text:
Mario Kart (series)
|Mario Kart
|Basic Information
Parent franchise(s)
First video game
|Super Mario Kart
|Super Famicom, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U and Nintendo Switch
The Mario Kart series began in 1992 with the release of Super Mario Kart for the SNES. It is considered by many to be the start of the now-popular sub-genre, Kart racers. Few clones of Mario Kart end up achieving the same critical acclaim. There have been 7 games released so far in this series, with the 8th on the way, not including the 3 Arcade Games.
Mario Kart games differ from traditional racing games through, light-hearted, unrealistic, arcade action and mid-race combat. This formula tends to make it easier for anyone to have fun and easily learn the ropes. Players first choose a driver, whos weight determines control, as opposed to vehicles (Although this feature is added in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!) Next, players choose a track, which are always set somewhere in the Mario universe, and feature offbeat obstacles and course design. Rainbow Road is a staple of all Mario Kart games, and is usually the hardest to race on.
Combat is one of the largest distinguishing features of the series. All along the track, regenerating boxes of power-ups and weapons are scattered at fixed points. A character can use the common green shells to knock down an opponent, the heat seeking red shells, use lightning to make all opponents small & weak, use a super star to become temporarily invincible, and much more.
Games (in order of release)[edit | edit source]
- Super Mario Kart
- Mario Kart 64
- Mario Kart: Super Circuit
- Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
- Mario Kart DS
- Mario Kart Wii
- Mario Kart 7
- Mario Kart 8


text:
USC Suspends Marc Tyler For Comments
July 20, 2011 Leave a comment
~ USC recently announced that they have suspended their senior running back Marc Tyler for their season opener and also from all team activities for comments he made that found it's way to TMZ.
The NCAA football season is quickly approaching and I'm sure that all the teams are eagerly anticipating it to begin. However, the anticipation may not have anything to do with the excitement of chasing the national championship or making a bowl game. The NCAA has had one of it's more memorable off-seasons in recent history and it's mostly been for the wrong reasons.
The latest headline involves the one team that would love nothing more than to stay out of the trouble discussion, the USC Trojans.
Tyler appeared to be intoxicated in the video clip as he responded to a question that he said was about if athletes were paid more at USC or in the pros.
Tyler's response was "USC, They breaking bread."
Tyler wasn't being serious when he made that comment and hopefully wasn't being serious about the other comments he made either. However, a question like that to a young collegiate athlete who plays for a prestigous team such as USC is most likely not going to result in a answer that will miss the headlines these days.
The off-season has been full of questionable behavior from players and coaches from big name programs. The topic that has generated the most attention is players receiving improper benefits during their playing career at their respective schools.
When a player breaks a team rule, the size of the punishment can depend on the size of the rule that was broken. Every now and then a message has to be sent to the team and anyone watching that certain things just won't be tolerated. It's for the best of the team just as much as it is for that player's own good.
It's easy to conclude that finding out one of your players is making distasteful comments that misrepresent the entire team would be a problem, it takes on another life though when it's in college because it misrepresents the entire school.
I've read and listened to the comments on USC's decision to suspend Tyler and some have been for the move, some have been against it.
There are valid reasons for the suspension, I just am not sure if the biggest reason of all will get mentioned directly.
USC suspended Tyler because they have been in enough trouble lately and at some point a line has to be drawn. That line is where it starts to effect their ability to market their team the way they want to.
At the end of the day, the business takes over. The business is the money and the money always talks. The Trojans are not about to put their athletic program under anymore negative scrutiny from the media or fans.
A message had to be sent to Tyler that no one player should be bigger than the school and it was sent with the suspension. However, another message had to be sent to the fans that USC will no longer put up with off the field issues taking away from their performance on the field.
ESPN analyst, former NFL superstar and USC Alum Keyshawn Johnson was once in that same spotlight as Tyler was. He pointed out the major attention USC gets while playing in the Los Angeles area. This team is the main football attraction in the area and they will continue to be that until the NFL puts a professional team back in that market.
From Keyshawn and Carson Palmer to Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush to Mark Sanchez, the Trojans are billed as a main attraction and one of the more hotter tickets to purchase in town.
The NCAA has their plate full with investigations of big name schools these days and they normally end in teams losing post season eligibility. That means bowl games are lost and that means potential money is lost. Major Money.
Preserving team prestige is important, making sure fans are still coming to see your team play is just as important.
The school is still reeling from the bad press they received from the Reggie Bush problems.
The Trojans Head coach Lane Kiffin didn't wait long before suspending Tyler. Kiffin has had his share of bad headlines the last couple of seasons. He knows where this could potentially lead to if not dealt with right away and he is also looking to put his stamp on the USC football program.
Tyler is still young and will hopefully learn from this experience going forward. He has to be more aware of his position now and what team and school he is representing. It's not just in college, it's a lesson that will repeat itself to him as he goes forward in his life.
USC should get credit for moving so quickly to suspend Tyler, no one player is bigger than the team or school. However, in this case it shouldn't be lost on anyone that a move like this had more reasons that went way past the mistakes made by this one player.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Are you headed to DMV and realize you don't have an up to date auto id card? Do you need a certificate of insurance for your business? If these questions or more are keeping you up at night, myBakker Login can help to reduce your worries by giving you access to your own account information with our agency.
How myBakker Login works
myBakker Login provides you with access to your insurance information and the ability to communicate with your agent or account executive. Your insurance information is now available to you at any time and from anywhere via a secure website, mobile interface or by phone.
Individual secure logins (user name and password) make it easy for you to access online confidential messages and documentation, view your policy(s) online, submit changes, and print insurance forms, such as auto ID cards and certificates of insurance.
Please remember submitted changes can only be processed by an agent or account executive during regular business hours (8:30 -5 M-F). We cannot bind or alter coverages through the use of the myBakker Login system.
To sign up for myBakker Login, click here


text:
Knitspot owner and designer Anne Hanson, a life-long knitter with a background in the fashion and graphic design fields, teaches and writes about knitting, spinning, and designing at her blog, Knitspot.com.
Anne lives and works in Ohio with David, who loves wool, too. Together they are the owners and creators of the renowned Knitspot yarn clubs and Bare Naked Wools yarn collection.
Anne is the author of The Lace Lessons, The Bare Naked Knitspot Series, and several other eBook Publications. Her design work has been included in Brooklyn Tweed Wool People, Interweave Knits, Knitty, Sock Knitting Master Class, The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters, The Knitter, Twist Collective, and My Grandmother's Knitting. She has produced popular instructional videos with both Craftsy and Interweave Knits. Anne's complete catalog of designs and Bare Naked Wools Yarns may be viewed and purchased in the Knitspot Pattern Shop.


