L); details see in Fig.2. Stations in Bothnian Bay, Kiel Bay and Kattegat were tested but results are not presented. Sampling depth is 0-10 m, except in the Landsort Deep (0 to 20 m) and in the Bay of Mecklenburg (0 m) . "n.d." = no sufficient data.
Fig. 2: Mean biomass (wet weight, µg/L) of the three bloom-forming cyanobacteria genera in the different Baltic Sea areas (a-i) during their blooming period (note the different scales). The long-term mean per area (all species together) is indicated by a horizontal line. "n" is total number of samples analysed for this region, "n.d." = no sufficient data.
Technical information
1. Data source: Danish, Estonian, Finnish, German, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish and Swedish national monitoring data (see list of authors and Footnotes). Main sampling locations are presented in Fig. 1. Original purpose of the data: Phytoplankton monitoring programs in the frame of HELCOM COMBINE.
2. Description of data: Biomass data (wet weight in µg/L) in integrated samples (0-10 m; 0-20 m at the Landsort Deep; surface = 0-1 m in Bay of Mecklenburg). Sampling at the Finnish high-frequency coastal stations "Hailuodon ed int.asema", "Suomenl Huovari Kyvy-8A", "UUS-23 Längden" and "Vav-11 V-4" reached from surface to the depth of 2x Secchi depth (usually 0-8 m, maximum depth is 10 m); they could be integrated into the existing data series without problems. Genera included in index: Nodularia, Aphanizomenon and Dolichospermum (previously Anabaena) (see Fig. 3).
Fig. 3: Genera included in index, from the left: Nodularia, Aphanizomenon and Dolichospermum (previously Anabaena).
3. Geographical coverage: Entire Baltic Sea (see Fig. 1).
4. Temporal coverage: Summer 1990-2018 (June-August, in the Bothnian Sea June-October). Note that the years 1992-1993 are missing from the Landsort Deep station, 1994 and 1996 from the Eastern Gotland Basin, 1994-1996 from the Bornholm Basin, 1997 and 1999 from the Bay of Mecklenburg and 2001 and 2003 from the Gdańsk Basin. Even if data from one month were available, they were excluded because only one month was not representative for the investigation period. Some time series started later, e.g. from Gulfs of Finland and Riga in 1993 and Gdańsk Basin in 2000.
5. Methodology and frequency of data collection: Information based on national monitoring samples analysed and identified by phytoplankton experts, using the mandatory HELCOM methods (HELCOM 2017).
Additional explanation on the counting procedure using size classes was given by Olenina et al. (2006). Sampling frequency varies in dependency of the national monitoring cruises. At least one sample per month has to be available to allow the calculation of the seasonal average. This precondition could also be fulfilled by pooling nearby stations. Only in a few exceptions, mentioned in the Assessment section, data are presented despite missing data from one month out of three. The total number of samples is indicated in each diagram in Fig. 2.
6. Methodology of data manipulation: The precondition of at least one sample per month could be fulfilled in the representative open sea stations by combining the different national monitoring data. In coastal areas under the responsibility of only one country, many data (from Lithuania, Poland and Finland) had to be rejected because of too low sampling frequency. Other coastal data (from Gulfs of Bothnia, Finland and Riga, see Fig. 1) are included, as they were close to the open sea stations and their sampling frequency was high (Fig. 2).
From the single data, monthly means were calculated, which served as basis for calculation of seasonal mean values.
Quality information
1. Strength and weakness (at data level): The main strength is the availability of comparable multi-decadal genus-specific biomass data. The main weaknesses are the low number of sampling stations and the low seasonal coverage in the sampling frequency. Monitoring cruises into the open Baltic Sea are expensive and can be conducted only a few times per year by the countries involved. This undersampling problem, occurring generally at ship-based sampling, is dramatic if high patchiness occurs. Especially the buoyant cyanobacteria are inhomogeneous in their horizontal and vertical distribution. The vertical inhomogeneity is tackled by the integrated sampling down to 10 m, or at specific stations down to 20 m depth (Landsort Deep) or 2 times Secchi depth (Finnish coastal stations). The equipment is however not designed for representative sampling of surface scums. The combining of the different national data taken at the central HELCOM stations improves the total sampling frequency to reach the minimum requiremen
2. Reliability, accuracy, robustness, uncertainty (at data level): Data on the reliability and precision are not available. A ring test of HELCOM-PEG, conducted in 2012, gave information on the precision of Nodularia countings in dependence of the counting procedure (Griniene et al. 2013). The phytoplankton proficiency test (Vuorio et al. 2015), which was participated by many HELCOM PEG members, included identification test for Aphanizomenon flosaquae and Nodularia spumigena, and counting test for Aphanizomenon sp. The uncertainties concerning sampling are discussed above; they have natural reasons. The microscopical counting is a robust method of high accuracy. In contrast to indirect methods (satellites, pigments etc.), the objects can directly be recognized, counted and measured. Moreover, the contribution of the different species can be evaluated. The calculation of biomass from the counting results is highly reliable since common biovolume formulas (Olenina et al. 2006) and a regularly updated biovolume file (http://www.ices.dk/marine-data/Documents/ENV/PEG_BVOL.zip) are used.
3. Further work required (for data level and indicator level): In order to assure a sufficient sampling frequency, the combined efforts of different countries to sample at least the central key station in each sea area have to be maintained or better to be extended. This is especially important when these data will be used to follow up the Baltic Sea Action Plan, the Marine Strategic Framework Directive and the Water Framework Directive. The basic data for this Environment Fact Sheet are integrated into a Cyanobacteria indicator, called "CyaBl", for the implementation of the Marine Strategic Framework Directive. In order to be able to utilize the ICES database for the long-term trend analyses, the database should be updated annually, and kept harmonized concerning taxonomy and biovolume calculation formulae since the beginning of the study period (since year 1990). At the moment, data for this BSEFS has been collected yearly from the national PEG representatives.
Andersson, A., Höglander, H., Karlsson, C., Huseby, S. 2015: Key role of phosphorus and nitrogen in regulating cyanobacterial community composition in the northern Baltic Sea. Estuar Coast Shelf Sci 164: 161−171
Cox, P.A., Banack, S.A., Murch, S.J., Rasmussen, U., Tien, G., Bidigare, R.R., Metcalf, J.S., Morrison, L.F., Codd, G.A. & Bergman, B., 2005: Diverse taxa of cyanobacteria produce β-N-methylamino-L-alanine, a neurotoxic amno acid. – Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102: 5074–5078.
European Union, 2008: Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008: Establishing a Framework for Community Action in the field of Marine Environmental Policy. – Official Journal of the European Union, L 164, 19-39.
Finni, T., Kononen, K., Olsonen, R., Wallström, K., 2001: The history of cyanobacterial blooms in the Baltic Sea. Ambio 30, 172-178.
