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Matthew 18.21-35
I have never been passionate about statistics and never expected therefore that my attention should be caught by a report which I discovered completely by accident following a link on Twitter some months ago. The report is the Statistics Yearbook of Personal Debt in the UK compiled by Step Change, a highly esteemed and truly remarkable UK debt charity which offers free advice by phone or online on how to deal with unmanageable debt problems. What makes the report particularly interesting is that it challenges many commonplaces and prejudices we might have about why people's debt spirals out of control and which categories are most likely to be affected by it
In 2019, a staggering 635.ooo people contacted the charity to request advice, 15.000 more than the previous year. We still do not have the statistics for 2020 but it is easy to predict that the increase in number will be exponential. 35 % of UK population say they have been kept awake at night worrying about their finances.
The three main reasons for people's debts are unemployment and redundancy (16%), reduced income (18%) and injury or illness (16%). There is a variety of other reasons, but -and this point is crucial - only in 11% of the cases the debt results from a lack of budgeting.
Sadly, the categories most likely to incur in serious debt problems are people between 18 and 39 (66%) and women (62%) most of whom are single parent.
In addition to their financial difficulty, 44 % of the people requiring debt advice are in a vulnerable situation, that is physical and mental health conditions, learning disabilities, sight or hearing difficulties - which makes dealing with debt problems even more challenging.
The significance of this data was brought home to me thanks to a short video featuring the story of one of the beneficiaries of the work of this charity. The person in question is Carol. She was in her mid-fifties at the time of the interview and had worked since she was 16 years old as a freelance IT contractor and business analyst. When the recession hit in 2009 she lost her job and quickly burnt her savings to pay her house mortgage. However much she tried she could only find short term contracts which payed a much lower wage. Before she knew it, her finances had become unmanageable. One of the main points of her testimony is how easily people can lose control over their finances.
Then begins the nightmare of the debt collectors.
We heard in the Gospel how the first servant upon meeting a fellow servant who owed him a certain amount of money, "seized him by the throat and said 'Pay what you owe'" and did not relent even when the latter pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you'(Mt 18.28f). This is not ancient history.
Carol in her testimony relates a very similar scenario: "During this time -she says- I was getting phone calls from some of my creditors every half an hour, 24 hours a day with an automated message insisting that I call them and find a way to repay. I had to change my phone number. I had debt collectors turning up at the door – I live alone and was terrified most of the time. I was doing everything I could, searching for jobs every day, and I didn't know what they thought they could achieve from turning up like that".
This page of Matthew's gospel and more generally the way Scripture talks about people crushed by debt invites us to review our unconscious biases - most of which, ironically, hardened as a result of influential Christian movements.
In the capitalist tenets of contemporary Western society are still discernible two aspects of the Puritan ethos that contributed to its development. First the idea that economic prosperity somehow is a visible sign of being a member of the elect. Then the deep seated conviction that if people end up in debt they only have themselves to blame. The Puritan emphasis on postponement of earthly gratification led to a particular stress on saving and on considering debt as sinful. It is telling, for example, that the German word for debt – Schuld – also means guilt.
Carol says: "I think a lot of people assume as soon as you're in debt that it's your fault, that you've overspent, that you've not managed your money and didn't plan properly". She also relates how even before receiving concrete advice on how to restructure her debt, the thing that relieved her most when she finally got in touch with the debt charity Step Change was that she did not feel judged in any way.
We might not act like Carol's debt collectors nor seize those who owe us money by the throat like the first servant of the Gospel, but we might have to probe our often unconscious tendency to attribute debt to people's self-indulgence or lack of responsibility. We are inclined to think that they should have been saving more or work harder or buy less. Taking the moral high ground gives us an alibi for averting our eyes and in any case, considering the magnitude of the problem and its exponential increase at the moment, we would be justified to feel that there is little or nothing we can do about it.
The pivotal moment in this page of Matthew's Gospel happens when other fellow servants seeing what was happening, "were greatly distressed, and went and reported to their lord all that had taken place" (Mt 18.31). The characters of this parable are always named sundouloi, "fellow servants" and one of its key messages concerns the solidarity that we should feel for each other in this kind of situations. The main reason of the master's anger at the first servant is the latter's refusal to have pity on a fellow servant, on someone who is in the same situation, whether actually or potentially.
The fellow servants feel this solidarity, are distressed by the situation of their less fortunate colleague, do not avert their eyes, and even if they cannot intervene directly, they take some form of action.
The increasing dysfunctionality of our Western capitalist model may have led us to become fatalists and maybe a bit cynical. We struggle to believe that there might be alternative more human ways of dealing with these problems – and especially we do not believe that greater compassion may in the end prove to be much more effective even from a purely financial point of view than strangling people.
The truly striking feature of Step Change is where their funding comes from, since the service they provide is entirely free. Counter-intuitively, Step Change is funded almost entirely by creditors whom the charity managed to persuade that the most effective way of getting restitution is not harassing people but helping them to find practical and sustainable solutions: debt consolidation, settlement offers, re-mortgaging and a number of others – including, crucially, legal protection against abusive behaviour by creditors. This type of harassment increases stress, compromises people self-confidence and if anything makes them even less likely to ever be able to get up on their feet again.
Twice in today's Gospel resonates the cry: "Have patience with me" (Mt 18.26,29). This is the cry of the categories that our present merciless financial system keeps pressurizing: young people, women, single parents, people who have suffered serious health setbacks – and for the foreseeable future the depressingly huge number of people who will lose their jobs because of the pandemic.
The main focus Jesus's parable of course is forgiveness and shifting the emphasis on the issue of debt might seem something of a diversion. However, is it not telling that repeatedly the Gospel's chosen image to express the reality of forgiveness should be the way we deal with debt both individually and as a society? This very connection is enshrined in the Lord's prayer. In the sentence Forgive us our trespasses and we forgive those who trespass against us, the word translated in English with "trespass" is opheilemata, which means debt – so that the sentence can be translated just as well: "Forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors" (Mt 6.12) (which is the case in the Italian version of the Lord's prayer).
We are invited to adopt the same attitude both with debtors as with those who trespass against: question our biases, be less judgmental, realize that in this we all are sundouloi, "fellow servants", and that a bit more mercy, a bit more patience with each other can go a long way in creating not only a more human but in the end even a wealthier world – a wealth more evenly distributed.
The master says to the first servant: "Should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?".
Mercy and patience are the currency that the Father has injected in our world. Truly Christian capitalism consists in multiplying this same currency. Circulating it more will make every one of us richer, not only those who receive it but especially those who generously dispense it to their fellow human beings.


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Belgium, in the heart of Benelux, includes Wallonia and Flanders. It is an ideal destination for people who love golf as well as cultural, historical and tourist attractions. Come explore the stunning landscapes in the flat region of Flanders, rolling hills and south-eastern Ardennes region. And of course you must try a Liège waffle, take a canal trip in Bruges and visit Brussels, a European capital packed with monuments to visit.
Resonance Golf Collection has 12 golf clubs in Belgium: 5 in Wallonia with the Royal Golf Club des Fagnes, Golf de Rigenée, Golf du Château de la Bawette, Golf de L'Empereur and Mont Garni Golf Club; and 7 in Flanders with the Cleydael Golf & Country Club, Winge Golf & Country Club, Golf & Country Club Oudenaarde, Golf Countryclub De Palingbeek, Steenhoven Country Club, Golf de Liège-Gomzé and Millennium Golf.
All our golf courses in Belgium
Golf & Countryclub De Palingbeek
- Belgium
The Golf & Countryclub De Palingbeek course was designed by Harold J. Baker in a lush green setting on the old World War I front line.
Royal Golf Club des Fagnes
- Belgium
Royal Golf Club des Fagnes appeals to golfers seeking a change of scenery in an outstanding natural environment that promotes calm and relaxation.
Winge Golf & Country Club
- Belgium
Winge Golf & Country Club welcomes you to a course designed by Peter Townsend across a 90-hectare natural setting with gently undulating grounds around Winge Castle.
Mont Garni Golf Club
- Belgium
Mont Garni Golf Club features 150 hectares of natural grounds, with a varied, technical 18-hole course designed in harmony with nature.
Cleydael Golf & Country Club
- Belgium
Cleydael Golf & Country Club near Antwerp is surrounded by greenery and offers an 18-hole golf course with a view of the spectacular Cleydael Castle.
Golf du Château de la Bawette
- Belgium
Château de la Bawette golf course in Wavre is set among 70 hectares of beautiful countryside. The technical 18-hole course stretches across undulating terrain.
L'Empereur golf course is a green oasis surrounded by nature. You'll also enjoy discovering its restaurant, and "Le Relais" hotel, just a short drive from Brussels.
Royal Golf Club Oudenaarde
- Belgium
Golf & Country Club Oudenaarde on the Château de Petegem estate in Wortegem-Petegem features two 18-hole courses that are technical and balanced.
Golf de Rigenée
- Belgium
The Rigenée golf course designed by Paul Rolin enjoys a Belgian countryside setting in the heart of Wallonia, only 40 minutes from Brussels by car.
Millennium Golf
- Belgium
Millennium Golf offers a magnificent 90-hectare golf course rich in greenery, with a variety of water features to challenge your skills.
Steenhoven Country Club
- Belgium
Steenhoven Country Club is a golf club founded in 1987, located in Belgium on the Dutch border. Discover its 18-hole course in the heart of unspoiled nature.
Golf de Liège-Gomzé
- Belgium
Golf de Liège-Gomzé is the province of Liège and its golf course is made up of two different loops, which wind through the hills, plains and hundred-year-old trees.
Located on the South of Belgium in Houyet, the Royal Golf Club du Château d'Ardenne proposes an 18-hole course on an old royal estate between countryside and forest.

subset: commoncrawl


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The ACCC has approved the Vodafone-3 merger, but both companies say it will be business as usual for the merged entities for the foreseeable future and that consumers won't notice any change.
The approval process has dragged on since February, but now that the regulator has given its blessing, the newly-official Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) intends to complete the process within two weeks. However, echoing its comments earlier this week that prices won't alter for two years, both brands are stressing that there'll be no immediate change:
VHA will continue to market products and services under the Vodafone and 3 brands and all respective network arrangements, caps and plans, retail outlets and customer service capabilities will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.
As we've said before, some change might be desirable — for 3 customers wanting a broader network or Vodafone customers seeking cheaper basic monthly deals. What changes would you like to see from the merged operation? Share your ideas in the comments.