text:
Or, send an email to [email protected]. Please include in your email the following information:
- Student's Name and grade
- Choral Class(es)
- Parent's name(s), address(es), and phone number.
Yahoo will immediately send you an email asking you to confirm that you want to join. If you don't receive this confirmation message, please check your spam folder.
This process will need to be done for each email address you want to subscribe.
Note: Choralnet is not a "chat" network and is reserved for Choral Boosters and music department announcements. Listserv members may unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of any listserv email.
Join WhitmanInstrumental Listserv!
The Whitman Instrumental Music Boosters Club sponsors a Yahoo Group listserv to provide timely information about the Instrumental Music Department. This is the program's PRIMARY communication tool and is open to both parents and students involved in Whitman Instrumental Music. Note: WhitmanInstrumental is not a "chat" network and is reserved for Instrumental Booster and Music Department announcements.
To join the WhitmanInstrumental listserv, send an email here.
Please put "Join Instrumental Listserv" in the subject line, and include:
- Name of parent or student wishing to join
- For parents, include your student's name
- music student's grade and ensemble
- the email address you wish to add to listserv
To unsubscribe, send an email here.


text:
School Chiefs Get Average of $351,730 After Perks
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 31, 2008; Page PG04
School superintendents in the Washington area will collect salaries ranging from $157,200 to $279,340 in the fiscal year that ends June 30. Factor in benefits and perks, however, and the average annual compensation package swells to $351,730.
Compensation for the school chiefs goes well beyond the salaries reported to the public, according to a review of contracts for 12 superintendents in the District and its suburbs. Contracts routinely allow superintendents to collect tens of thousands in deferred compensation and to cash in weeks of unused leave annually. Superintendents enjoy supplemental insurance policies and retirement plans on top of the benefits available to all public school administrators.
In Montgomery County, the $242,686 salary paid this year to School Superintendent Jerry D. Weast represents not quite half of a total compensation package valued at $489,763. John E. Deasy in Prince George's County will receive $424,080 in total compensation, with less than two-thirds coming from salary, according to figures provided by the school system.
Read more HERE.


text:
Home Blog Manitou Springs, Colorado Virtual Tour Photographer Achieves T4 Status
RTV is happy to announce that Gerry Efinger of Manitou Springs, Colorado has achieved T4 photography certification. RTV created the T4 program to establish a recognizable credential for real estate photographers to show that they have experience and are able to produce consistent quality work. Photographers must be able to produce spherical and cylindrical panoramas as well as be approved for Google Street View | Trusted photo shoots.
Gerry prides himself in producing the highest quality work and uses the latest techniques and technologies to that end. His clients can see the difference and give him great feedback such as "The quality and professionalism are above and beyond my expectations" and "His photos are magical"
Gerry Efinger Photography is located in Manitou Springs and serves a large portion of Colorado including Southern Denver, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. If you need a professional virtual tour produced for your business give Gerry a call today!
Congratulations on achieving T4 status Gerry. You have worked hard and you deserve it.
Gerry Efinger Photography
Posted by: Real Tour Vision
Posted: August 14, 2015
Category: Blog Considering A Career In Virtual Tour Photography T4 Real Estate Photography Accreditation
Tags: real estate photographer accrediation real estate photography virtual tour company virtual tour provider in Colorado