Funkey, C.P., Conley, D.J, Reuss, N.S, Humborg,C, Jilbert, T., Slomp, C.P., 2014: Hypoxia Sustains Cyanobacteria Blooms in the Baltic Sea. Environ. Sci. Technol. 48: 2598−2602.
Griniene, E., Daunys, D., Olenina, I., Höglander, H., Wasmund, N., 2013: Phytoplankton ring test 2013. Counting of Rhodomonas sp. and Nodularia spumigena using different counting strategies and sedimentation chamber volumes. Report to HELCOM, November 2013.
HELCOM, 2017: Monitoring of phytoplankton species composition, abundance and biomass. http://www.helcom.fi/Documents/Action%20areas/Monitoring%20and%20assessment/Manuals%20and%20Guidelines/Guidelines%20for%20monitoring%20phytoplankton%20species%20composition,%20abundance%20and%20biomass.pdf
HELCOM, 2018a. Cyanobacteria bloom index. HELCOM pre-core indicator report. Online. [30.08.2019], [http://www.helcom.fi/baltic-sea-trends/indicators/cyanobacterial-bloom-index]. ISSN 2343-2543
HELCOM, 2018b: State of the Baltic Sea – Second HELCOM holistic assessment 2011-2016. Baltic Sea Environment Proceedings 155. http://www.helcom.fi/baltic-sea-trends/holistic-assessments/state-of-the-baltic-sea-2018
Huseby, S., (UMU), Höglander, H., (SU), Skjevik, A-T., (SMHI), 2019, https://www.sverigesvattenmiljo.se/sa-mar-vara-vatten/2019/variabelgrupper/85/15/62 :
Jaanus, A., Andersson, A., Hajdu, S., Huseby, S., Jurgensone, I., Olenina, I., Wasmund, N., Toming, K., 2007: Shifts in the Baltic Sea summer phytoplankton communities in 1992-2006. HELCOM Indicator Fact Sheet. Online.
Kahru, M., Elmgren, R., 2014: Multidecadal time series of satellite-detected accumulations of cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea. Biogeosciences, 11:3619–3633.
Kahru M., Elmgren R., DiLorenzo E. & Savchuk O. 2018. Unexplained interannual oscillations of cyanobacterial blooms in the Baltic Sea. Scientific Reports 8(6365).
Lehtimäki, J., Moisander, P., Sivonen, K., and Kononen, K., 1997: Growth, nitrogen fixation, and nodularin production by two Baltic Sea cyanobacteria. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 63(5), 1647-1656.
Lehtinen, S., Suikkanen, S., Hällfors, H., Kauppila, P., Lehtiniemi, M., Tuimala, J., Uusitalo, L., Kuosa, H., 2016: Approach for supporting food web assessments with multi-decadal phytoplankton community analyses –case Baltic Sea. Front. Mar. Sci. 3:220. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2016.00220
Lehtinen, S., Kuosa, H., Knuuttila, S., Attila, J., Järvinen, M. 2019: Summary of algal bloom monitoring June-August 2019. By Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). Online. https://www.syke.fi/en-US/Current/Press_releases/Summary_of_algal_bloom_monitoring_JuneAu(51391)
Öberg, J., 2018: Cyanobacterial blooms in the Baltic Sea in 2017. HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheet 20167. Online. https://helcom.fi/baltic-sea-trends/environment-fact-sheets/eutrophication/cyanobacterial-blooms-in-the-baltic-sea/
Olenina, I., Hajdu, S., Andersson, A., Edler, L., Wasmund, N., Busch, S., Göbel, J., Gromisz, S., Huseby, S., Huttunen, M., Jaanus, A., Kokkonen, P., Ledaine, I., Niemkiewicz, E., 2006: Biovolumes and size-classes of phytoplankton in the Baltic Sea. Baltic Sea Environment Proceedings 106, 144pp. https://helcom.fi/post_type_publ/bsep106/, with updated Appendix available athttp://www.ices.dk/marine-data/Documents/ENV/PEG_BVOL.zip.
Schneider, B., Bücker, S., Kaitala, S., Maunula, P., Wasmund, N., 2015: Characteristics of the spring/summer production in the Mecklenburg Bight (Baltic Sea) as revealed by long-term pCO2 data. Oceanologia 57, 375-385.DOI: 10.1016/j.oceano.2015.07.001
Suikkanen, S., Pulina, S., Engström-Öst, J., Lehtiniemi, M., Lehtinen, S., and Brutemark, A., 2013: Climate change and eutrophication induced shifts in Northern Summer plankton communities. PLoSONE 8:e66475.doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066475
Vuorio,K., Björklöf, K., Kuosa, H., Jokipii, R., Järvinen, M., Lehtinen, S., Leivuori, M., Niemelä, M., Väisänen, R. 2015: SYKE Proficiency Test 10/2014. Phytoplankton. Reports of the Finnish environment Institute 29 / 2015. 42 pages.
Wasmund, N., 1997: Occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms in the Baltic Sea in relation to environmental conditions. Int Rev Gesamten Hydrobiol 82, 169-184.
Wasmund, N., Busch, S., Burmeister, C., Hansen, R., 2019: Phytoplankton development at the coastal station "Seebrücke Heiligendamm" in 2018. https://www.io-warnemuende.de/algal_blooms_at_heiligendamm_2018.html
Wasmund, N., Tuimala, J., Suikkanen, S., Vandepitte, L., Kraberg, A., 2011: Long-term trends in phytoplankton composition in the western and central Baltic Sea. Journal of Marine Systems 87: 145–159. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmarsys.2011.03.010
1 National Marine Fisheries Research Institute (NMFRI), ul. Kołłataja 1, 81-332 Gdynia, Poland
2 Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Seestr. 15, D-18119 Warnemünde, Germany
3 State Agency for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburger Chaussee 25, D-24220 Flintbek, Germany
4 Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Marine Research Centre, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
5 Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
6 Umeå Marine Science Center, Norrbyn SE-90571 Hörnefors, Sweden
7 Estonian Marine Institute, Tartu University, Mäealuse 14, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia
8 Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
9 Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Oceanographic Unit, Sven Källfelts gata 15, SE-426 71 Västra Frölunda, Sweden
10 Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Department of Marine Monitoring, Voleru īela 4, LV-1007, Riga, Latvia
11 Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, Maritime Branch, ul. Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
12 Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Marine Research, Taikos str 26, LT-91149, Klaipeda, Lithuania
13 State Agency for Environment, Nature Conservation and Geology Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Goldberger Strasse 12, D-18273 Güstrow, Germany
For reference purposes, please cite this Baltic Sea environment fact sheet as follows:
Kownacka, J., Busch, S., Göbel, J., Gromisz, S., Hällfors, H., Höglander, H., Huseby, S., Jaanus, A., Jakobsen, H.H., Johansen, M., Johansson, M., Jurgensone, I., Kraśniewski, W., Lehtinen, S., Olenina, I., v.Weber, M., Wasmund, N., 2018. Cyanobacteria biomass 1990-2018. HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheets 2018. Online. [Date Viewed],
Report of HELCOM Phytoplankton Expert group (PEG) meeting
Report of HELCOM Phytoplankton Expert group (PEG) meeting 2019, 8-12 April, Daugavpils, Latvia
Cyanobacteria Biomass in Earlier Years
Cyanobacteria biomass 1990-2017 (HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheet 2018)
Cyanobacteria biomass 1990-2016 (HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheet 2017)
Cyanobacteria biomass 1990-2015 (HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheet 2016)
Cyanobacteria biomass 1990-2014 (HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheet 2015)
Cyanobacteria biomass (HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheet 2014)
Cyanobacteria biomass indicator (HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheets 2013)
Cyanobacteria biomass indicator (HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheets 2012)
Cyanobacteria biomass indicator (HELCOM Baltic Sea Environment Fact Sheets 2011)