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In recent times, two international tennis players — Roger Federer and Serena Williams — have said, one in direct terms and the other somewhat less clearly, that they would be retiring from the game.
Federer was the more recent to make an announcement saying in unambiguous language that he would retire after the Laver Cup. He has 20 Grand Slam titles to his name and has never been a man who is obsessed by collecting titles. Continue reading "Federer shows his class as he quits. Williams is quite the opposite"


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Tag: charlotte observer
RJI Fellows reflect on eight month projects, what they've learned and how the industry can benefit
Seven fellows at the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute who have been working on innovative projects that can benefit the journalism industry, over the past eight months, are wrapping up their projects. Six shared findings and insights from their projects, as well as links to resources during a recent Q&A webinar with the public. We've … Continued
Q&A: Media reparations with Collette Watson
While Black Americans have held steady conversations for years on how to repair the generational harms enacted by slavery, American institutions have only recently begun to take the question of reparations seriously. Case in point: HR 40, a House bill that would simply study what reparations could look like, has still not passed the House … Continued
Measuring progress on inclusivity
Tracking who actually shows up in the reporting is vital to the source diversity equation in journalism.Long before Linda Miller became an inclusive media consultant for RJI, she spent a decade creating the Public Insight Network for American Public Media, a platform of thousands of people who agreed to be sources for journalists and newsrooms. … Continued