text:
49 Little Moments Of The Newborn Period You'll Want To Relive
I absolutely loved being pregnant, and felt a strange type of sadness after I had my daughter. Of course I was thrilled to have her, but it was like the feeling you get Christmas afternoon when you've waited all year for that moment. It didn't help that everyone had warned me about how hard the newborn stage was. You remember those people too, right? I'll be honest, life with a newborn is incredibly hard. But there are some little moments of the newborn period you'll want to relive.
Having a newborn is exhilarating and exhausting. It's so much fun, and it's so much work. It's incredibly difficult, and it can also be easier than the toddler years. When you're the mother of a newborn, you're in this weird juxtaposition moment of life. Whether it's your first baby or your fifth, it always feels different, and it completely turns your life upside down. But no matter how many bleary-eyed days you have, no matter how many hours you wish would hurry past you, and no matter how many times you say, "I can't wait until my baby's older", there are many little moments of the newborn period that you will cherish forever. The saddest and hardest part of having a newborn is that it's so hard to remember them. My daughter is almost two and when I look at pictures of her as a newborn, I feel like I'm looking at a totally different baby. But when I think of all the little moments I still cherish? It adds up. If you're currently in the trenches, mama, here's a virtual hug and a list of things you'll love and miss one day.
1. Their Breath
I was so obsessed with my daughter's breath and I know that sounds totally weird and bizarre, but it's true. Her milky breath was like magic to me. Whether you breastfeed or formula feed, your baby has a unique breath scent that only you may be able to notice.
2. Their Frog Legs
You know when your newborn holds their little legs up in the air like a frog ready to pounce? Ugh, kills me. I love that they keep up so many positions they had in the womb.
3. The Squishiness
Newborns can just be described as squishy and marveling over their squishiness is the best.
4. Milk Chins
Oh baby milk chins! No matter how you feed your baby, they're bound to get milk dribbling all down their little chins and rolls.
5. Baby Grunts
It takes a few weeks for newborns to become babies who coo and babble and giggle, but newborns love to grunt and make abnormally loud noises. The best.
6. Middle Of The Night Snuggles
I know, waking up every two hours sucks. I did it, and I remember feeling so shattered every single night. But holding my baby as I fed her, the TV on low, and some old favorite sitcom playing was my heaven. You'll miss those middle of the night cuddles, especially because my baby just went right to sleep while my toddler is now all, "Toy Story? Waffles? All done with this bedtime business?"
7. Wearing Sleepers All Day Every Day
I know, buying fancy little clothes is fun, but there's nothing like keeping a newborn in a footed sleeper all day every day. So easy, so adorable, and so convenient.
8. Gummy Smiles
I can barely remember my daughter without teeth, so thank goodness for pictures.
9. The Convenience Of Newborns
You can literally take newborns everywhere. I used to shop for hours with my newborn strapped to my chest.
10. The Swing
Remember when you could use the swing for any and every thing and your newborn loved it? Yes, I miss those days, too.
11. Falling Asleep On You
Oh you will cherish those moments forever, the ones where your newborn just sacks out right on you, no matter what.
12. Swaddling
Those little baby burritos are too cute, and I wish I could still swaddle my toddler.
13. Hungry Rooting
When my newborn was hungry, she'd root everywhere and make these tiny grunt noises that killed me with love. Whether she was trying to gnaw on my shoulder, my nose, or my cheek, I was obsessed.
14. The Slow Blinking
Nothing like watching a newborn take in the world around them with those slow blinks. So much wisdom in those little eyes.
15. Tummy Time
Tummy time is simple, sweet, and it takes no effort on your part, unlike trying to build the perfect LEGO castle for your four year old.
16. All That Sleep
Seriously, newborns may not sleep in long stretches, but they sleep a LOT. And it is so nice. Even if you're stuck under a sleeping babe, you get so much time to relax and chill as a new mom.
17. The Newness Of It All
It's like Christmas morning every morning those first few weeks. The newness of everything is so exciting and keeps you going.
18. The Celebratory Feeling
Flowers, balloons, and cards litter your home and it feels like everyone is constantly celebrating. Guess what? They are! All for you and your babe.
19. Your Family's Help
Because they will offer so much, and it is so wonderful. Accept the help, mama.
20. Not Censoring The TV
I watched so much Breaking Bad with my newborn daughter. Can't even try that now that she's walking and talking.
21. Diaper Changes That Don't Require Restraining Your Baby
You literally lay that newborn down and change their diaper. They may not be happy about it, but it's nothing like trying to wrangle a 20-pound toddler back down.
22. They Stay Where You Put Them
Want a cup of coffee? Lay your baby down on a blanket and when you come back? They are still right there!
23. Their Floppiness
I mean, obviously you have to support their little neck, but those newborn babies are just floppy, squishy bundles of joy.
24. The Way Newborns Curl On Your Chest
Heart eyes! All the heart eyes for the newborn stage when they constantly curl up on your chest.
25. Watching Your Partner Fall In Love
One of the very best parts of the newborn stage is seeing your partner fall in love with your baby. It is pretty wonderful.
26. Passing Your Baby Around With Family
I wanted to keep my baby all to myself, but I also loved watching my family hold her and talk to her.
27. Never Taking A Blurry Picture
Because your baby stays still! Praise it. It won't stay that way for long.
28. When They Turn To Your Voice
Not only is it heartwarming because your baby totally recognizes your voice, but also, it's one of the last times they'll ever listen to you.
29. Not Requiring Much To Take Care Of Your Baby
You bought all of that fancy gear, but it's nice knowing that all you really need is a bottle or a boob, and some clothes. Done.
30. Feeding Your Baby
Whether you formula feed your baby or breastfeed, there is something incredibly special about feeding your baby and being their sole source of nutrition.
31. Focusing On Your Baby Without Guilt
As your baby gets older, you realize you have to actually be productive in other areas, but there's no rules for the newborn stage. You just get to focus on your new love without feeling guilty about your giant to-do list.
32. Staring At Their Tiny Feet
You will spend hours doing this. Hours! Now those feet are stinky and huge and always sticky.
33. The Way They Take Everything In
It's like they're just trying to soak it all in, every single bit of the world.
34. Literally Being Able To Hold Them All Day
Like, if that's all you want to do? You can do it!
35. Not Having Much Of A Schedule
I love having a schedule now with my daughter, but it's kind of nice during those first few weeks to just ignore a schedule and have it all blur together into one big baby time.
36. Reading Their First Book
Do you remember reading the first book to your newborn? Me too.
37. The Car Ride Home
It's a huge rite of passage to head home for the first time with your baby, and it all starts when you get loaded up in your car.
38. Every Morning Feels Like Christmas Morning
Because you have a baby! And they love you so much!
39. Their Nursery Stays Clean
I can't remember the last time my toddler's room was actually functional. But during the newborn stage? It stays in pretty good shape because you're hardly ever in there.
40. Seeing Their Movements You Used To Feel Inside Your Tummy
I could always feel my daughter drag her elbow and knees around inside of me, so seeing her make those same moves once she was out of me was insane. It's totally surreal and so amazing.
41. Their Tininess
Everything is so tiny! Their little nails. Their eyelashes. Their toes, and ears, and nose, and elbows. You will marvel over all of it.
42. Actually Working On Their Baby Book
Because you will never do it again.
43. Giving Baths
Giving baths now is so hard with my toddler, but back then, they were sweet and perfect.
44. The First Time You're Alone With Your Baby
You're terrified when all of your help goes away, but you totally rock it and feel amazing at the end of the day.
45. Rocking Your Baby To Sleep Because You Want To
And not because your baby refuses to sleep without a little rock or two.
46. Brushing Their Hair
Whether they have tiny peach fuzz or a full head, it's incredibly relaxing to brush their newborn hair with a soft-bristled brush.
47. That It Doesn't Last Forever
There's a reason why you have to find little moments to cherish, but I promise you, it only gets better from there.


text: I'm really struggling with a husband who has fronto temporal dementia just affecting his communication and sequencing of activities at the moment. Still quite early stages I thi k. Anyway - bringing up our son, who is 10, as well as working part time. I feel like I'm doing a terrible job of these 3 things. Is anybody in a similar situation?


text: There are only 2 Oscar categories I care about this year: Best Director and Best Picture. The latter I'll get to. The former I'll jump right in. There are going to be some pretty divisive snubs come Tuesday, which seems like it's always the case as the Oscars continue to toe between prestige and trendiness. Oddly enough, that's what also makes this race so exciting, because more and more films are meeting at that precipice. Continue reading


text:
Halo Sports Visor
- halo_sports_visor
- Availability:
- Usually ships in 24 hours
Product Info
The Halo Sport Visor has a Halo Headband built into the visor, making this one of the most functional visors available. Featuring our patented SweatBlock Seal, the sweatband channels sweat back and away from the eyes and face! The sweat visor is great for running, tennis and golf.
Halo Sports Visor Features:
- Headband is made with Dryline® fabric which absorbs sweat, wicks moisture, and dries quickly
- Hook and Loop adjustable strap in the back
- Stays in place during any activity
- One size fits both men and women
- One year warranty against manufacturer defects
- Made in USA
Technical Details
- Patented SweatBlock Seal forms a water tight seal that channels sweat back and away from the eyes and face.
- Manufactured with high quality Dryline® fabric
- Antimicrobial fabric is embedded with silver ions to inhibit the growth of bacteria
- Hand wash, hang dry
- Absorbs Sweat / Wicks / Dries quickly / Antimicrobial
How it works
Dryline fabric is a high performance material that quickly evaporates moisture so you stay dry and comfortable. It is lightweight, durable and abrasion resistant. It will not lose its shape or form.
Dryline Visa Endurance
Visa Endurance technologies combine effective long lasting odor control with moisture management and easy care. It includes a multitude of other performance capabilities that provides overall comfort to the end-user.
Benefits include:
- Controls odor
- Wicks perspiration away from the body
- Dries quickly
- Releases stains
- Soft and breathable
Moisture Management
What does moisture management mean to you? It means the fabric will help keep you dry by wicking away sweat and perspiration from your body when you are working out or working hard. In fact, this wicking property is one of the most important feature in high performance apparel. It helps keep you comfortable in uncomfortable situations.
Antimicrobial Odor Prevention
Visa Endurance is a silver-based antimicrobial. It is powered by silver ions which control the growth of bacteria and therefore keeps the fabric smelling fresh. The silver ions are actually encased in a ceramic cage and are only released when they come in contact with human sweat.
Stain Releasing
Unlike other synthetic fabrics, Visa Endurance fabrics release the most stubborn stains easily in the wash. Visa Endurance is less likely to pickup other dirt and oil from the wash water, so colors tend to stay the same and do not become "grayed out" over time.
Reviews (0)
Be the first to review this product.
Additional Info
- halo_sports_visor
- Availability:
- Usually ships in 24 hours