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Children must turn 8yrs in the year of joining the club.
It is a condition of joining the club that Athletes take part in a minimum of two competitions during the year; for athletes u12 one of these events must be a cross country event.
To ensure the quality of coaching we have a maximum number of athletes in each group. DO NOT JOIN WITHOUT OUR AGREEMENT AS WE MAY NOT HAVE A SPACE FOR YOUR ATHLETE.
Any parent who would like to become a coach or assist at sessions is particularly welcome. We organise training courses through Athletics Ireland. If you do not want to coach there are a number of ways you can assist. The athlete of parents who commit to regular coaching and/or assisting will go to the top of the waiting list.
All parents will be asked to go on a roster to assist at training sessions.
For NEW juvenile membership enquiries please come to the track at 10.00 hrs on Saturday morning with your athlete ready to train : please wear appropriate runners, warm/wet gear if required and bring water.
Subscriptions are paid annually on a calendar year basis. The subscription includes insurance, registration with Athletics Ireland and entry to Championships. Please click on link JOIN / RENEW / SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS.
Contact Us
Dublin City Council Sports & Fitness Irishtown
Irishtown Stadium
Dublin 4


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Food|Harvest Snaps: Snapea Crisp Review
I recently received a healthy stash of Harvest Snaps Snapea Crisp in a variety of flavors. The immediate draw to the brand were the words healthy and baked.
How wonderful I felt knowing I could enjoy some delicious flavors like Black Pepper, Wasabi and Ceasar on an all natural pea, well- 70% to be exact!
Now although one serving of Snapea crisp has about 150 calories, we all know that some calories are better when you are watching what you eat. I enjoyed the snack and even dipped them in salad dressing for a bit of variety. Check out this snack when you next visit the store and let me know what you think! I gave away a bag to my coworkers and they loved them, thinking back I wish I had recorded their reactions!
This post was created in partnership with Harvest Snaps. I have been compensated for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.


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Chambers Flat Cemetery
Chambers Flat Cemetery
Location: Corner of Sungold and Chambers Flat Roads, Chambers Flat
Chambers Flat Cemetery was opened in approximately 1878 and consists of a monumental and lawn section for burials, as well as an ashes garden for ashes interments and a memorial walk for the scattering of ashes. Chambers Flat has approximately 70 graves.
Swanborough Funerals have been caring for the local community for 16 years. Our desire it to provide affordable and dignified care to local residents.
do not hesitate to contact Swanborough Funerals on 1800 100 411.
Cemetery Fees and Charges
The are quite a number of churches available to hold funeral or memorial services in the Chambers Flat and Surrounding Logan Area. For alternative funeral venue hire
Churches nearby the CemeteryLogan Reserve Seventh-day Adventist Church Parklands Christian Centre Kingdom Life Centre Park Ridge Seventh-day Adventist Church Park Ridge Anglican Church Browns Plains Presbyterian Church Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church
Do not hesitate to contact Swanborough Funerals on 1800 100 411 should you wish to discuss organising a burial or memorial service at Chambers Flat Cemetery.


text: After turning down the Canadian Association of Internet Providers (CAIP) appeal for interim relief of Bell's practice of traffic-shaping earlier this week the CRTC has now put the ball back in Bell's court. The CRTC has now ordered Bell Canada to provide "full rationale and evidence" to support its claim that 95 per cent of its users were negatively impacted by peer-to-peer traffic and to describe where congestion is occurring, according to the Globe and Mail. "CAIP looks forward to providing the commission with additional information regarding the impact of traffic shaping on our customers and the other types of applications that our customers have indicated are being negatively impacted," CAIP spokesman Tom Copeland said in a statement. While a Bell spokes person said Bell is looking forward to dealing with the application and "getting the facts out on the table." Circle the wagons, the net neutrality debate is heating up in Canada.