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Nothing can ruin a camping trip like a leaky tent. You might be wondering, are tents waterproof? I've asked this question myself when I first started.
After 6+ years camping in all kinds of weather and 8+ hours spent doing in-depth research, I can answer with certainty that:
Tents are not waterproof but rather highly water-resistant. They significantly slow down the penetration of rainwater but do not prevent it. You can tell how waterproof a tent is based on its waterproof rating, seams, and floor protection. Be prepared to waterproof your tent every 1 – 2 years as even the best ones leak eventually.
I want to highlight that many tents are not waterproof at all, even if the manufacturer says it is. So use your judgment. We will go over what to look for in a waterproof tent in detail.
This is a long article, so feel free to jump to any section you want:
How to Know If a Tent Is Waterproof
A lot goes into building a waterproof tent. Many have a rain fly that covers the top or parts of the body. The fabrics, coating, floor, and seams all need to be waterproofed separately.
And it's not as black and white as you think. Instead, there's a scale or spectrum of how waterproof a tent is, which leads me to the waterproof rating.
What the Waterproof Rating Actually Means
Browse some product listings for tents. You will quickly find many include a waterproof rating, referred to as the Hydrostatic Head (HH).
It's essentially a measure of how much water pressure the tent walls or floors can handle before the water starts to seep in. It's usually measured in millimeters (mm). For the more technically inclined, feel free to read more here.
Note that all the fabrics eventually leaked under enough pressure, and nothing was 100% waterproof.
So instead, the waterproof rating is a measure of how water-resistant the fabric is. Water-resistance means that the material slows down the absorption of water but is unable to completely prevent it.
The higher the waterproof rating, the longer a tent will stay leak-free. In this article, I will use "waterproof" and "water-resistant" interchangeably.
Here's what you can expect from a brand new tent with all parts adequately waterproofed (with many caveats):
- 1000mm – 1500mm fly rating: could handle dry weather or light rain showers; most 2- to 3-season tents fall in this range
- 1500mm – 3000mm fly rating: could handle moderate rain and some downpours
- 3000mm+ fly rating: could handle heavier rain and snow
But the waterproof rating alone is not a reliable predictor of a tent's performance in the rain because it only measures how water-resistant the fabrics are. This means nothing if your seams are not sealed properly or if there are holes in your rainfly.
You might have read that a waterproof rating above 1000mm means the tent is considered waterproof. But this is highly misleading and overlooks all other elements. The vast majority of tents on the market are rated 1000mm and above, but obviously, not all are leak-free. In fact, I've had leaks in 2000mm tents before.
The ratings I mentioned above are for rain flies or walls. But tent floors should have a higher waterproof rating, around double that for the rainfly. This is because tent floors are rubbed against rough grounds and will endure much more abrasions than tent walls. And you may be surprised by how much rainwater can pool under your tent.
The waterproofness of your tent will also degrade over time from wear and tear to the coating and seams. Expect your 5-year-old tent to perform worse than what the manufacturer states.
Waterproof Fabrics and Coatings
Most modern tents are made of nylon and polyester rather than canvas, so that's what we will focus on in this section.
Neither nylon nor polyester is waterproof by itself. So the coating is the key to waterproof tent walls and rain flies.
The coating could be polyurethane (PU), silicone, or a durable water repellent. More waterproof tents have a combination of these or multiple layers of coatings.
The most common one is PU (polyurethane), but it's generally not the most durable option. It can be damaged by exposure to UV rays, so make sure to set up your tent in shaded areas or put them down during the day to protect this coating.
Moreover, PU actually slowly absorbs water, so it'll leak eventually if there's enough moisture. And if you plan to use your tent for many years, PU will react with the moisture and result in a smelly, leaky tent.
Silicone coatings will be waterproof for a longer time than PU coatings. It can't be damaged by UV, doesn't absorb water at all, and won't react with moisture in the air. Many manufacturers coat their tents with silicone on one side and PU on the other, so look for Sil/PU or Sil/PE coatings in the description. Sil/Sil coatings are pretty rare.
A note is that canvas tents are waterproof after certain preparation without any coating. Canvas is breathable and naturally absorbs water. If you wet it before your camping trip, the fibers will expand and eliminate all the pores, waterproofing the tent.
To learn more about the pros and cons of different fabrics, check out this article.
Tent Seams
I know we talked about how coatings impact long-term waterproofness, but the seams determine if your tent will last even one night in the rain.
The seams are the most vulnerable parts because there are holes and gaps. So they must be sealed for the tent to be waterproof.
Here are what you should look for in a waterproof tent:
Taped seams
No, this is not using the tape in your house and putting it on your seams. That would come off too quickly.
Instead, manufacturers use heat and pressure to melt the tape into the tent fabrics. Taping seams are the most common way to waterproof a tent.
Taping the outside seams is absolutely necessary, but some manufacturers also tape the inside seams for added protection.
Also, keep in mind that some tents don't have all seams sealed. Sometimes only the critical parts are sealed to save costs.
And just like the waterproof coating, taped seams could come apart over time and become no longer waterproof.
Inverted seams
This refers to when two pieces of fabrics are sewn together inside the tent so that there are no gaps for the rainwater to get through.
Inverted seams tend to be more durable than taped seams since they don't easily come apart.
Welded seams
This refers to when 2 pieces of fabric are welded together through heat and pressure. There will be no stitching or holes from this procedure. From what I see on the market, welded seams are most commonly used to seal tent floors.
Tent Floor
Everyone thinks about the tent walls and rain flies when it comes to keeping themselves dry. But your tent floor is equally important since the ground will be muddy during rain, and water may pool under your tent.
The tent floor needs to have thicker coatings to stay waterproof since it'll rub against some rough surfaces. Look for a rating of at least 2000mm.
Construction-wise, look for the bathtub floor. This means the thick floor fabrics extend further up the walls of the tent, as shown in the image below:
This will provide extra protection when water builds up on the ground surrounding your tent.
And, of course, check if the seams are sealed.
Are More Expensive Tents More Waterproof?
You might think spending more on a tent will provide better insurance against being soaked in it. But this is not necessarily the case.
You don't need to spend more than $100 to get a good waterproof tent, nor should you expect a more expensive tent to automatically be fully waterproof.
The waterproof rating, coating, seams, and fabrics still indicate waterproofness in the same way regardless of the price. Some expensive tents don't come with sealed seams or have less coating because it has to be lightweight.
That being said, cheap tents are more of a hit or miss when it comes to waterproofing. I know Coleman tents are very water-resistant (read more here), but check out this video for an example of a leaky tent.
It was only $35, and the manufacturer claimed it was waterproof. But oh, my, god, was there a ton of water pooling on the floor after only 40 minutes of light rain showers!
Do All Tents Leak in Heavy Rain?
Not all tents leak in heavy rain. Use a tent with a waterproof rating above 3000mm and a full-coverage rainfly if you expect to camp in heavy rain. You should also examine your tent for any leakage points before the trip.
As we discussed before, the higher the waterproof rating, the better chances you have of staying dry. Usually, 3000mm or more for the rain fly and 5000mm+ for the tent floor is sufficient even in downpours. The manufacturer will likely clearly state this in their description as this is a huge selling point.
And if you are in a rainstorm, chances are that it'll be very windy. If your rainfly only covers the ceiling, the wind can easily blow the rainwater into your tent through the meshed fabrics on top or on the doors. So it's best to get a tent with a rainfly that covers it from top to bottom. You can use a zipper to control how much you want to open the rainfly.
Lastly, check how the seam tapes are holding up and any holes or slits in the fabrics—waterproof your tent as needed before you head out.
Are Coleman Tents Waterproof?
Coleman tents are highly waterproof thanks to their inverted and welded seams, along with the anti-wicking threads and zipper protection. In fact, Coleman probably has the best waterproofing among all budget tent brands. That being said, most Coleman tents will not be leak-free in heavy rain unless you apply waterproof treatments.
I spent 1+ hours reading all the Amazon reviews and looking at Coleman's website to arrive at this answer. My personal experience alone won't be enough since the quality of the tents will vary.
Take this Coleman Sundome tent, for example. It has 29,000+ reviews in total and 300+ reviews related to waterproofness.
People's experiences varied, but the general takeaway is that leaking isn't a problem in regular rain showers but could happen during downpours, especially if you've been using the tent for a while. Because of this, many recommended that you still apply a seam sealant before going camping in the rain.
Coleman's website also describes their waterproof system in detail. The wall seams are inverted, and the floor seams are welded together so that no holes or gaps are exposed. And they use an anti-wicking thread in their fabrics, which means it pushes water away rather than absorbs it.
What I found odd is that there's no mention of waterproof coatings. I'm sure it's applied because anti-wicking materials aren't sufficient by themselves.
But given this is a budget tent, don't expect the coatings to last a long time. Waterproof your tent once in a while.
Are Single-wall Tents Waterproof?
Single-wall tents can be fully waterproof, similar to double-wall tents. However, you are still more likely to get wet in a single-wall tent due to the condensation and sagging of fabrics.
Let's first get the definitions straight. The majority of tents in the market are double-wall tents, meaning they have a separate rainfly. The rainfly can cover just the ceiling, halfway down the tent, or from top-to-bottom.
The sole purpose of this outer layer is to prevent the inside from getting wet, while the inner wall adds ventilation. In the case of the Coleman Sundome, the walls underneath the rainfly are mesh:
In a single-wall tent, however, one layer of fabric has to perform both functions. This means to make it waterproof, it has to sacrifice breathability.
As a result, single-wall tents will lock in more moisture throughout the night and have more condensation. Of course, manufacturers have come up with ways to mitigate this issue. Still, nothing beats meshed walls in terms of allowing airflow.
Single-wall tents are also likely made of nylon with light coating for sake of weight savings. And nylon does absorb a small amount of water, causing the walls to sag.
Why is this a problem? Well, sagging walls create more "flat" areas where rainwater will pool together rather than run down the tent. And those little puddles of water put more pressure on the fabrics.
As a result, the walls are more likely to be damp in a single-wall tent, even if the water doesn't get through completely.
Are 4-Season Tents Waterproof?
4-season tents are typically waterproof, similar to 3-season tents. Most are built with thick layers of fabric and full-coverage rain flies to handle harsh and windy conditions. However, you should not get a 4-season tent only to get more waterproofing.
"4-season" is a misnomer since most 4-season tents would be too stuffy if used outside of the winter season. The thick walls and top-to-bottom rain flies make ventilation worse than your typical 3-season tent. You don't want to be sweating like crazy on a summer night.
You'll also be paying more for extra sturdy poles built for high winds. But most of you won't need it.
Also, note that some 4-season tents only have a single wall to keep the weight low. This is less ideal for waterproofing, as we discussed in the section above.
Therefore, you shouldn't use a tent's season rating to judge its performance in rain. Stick to the basics like waterproof rating, and seam and floor protection.
How Long Do Tents Stay Waterproof?
A typical tent will stay fully waterproof for 1 – 2 years, after which you should re-apply waterproof treatment. However, the timing varies widely based on the quality of the tent and how you take care of it.
Let's start with the tent's construction. As we discussed earlier, the coating on the fabrics is key to keeping it waterproof, but it does wear down over time. So the thicker the coating, the longer it will stay waterproof. The waterproof rating is a good indicator of this.
The taped seams will also start to come apart after 15 – 30 nights of camping in it, and holes may appear on the tent floor.
Yes, a more expensive and high-quality tent will last longer. But you should still check for any weak areas before every camping trip and waterproof your tent at least every 3 years.
Also, note that some tents don't come with sealed seams or protected floors. In that case, be ready to waterproof it before your first trip.
To make your tent waterproof for longer, protect the coating and seams as much as possible:
- Try to keep it out of the sun as much as possible
- Avoid cleaning it with a washing machine or strong detergent
- Always store your tent dry
- Use a ground tarp to minimize abrasions to the floor
And if you want to learn more about how long your tent should last, check out this article, where I went into much more detail.
How to Waterproof Your Tent
We've referenced several times in this article that you should waterproof your tent. We'll focus on nylon/polyester tents in this section as they are the most common.
This process is quite simple and a lot cheaper than buying a new tent.
The first step is to thoroughly check for any problem areas. Follow these steps:
- Stake out your tent in a spot with good lighting and ventilation
- First, check if there are any holes in the rainfly. Even 1mm tiny holes can make your tent quite wet if it rains long and heavy enough.
- Then remove the rainfly to examine the tent walls and seams. Are the seams protected at all? Is the tape peeling? Do you see any holes?
- Check the doors and zippers. Make sure no mesh is exposed and the zipper is still well-protected.
- Then gently put your tent on its side so that you are facing the floor. Check for any coating that's peeling and any holes or slits.
- Check the seams inside your tent if they are supposed to be taped or inverted. Look again for any holes in the floor.
If your coating is separating from the walls or floors in large areas, I recommend getting a new tent. While you can still use a seam sealer or durable water repellent to waterproof it, I wouldn't risk it.
If the problems aren't so severe, here are some ways to waterproof your tent:
Sealing the Seams
To do this, you will need some rags, a seam sealer, and a small brush that usually comes with the sealer.
Note that you need to pick the right sealer for your tent's material. Silicone coating will require different sealers than PU coating.
For the latter, I highly recommend this GearAid seam sealer. I've been using it for years, and it's worked wonderfully every time. They also have a variation for silicone coatings.
- Clean the seams with a wet rag
- Apply the seam sealer and distribute it evenly with a brush
- Wait for it to dry
And boom! You've waterproofed a tent just like that!
MSR Gear has an excellent video demonstration:
Patching any Holes
It goes without saying that your tent will leak if there are any holes. I personally use this Gear Aid Gore-Tex patch. It's highly waterproof but also breathable.
The steps couldn't be more straightforward:
- Quickly clean the areas around the hole
- Cut an appropriate amount of repair tape; try to round the edges so that it doesn't peel off easily
- Tape it onto your tent, and you're done!
Spray with Durable Water Repellent (DWR)
DWR works particularly well for waterproofing large areas of your tent. It's like adding more coating. But I still recommend you seal the seams separately since they are particularly vulnerable.
- Clean your tent
- Spray the DWR; you don't have to wait for the walls to be dry
- Wipe off any excess coating after a few minutes
- Let it dry completely
Now your tent should be waterproof, and you are ready to go!
Can You Put a Tent Up In the Rain?
Yes, you can put up a tent in the rain without getting wet. Set up a tarp first to create a dry area and avoid spots where water may pool up or flood into your campsite.
You've spent a lot of time making sure your tent is waterproof, but what if it's already raining when you get to your campsite? How do you keep the inside of your tent dry throughout the set-up process?
Before we create any temporary shelter, the key is to pick a spot that's slightly higher than its surrounding areas so that water won't be flowing to your campsite. Low-lying areas are a big no-no.
Also, avoid setting up camp too close to rivers or streams as they may flood in heavy rain.
After picking an appropriate site, set up a tarp so that you can stay dry underneath:
- Tie a line between 2 trees (the ridgeline)
- Hang the tarp
- Guy out the flies
Then simply set up your tent under the tarp! Check out this video for detailed steps.
It's an added bonus to bring a sponge, which can soak up any water in case it gets into your tent.
If you have to set up a tent in the rain pretty often, consider getting tents with zipped panels rather than meshed walls to not expose the most vulnerable parts.
There you have it! The ultimate guide to whether tents are waterproof. I know it's a lot of information, so I hope I didn't overwhelm you.
Whenever you're unsure, just go back to the basics: check the seams, floors, coating, and waterproof rating. And waterproof your tent every 1 – 2 years. Then you'll stay dry on all your camping trips and never have to worry about leaking again.


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Box Three Prime 9 Shifter
The Box Three shifter makes good use of nylon composites in both top and bottom shells as well as the levers. Box Three is our performance and value tier. So this shifter sheds all the fancy trappings of the top 2 tiers but maintains their shifting characteristics. All Prime 9 shifters take advantage of the 9-speed's inherent durability, simplicity, and reliability. Not only is the shifter mechanism joyfully simplified, but fewer shifts are needed for every mile of travel. And the best part is? Prime 9 is also terribly forgiving so you won't have to constantly adjust your set-up. Available as a multi-shift (pull several gears at once) or single-shift shifter (a sound choice for e-bikes).
- Prime 9 Technology™
- View Prime 9 Drivetrain Compatibility Manual
- How is the Ebike variant different?
- View Prime 9 Comparison Chart
- View Prime 9 E-Bike Comparison Chart
- Why Prime 9?
Not good for XC riding or racing
I have been using the Box Three shifter for 5 months after having purchased it in the early part of 2021. After the first 3 months, the shift lever started coming apart from the main casing. I have pulled it apart for a re-greasing twice and have made sure to tighten the lever fixing screw each time. I recommend re-greasing it after hard or frequent use. As a cross county rider who races and shifts under load a lot, I cannot recommend this for hard XC riding or racing unless you are riding less aggressively. I would recommend this for trail/enduro riders. The gear range you get with Box is very good. I also have a review for a Box One derailleur.
its a little bit hard to press due to solid RD but its accurate and precise on my multi shift.