text:
Las Literaturas Hispanicas
Introduccion a su estudio: Volumen 3: Hispanoamerica
Evelyn Picon Garfield
Ivan A. Schulman
Published: December 1990
Pages: 408 Size: 7x10
Pages: 408 Size: 7x10
In Volumen 3 of Las literaturas hispánicas: Introducción a su estudio, Evelyn Picon Garfield and Ivan A. Schulman include selections from more than forty Spanish American authors from the sixteenth century to the present day. The variety of literary genres represented here includes poetry, short stories, essays, excerpts from novels, and plays. Like Volumen 2 this book can be used alone or in conjunction with Volumen 1, which provides a foundation for the reading and understanding of various literary genres in their cultural contexts.
Published by: Wayne State University Press


text:
Masterpiece Music offers workshops and clinics in several interest areas. Our staff has experience in working with groups at all levels and is ready to customize any workshop to fit your needs. Whether you need training to improve the abilities of your participants, assistance in exploring creative ideas for worship or training in the areas of conducting, choral techniques or musicality, Masterpiece can help you increase your skills and knowledge base. Here are some of the workshops offered.
CONDUCTING 101-Provides training for the beginning conductor. This workshop is extremely helpful for the volunteer choir director (whether choral or handbell). This workshop can be scheduled as one-on-one, or as a class with not over 10 participants. Prior to the workshop, each student will be asked to fill out a questionnaire seeking information regarding conducting. In this way, the workshop can be customized to the needs of the attendees.
One effective use of this workshop would be in inviting directors from your local churches or schools to participate. It would be a wonderful way to build comradery among music directors in your community.
REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES-Provides instruction for creating a rehearsal schedule which will ensure proper time is given to prepare each piece in your repertoire. Guidelines for how to run your rehearsal in the most efficient and productive manner will be discussed and students will be asked to create and execute their own rehearsal plan. The workshop will also touch on the importance of warming up prior to rehearsing repertoire, the importance of the tempo of the rehearsal and how to create a positive and motivating environment in the rehearsal room.
Copyright 2020 Masterpiece Music.
All Rights Reserved


text:
"Raising A People that will Please God through The Word of Faith and taking the Healing Power of God all across The Globe"
The Bible
At Great Light, the Man of God teaches comprehensive message, which is doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Word of God is the foundation of this ministry. As in 1 Timothy 3:15, "But if I tarry long that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in The House of God, which is the Church of The Living God, the pillar and ground of truth"). John 1:1 "In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Isaiah 9:8 "The Lord sent a Word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel."
The Eagle
Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint". Jeremiah 48:40 "For thus saith the Lord; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab". Exodus 19:4 "Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself."
The Globe
Globe is the symbol of the world, and God told The Man of God to raise a people of faith that will please Him through The Word of Faith, and take the healing power of God all across the globe. Great Light is a global ministry!!! God has constantly told The Man of God that He shall take him all around the globe with the gospel of Christ. Mark 16:15-16 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." John 15:16 "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Isaiah 61:1-3 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."
Why the Light?
Jesus said in John 8:12 "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Just as it was said in the Old Testament "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined" Isaiah 9:2, Jesus also said in Matthew 4:16 "The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up." Isaiah 9:8 "The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel." Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Isaiah 2:5 "O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord."
Please know that the message taught at Great Light is like no other you have ever heard before, even though it may sound familiar to what you have heard before. Sometimes, the message offends people who have different theological backgrounds or knowledge about God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit. The message here is inspired by The Holy Spirit of God alone so it is undiluted and you may find it difficult to comprehend it sometimes or all the time until you pray and ask The Holy Spirit to help your heart to receive it with understanding. You may also find that some parts of the message may be harsh, too blunt or too raw, especially if you are coming from an apologetic preaching church or where sin and iniquities are not bluntly addressed.
Our Prophet, The Man of God delivers comprehensive knowledge of and about God, drawing his sources from both Old and New Testaments. Also, if you are from a place where everything goes, you may find the structure of Great Light a bit structured and strict. Through this approach of ministration lives are being truly transformed through the unadulterated Word of God as evidenced by uncountable breakthroughs, testimonies and deliverances. Like in everything else you need to spend time to understand why the message and the structure is the way it is.


text:
We are now using text messaging (SMS) to contact some of our residents who are in receipt of Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support.
Text messages will show as from DoverDC and will either direct you to our website to submit the proof we need to process your claim or invite you to contact us by telephone as the text messages can't be replied to.
If you doubt that the text message is from Dover District Council please contact the Benefits Team on 01304 872199.
Browser does not support script.


text:
Do you remember a time when all we worried about on a Saturday morning was waking up to watch our favorite Saturday morning cartoons.
For those of you who reminisce fondly about these times, do you remember this one. The first episode of the popular Beatles cartoon from 1965on ABC :
The Beatles Cartoons – A Hard Day's Night


text:
Pompom Xenia
Pulsing Xenia is my favorite soft coral. Everyone loves to watch the individual polyps open and close independently of each other. Although they can spread to weed-like proportions, I have come to rely on them for indications of the tank's condition. If all is well, they look happy, and conversely when they look droopy or mangled, something is out of whack. They are truly my 'Tank Barometer.' Since they grow upward toward light, placing them up high will control their spreading.