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From Buffalo: BPAC Artist-in-Residence Entry 1, December 18, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Dear Nancy,
I drove toward Salem this morning, but had to turn back in Angola because of the snow storm. So instead of visiting Burchfield's childhood home, I went to his grave site in East Aurora. The deer tracks and your clue about the sign helped me find my way. Fittingly, in the near distance were sumac.
My third attempt tomorrow,
Janelle Lynch is the 2013 Burchfield resident artist. She has garnered international recognition over the last decade for her large-format photographs of the urban and rural landscape. Widely exhibited, her work is in several public and private collections including the Burchfield Penney, George Eastman House Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the Newark Museum, the Fundación Vila Casas, Barcelona, and the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, Salta, Argentina.


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Room Details
DETAILS OF ROOMS Apartment with king size bed 2 x 2, LCD TV 32 'per signature, comfortable armchair, dining table, Split air conditioning, safe, minibar and balcony. It does not accommodate children. AMENITIES Balcony Air conditioning telephone Minibar Flat screen TV TV with cable channels Wake-up calls Safe deposit box Bathroom with shower


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How To Unlock iPhone 6 Passcode Whithout Computer : Lately, we have many queries like this one of users who have forgotten the access code of their iPhone and can not access it. If you are also going through the same thing and want to learn how to skip the iPhone 6 access code without a computer, then you have come to the right place. In this publication, it refers to a solution to unlock your iPhone but most importantly without using your computer. In this way, you do not need to use any third-party tools to learn how to unlock the iPhone 6 access code without a computer. We have provided a step-by-step solution for it in the following sections.
New Method To Unlock The iPhone 6 Password Without Computer
If you remember your iCloud credentials, then you can easily learn how to unlock the iPhone 6 access code without a computer. Although, this comes with a catch. Since Apple does not allow a direct way to reset the iPhone 6 access code, you must delete your device. The access code of your device will be reset and your data will be lost. Therefore, before proceeding, make sure you have a backup of your device ready. This way, you can restore the backup and you will not suffer any kind of data loss. To learn how to skip the iPhone 6 access code without a computer, follow these steps:
The unlocking interface is easy to use, just run the software, register your imei number, place the iphone or ipad in DFU mode wait for the activation software to work, the process lasts 4 minutes. –⚡ Download Now ⚡


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Essential Factors to Consider when Choosing a Catering Service for Your Event
In every event catering is an important aspect especially where the there are many people. For you to please your guest you have to make sure that the catering service is well organized to keep it as a memory. It is always advisable to spend your time in choosing the best catering service. In this section we are going to learn more on the important factors that you should consider before hiring a catering service for your event.
The type of the event is an important factor to consider before choosing a catering service. For you to know the type of the guest that you expect you should always look at the type of the event that you want to hold. The number of the guests should also be considered before choosing the catering service because some firms are not use to a large number of guest The type of the guests should be highly considered because some firms may not be used to high class level thus may discourage your guest.
The second factor to consider is if you want an on-site kitchen. For to you avoid discouragement you should always look for that catering firm that have the ability to offer an on-site kitchen. When hiring a catering firm, you should always make sure that the firm has electricity and enough space for the service. If you want quality and delicious food it is important to make sure that the food is cooked on site.
The sustainability of a catering firm is an important thing to consider before choosing a catering service. It is always important to look for a catering service that would offer a health and low-fat menu for you guests. To avoid wastage you should always ask the catering firm to calculate the quantities of the items they can use in order for to avoid the wastage of the resources. For you to determine the sustainability of the food you should always look at the amount going to waste and the healthiness of the food.
Another thing to consider before hiring a catering service is the references from the firm. You should always look for the client's opinion on the firm's service before choosing the catering services. The experience of the catering firm should also be put into consideration. Those catering services with the right experience are always ready to give out documents in order to prove that they can give you positive and guaranteed results. Choosing the right and experienced firm would help you keep a good memory for you guests and also enjoy.


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Fur and Velvet Headpiece
Regular price $ 65.00
or 4 interest-free payments of $ 16.25
Learn More
Pretty fur and velvet headpiece from the 1940s. Can be pinned in many different ways, or could even be used as an accent piece on a dress or burlesque piece. Unique, and in excellent condition. Hat not included.
Please review all photos, details, and measurements before purchasing, as all sales are final. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email us at email@example.com.


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October service center total carbon steel shipments increased by 12.2% month on month (m/m). However, on a tons per day basis, (October had one additional shipping day compared to September) shipments were higher by 1.9% m/m. On a three month moving average, (3MMA) basis, year to date, (YTD) comparison, total carbon steel shipments increased by 4.3%. Bar & shapes shipments led the advance rising by double-digits on a percentage basis m/m.
Table 1 shows percentage change results for shipments, daily intake and inventory level. In all cases the percentage change references 3MMA year on year (y/y). For shipments and inventory, three columns of data are listed offering 12, 24 and 36 month changes.
Overall shipment have now moved higher in each of the last ten months when examined on a 3MMA y/y basis. All products groups except Pipe & Tube posted year on year increases in shipments. Bar & Shapes recorded the strongest growth y/y, up 19.3%, 3MMA y/y. Structurals, (> or = 3 inch) 3MMA y/y shipments grew by 9.9%. Plate shipments were up 5.1% 3MMA y/y, as Sheet deliveries moved-up, 2.7%, 3MMA y/y. Pipe & Tube shipments were flat 3MMA y/y. Bar and Shapes shipments had a strong month helped by a 42.1%, 3MMA y/y surge in alloy bar shipments, a 24.3%, 3MMA y/y bump for cold finished and a 15.4% increase in special bar quality, (SBQ). Merchant bars shipments pulled the average down somewhat, falling 4.0%, 3MMA y/y.
Overall inventory levels moved-up 6.0%, 3MMA y/y, as pipe & tube fell 4.2% y/y, Sheet inventory was up 4.2% and Structural inventory was higher by 12.6% y/y. Inventory jumped by 12.2% y/y for Bar & Shapes and was higher by 15.1% y/y for plate. Months on hand stood at 2.31 overall on a 3MMA look, ranging from a low of 2.19 for sheet products to a high of 2.92 for plate.
Intake was higher across the board, up 13.5%, 3MMA y/y. Plate intake surged by 25.7%, followed by a 23.3% jump for Bar and Shapes and a 22.1% rise for Structurals. Pipe & Tube intake grew by 17.2%, while sheet moved higher by 11.7%.
At Gerdau we scrutinize the MSCI release every month searching for clues on the industry's performance. It's important to us as a significant supplier of long steel products to our service center customers. It's equally important to keep our steel consuming consumers informed.