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MOSCOW, August 25 (RIA Novosti) - The Islamic State (IS) militant group appears to have drone capabilities as is evidenced by a recent IS propaganda video containing surveillance footage of a Syrian military base.
The 14-minute video, uploaded to YouTube on Saturday, shows aerial views of Syrian Army Military Base 93 near Raqqa Governorate in northern Syria. There is a caption over the footage that reads "From the drone of the army of the Islamic State." The video does not show the drone itself.
IS militants attacked Base 93 on August 7. The video contains various scenes of the attack, with suicide bombers driving truck bombs to soften up resistance and IS militants gunning down and beheading Syrian soldiers.
The IS, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS), is a radical Sunni group that has been active in Syria, as well as northern and western Iraq.
Other militant groups that have reportedly come to possess drones include Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, the Hamas Palestinian Islamic Organization and Libyan opposition fighters.
Hezbollah militants have been taking part in the Syrian government's operations against the armed opposition and IS militants. Hezbollah is also one of Israel's most powerful opponents.
In April, the Israeli military said it had shot down a drone off the coast of Haifa that was operated by Hezbollah. The group denied responsibility for the drone, but claimed that it had operated a different unmanned aircraft that flew 35 miles into Israel in October.
Hamas is believed to be the first militant group to send a drone into Israeli territory. The drone, which flew in the country's airspace above the southern city of Ashdod, was shot down by Israel on July 14. Hamas then posted a video online that showed another drone, with four small rockets under its wings, flying over what analysts believe could also be Israeli airspace, according to CNN.
Hamas's military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, claims it has engineered different types of drones capable of conducting surveillance, gathering intelligence and delivering munitions.
Libyan opposition fighters targeting ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi have also started using drones for surveillance. In the summer of 2011 the rebels bought a scout drone from a Canadian company.
According to the New America Foundation, more than 70 countries currently have some kind of drone capability, although just a small number of those nations possess armed drone aircraft.
Russia, China and Iran are among the countries that possess armed drones but have not used them in combat.
The only countries that have deployed armed drones in combat are the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel.


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The Los Angeles Dodgers are going to honor Kobe and Gianna Bryant at Dodger Stadium during pregame ceremonies before Sunday's series finale against the Colorado Rockies. SportsNet LA is going to televise the ceremony, which is scheduled to begin at 12:40 p.m. PT.
Kobe would have celebrated his 42nd birthday Sunday. Along with Gianna and seven other passengers, Bryant tragically passed away in January when a helicopter crashed into a hillside on a foggy morning.
The Bryants and other members of the traveling party were headed for the Mamba Sports Academy, where Kobe was set to coach his daughter's team. The expansive facility worked with the Bryant family to rebrand as The Sports Academy in the wake of the horrific accident.
Although Kobe made his mark winning five championships with the L.A. Lakers, he and other members of the organization have always been well received at Chavez Ravine. Bryant announced the lineups prior to Game 4 of the 2018 World Series, a night that Cody Bellinger said left him starstruck upon meeting the Lakers icon before first pitch.
Kobe's passion and work in the community resonated with Justin Turner, who along with his wife Kourtney regularly provide for those in need through their Justin Turner Foundation. After deliberation, the Turners hosted their annual golf classic one day after the tragedy.
Making the decision all the more difficult was the event being held not far from the hillside of the accident. "Obviously a very difficult day for Los Angeles, for the country, for the world. Losing a sports icon is tough. Don't really have any words," Turner said in January.
"I think the hard part for everyone is he grew up in the living room with you. Watching him play for so many years, my generation, when you think sports in L.A., Kobe is the top of the top. Just really feeling for his family — Vanessa and the girls. It's difficult to even wrap your head around. As much as he's done on the court, the things he was doing and getting involved in after his career, are remarkable.
"You don't find superstars of his caliber continue to be that influential in a community and for the game of basketball, especially fo women's basketball. He's a guy I always looked up to. Every time I had a water bottle or piece of trash or picking up balls in the cage, you grab it and shoot it towards the trash can or ball basket and yell, 'Kobe!' I'm just glad I got to grow up watching him and seeing everything he did and how amazing of a man he was. It's pretty special."
Nike, Lakers recognizing Kobe
Murals went up across the world in the days and weeks after the accident, and now Nike and the Lakers are poised to honor Bryant's legacy.
Nike is re-releasing the "Black Mamba" Lakers City Edition jersey as well as multiple pairs of the Kobe 5 protro during "Mamba Week," which begins Sunday. The Lakers are expected to wear the jerseys Bryant designed on Monday.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It's the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!


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LODI – On October 4, 2019, California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents teamed with Lodi Police officers to conduct a shoulder tap operation in which decoys under the age of 21 asked members of the public who were entering stores to purchase alcohol for them. The decoys produced money and were very clear that they can't buy the alcohol themselves because they are not yet 21.
During the course of the operation, six people made the decision to purchase alcohol for the decoys. The six were cited. Additional citations were issued for driving without a license, possession of a shopping cart, and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container. One of the subjects was booked for being under the influence of a controlled substance.
"People who choose to furnish alcohol to those under 21 are not doing anyone any favors," said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. "ABC agents routinely conduct these decoy operations to educate the public about underage drinking laws and to protect all of us from crimes and accidents associated with underage drinking. I thank them for recognizing the dangers and their commitment to enforcing ABC laws."


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In this comprehensive 3-part series on shoulder ultrasound, we will deepen your ultrasound knowledge of the shoulder region. Each session we will refresh and update your (sono)anatomy skills and discuss interesting shoulder pathology cases.
- Shoulder anatomy
- Shoulder sonoanatomy
- Transducer positions to scan static tissues
- Scanning dynamical shoulder movements
- Pathology recognition of several shoulder pathologies
Webinar Topics
Part 1: Ventral shoulderLong head of the biceps tendon, pectoralis major tendon, rotator interval, subscapularis, anterior labrum and several bursa's. Furthermore, we will discuss the coracoid process region incl. the short head of the biceps, coracobrachialis, pectoralis minor, coracoacromial ligament, coracohumeral ligament, coracoclavicular ligament, SC joint.
Part 2: Superior shoulder
Supraspinatus tendon and muscle, acromiohumeral distance, suprascapular nerve, subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, AC-joint.
Part 3: Dorsal and inferior shoulder
Infraspinatus, teres minor, dorsal and inferior labrum, axillary recess, quadrilateral space, suprascapular nerve.
The aim of this 3 part course is deepening the ultrasound examination of the shoulder. We will discuss (sono)anatomy, transducer positions and sonopathology positions on an intermediate level with adding more in depth information and new positions to your foundational level knowledge and skills. We will review the theory and practice ultrasound skills of several important osseous, cartilaginous, capsuloligamentous, myogenic, neurogenic, and vascular structures. We will also share with you some interesting literature which you can study after the webinar to deepen your knowledge. All content is on an intermediate level.Certificate
After completion of the full webinar you'll receive a digital Certificate of Attendance.MSK Ultrasound of the Shoulder Joint
1 month access
English -
4,5 CME points -
4,5 hours -
Marc Schmitz


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Tailwind Weekly #15: 1st May TailwindUI Update + a call for volunteers!
Hello again folks! This week we have a new update for TailwindUI + the usual goodies and a special call for volunteers.
I'm also experimenting with a new section called "Overheard on Twitter". I think it helps a lot when other people talk about Tailwind and its impact on their workflow so stay tuned for more tweets to come in the future!
We got a brand new update for TailwindUI, the first one of May.
Here's what's new:
- Added new Headers category to the Marketing package, with 4 examples
- Added new Flyout Menus category to the Marketing package, with 6 examples
Not bad at all! Also remember that if you want to see what's coming next, you can check out the roadmap on trello.
Overheard on twitter
I know Bart, tailwind's focus on DX is truly insane. I don't think I'll ever go back to coding a design by writing CSS from scratch ever again 😂.
📚Tutorial of the week
Adding Tailwind CSS to Phoenix 1.4 and 1.5
Yes, Tailwind is breaking new ground every week and now it reached the Elixir lands. As the title says, this shows you how to add Tailwind to the new latest versions of Phoenix, an Elixir web framework.
💅Showcase of the week
Aurora Insight is another great example on how to apply Tailwind's default color palette to a completely custom design, I bet they thought "why reinvent the wheel? these colors are great". The website screams clean minimalism and attention to detail, be sure to check it out!
Here's what Aurora Insight does:
We offer accurate, impartial, data-driven insights on the radio spectrum your business depends on, helping you invest with confidence and improving wireless communication for all.
🎁Resource of the week
This plugin enables bidirectional language support on TailwindCSS. This is an extremely useful plugin if you work with right-to-left languages like Arabic or Hebrew. Makes supporting them a breeze. Be sure to thank user 20lives for this plugin!
Call for volunteers
Hey folks, I'm working on a few TailwindCSS templates which I plan to sell and I'm looking for 10 volunteers to get an honest review from, in exchange you'll get all the templates files and 5 hours of consultation time if you need help setting it up for your project.
You can look at the templates here:
If you're interested please email me with the subject "Tailwind Made Volunteer".
Want to share something with the TailwindCSS community? You can submit a link or message me on Twitter @vivgui.
Want to support the newsletter? You can buy me a coffee with the link below 😁.


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- Last Updated September 20, 2021
Income Tax & GST Drafts
Strictlylegal.in brings you Income Tax and GST Forms and Legal Draftings.
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If you are using PC: Click to Download Unzip Software (Win Rar)
After downloading the above file, please install it.
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WinZip – Zip UnZip Tool
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In case you still face any problems. Please let us know by contacting Live WhatsApp Support. OPEN WHATSAPP


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We've been on board with Amanda Carlson's Jessica McClain series since the beginning. When Full Blooded released we were hooked on the unique werewolf series. Jessica was the only female werewolf. She is strong and feminine. She kicks ass. These are things the VBC team appreciates, especially in urban fantasy.
The series has her dealing with rogue werewolves, witches and even a voodoo priestess. It's an engaging ride that several of the VBC staff keep coming back to for more. So much so that we want to make sure you've had the chance to dive in. We're giving away a complete set of Jessica McClain books to one lucky reader.
That's right. One VBC reader will get copies of Full Blooded, Hot Blooded, Cold Blooded, Red Blooded and the just-released Pure Blooded. If you need extra convincing, click on the titles for VBC reviews of each book.
Orbit is providing the books (thanks, Orbit!), and the contest is open to those with U.S. or Canadian addresses.
I have not read this series yet, but they sound good, and I love the covers!! 🙂
These books seem pretty cool. Hope I win!!! 🙂
Would love to get the chance to read this series!!
I read the third one without realizing right away that I was diving into the middle of a series (which I hate doing!). I really enjoyed the book anyway and am eager to read the rest — from the BEGINNING!! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
I have yet to read her books, but have Full Blooded on my TBR list! Would love to win!