text:
After the installation of JBoss , it is sometimes necessary to change the heap memory used by JBoss. This is usually done when there is an increase in the number of active projects in Quality Center or an increase in the number of concurrent user sessions.
Increasing the heap size (virtual memory) for JBoss
For Windows, you can increase the heap size by uninstalling/reinstalling the Quality Center Service and modifying the InstallJbossService.bat file. For Linux/Unix, you need to modify the run.sh file. The user who re-installs the JBOSS service should be the same user that is running the JBOSS service. Usually that is the Local System Account.
Recommended heap sizes, depending on the number of concurrent user sessions:
Small: 128 – 256MB ~ Up to 10 concurrent user sessions
Medium: 256 – 512MB ~ Up to 100 concurrent user sessions
Very Large: 1024 – 2048MB ~ Up to 350 concurrent user sessions
Neither value can be more than your max RAM size
Neither value can be more than supported by your Operating System
Uninstall/Reinstall QC Service for Windows:
Note: Verify that users are not working on Quality Center and Quality Center Service is stopped.
1. Open Command Prompt and navigate to "<Drive Letter:>\program files\HP\Quality Center\jboss\bin" folder.
Note: For TestDirector for Quality Center 9.0 the path is "<Drive Letter:>\program files\Mercury\Quality Center\jboss\bin"
2. Execute the following command (this will uninstall the existing service):
InstallJbossService.bat -uninstall
3.Edit the InstallJbossService.bat file.
If the heap memory is currently:
set JAVA_OPTS=%JAVA_OPTS% -Xms256m -Xmx512m
increase the heap size as follows:
set JAVA_OPTS=%JAVA_OPTS% -Xms512m -Xmx1024m
4. Save and close the InstallJbossService.bat.
5. Execute the following command (this will install the service with the modified heap size parameter):
InstallJbossService.bat -c default (-help shows options)
6. Verify that the service has been installed, Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services.
7. Start the HP Quality Center Service.
8. Check that the Quality Center Debug Console shows heap size that was specified as available memory:
If you are using a cluster environment, the hostname should be the cluster machine name, and you will need to apply the above steps to each cluster.
Also edit the run.bat file to ensure it is synchronized with the way the QC service runs.
Modify the run.bat file:
1. On the application server, locate the JBoss bin folder under your TD for QC installation. By default, the location is <System Drive:>\Program Files\HP\Quality Center\JBoss\bin.
Note: For TestDirector for Quality Center 9.0 the path is <System Drive:>\Program Files\Mercury\Quality Center\JBoss\bin.
2. Edit the run.bat file (or run.sh for Linux/Unix).
If the heap memory is currently:
set JAVA_OPTS=%JAVA_OPTS% -Xms256m -Xmx512m
increase the heap size as follows:
set JAVA_OPTS=%JAVA_OPTS% -Xms512m -Xmx1024m
3. Save and close the run.bat.
4. Execute the run.sh file only for Linux/Unix.