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From the liner notes:
Recognized by genre aficionados as one of the greatest singers and most riveting stage presences in soul music, Jackie Shane has remained largely unknown outside Toronto, where her career briefly flowered in the 1960s. Ms. Shane is a star without parallel—a pioneer of transgender rights born in a male body, living her entire life as a woman at a time when to do so seemed unthinkable.
pdx.social is a server for folks who live in the Portland, OR region. Registration is by invitation only and you can receive an invitation by contacting a member or emailing firstname.lastname@example.com. You must abide by our Code of Conduct.
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Spodak Dental Group Announces 10th Annual Beach Cleanup Event April 18 in Delray Beach Florida
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ -- The Spodak Dental Group (SDG) is partnering with Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful to join forces for 10th Annual SDG Beach Cleanup and the Great American Beach Cleanup. The goal is to not only rid the beach of waste but to also create awareness about environmental impacts of single-use plastics and debris.
Dental Expert Dr. Craig Spodak Named Align Technology Faculty Member
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ -- Dr. Craig Spodak, dentist at Spodak Dental Group, was recently named a member of Align Technology's North American Faculty. He is considered an expert in his field and joins a group of elite dentists, orthodontists and team educators across the world, and is among one of only a few Align Faculty Members in Florida.
Spodak Dental Group Offers Minimally-Invasive LANAP Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ -- Spodak Dental Group now offers a patient-friendly outpatient treatment for gum disease, the LANAP(R) protocol. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth, and impacts more than 50% of American adults. The LANAP(R) protocol is the only FDA-cleared laser treatment proven to regenerate bone loss to gum disease without cutting or stitching of the gums.
Improving Health: Delray Beach Dentist Dr. Tiffany Dudley Offers A Better Night's Sleep
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ -- Local dentist, Dr. Tiffany Dudley is now helping Delray Beach, Florida, residents get a more restful night's sleep. Dr. Dudley of Spodak Dental Group recently became an American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) Diplomate.
Spodak Dental Group Celebrates 43rd Anniversary At Their Ninth Annual Beach Cleanup Event
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ -- Spodak Dental Group celebrated the company's 43rd Anniversary by giving back to their community and cleaning up the Delray's beach. The Ninth Annual SDG Beach Cleanup was held Sunday, June 2 at the Delray Beach South End, South Tower 5, and more than 60 pounds of trash was removed by more than 75 community members.
The Soup Kitchen of Boynton Beach announces 30th Anniversary Fundraiser Gala
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ -- The Soup Kitchen Inc. of Boynton Beach is proud to announce its first gala in recognition of its 30th anniversary in serving the local Florida community. The organization is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, sustaining itself only through the generosity of the community and its volunteers.
Delray Beach Florida's Hair Spa Dance is a unique combination of hair salon, spa and dance studio
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ -- Hair Spa Dance's Grand Opening November 19, 2011 will feature: music, food, and 50 percent off all our products and services, dance shows, multiple vendors, and many prizes. Hair Spa Dance is a unique combination of hair salon/spa and dance studio.
Spodak Dental Group Honored as Finalist Among Health Care CEOs in South Florida
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ -- Dr. Craig Spodak, of Spodak Dental Group in Delray Beach, FL, was recently honored by the South Florida Business Journal as a finalist among health care CEOs in South Florida. Leading health care professionals across Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties gathered to honor local organizations that are making a positive impact in their industry and community.