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This certification was designed for the fundamental information and the operations of user interface of Microsoft Office 2013. Our team of experts have designed this very detailed certification to test the participants' proficiency in the Microsoft Office. The entire exam can be completed through the window screen display. We have every confidence that Silicon Stone Education's certification on Microsoft Office 2013 will be the upmost valuable for your job mobility and career success.
Any examinee who has passed the following four examinations and received the certificates will be automatically qualified for the Microsoft Office 2013 and receive an extra Microsoft Office 2013 certificate.


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Comic-Con International isn't taking their foot off the gas when it comes to announcements just yet. While we're still waiting for official dates for Open Registration, we have our second wave of guests announced for WonderCon Anaheim 2018.
The second wave of special guests for next year's con, which will be held on March 23-25 have been revealed. From the Toucan Blog, attendees to WonderCon 2018 can look forward to seeing:
- Ryan Benjamin • Artist, WildC.A.T.S, Batman Beyond, Brothers Bond
- Kevin Hearne • Author, Iron Druid Chronicles, Seven Kennings trilogy
- Cat Staggs • Artist, Crosswind, Smallville Season 11, Wonder Woman '77
- Mark Waid • Writer, Archie, Captain America, Kingdom Come
Additional special guests will be announced next week.
You can find the complete announcement on the Toucan Blog.
Are you excited about theses special guests? Let us know in the comments.


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News from BSDFA
SUNDAY WALKS: all Leaving at 10.00am 5/6 miles
10th June Wadesmill Feathers PH Car Pk, TL359175 P/Code: CM22 7WE
24th June Quendon Village Hall Car Pk, TL 513301 P/Code: CB11 3XQ
SUMMER BREAK until:
2nd September Newport Station Car Park, TL522335 P/Code: CB11 3PL
Hello All
We had a fascinating walk in April, starting at the Herts and Essex hospital car park, through the Bishop's Stortford Golf club and crossing to the Flitch Way, we wove across and under the several M11/Stansted Airport several approach roads – these link the old bridleway tracks which have been upgraded to include the cyclist!! They are fully signed "To" Bishop's Stortford….but this beautiful track did just end rather abruptly at Birchanger Lane with no further indication of which way the cyclist should go to reach Bishop's Stortford.
I have subsequently heard that the rejuvenated Public Right of Way track is SO GOOD that at Birchanger, cars have tried to use it, sadly ending up in the ditches and having to be rescued by tractor.
Also in April, we we led out along the relatively new concessionary paths in Albury.
These tracks are very good and provide a super walk across lovely Hertfordshire countryside. Again, an excellent walk. June sees us dive into Hertfordshire again starting at Wadesmill then later in the month back to Essex starting at Quendon Village Hall making use of part of the Harcamloway.
In July and August Leaders take a rest perhaps to enjoy individual exploration through the summer months, and we recommencing on Sunday the 2nd September with a 10am departure from Newport rail station.
Now I made reference to the disappearing twitchells in Bishop's Stortford. Thank you to everyone who so very kindly took the time to me an e-mail. However, there does not appear to be no really strong concern at their demise, and surprisingly, little positive response from within BSDFA.
It is very difficult to have a lost path acknowledged as a Public Right of Way as there are many hoops to jumps to pursue the local County Council that there is a case to do so. Is this a hurdle which we can take?
All regards
Daphne Wallace-Jarvis, Publicity Officer:


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It's been a topsy-turvy year for the independent world, with moviemakers making TV, TV feeling more like movies, web series earning increasingly mainstream levels of recognition (and not a moment too soon), and the models for making all the above becoming increasingly blurred.
One excellent example—which points toward the future of series content, web or TV-based—is High Maintenance, the first Vimeo-produced web series.
Vimeo—which recently unveiled a new option for viewers to download videos in 4K—has thrust an enormous amount of marketing effort into the series, created by New York-based Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair. (Blichfeld is a longtime casting department fixture who worked as a casting associate on 30 Rock.) High Maintenance exists somewhere between a web series and a shorts anthology, following the exploits of various characters who are united by nothing other than the fact that they share a pot dealer (played by Sinclair). With episodes that vary in length and narrative interests that tend to veer, the expansive outlook of High Maintenance's story evidences the fact that the web is solidifying as the place for serial content to push artistic boundaries.
Yet the most telling item the series' success illuminates is the fact that it was not conceived at the Vimeo offices, nor did it begin with the creators pitching it to that company. Rather, High Maintenance, which its creators put onto Vimeo on Demand independently in November 2012, had four cycles (with three to four episodes each) that proved popular on the web before the streaming platform decided to enter the partnership in June 2014. The fifth (newly Vimeo-funded) cycle premiered on November 11, 2014, with three more episodes to debut on February 5, 2015.
"The show had been on our radar for quite some time, says Greg Clayman, general manager of audience network at Vimeo. "In fact, individual episodes of High Maintenance were selected by our curation team as Vimeo Staff Picks [in 2013]. After we heard that Ben and Katja weren't moving forward with a network deal, we jumped at the chance to finance High Maintenance as our first Vimeo Original."
This opens up some interesting lines of thought with respect to the future of series-based content. At the moment, successful independent filmmakers are tripping over themselves trying to get pilots greenlit so they can complete a migration from a conservative industry (studio films) to one that feels like a wild west of opportunity (TV). But working in TV is often a slower, and far more frustrating, process than that of getting an indie film made. While in indie film a moviemaker's obstacle is primarily the raising of funds, with TV there are a number of additional hurdles one must clear—getting a pilot order, getting a series order—that can drag down the process. Consider all the great series that might have been if only they were allowed to go to pilot, but for a mistaken exec's decision.
This is where things connect with High Maintenance's trajectory. The show, in effect, is a web series made "on spec," ultimately "picked up" by what is basically a web-based studio. How long is it until we see this model adopted en masse in the realm of series content? Independent TV festivals already exist, and individuals do sometimes shoot pilots on spec, but doing a whole season of a series on spec is extremely uncommon. Yet the increasingly low cost of entry to producing quality content means that what Blichfeld and Sinclair accomplished is set to become a commonplace component of how web and TV series work.
This will, in effect, be the final cornerstone in turning the realm of series into the new indie realm. With independently produced pilots and seasons of series being made and seeking buyers, a series-content answer to the big independent film festivals is just a step away, and with that comes an entirely new infrastructure of doing business. The barrier to entry for making shows is about to get a whole lot smaller. MM
A new cycle of High Maintenance premieres on Vimeo on Demand on February 5, 2015. Top photograph by Gus Powell. This article appears in the Callboard department of MovieMaker's Winter 2015 issue, on newsstands now.
To subscribe to MovieMaker Magazine, click here.


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Most frequently asked questions
FAQS Wedding Planning & Wedding Planner Questions
What are the benefits of working with The Events Designers?
• Our aim is to create beautifully designed, and perfectly executed weddings and events, bursting at the seams with style, art and design, to create breath-taking moments.
• We also aim to save you time and money, whilst making the wedding planning process relaxing, enjoyable and memorable - once the question's been popped, the budget doesn't have to be blown.
• Did you know the average U.K wedding takes 200-250 hours to plan? That's why we are here: to relieve you of any demand and confusion that goes hand in hand with taking on what is in effect a new full-time job.
• From experience, we know the best suppliers, as well as what the appropriate costs should be for the various services you require.
Will we still have control over our wedding or event?
Absolutely! It's all about you. We strive to ensure your event truly reflects who YOU are! Whilst you're hiring us for our styling expertise and organisational skills, we are here to ensure you source the best suppliers, best materials and have the best experience possible.
Will you be there on the day of our wedding or event?
Of course! We wouldn't miss it for the world.
Will you work with other suppliers I have already found or suppliers I want to work with?
Yes. As long as you are working with skilled professionals, we are always open to working with new suppliers.
Have you experience of planning and design weddings of varying faiths?
Yes, we have had great pleasure of planning a wide variety of faith weddings from: Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Humanist weddings.
My venue provides a Venue Wedding Co-ordinator / Planner. Do I really need a Wedding Planner?
Yes! Venue Wedding Co-ordinators and Planners are responsible for making sure everything handled by the venue runs smoothly on the day of your wedding. But, and it's important to remember this, they work for their venues and not you the client. Instead of working on hundreds of events and weddings per year, we focus on approximately 10-12 weddings and events each year. This allows us to provide the necessary personal time and design/styling services for you, our clients.
Do you travel?
Yes, we're happy to travel for love! So far, our wedding planning journey has taken us across: Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, London, Surrey, Lake Como and even as far as Hawaii!
Do you offer services to couples looking to marry in the U.K?
Yes of course! We love working with destination clients who are looking to marrying in the U.K. The U.K is full of character, charm, grace and there's endless beautiful venues to choose from.
Do you cover elopements or multi-day weddings?
Yes! We have experience planning and designing both of these types of weddings. Whether you are dreaming of a grand and graceful wedding or event for three hundred guests, or an intimate and romantic wedding for two, we love helping to bring through our client's personal style to create something quite unique.
Do you charge for initial consultations?
No, not so far…Where do you live?! Let's arrange a free consultation over tea or bubbles to make sure that our style resonates with you and you're comfortable that we are a great fit for you.
Do you charge more for destination weddings?
Yes, we will require additional payments to cover travel, accommodation, car hire and other travel expenses. All of our services are bespoke to each couple depending on the complexity of your wedding.
How do we pay?
The Events Designers accept payments via bank transfer. A booking deposit is required to secure your date and our services. We offer fully flexible payment plans. The remaining balance is due no later than one month prior to the wedding day.
I'm interested in getting into the industry and learning more about The Events Designers - Are you hiring or are you ever in need of interns?
We are not currently hiring, but please feel free to get in touch and introduce yourself. We always love to meet new people and you never know what the future holds!
Great! How can we get started with the planning process?
Simply call us, email us or complete our online contact form and tell us all about your dream celebration. We cannot wait to hear more...