text:
Lessons in Worshiping Christ
From the Wisemen
Matthew 2:1-12
Christmas was when the greatest event since Creation, took place in a sleepy little village just five miles south of Jerusalem. But the lives of most people surrounding Christ's birth were like the rooms of Bethlehem's Inn—too full to let Jesus in.
Christmas is all about worship; and worship is all about having room in your life for God.
Make Room
For God
God devotes us four chapters of the Bible to Christ's birth, look with me at the first few verses of Luke's account. Please stand as we read Luke 2:1-7:
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,[a] who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. NKJV
Christmas was when no room was found for the Owner of the Universe, and he had to be welcomed in a borrowed stable. Like the Apostle John says, "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not"–they didn't have room for God.
But those who made room for Christ were given the greatest of all treasures—they were able to come before baby Jesus and offer themselves in worship to Him.
This Christmas are you like the Inn with no room for Jesus? Or are you like those who welcomed Him, worshipped Him, and enjoyed His Presence because they made room in their lives for Him?
Who Made
Room for Jesus?
At the center of the Christmas story, is the truth that–worship is all about making room for Jesus.
The only record of Christ receiving worship comes from those two groups who paused their own plans, their own agendas, and their own pursuits—and pursued finding Jesus. The Shepherds came with haste from the fields; and the Wisemen came with persistence from afar. Both presented their adoration to Christ.
God's Word presents to us a question this Christmas is, "How much room is there in our lives for Jesus?" We need to examine whether we give Him room in our desires, our thinking, our planning, and our talking.
- Do we talk more about Him than to Him?
- Do we do more for Him than with Him?
- Are we content with knowing more about Him than from Him?
One of my favorite hymns that challenges me each Christmas is that old hymn that affirms over and over, 'there's room in my heart for Thee'. Turn there with me in your hymnbooks to # 127.
The hymn "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" was written by Emily E. S. Elliott (1836–1897) for the children of her father's church, in Brighton, England. Using simple wording, she presents a clear challenge to all of us, during the Christmas season and also throughout the entire year.
- Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown when Thou camest to earth for me; but in Bethlehem's home was there found no room for Thy holy nativity. Refrain (vv. 1-4): O come to my heart, Lord Jesus— there is room in my heart for Thee!
- Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang, proclaiming Thy royal degree; but of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth, and in great humility.
- The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest in the shade of the forest tree; but Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God, in the deserts of Galilee.
- Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word that should set Thy people free; but with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn they bore Thee to Calvary.
- When the heav'ns shall ring and the angels sing at Thy coming to victory, let Thy voice call me home, saying, "Yet there is room—there is room at My side for thee," My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus, when thou comest and callest for me!
Worship is all about having room in your life for God.
At His birth Christ was only welcomed and worshipped by the shepherds and the Wisemen, who were poles apart socially, economically, culturally, ethnically, and in every other way but spiritually.
But when the shepherds and Wisemen met at the feet of Jesus, they worshipped on common ground, because:
Worship is
Making Room for Jesus
What does Matthew record as the first response of those who made room in their lives for Jesus? Listen to Matthew (2:1-11) as he describes this hallowed moment with such unforgettable words. God enters time and space as an infant!
As we go through these verses, underline some insights in your hearts that we can glean from the text.
- 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
- 2 saying (present participle, continuously asking over and over), "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
- 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Still these three responses to Christ are still present today: Herod hated Him; the leaders ignored Him; the Magi loved Him)
- 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
- 5 So they said to him (they knew it, didn't have to look it up, they quoted it—but just didn't believe it), "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' " 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."
- 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them (so it came and went and wasn't always visible—it is the same today as God gives us only what we need, when we need it), till it came and stood over where the young Child was.
- 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy (when God gives us direction, before we follow we should pause like them in gratitude).
- 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down (notice the immediate response to the Divinity of Christ, they dropped down flat before Him just like everywhere else in the Bible that people got in front of God) and worshiped Him (if there was ever a time to worship Mary it was now—but then as now they worshipped HIM!). And when they had opened their treasures (they brought their best and what was costly to Jesus), they presented gifts to Him (worship always involves giving—giving gifts of praise and adoration, as well as gifts of time and treasure): gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The shepherds in Luke 2 and the Wisemen in Matthew 2, stand out in the Christmas story because of all the creatures on earth created in His image–they were the only ones who came seeking the newborn King![1]
Shortly after the birth of the Messiah, Judean shepherds bowed at His feet in the stable, offering their praises. Then, some days later, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem asking King Herod where the real king of the Jews was born. As we know, the response of the Bible scholars of Herod's court was "in Bethlehem".
The startling fact is–that though these religious professionals could recite the right answer, their hearts were indifferent to the truth of God's Word. They knew the Scriptures; they just did not believe them! But those magi believed the Scriptures. They had traveled several hundred miles to worship Jesus. The Magi were willing to go anywhere in order to find the Promised King and Savior.
Do you see the lesson in the way these Wisemen offered their worship?
First, they didn't send their gifts of worship by another's hand; they came and brought their worship personally to Jesus. The lesson of their pursuit is that you should…
- Come and Worship
Him Yourself
God wants you, in person, to come to Him. Undaunted by the long and arduous journey, they must have been amazed to find a mere baby in a stable.
After the magnificence of King Herod's palace and his overpowering presence, it is amazing that they fell down in worship before baby Jesus as they did. Choosing to disobey Herod's demand that they reveal the location of Jesus indicates their faith. This choice could have cost them their lives. So in every way it was a personal coming to Jesus that marked their lives.
Have you come personally to Jesus in prayer, worship, and adoration today? Have you given yourself to Jesus this Christmas? That is the first gift. Remember how Paul commended the saints that "first gave themselves" (II Corinthians 8:5)?
Another lesson from the Wisemen is that it cost them so much to worship Jesus. Like them, chose to secondly:
- Sacrifice your time, freedom, and comfort
To Worship Him
From the two year calculation of Herod's death warrant on the babies of the region we can infer that it took many months for these Wisemen to travel to Jerusalem. Herod added some months on each end to cover any potential birth near that time. All that to say that it was hard to travel 1100 to 1200 miles back then.
They walked and rode across hot and arid deserts, through rivers, and across cold and dangerous mountain passes to get to Christ's birthplace from the regions of Babylon, Persia or Media. Even today this journey is very difficult and dangerous.
What are you sacrificing giving to Jesus this Christmas that costs you something?
Then as we ponder this story we see how they brought more than themselves, they also brought Him gifts. Worship[2] is a presentation of our gifts to God. We read (v. 11) that these wise men "presented unto Him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh." Their worship prompted them to prepare and set aside something tangible to give to this Child they sought to worship. So like them, choose to thirdly:
- Present what you have
To Worship Him
The significance of these gifts is beautiful.
- Gold speaks of Christ as the King of Heaven, or His Deity, as a study of the Tabernacle makes plain.
- Frankincense speaks of Christ's role as both our Great High Priest and the Perfect Lamb of God, just as it gives forth its perfume only as it is brought into contact with fire.
- Myrrh speaks of Christ's sacrificial death as myrrh is only harvested after the tree is bruised with stripes cut into the bark. Resin that flows as a healing balm to the damaged bark of the tree's suffering, has always associated myrrh with the death and burial of our Lord.
Thus these wise men, by the gifts they presented to Him, expressed first, their faith in His Deity; second, their adoration of His sinless life; and third, their anticipation of His sacrifice of Himself for the sin of the world by His death. The Wisemen brought prophetic gifts that pictured what Christ's earthly work was all about. They brought what they had in their lives as wealthy rulers. And that is what God wanted, that is why He chose them.
When God chose you it was not to bring their gifts but yours. Remember how the Lord accents the gifts of each individual. None are the same; all are precious to Him.
Think through the people and gifts that God uses in His Word.
- Remember the little boy's lunch that fed thousands?
- Then there was the borrowing of an unbroken colt to carry the King of Kings as He rode to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
- And who can ever forget the un-requested flask of perfume broken and spilled out just for love of Jesus.
- How about an anonymous person's upper room that witnessed the Last Supper, the appearances of the Risen Christ, and the prayer meeting of Pentecost?
Present what you have to Him this morning. Give Him your mind—let Him fill it. Give Him your hands—let Him guide and use them. Give Him your future—let Him plan and direct your life. Give Him your treasures—He can store them and invest them in safe places that bring everlasting rewards.
The greatest moment of all was when at last these patient Wisemen saw the One they had sought for so long. Before they rushed in with their gifts, before they poured out their treasures, they just wanted to adore Him—they came, they bowed, and they fell down and worshipped Him! Like them we need to learn to fourthly:
- Personally Fall Down and
Worship Him
Worship is a rare and easily lost atmosphere of devotion, adoration, sacrifice, and communion. Those Wisemen were overwhelmed at the sight of the One they came so far to see; the One they had waited so long to honor; the One they had paid so much to sacrifice their gifts upon—and when at last they saw Him they fell down and worshipped Him.
Remember what we see in Revelation 4? Look at v. 9-10 with me please.
Revelation 4:9-10 "Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne…"
Seeing God's glory always makes God's servants want to get into as humble a position as the human body is able to get!
And if you look through the entire book of Revelation we see:
- Worship is the description of the atmosphere of Heaven;
- Worship is the protocol God expects;
- Worship is what is offered and received in the place where God is magnified and adored.
What Hinders
Our Worship of Jesus?
Someone once defined idolatry as worshipping what we are supposed to use and using what we are supposed to worship. Have you checked lately, how you are doing in the worship department of your life? We can uncover those things that we worship in life by doing a few diagnostic tests:
- First, try the test of sacrifice—"What things will we make sacrifices for, in order to get them?" True worship involves sacrifice.
- Another test is seeking—"What is it that we are really pursuing in life?" True worship involves seeking.
What you and I seek out and sacrifice for can become something we worship, if we persist seeking and sacrificing to get whatever it is. Many things were designed by God for our use: food, money, time, pleasures, possessions, and so on. In their right place each is a powerful tool. Wrongly placed in our lives as the goal of our desires, they become idols that we worship in place of God.
The question about making room in life for Jesus is brought up in Christ's last words to the local churches of Revelation 2-3. When He writes to the seventh and final church that is the picture He left for us in His words to the church of Laodicea.
Remember Christ's words, "… I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (3:20)? Jesus was outside, their lives were too full for Him. So what was Christ's precious invitation?
He uses the word deipnon, used for "dine" in verse 20, which refers to the evening meal, the main meal of the day—a time for lingering over the meal after a long day's work.
Jesus is standing at the door of your heart this Christmas, waiting for you to invite Him in to linger in fellowship as your Lord and Savior all throughout your life.
Remember Holman Hunt's famous picture of Christ standing at the door knocking:
- Christ has done all that is needed for your salvation, so the handle of salvation is on your side, lost friend; and
- Christ has done all that is needed for intimacy with God, so the handle of fellowship is on your side, Christian.
This Christmas is all about stopping and inviting Jesus in to dine with us, to share our deepest thoughts and affections with Him and for Him to warm and fill our hearts and lives.
True worship takes a sacrifice of our time. The Wisemen set aside time from their daily lives to seek Jesus; and the Wisemen paid a price to find Jesus to worship Him.
True Worship always leads us to the person of Jesus Christ; and takes us beyond information to experience. They didn't worship information, they worshiped a person.
The Wisemen didn't settle for knowledge about Him, they persisted until they found Him.
Make these
This week why not make these simple choices drawn from the example of the Wisemen:
- Come and worship Jesus yourself.
- Sacrifice your time, freedom, and comfort to Worship Him.
· Present what you have to Worship Him.
· Personally Fall Down and Worship Him soon!
[1] 051224PM GCM-30 "Lessons from the Wisemen" plus 041212AM.
[2] A. P. Gibbs, Worship, p. 45