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- What is Eyelid Surgery?
- Eyelid Surgery Benefits
- Types of Eyelid Surgery
- Blepharoplasty Procedure
- Eyelid Surgery Recovery
- Eyelid Surgery Results
- Eyelid Surgery Scars
- Eyelid Surgery Cost
- Non-Surgical Eyelid Lift
- Complements to Eyelid Surgery
What is Blepharoplasty?
The skin around the eyes and eyelids is very delicate and can show signs of aging much sooner than skin in other areas of the face. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can help you correct drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, and other eyelid imperfections that exhibit visible signs of facial aging. During a consultation, one of our Kansas City facial plastic surgeons can evaluate the appearance of your eyes and recommend a customized surgical approach that will address your areas of concern for a more youthful, refreshed look. The ultimate goal of eyelid surgery is always to achieve natural-looking results that enhance your appearance, rather than change it.
What Can Eyelid Surgery Do For Me?
A custom-tailored eyelid lift can address several signs of visible aging on both the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can include:
- Removal and/or recontouring of fat deposits
- Conservative removal of excess skin
- Tightening of the skin and/or muscles
The cosmetic benefits of eyelid surgery can have a significant effect on your overall facial appearance. With a few small surgical revisions to your eyelids, you can look like a more refreshed and youthful version of yourself. The blepharoplasty procedure can offer:
- Incision scars hidden in the natural eyelid crease or along the lash line
- Restoration of your natural upper eyelid contour
- A brighter, more energized appearance
- Smoother contour above and below the eyes
- Reduction in puffiness around the eyes
Eyelid surgery can be performed alone or in combination with other facial plastic surgery procedures like a facelift or brow lift to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
What are the Different Types of Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty can target the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both simultaneously. While there are typically different concerns in each region that can warrant the desire for aesthetic enhancement, eyelid surgery is generally performed with the goal of rejuvenating the eyes and yielding a more rested appearance.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Over time, the skin, fat, and musculature above the eyes can become lax and cause a congregation of excess tissue in the upper eyelids. This can be a telltale sign of age, as well as a functional concern when redundant skin enters a patient's line of vision and partially obstructs their eyesight. Upper eyelid surgery is designed to tighten the excess skin and loose musculature causing ptosis (drooping) while repositioning fatty deposits to minimize the look of puffiness. This can smooth fine lines and wrinkles, diminish fat buildup, and provide a younger-looking aesthetic in the upper face.
Lower Blepharoplasty
In the lower eyelids, protruding fat and skin laxity can lead to puffy eyes and under-eye bags that create the look of constant stress and fatigue. To restore a more energetic and alert aesthetic, lower blepharoplasty is designed to remove and reposition bulging fat while tightening the skin and supportive musculature. This can reduce baggy eyelids as well as dark circles for a brighter, more rested appearance.
Ultimately, the eyelid surgery procedure is customized to enhance the contours of the eyes and reinvigorate a tired aesthetic. Drs. Kriet or Humphrey can help you determine the most optimal treatment plan to achieve your cosmetic goals during a consultation.
How is the Eyelid Lift Procedure Performed?
The technique used for your eyelid surgery will depend upon the cosmetic improvements you wish to achieve. Dr. J. David Kriet or Dr. Clinton D. Humphrey will explain your surgical plan before the procedure so that you understand exactly what will be taking place. For enhancements to the upper eyelids, your surgeon will hide the incision within the natural crease. Through this incision, he can access fat deposits that require resculpting and muscles that may need to be tightened. Excess skin can then be trimmed away, while the remaining skin can be smoothed and tightened. For the lower lids, the incision is either made on the inside of the eyelid or is made along the lower lashline. This incision allows for the removal of fat deposits, adjustments to musculature, and tightening of the skin. An eyelid lift is an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to return home on the same day of surgery.
What is Recovery Like After Eyelid Surgery?
After surgery, swelling and bruising around the eyes is common for the first few days. During this time, it is important to ice your eyes and keep the head elevated to promote proper healing. Typically, patients are able to return to work after about a week. Our surgeons advise patients to refrain from strenuous activities and exercise for the first few weeks following surgery.
What are the Results of Eyelid Surgery?
After about one to two months, the full results of your procedure will be visible. This estimation can fluctuate, depending on the extent of your eyelid procedure and whether it was performed in conjunction with other surgeries. Many patients report looking younger after their surgery and say they would recommend an eyelid lift to anyone seeking to regain a more youthful appearance. Patients often say that friends and colleagues do not notice they had surgery, instead remarking that they look well-rested, happy, and refreshed.
Will I Have Visible Scars After Eyelid Surgery?
Drs. Kriet and Humphrey conceal the incisions for eyelid surgery in the natural folds and contours around the eye, so any post-surgical scarring will generally be discreet and—in many cases—undetectable. In upper blepharoplasty, the incision is hidden within the eyelid crease while lower eyelid surgery utilizes an incision along the lower lash line or on the inside of the eyelid. Following your surgeon's instructions on proper wound care after surgery can typically allow the best healing of your incisions and increase the chances that any visible scarring will fade somewhat over time.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
Like many surgical procedures, the cost of eyelid surgery is contingent on the exact details of your treatment plan. For some patients, an insurance policy may provide partial or full coverage for the surgery if lax eyelid tissue is obstructing their vision, a circumstance known as upper eyelid "hooding." In helping you gauge the potential expense of this cosmetic procedure, we have outlined a number of factors that can affect the total cost estimate, such as:
- Hospital and lab fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgeon's fees
- The geographic location where the procedure is performed
Furthermore, the complexity of your personalized enhancement will be the primary determinant of the final cost. In general, the cost of upper and lower blepharoplasty performed together is greater than the cost of each surgery as a stand-alone procedure. However, pursuing upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery simultaneously can be less expensive than undergoing both procedures as separate operations.
Ultimately, the final cost estimate will be thoroughly explained before the start of any treatment once your unique considerations are known. To ensure we are accommodating the diverse needs of our patients, we accept a variety of payment methods and financing options. Drs. Kriet and Humphrey work with CareCredit®, a highly reputable health care financing company that offers qualified applicants a wide range of low- to no-interest programs to suit your budgetary concerns. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our practice and speak to a member of our team today.
Is an Eyelid Lift Without Surgery Possible?
While there are many non-surgical treatments that can refresh the upper face, there is unfortunately no minimally invasive solution to address excess skin around the eyes with the same quality of results as blepharoplasty. BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used to temporarily smooth crow's feet and other expression lines, but the concerns usually resolved in an eyelid lift, such as puffy and baggy eyelids, excess skin, and upper eyelid "hooding," cannot be effectively corrected without surgery. If you would like to rejuvenate the face without the downtime or invasiveness of a surgical procedure, Drs. Kriet and Humphrey would be happy to recommend aesthetic treatments that are well-suited to achieve your cosmetic goals.
What Procedures Can Complement Eyelid Surgery?
Many patients use eyelid surgery as an opportunity to comprehensively rejuvenate their facial appearance, a goal that can be achieved by incorporating additional procedures into your treatment plan. This can allow you to address the signs of age in multiple facial planes, such as the lower face and neck. In these areas, the main concerns experienced by men and women include loose or hanging skin around the jawline and under the neck. A facelift can be a powerful way to correct sagging facial skin, offering long-lasting results that can complement the rested appearance achieved with your eyelid surgery.
A brow lift is also frequently combined with eyelid surgery to raise drooping eyebrows and smooth brow creases in conjunction with minimizing the look of stress, age, and fatigue around the eyes. Both treatment options can pair well with eyelid surgery; however, for those who would like to avoid additional surgery, cosmetic injectables can be used to restore volume in flat or sunken areas of the face, as well as smooth nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and other facial creases.
For more information about eyelid surgery, please contact our practice to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled facial plastic surgeons.


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Other Articles
Equipped with a Purpose
"I wanted to make a product that could be used by the whole human race and potentially solve some real problems," Baker continues. This commitment to design as an agent of positive change is exemplified by their signature product: a waterproof, industrial-strength tote called the LastBag. It's an everyday product made so sturdily that "it's the last bag you'll ever need," Donovan says. "We truly believe," Baker says,"that design can create better systems and better outcomes" for both the product we make and the people we serve.
eqpd DoubleWide Tote Review
"The DoubleWide is my new "Go-to" gear bag and I love it. eqpd tags this as a tote, something nice you can take to the store or the market, but we are branding it as a gear bag."
Honest Review: Eqpd Gear LastBag
"It's amazing something as mundane as a bag can be completely redesigned and turned into a lifelong tool. Yet that's exactly what product engineer Jonathan Baker did when he launched his company eqpd Gear in Twisp, Washington, five years ago."