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The Beatz and Lyrics show has been a staple of ATL radio for 10 years now! Every Saturday night on Atlanta's WRFG, the crew features a classic mix of new, old, local, and commentary. Not in ATL? You can listen online to show archives here. To celebrate this amazing milestone, we've help put together a show that is sure to please, and the host of the show will be none other than B&L's own JAY FORCE. Headlining the show will be NYC's J-Live, a man who needs to introduction to most hip-hop heads. Also on the bill is Torae, Kam Moye (Supastition), Homeboy Sandman, and Hezekiah, with music by DJ Deliver and DJ Trumastr.
But that's not all. Right after J-Live, there will be a special late set by ATL's own Collective Efforts, making their fifth straight A3C appearance and rocking with a full band.
Also look for a special viewing of the trailer for Pathways, a new movie by ATL's own El Jay, along with a short appearance from artist/actor Ozy Reigns.


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Former President Donald Trump set to return to Facebook via his daughter-in-law's page
Written by John Whitehouse
Update (3/31/21): On her Facebook page, Lara Trump posted messages (also embedded below) suggesting that Facebook removed her "interview" with Donald Trump from her Facebook Watch page as a result of his continued suspension. One of the notes said that "further content posted in the voice of Donald Trump will be removed and result in additional limitations on the accounts." Lara Trump then posted a link to the video on Rumble.
The original post follows.
Fox News contributor Lara Trump announced on Instagram today that she will interview her father-in-law, former President Donald Trump, for her show The Right View.
The Right View began as a Trump campaign product, but it has continued in recent weeks with videos that have been uploaded to Lara Trump's Facebook page, YouTube, and a Rumble page with her name. (The Rumble videos are embedded on the show's own website, where these social media accounts are linked from.)
Former President Trump is still suspended from Facebook after inciting the January 6 attack on the Capitol building, while the platform's Oversight Board contemplates recommending letting him back on the platform.
A thorough Media Matters review of over 6,000 of Trump's Facebook posts found that more than a quarter of them contained COVID-19 misinformation, election lies, or extreme rhetoric about his critics. Trump has continued spreading these lies in recent interviews.
Facebook's refusal to draw clear lines in enforcing its own policies is at the core of this mess -- it's no coincidence that Lara Trump broke the news on Facebook-owned Instagram.


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Princess of the Netherlands
In radio and television broadcasts on 31 January 1980, Queen Juliana announced that she would abdicate on 30 April in favour of her daughter Beatrix. In her speech, she expressed the hope that she could continue to serve the country after her abdication.
She became honorary chair of the National Committee of the International Year of the Handicapped in 1981 and continued to pay frequent visits to care institutions. In 1983 Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard went to the Netherlands Antilles to visit the projects financed from the money presented to the Princess as a gift on her seventieth birthday.
In the course of the 1990s, Princess Juliana gradually reduced her public commitments. She wrote to the press on 23 February 1999, announcing that in view of her advanced age she was unable to accept any further official invitations. With her ninetieth birthday approaching, she also explained that it would not be possible for her to reply to her well-wishers in the future.


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Howie Roseman's Additions Help Lead Eagles Back to Super Bowl
The Eagles hit it out of the park this offseason with their free agent signings.
After being pushed to the broom closet during the Chip Kelly era, Roseman served his time and reemerged, making a bold trade for Carson Wentz as his first major decision.
After an encouraging rookie season by Wentz, Roseman began to add veteran pieces this offseason to complement the young roster.
The additions of veterans like LeGarrette Blount, Chris Long, who won Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. Castoffs like Torrey Smith, Corey Graham and Patrick Robinson. They brought in a bigger name, Alshon Jeffery to help Carson Wentz grow, and then brought back a familiar veteran backup quarterback in Nick Foles in the event that something major happened to Wentz.
"I mean it's a credit to [Eagles head coach] Doug [Pederson], the coaches, [Eagles executive vice president of football operations] Howie [Roseman] and his staff in terms of the roster and people he brought in," Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said.
"It's something very special. This is a special group of players and coaches."
In Sunday's 38-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game, each one of those guys contributed to the team's return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2004.
"It took Howie and [vice president of player personnel] Joe Douglas and their staffs a lot of work to figure out going after the [Eagles safety] Corey Grahams, you name it, the [Eagles CB] Patrick Robinson, all over the roster," Lurie continued.
We were aggressive at the trade deadline because we thought we had a chance. Normally you wouldn't do that, but we thought we had a chance."
Each player the Eagles brought in, had a hand in the win.
Blount with six carries for 21 yards and a bruising touchdown run, Long with a hurrying hit on Case Keenum forcing him into an interception to a opportunistic Patrick Robinson, who returned it for a touchdown. Then there was the tremendous touchdown catch by Torrey Smith, who had five catches for 69 yards and the interception by Corey Graham. Jeffery caught five passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
It wasn't just the free agent additions, rookie draft pick Derek Barnett had a strip sack, trade acquisition Jay Ajayi rushed 18 times for 73 yards and caught 3-of-3 targets for 26 yards
But most of all their was Foles, who completed 26-of-33 passes for 352 yards and three touchdowns, to lead the offense and quiet the doubters.
"I'm just grateful and humble to be a part of this team, to be in this moment, and to share it with our family, our fans, all of the people who love the Philadelphia Eagles, this franchise, and my teammates," Foles said after the game. "It is honestly unbelievable and words just can't describe it."
While the players made plays, the coaches put in the game-plan, Howie Roseman put them in position to make it all work.


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Teepee Fourth Birthday Appliqué Machine Embroidery Design
Teepee Four Appliqué Embroidery Design
4th birthday appliqué embroidery design with number 4, teepee and feather.
This 4 year old design is perfect for both boys and girls
Comes in 6x10, 5x7, and 8x8 sizes
xxx, pes, vp3, hus, sew, jef, vip, exp and dst
Font and words not included
This is not a physical item, paper pattern or a patch. This is a file for an embroidery machine. You must own an embroidery machine in order to use our designs. Nothing will be shipped to you.
We take great pride in our work. Each design is tested to insure its quality prior to listing on our site. Due to the digital nature of our products, there will be no refunds.


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Dual spindles wood CNC machine with 4x8 table size is designed for multitasking with two projects for cupboard doors, wooden doors, windows, cabinets and panels, computer table, and furniture making. Now the 4x8 CNC woodworking machine for sale at a low price.
Advantages of Dual Spindles Wood CNC Machine with 4x8 Table Size:
4x8 wood CNC machine with two spindles is customized for changing the tools within 2-4 pieces. It's not only economic, but also can realize automatic tool change, save the time of manual tool change and improve the working speed and precision. And it can cut two work pieces at the same time to reach the same effect. What's more, this wood CNC machine could mirror-sculpture (same engraving path, but in opposite directions) by changing the cables, which is widely used for door making.
Applications of Dual Spindles Wood CNC Machine with 4x8 Table Size:
1. Woodworking industry:
Three dimensional wave plate processing, cupboard doors, wooden doors, window processing, video game cabinets and panels, computer table and furniture auxiliary processing.
2. Advertising industry:
Advertising signs making, logo production, acrylic, plastic cutting, production of decorative materials, forming system module, etc.
Technical Parameters of 4x8 Wood CNC Machine with Dual spindles:
Model | STM1325-2 |
Working Size | 1300mm*2500mm*200mm |
Body structure | Steel tubes |
X, Y Structure | rack and pinion drive |
Z Structure | Ball Screw/option gear wheel |
X, Y Resolution | <0.01mm |
Max Moving Speed | 32000mm/min |
Max Engraving Speed | 20000mm/min |
XYZ traveling positioning accuracy | 0.03/300mm |
XYZ repositioning accuracy | 0.03mm |
Spindle power | 3kw/4.5kw/5.5KW (can be choices) |
Spindle Speed | 24,000rpm |
Table style | T-slot table (option vacuum table) |
Dust collection | Can add or not |
Voltage | AC220V/50HZ/60HZ,380V/50HZ |
Drive type | Stepper (Option servo) |
Working Dictate | G Code ,HPGL |
Operating system | DSP control system |
Interface | USB |
Flash memory | 128M(U Disk) |
Features of 4x8 Wood CNC Machine with Dual spindles:
1. The whole CNC wood machine is welded with thick square seamless steel structure, the stability is excellent, not easy to be deformed.
2. Three axis adopt high precision square orbit, X and Y axis adopt rack and pinion transmission, fast working, high efficiency and low cost. Z axis adopts Taiwan TBI ball screw transmission with high precision and long life time.
3. High power spindles have constant power, low noises and super strong cutting force, which improve working efficiency greatly.
4. Famous brand drivers and motors have characteristics such as powerful strength, high machining speed.
5. Well compatibility: CAD/CAM designing software e.g. Type 3/ Artcam/ Castmate/ Wentai, etc.
6. The 4x8 wood CNC machine has the function of re-carving after break point and power failure.
7. The 4x8 wood CNC machine has the function of forecasting process time.
8. Adopting advanced NCstuido system, convenient operation.
9. Perfect oil lubrication system makes maintenance much easier. And electric limit switch on all axis, make sure the machine running well.
10. Independent control box make control easier.
11. We will provide you a set of cutter, and a tool box with other necessary accessories.
Projects of 4x8 Wood CNC Machine with Dual spindles:
Package of Dual Spindles Wood CNC Machine with 4x8 Table Size:
STYLECNC SERVICE for Dual Spindles Wood CNC Machine with 4x8 Table Size:
1. Technical supports and suggestions before you order a CNC wood machine according to your work piece.
2. Professional instruction for the operation of the machine.
3. One year warranty, we will provide the consumable parts at cost price after the warranty period.
4. Our technician will come to your workshop if the problems can not be fixed through Internet or phone communications.
5. 24/7 technical support by email or calling.
The CNC machine was easy to assemble with fairly good instructions. After assembly, I was having a minor issue getting the machine to jog, but an email to STYLECNC was responded to within a couple of hours, even during non-business hours over the weekend, so at least I know theres great support behind the project. I did a quick design and had it cut in about 20 minutes. The CNC provided dimensionally accurate cutouts with a box that fit together perfectly after it was finished, so on to bigger and better projects.
Ive had my STM1325-2 for about a week now and it has been working great. This is a true industrial CNC and its not a hobby tool. Its very capable of everything you want to cut and mill wood. A few issues I ran into were quickly solved by the STYLECNCs tech support. A learning curve for the software still bugs me. Would take some time to be a professional.