text:
We are headed north to Bethesda, MD this week for Drupal GovCon, one of the nation's premier Drupal events. Formerly Drupal Gov Days and Capital Camp, the rechristened conference is again hosted by the National Institutes of Health, this year July 22–24.
Sponsored by Drupal4Gov, Drupal GovCon unites, developers, designers, and users of the Drupal platform. Although targeted at government users, many business and nonprofit staff members will be among close to a thousand expected to join in the training, collaboration and business networking opportunities.
2014 was DesignHammer's first year at the conference, and we were delighted to present two sessions on Drupal related topics. This year we will be presenting again, and hope you will attend one or both of our sessions.
One Wednesday at 2pm, learn how to Get It Right the First Time Through Cheap and Easy DIY Usability Testing.
At it's most basic, usability is about insuring something, such as a website, works well. Without usability testing results, design and functionality decisions are based on opinion. Despite the understood importance, many organizations believe usability testing is too expensive and time consuming to fit their budget and schedule. We will show how usability tests can be performed both quickly and inexpensively using popular DIY usability techniques. We will cover both analog and online tools for user surveys, card sorting, tree testing, first click testing, and user testing. You don't need a lot of participants either—many valuable tests may be performed with as few as five subjects.
On Friday at 2pm get ready for Website Redesign In Drupal: Are You Planning to Succeed or Succeeding to Fail? It All Starts With Your RFP.
Are you currently using, or considering Drupal? Whether you are looking to develop an organization's initial website or upgrade an existing one, managing a website development project can be a daunting task, especially if your organization lacks internal website design and development expertise. Drupal provides an extremely flexible platform, but determining an appropriate approach to best fit your organization's needs and budget often involves navigating the benefits and costs of different providers, approaches, and technologies.
DesignHammer is also a gold level sponsor of GovCon 2015. Stop by our table for some special swag for our blog readers. We are also sponsoring a square in the Drupal GovCon Scavenger Hunt with a MacBook Pro going to the winner! Stop by either of our sessions, or the DesignHammer table to get one square closer to winning.