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The mission of the Institutional Research and Planning Office is to serve the college community by providing high quality data and analysis to help faculty, administrators, and staff make data-informed decisions. We seek to obtain that data using solid research methods, make it easily accessible and available to those who need it, and to present it in a way that is clear and easy for all to understand.
New Reports
- Spring 2020 45th Day Report (PDF)
- Spring 2020 45th Day Executive Summary (PDF)
- March 2020 Student Online Readiness Survey Executive Summary (PDF)
- April 2020 Student Online/Remote Learning Needs Survey Executive Summary (PDF)
- 2019 Ruffalo Noel-Levitz Executive Summary (PDF)
- 2019 Ruffalo Noel-Levitz Report (PDF)
- Fact Book 2018 (PDF)
- NCCBP 2018 Report (PDF)
Some types of information available in our site include:
- Enrollment Reports
- Course Completion Rates
- Degrees and Certificates Completed
- Internal and National Survey Results
- SCC American Indian Student Study Information and Feedback Form
- Degrees/Certificates and University Transfers Information
- Unit Strategic Plan (USP) Data
- getData@SCC: Interactive College and District Data Dashboards
If you are interested in conducting research at SCC or any other Maricopa Community College (MCCCD), then we recommend reviewing the MCCCD Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies, processes, and resources. Please contact the IRB or our office with your questions.