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Sizwe Alakine has signed a record deal with Warner Music South Africa. Image via Twitter @ReasonHD Photographer: Mini_photography
'I needed to work with a company that could do more for me than I could for myself': Reason aka Sizwe Alakine celebrates a new record deal!
Sizwe Alakine has signed a record deal with Warner Music South Africa. Image via Twitter @ReasonHD Photographer: Mini_photography
Reason aka Sizwe Alakine hit South Africa's amapiano radar in July 2021 through a collaboration with star producer DJ Maphorisa titled, Khanda Shisa.
Almost six months after his electric debut, Alakine has secured a record deal with Warner Music South Africa. Having been in the music industry for more than 10 years, the talented musician told Music in Africa that he had been looking for a deal that was best for him and his legacy.
ALSO READ: Musa Keys to Pabi Cooper: Five amapiano artists to watch in 2022
After years in the hip-hop industry as one of South Africa's most talented rappers, Reason decided to dive into amapiano as Sizwe Alakine.
After his amapiano debut on Khanda Shisa, Sizwe Alakine collaborated with a number of other artists in the genre including Mr JazziQ, Kamo Mphela and Mellow and Sleazy.
Speaking to Tecla Ciolfi on her Texx and the City podcast in 2021, Reason clarified that Sizwe Alakine was just an alter ego.
"I just didn't feel like it made sense to use the same name when it comes to releasing amapiano and various other genres," he explained.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday 10 February, Sizwe Alakine shared that he secured a record deal with Warner Music South Africa.
Speaking to Music in Africa, Sizwe Alakine said he had been searching for the best deal for him and his legacy for the past five years.
"After all that I've done independently, I needed to work with a company that could do more than I could for myself," he added.
Warner Music South Africa creative lead, Garth Brown said the vocalist had proven himself as a true artist who is "able to actively capture audiences".
"His ability to effortlessly transition between genres is what the genetic fibre of legends are made of and we are honoured to be a part of his story," added Brown.
ALSO READ: Mzansi throws ice on DJ Ready D's 'hot sauce' amapiano mix [watch]
Sizwe Alakine kicked off 2022 on the right foot with the release of Ujola Nobani in January. The amapiano track features Young Stunna, Mellow and Sleazy.
The track opens with Sizwe's effortless vocals and transitions into a verse by Young Stunna. The music video is high-energy and fun!


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Organic Dehydrated Mango
Fresh of Life Dehydrated Mango is a wonderful source of Vitamin A which also regulates metabolism. It is much in demand by kids who enjoy eating Dehydrated Mango without creating any clutter. Fresh of Life ensures that this dried fruit is available to you in its original taste and flavour.


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While cleaning out my spice cabinet, I came across more than a few bottles of lesser-used, but once-treasured seasonings. Turmeric, cloves, cumin, coriander, cardamom, sumac and fennel were each purchased for a reason before being buried far back on my shelves. I set about to organize my stash of spices and use them up—singly, in combination and as many as possible.
What came about was some of the most satisfying and healing food I've made and enjoyed in quite a long time, including something altogether mixed up that I didn't know what to call other than Mediterranean Nachos.
Mediterranean Nachos
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 lb. ground lamb
- kosher salt and freshly ground Kowalski's black peppercorns, to taste
- 1 tsp. Kowalski's organic ground cumin
- ½ tsp. Kowalski's ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. Kowalski's ground ginger
- ¼ tsp. Kowalski's ground turmeric
- 1 pinch Kowalski's ground cloves
- ⅓ cup dry white wine
- 8 oz. Kowalski's original hummus
- Kowalski's extra virgin olive oil, golden raisins, lemon zest, toasted pine nuts, finely chopped fresh cilantro and Kowalski's Za'atar (from the Spice Aisle) for garnish
- Kowalski's pita crackers or Kowalski's naan for serving
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté onion until tender. Add garlic, cook and stir until softened and fragrant. Add lamb, cook and crumble until meat is no longer pink. Drain fat from meat, and season with salt and pepper. Add spices (through cloves), cook and stir for one minute. Deglaze pan with wine, and cook until wine is evaporated. Remove from heat. Scoop hummus into a shallow dish. Top with meat mixture, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with other garnishes as desired. Serve with pita crackers or naan.
Rachael Perron is the culinary and brand director for Kowalski's Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications. Find more at kowalskis.com.


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by Vickie Jenkins – Writer/Photographer
Southwest Orthopaedic and Reconstructive Specialist (SOS) is a comprehensive practice that is located in South Oklahoma City. Being with SOS since 2016, Stephanie Plummer, RN, BSN has been the clinic RN for SOS and the RN for Dr. Brad Reddick and Jayme Royston-Locke, PA-C. Dr. Reddick is a Joint Replacement Surgeon who specializes in the most current and advanced technology in joint replacement which includes Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty, Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty, Robotic Assisted Partial Knee Replacement, Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty as well as the most complex Orthopedic cases regarding both primary total joint and revision total joints.
Stephanie explained how SOS opened their doors in 1995 and has continued to focus its practice and expertise with an extensive selection of surgeons, specializing in Orthopedic, Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery. "We have a support staff of one hundred, working in areas such as insurance verification, appointments, pre-certifications, insurance billing, medical records and workers compensation."
"As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel. That is one of my all time favorite quotes, by Maya Angelou," she mentioned. "I always realize how true those words are."
Stephanie grew up in Moore, OK, and it was 2004-2007, when she moved to San Diego, CA with her husband while he was serving in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Denver. Stephanie obtained her Associates degree from Oklahoma City Community College and her Bachelors from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. "I always had the medical field on my mind," Stephanie said. "I have the opportunity to empower the patients and their families with knowledge and be a part of the healing process but most important, I wanted to do something in life that would make a difference. As a nurse, I have the opportunity to not only care for the patient but to be their voice when they can't speak, being their advocate; to help fight for their wishes and help honor them at all times. I love my job as a nurse and can't imagine doing anything else," she commented. "A good nurse needs to be a great listener to her patients."
Asking Stephanie if she considers herself a leader or a follower, she replied, "I would like to think that I am a little of both. I think that to be a good leader, I must be a good follower. I respect the people I look up to, as they set examples and I learn from them. I always strive to be a better communicator, a better manager, a better educator and a better mentor."
What advice would you give to someone going into the medical field? "I would tell them to follow their passion and follow their heart. Be open to change because there will be plenty of changes in the medical field. Sometimes, a nurse will be frustrated and feel like they have failed, but always remember this, being a nurse is a blessing and an honor. Perhaps, Patch Adams said it best, "You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you'll win no matter what the outcome."
What changes have you made because of the coronavirus? "SOS has made many changes because of the coronavirus and we are continuing to closely monitor the situation should additional necessary changes be needed. Currently, all staff undergo daily temperature checks as well as all patients and visitors. We are regularly cleaning touched surface areas, countertops, door handles and other highly trafficked areas. Most importantly, we are screening our patients for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and reschedule if necessary," Stephanie said.
On a personal note, Stephanie is married to her wonderful husband of almost seventeen years. "We've known each other since fourth grade," she said with a smile. "We have a three year old son who is the light of our world. Our pets include a pit mix named Axle, a chihuahua mix named Ollie and a cat named Archie." Stephanie's hobbies include spending time with her family, traveling, fishing, being outdoors and spending time at the racetrack. "My husband actually builds race cars and yes, I love the racetrack," she said.
When asking Stephanie to sum up her life in one word, she replied, "blessed."