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"You're going to love it,'' a friend said, days before we left Christchurch for Vietnam. He wasn't wrong.
We made an overnight stop in Singapore before spending two nights each in Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An, one in Hue and the last in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi.
"That's too short,'' our Active Asia guide said.
He wasn't wrong, either
Saigon/Ho Chi Minh
There are only two seasons in Saigon - wet (May-November) and dry (December-April). A rapid downpour isn't going to deter a Kiwi, especially when the temperatures remain in the high 20s.
Along with the humidity (80%), it's a bit of a shock to the system, as are the seven-million scooters that weave through the streets with incessant honking - the background noise to all cities on our south to north trip.
I'm not going to lie: I had as much apprehension about making our way through Ben Thanh Market, the city's largest, as I had for crossing the road. I had read that the stall holders can be aggressive and persistent, and you must cling to your bags to spite pickpockets.
However, we made it past the weaved bags and placemats, "branded'' clothing and coffee beans without being accosted in any way. If we had been tempted, however, we would have started our bidding at 30% of the offered price, and paid no more than 50%, as advised by our Active Asia guide.
The stories of Saigon's past are told at numerous tourist hot spots today, including the War Remnants Museum and Independence/Reunification Palace. However, for a truly eye-opening experience, Cu Chi Tunnels is a must.
While many tourists make their way by bus to the site of the Viet Cong's intricate underground system, we travelled by speedboat. An hour along the Saigon River enabled us to take in scenes of lifestyles unfolding around this key waterway, saved us up to two extra hours in traffic jams and included the most delicious pain au chocolat (Pat'a Chou French bakery).
In the 250km of tunnels soldiers had lived, worked (making weapons and clothing), fought and died within underground rooms that were up to three levels deep. Above ground they spread hand-made landmines and booby traps designed to slow everything from American foot soldiers to military tanks.
As tourists visiting the Ben Dinh Tunnel site, we can slip down into a hole barely wider than one's shoulders, pull the cover over the top and "disappear'' into the ground below. A replicated tunnel structure two times the original size (still only a metre tall by 30cm wide), better ventilated and well lit, enables visitors to meet the challenge of going 100m. The majority of our group escape after 60m.
Extra purchases could enable you to try your hand at AK-47 shooting at the firing range ($40 for 10 rounds) or come home with a pair of shoes made from tyres that leave footprints that suggest you're walking in the opposite direction.
The art of war is a clever one.
A history of a different kind can be discovered at Fito Museum, which tracks the development of traditional Vietnamese medicine from the Stone Age to today.
One of the first private museums in Vietnam, the six-storey building itself is of interest. Moved from Hanoi, it is remarkably bigger than it first appears, with 14 exhibition rooms exploring different fields of pharmacy.
Whether it's the bamboo houses of the Mekong Delta, the carved figures of the north or the mother-of-pearl use of the south, there's also an opportunity to become more familiar with Vietnam's four spiritual animals: dragon (power), phoenix (beauty), turtle (longevity) and unicorn (prosperity). These animals line the roofs of pagodas - with the unicorn more of a lion than what the Western world depicts - and the turtle often represented through a circular symbol, which, once you start taking notice of it, you will see everywhere.
We finish our journey, aptly, with a cup of tea infused with both lotus flower and the highly revered li minh mushroom. We are told one cup will add one year to one's life. Well, then, drink up.
There is something about Hoi An. A 45-minute drive from Danang airport, it's warmer than Ho Chi Minh, with a much smaller population (about 150,000, versus 8.5 million of Vietnam's largest city).
It almost feels as though you are walking through people's backyards once you start winding your way through the city streets. Houses are being built, reels of wire are being straightened out and, down an alleyway, you see normal family life taking place.
There are tailors aplenty, though I settled on purchasing some custom-made shoes. A bit of bartering and 24 hours later, I'm picking up a pair of sandals in Vietnamese leather that truly do boast an amazing fit - all for $30.
The half-day cycle tour became a trip highlight - despite not being able to remember the last time I was on a bike and the "anything goes'' approach to road rules. Water poured from the sky, pooled on the roads and had us completely soaked, but we weren't cold and we gained a much wider view of life in Hoi An.
From rice paddy fields and their free-ranging water buffalo, to shrimp farms and the rivers complete with fish traps (bamboo sticks arranged in large circles), we rode easily among the lush landscapes that surrounded them. At the Thanh Ha pottery village, where 300 families live today (not all making a living from pottery any more), we try our hand at making small vessels from the clay sourced from the nearby river.
The houses here are raised well above ground level. Vu, our Active Asia guide, explains that this is due to flooding that was once an annual event, with river water rushing in through the village to heights of 2m. Yet, never was this seen as a catastrophe. Rather, a way to wash away pests - from termites to rats, and fertilise the rice paddy fields. It was good luck. Today, man-made dams in the mountains make the floods less frequent and Mother Nature's way stymied.
At Tra Que "farming'' village we see perfectly maintained strips of lettuce, mint, spring onion and morning glory create a patchwork of green, in all its shades. Each family owns 100-200sq m of space, which they tend laboriously, using only homemade seaweed tonics to boost growth of their year-round gardens. These organic vegetables are then taken to the market and sold. The leaves of the water coconut are used like netting, fending off birds and providing shelter from the sun.
As night falls, the streets become aglow with brightly coloured lanterns and the Thu Bon River covered in sampan and floating candles. Flanking both sides of the river are eateries serving everything from pizza and beer to traditional Vietnamese food. While deciding, we stopped in on the 300m-long Nguyen Hoang Night Market, a place for souvenirs and snacks - a fried frog, perhaps?
One of the best reasons to add Hue to your itinerary is so you can experience the 21km Hai Van Pass that serves as the border between what was the former capital and Danang. There's a 6km tunnel (the longest in South East Asia), but it's all about the views on this journey.
A quaint pitstop, halfway up (500m), is enough to cast views down over a picturesque village (a former leper colony), across the sea to the Marble Mountains, Monkey Island and everything in between.
Once back at ground level, myriad shops sell eucalyptus oil, as the surrounding hills are covered with gum trees that are felled and replanted for use as wood chip and paper. There are lotus farms, which send the flowers and seed off to be used in cooking and tea, and the largest lagoon, Tam Giang (20,000 hectares), on which entire families live in boats.
Then, you reach Hue, another city in which history has left many a story worth hearing.
The fourth emperor of Vietnam's Nguyen dynasty, Tu Duc (1829-1883) had 104 wives, more than 100 concubines, three adopted sons and an incredible tomb. He created a sanctuary across 12 hectares, on which 40 buildings were built from 1864 and at which he spent many a day before he died. His final resting place is a secret - all his 200 servants were beheaded upon his death.
From the peaceful oasis planted with jack fruit, frangipani and pine trees, we head into the city centre's most revered icon - the Imperial City.
Designed by the French, it is 10km in diameter, with walls 21m thick. After the war, the 140 buildings once held inside were reduced to 20, but restoration is big in Vietnam, whether it's the preservation of their centuries-old pagoda, or the restoration of what is, today, one of Hue's tourist hot spots - and a Unesco World Heritage Site.
We reflect on a busy day of history lessons sipping on local Hue beer in a place that sells New Zealand ice cream.
In the north of this long country, Hanoi is the only city we visited that can attest to experiencing four seasons.
We pondered whether another "bike tour'' was a good decision as rain (heavier than that of Hoi An) persisted, but a "cyclo-tour'' is exactly what you should do in such weather. Passengers sit pretty in a covered seat, while a driver pedals and steers this three-wheeled chariot from behind. We smugly toured the city while watching, in pity, tourists atop real bicycles, forming poncho rainbows of unrest as they passed our rather royal wheels.
Our Active Asia guide stopped us at key points of interest - from the Ho Chi Minh's tomb (closed to visitors June to August), to the railway line (curiously flanked by cutely curated coffee shops), the government buildings and the north gate of this city's citadel. The "old quarter'' offers narrow streets and tall buildings, clearly home to many, with plants trailing over balconies stacked with bonsai and even the odd pot plant hanging off the criss-cross of power lines.
Our visit to Hanoi was all too brief, with one night to take in the sights. For those staying longer, there is every kind of shop you could imagine here - from fashion to manchester and designer homewares. Start the day with a good coffee, and you could wander the streets all day long. - Star Media/Allied Press
- Kate's itinerary was prepared by House of Travel in conjunction with Active Asia. To book your own Vietnam adventure, speak to your local House of Travel representative, houseoftravel.co.nz
Cu Chi Tunnels
Tips for the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Don't wear white if you think you will venture into the tunnels.
- Time your trip for the morning — for fewer people and a lower temperature. (In the peak season, 40,000 people go through this site every day).
- Consider bug repellent — you are walking through a jungle, after all.
- Be brave; you know you're safe in the tunnels.
If you go
- Singapore Airlines makes it easy for South Island travellers to land in Vietnam. Fly from Christchurch to Singapore direct (10 hours) and refuel at the award-winning destination that is Changi Airport. Explore its newest attraction, Jewel - the huge shopping mall an easy walk from Terminals 2 and 3, and connected to the arrival hall of Terminal 1. It has oodles of shops as well as the world's tallest indoor waterfall (40m) with its own evening light show (similar to that of Gardens by the Bay).
- From there, Singapore Airlines can fly you to Ho Chi Minh (two hours 10 minutes), Danang (two hours 45 minutes) or Hanoi (three hours 25 minutes). Hop between these wonderful cities using Vietnamese Airlines.
- Business class and premium economy travellers should make sure they utilise the Book The Cook option. Up to 24 hours ahead of your flight, you can peruse a mind-bogglingly vast range of dining options that will have you watching the aisles in eager anticipation.
Saigon: The Myst Dong Khoi
6-8 Ho Huan Nghiep Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- This two-year-old hotel was an absolute treat - and it wasn't just because of the complimentary beer in the mini bar. Its quirky decor saw a mix of old-school accents (working dial telephone) alongside the modernity we seek. The outdoor bath was an absolute highlight, and there's no excuse not to use it given there's a complimentary bikini hanging with the robe and slippers. The perks extended to "tea time'' at which you gained another opportunity to dig into their most impressive buffet offerings, from 3pm. Then, there are the astounding views from the 12th-floor rooftop bar and pool - though you'll want to book in quick, before the next-door building obscures the river-side view. With a central-city location to boot, the worst thing about The Myst is that you'll be comparing all your other hotels to it!
Hoi An: The Almanity Resort and Spa
326 Ly Thuong Kiet, Tan An Ward
- Highly regarded for its spa, the wellness resort comes complete with complimentary - and highly recommended - yoga to start the day (7am-8.30am). We experienced a 45-minute aromatherapy massage before imbibing the sauna and steam room, to emerge as relaxed and refreshed as one should, especially when on holiday. While we were there, each day was given a colour and a meaning, so love - red, and courage - orange, were the themes that uplifted us through our stay.
Hue: The Saigon Morin
30 Le Loi Street, Phu Hoi
- This French-colonial-style home-away-from-home is one of grand proportions - its rooms expansive in both height and grandeur. Ideally located alongside the Perfume River, the complex also boasts a wonderful outdoor dining facility that ensures your day starts off well with an al fresco breakfast.
Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel
195-199 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Inner-city apartment is what comes to mind when thinking of a room at the Silk Path. It's well-appointed, with a marble bathroom, and the view from the 7th floor balcony gives the bird's eye perspective a traveller doesn't always get to enjoy. Then, there's the jacuzzi on the 10th floor!


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