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Help your kids independently pack for your next family vacation
Once all the fun and excitement of planning a big family vacation has worn off, next comes those last-minute moments of fear and dread to deal with – the packing!!!
After years of having to think of everything from the right electronics plug down to the baby's favorite pacifier, enough is enough! This mama is ready to start delegating responsibility. It's time for our kids to at least begin with packing their own clothing and toys ready for a family vacation.
While we don't expect them to get it right every time, we do now expect they'll be responsible for gathering the items from around the house and having a say in what outfits will come with us.
The hardest part can be the toys and learning how not to overpack – and you may not win every battle – but our kid's packing list will help you on your way to teaching your kids these vital independence skills.
This post is part of our packing list series – we have you covered from camping trips to the ultimate family vacation checklist
If you have older kids 10 years+ – head on over to our tweens & teens packing checklist.
No time to read? Join our mailing list to grab your printable kids packing list straight away!
Top tips for kids self-packing
There's no magic wand that you can wave to get your kids perfectly packing their own suitcases every time – or for that matter – helping at all.
No matter how much of this process they can assist with though, this is a fabulous learning experience for your kids. With small steps and a helpful checklist, you can bring them in as part of the process of what taking a vacation and visiting new places means.
Talk about the weather
It's likely where you're going to visit on vacation will have a different climate to what you're used to experiencing at home.
Will it be hot, cold, a mixture of both where you are going? Explain the importance of having clothing appropriate to deal with the heat (like shorts, hats, sunglasses) or why we might need an extra thick coat and gloves if you're headed somewhere cold.
It would be a great help if you can show them pictures of kids dressed in the right sort of clothing for where you are going; visual clues are far more helpful than just verbally describing!
Choose the appropriate luggage together
There's a huge fear if you let your child loose with just the list and no framework or guidance they'll chronically overpack! Pick out what will work best for the type of travel you'll be doing:
- Cute little wheelie suitcases look adorable, but are they practical? Will they count towards your luggage allowances or just become another hard object you need to drag along with you? Consider whether your child gets their own wheeled case, or will you share a family suitcase.
- An alternative to a wheelie case is a ride-on suitcase. This can be used as a carry on item with enough storage space for clothing and essentials. We look at the pros and cons of ride-on luggage over here.
- Backpacks in our experience have been the most practical of carry-on items for our kids, so they will separately pack clothing in a family suitcase then have their own independent backpacks for when we're in transit and for day trips.
- Younger tots only need a very small pack of their own then assume you will be carrying everything else. The most appropriate luggage for a toddler is a small backpack with reins.
Still travelling with car seats and strollers? You may get some bonus packing room around these items as they count separate from your overall baggage allowance on most airlines!
Use packing cubes
Especially handy if the whole family will be sharing suitcase space. Once you've decided on the appropriate luggage, your child can be allocated one or two packing cubes which are just for them. You can do it one outfit at a time or a different clothing type in each cube.
We'll ask you to subscribe to our newsletter too, but don't worry we won't bombard you. You can unsubscribe at any time if you just want to the checklists.
What to Pack for a Family Vacation – Kids Packing list
Kids Packing List – Clothing for Kids
Help your child by marking out how many of each item they should pack then they should be able to independtly select the items. We suggest including:
- Short-sleeve tops
- Long sleeve tops
- Short bottoms
- Long bottoms
- Undies
- Socks
- Dressy outfit (if required)
- Cardigan/hoody/sweater
- Pajamas
- Trainers
- Flip Flops
Kids Packing List – Personal Care Items
You will likely pack these items together in one large family toiletry bag but it's important for kids to understand the hygiene basics. We suggest they should be able to assist with gathering up:
- Their own teeth brushing kit
- A comb or brush for their hair
- Something to wash with – soap, shampoo from the bathroom
Remember if you're taking a carry on only plane trip as part of your vacation, all of these items need to be in tubes under 100ml/3cl.
If you'll be packing family sized versions of any of these simply cross them off your child's own packing list.
Kids Travel Bag
There's a huge propensity to overload on little goodies when we pack. I know we've vastly overdone it in the past when it comes to kiddy entertainment. There are loads of brilliant busy bag type ideas out there on Pinterest, but seriously, you don't need to try them all at once!
Assuming they will only need to be carrying their own toys, we recommend a good mix for a carry on bag includes:
- A favourite cuddly
- Electronics & headphones
- A book (or depending on ages ebook reader/audiobook)
- Puzzle or game
- Coloring and pencil set or Water Wow books for younger ones
- Stickers/creative activity set
We have a load more tips when it comes to the best types of travel toys for every mode of transport! Start here with our Ultimate Guide to Travel Toys, but we also have age category lists and toys especially for road trips and flying – find the full travel toy directory here!
More packing help for families
In addition to this little kid packing list, we have a load more handy resources to get you packed and on your way.
- Our complete family vacation checklist – everything from pre-departure things to do, important documents, electronics, the big and small kiddy gear you may forget and even clothing and entertainment for you too! This is essential to download before any vacation.
- Packing list for tweens and teens – greater independence we've added even more items for them to pack on their own
- Baby travel packing list – the most important items not to forget when travelling with an infant
- Desert & beach camping packing list – everything you can think of needing for a sand camping trip with kids
- Hiking packing list – never miss a beat with all these handy items you'll want on you and in your day packs when hitting the trails
- Road trip essentials – preparing the car, people and positioning everything right so it's easy to grab! Here's what we always take on a family road trip
- Toiletries and first aid essentials for travel – a super-detailed list of exactly what goes into our first aid kit, plus a cut out emergency details card.
Not ready to pack just yet? Bookmark this page or save it to Pinterest for later
Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are also affiliate partners with Uncommon Goods. You can read our full disclosure policy here.
© Our Globetrotters | Feature images CanvaPro


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This child just won't sit still!!!
Dec 04, 2014
One of the most common concerns raised in OT referrals is that a child "can't sit still" or "they fidget and fiddle constantly". If you can set aside your own frustrations and expectations about this behaviour for a moment, and delve with me into the reasons behind children moving, fidgeting and fiddling perhaps we can embark on a new era together...
First of all, rather than asking why this child won't be still perhaps we need to ask ourselves "Why do I need this child to be still right now?"
Is it possible for us to adapt our expectations to allow a child to move and fiddle with something while they are listening to us, or writing, or working on a project. Sometimes, if there are no other issues it will resolve the problem if we provide a way that the child can move and fiddle. This is what I mean when I say "new era". Imagine classrooms and homes where children moved... where the "active listening posture" allowed children to be active if they needed to. Classrooms may not look as "neat" on the surface, but for many children learning and life would be a whole lot more fun and engaging.
To allow this to happen, at least for the children who obviously need it, it helps to have a couple of "tools" up your sleeve:
- First of all, providing opportunities for more intense movement can be a big help. Movement breaks can be great for the whole class, or for an individual child. I was recently in a teacher's class... and this teacher definitely thinks outside the square. During the morning session when around Australia children are knuckling down with academics he suddenly burst out "We've been inside long enough... let's all run outside for a quick play on the playground." I've been in other classes where I've heard students say to the teacher "we haven't moved for a while... I think we need a stretch and move break." I love it when I see this because I know it means it happens often, and the children feel comfortable in requesting it when they are needing it.
- My favourite tool for allowing a child to move when they are working and sitting are seats or cushions that allow movement, and the one I like best is the worm bOble. Sitting on this as a seat for the first time took me back to that lovely (but forbidden) feeling of rocking on my chair in primary school. And when I work with children now I usually bring along a worm. I don't even need to explain to children how to use it - they just know. And they'll sit with me and concentrate well through sometimes quite challenging activities... gently rocking, swaying and wobbling as they sit. A "move-n-sit cushion" is a cheaper option that allows a child to wiggle. It is important that a child is given time to learn how to use these in a way that the teacher involved can cope with, as some teachers take time to adjust to having a wiggling child in their midst.
- I also love modelling beeswax for children to fiddle with while they are listening. It is a beautiful sensory experience, as it has a silky feel, smells like honey and once it is warmed up in the fingers you can mould it into lovely creations.
- Soft cushions, textured cloths and bean bags can be helpful in making children comfy when they are sitting and giving them something to feel and fiddle with.
It can also help to explore "why" a child is moving.
And sometimes it is helpful to involve an occupational therapist in answering this question. There are many reasons why a child may move, fiddle and fidget, ranging from:
- Their sense of balance may be still developing, and they move around, touch things and look around to compensate.
- They may have "sensory seeking" needs where they actually benefit from moving, rocking, rolling, spinning or fidgeting - and they need to do this proactively in their daily life to help them concentrate and make sense of the world. This can be identified with a Sensory Profile assessment, or gathering information about a child's sensory preferences.
- They may be reacting to the foods they are eating... gut health, microbes, blood sugar and fat levels can all influence how fidgety a child is.
- They may be bored... I'm being brutally honest here, but sometimes we are expecting them to do tasks which are unimportant to them, and if we are completely honest are boring and irrelevant. These children push us to think outside the square and to question ourselves about why we are asking children to do tasks... is it just to tick someone else's box about what should be done? Is there a way we can present it differently and turn it into a fun and playful game? If it must be done how can we empower the child to do the task in a way that is achievable and positive?
- They may be hands on/kinesthetic learners. These children learn best when actively engaged in tasks and "doing something". So learning tasks need to be adapted. Classrooms are usually tough environments for these children, and unless teachers are aware of their needs they will likely cause frustration for the teacher with their deep yearning for hands on activity.
I find myself reciting this sentence so often that it has become a little mantra of mine "the child will show you what they need".
If a child is listening and concentrating, but they are moving and fiddling then it is likely that the adults in that child's life need to provide ways for a child to move and fiddle, proactively, positively and without using the movement/fiddling as punishment/reward system (i.e. "when you do this work, then I'll let you have a movement break").
I would like to see classrooms and homes where it was considered fine for a child to be wriggling, rocking moving or fiddling while listening, writing or even eating. And it's our job to find the resources and time to allow that to happen proactively, before children become disruptive... and before we are tearing our hair out!
If a child isn't able to listen, concentrate and complete tasks because they are distracted by their need to move and fiddle then we have to look deeper and seek to understand the reasons for the wriggling.
I look forward to a new era, where we accept that children need to move and fidget, even older children... where classrooms look a lot more wriggly and fidgety... and where rather than punishing children for moving and fiddling, we seek to understand them and meet the need underlying what we see.
Want to learn about children's furniture designed to encourage movement, creativity and fun...
Interested in sacred, calming nutritional foods?
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