text:
- Andrew D. Jones, Sandra Rukobo, Bernard Chasekwa, Kuda Mutasa, Robert Ntozini, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Rebecca J. Stoltzfus, Jean H. Humphrey, Andrew J. Prendergast
View Affiliations Hide AffiliationsAffiliations: 1 School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; Department of International Health, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Publisher: The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
- Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 92, Issue 2, 4 Feb 2015, p. 463 - 470
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.14-0448
f Acute Illness is Associated with Suppression of the Growth Hormone Axis in Zimbabwean Infants
- Previous Article
- Table of Contents
- Next Article
Frequent infections contribute to childhood stunting in developing countries but the causal pathways are uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that intercurrent illnesses suppress the growth hormone axis through reductions in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). In a birth cohort of 202 HIV-unexposed Zimbabwean infants, we analyzed data on 7-day illness recall and measured plasma interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and IGF-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, at age 6 weeks, and then 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Children with recent acute illness had lower IGF-1 concentrations than healthy children and IGF-1 correlated inversely (P < 0.05) with inflammatory biomarkers at most time points between 3 and 18 months. Using path analysis, we showed that cough and fever had a predominantly indirect effect on suppressing IGF-1, through the acute-phase response, whereas diarrhea had a predominantly direct effect on IGF-1. Acute illness may therefore impact the growth hormone axis through both direct and indirect pathways.
Article metrics loading...
From This Site/content/journals/10.4269/ajtmh.14-0448dcterms_title,dcterms_subject,pub_keyword105
Full text loading...
Victora CG, de Onis M, Hallal PC, Blössner M, Shrimpton R, 2010. Worldwide timing of growth faltering: revisiting implications for interventions. Pediatrics 125: e473–e480.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Hoddinott J, Behrman JR, Maluccio JA, Melgar P, Quisumbing AR, Ramirez-Zea M, Stein AD, Yount KM, Martorell R, 2013. Adult consequences of growth failure in early childhood. Am J Clin Nutr 98: 1170–1178.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Victora CG, 2009. Nutrition in early life: a global priority. Lancet 374: 1123–1125.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Dewey KG, Adu-Afarwuah S, 2008. Systematic review of the efficacy and effectiveness of complementary feeding interventions in developing countries. Matern Child Nutr 4 (Suppl 1): 24–85.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Mata LJ, Kronmal RA, Garcia B, Butler W, Urrutia JJ, Murillo S, 1976. Breast-feeding, weaning and the diarrheal syndrome in a Guatemalan Indian village. Ciba Found Symp 42: 311–338.[Google Scholar]
Black RE, Brown KH, Becker S, 1984. Effects of diarrhea associated with specific enteropathogens on the growth of children in rural Bangladesh. Pediatrics 73: 799–805.[Google Scholar]
Guerrant RL, Kirchhoff LV, Shields DS, Nations MK, Leslie J, de Sousa MA, Araujo JG, Correia LL, Sauer KT, McClelland KE, Trowbridge FL, Hughes JM, 1983. Prospective study of diarrheal illnesses in northeastern Brazil: patterns of disease, nutritional impact, etiologies, and risk factors. J Infect Dis 148: 986–997.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Lima AA, Moore SR, Barboza MS, Soares AM, Schleupner MA, Newman RD, Sears CL, Nataro JP, Fedorko DP, Wuhib T, Schorling JB, Guerrant RL, 2000. Persistent diarrhea signals a critical period of increased diarrhea burdens and nutritional shortfalls: a prospective cohort study among children in northeastern Brazil. J Infect Dis 181: 1643–1651.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Moore SR, Lima AA, Conaway MR, Schorling JB, Soares AM, Guerrant RL, 2001. Early childhood diarrhea and helminthiases associate with long-term linear growth faltering. Int J Epidemiol 30: 1457–1464.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Checkley W, Buckley G, Gilman RH, Assis A, Guerrant RL, Morris SS, Molbak K, Valentiner-Branth P, Lanata CF, Black RE; Childhood Malnutrition and Infection Network, 2008. Multi-country analysis of the effects of diarrhea on childhood stunting. Int J Epidemiol 37: 816–830.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Henry FJ, Alam N, Aziz KM, Rahaman MM, 1987. Dysentery, not watery diarrhea, is associated with stunting in Bangladeshi children. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 41: 243–249.[Google Scholar]
Briend A, Hasan KZ, Aziz KM, Hoque BA, 1989. Are diarrhea control programmes likely to reduce childhood malnutrition? Observations from rural Bangladesh. Lancet 2: 319–322.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Moy RJ, de C Marshall TF, Choto RG, McNeish AS, Booth IW, 1994. Diarrhea and growth faltering in rural Zimbabwe. Eur J Clin Nutr 48: 810–821.[Google Scholar]
Brown KH, 2003. Diarrhea and malnutrition. J Nutr 133: 328S–332S.[Google Scholar]
Stephensen CB, 1999. Burden of infection on growth failure. J Nutr 129: 534–538.[Google Scholar]
Yakar S, Rosen CJ, Beamer WG, Ackert-Bicknell CL, Wu Y, Liu JL, Ooi GT, Setser J, Frystyk J, Boisclair YR, LeRoith D, 2002. Circulating levels of IGF-1 directly regulate bone growth and density. J Clin Invest 110: 771–781.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Katsanos KH, Tsatsoulis A, Christodoulou D, Challa A, Katsaraki A, Tsianos EV, 2001. Reduced serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein-3 levels in adults with inflammatory bowel disease. Growth Horm IGF Res 11: 364–367.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Walters TD, Griffiths AM, 2009. Mechanisms of growth impairment in pediatric Crohn's disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 6: 513–523.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Prendergast AJ, Rukobo S, Chasekwa B, Mutasa K, Ntozini R, Mbuya MN, Jones AD, Stoltzfus RJ, Humphrey JH, 2014. Stunting is characterized by chronic inflammation in Zimbabwean infants. PLoS ONE.[Google Scholar]
Prentice AM, Moore SE, Fulford AJ, 2013. Growth faltering in low-income countries. World Rev Nutr Diet 106: 90–99.[Google Scholar]
Humphrey JH, Iliff PJ, Marinda ET, Mutasa K, Moulton LH, Chidawanyika H, Ward BJ, Nathoo KJ, Malaba LC, Zijenah LS, Zvandasara P, Ntozini R, Mzengeza F, Mahomva AI, Ruff AJ, Mbizvo MT, Zunguza CD, ZVITAMBO Study Group, 2006. Effects of a single large dose of vitamin A, given during the postpartum period to HIV-positive women and their infants, on child HIV infection, HIV-free survival, and mortality. J Infect Dis 193: 860–871.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Gabay C, Kushner I, 1999. Acute-phase proteins and other systemic responses to inflammation. N Engl J Med 340: 448–454.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Lieberman JM, Sacchettini J, Marks C, Marks WH, 1997. Human intestinal fatty acid binding protein: report of an assay with studies in normal volunteers and intestinal ischemia. Surgery 121: 335–342.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Gibson RS, 1990. Principles of Nutritional Assessment. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.[Google Scholar]
Olney DK, Kariger PK, Stoltzfus RJ, Khalfan SS, Ali NS, Tielsch JM, Sazawal S, Black R, Allen LH, Pollitt E, 2009. Development of nutritionally at-risk young children is predicted by malaria, anemia, and stunting in Pemba, Zanzibar. J Nutr 139: 763–772.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
MacKinnon DP, Lockwood CM, Hoffman JM, West SG, Sheets V, 2002. A comparison of methods to test mediation and other intervening variable effects. Psychol Methods 7: 83–104.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Baron RM, Kenny DA, 1986. The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. J Pers Soc Psychol 51: 1173–1182.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Gabay C, Kushner I, 1999. Acute-phase proteins and other systemic responses to inflammation. N Engl J Med 340: 448–454.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
De Benedetti F, Alonzi T, Moretta A, Lazzaro D, Costa P, Poli V, Martini A, Ciliberto G, Fattori E, 1997. Interleukin 6 causes growth impairment in transgenic mice through a decrease in insulin-like growth factor-I. A model for stunted growth in children with chronic inflammation. J Clin Invest 99: 643–650.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Kotloff KL, Blackwelder WC, Nasrin D, Nataro JP, Farag TH, van Eijk A, Adegbola RA, Alonso PL, Breiman RF, Faruque AS, Saha D, Sow SO, Sur D, Zaidi AK, Biswas K, Panchalingam S, Clemens JD, Cohen D, Glass RI, Mintz ED, Sommerfelt H, Levine MM, 2013. Burden and aetiology of diarrheal disease in infants and young children in developing countries (the Global Enteric Multicenter Study, GEMS): a prospective, case-control study. Lancet 382: 209–222.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Fontana L, Weiss EP, Villareal DT, Klein S, Holloszy JO, 2008. Long-term effects of calorie or protein restriction on serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentration in humans. Aging Cell 7: 681–687.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Cossack ZT, 1991. Decline in somatomedin-C (insulin-like growth factor-1) with experimentally induced zinc deficiency in human subjects. Clin Nutr 10: 284–291.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Bhutta ZA, Bang P, Karlsson E, Hagenäs L, Nizami SQ, Söder O, 1999. Insulin-like growth factor I response during nutritional rehabilitation of persistent diarrhea. Arch Dis Child 80: 438–442.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Pucilowska JB, Davenport ML, Kabir I, Clemmons DR, Thissen JP, Butler T, Underwood LE, 1993. The effect of dietary protein supplementation on insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins in children with shigellosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 77: 1516–1521.[Google Scholar]
Kabir I, Butler T, Underwood LE, Rahman MM, 1992. Effects of a protein-rich diet during convalescence from shigellosis on catch-up growth, serum proteins, and insulin-like growth factor-I. Pediatr Res 32: 689–692.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Hintz RL, Suskind R, Amatayakul K, Thanangkul O, Olson R, 1978. Plasma somatomedin and growth hormone values in children with protein-calorie malnutrition. J Pediatr 92: 153–156.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Donahue SP, Phillips LS, 1989. Response of IGF-1 to nutritional support in malnourished hospital patients: a possible indicator of short-term changes in nutritional status. Am J Clin Nutr 50: 962–969.[Google Scholar]
Soliman AT, Hassan AE, Aref MK, Hintz RL, Rosenfeld RG, Rogol AD, 1986. Serum insulin-like growth factors I and II concentrations and growth hormone and insulin responses to arginine infusion in children with protein-energy malnutrition before and after nutritional rehabilitation. Pediatr Res 20: 1122–1130.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Baricevic I, Nedic O, Nikolic JA, Bojic B, Jojic N, 2004. Circulating insulin-like growth factors in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori . Clin Biochem 37: 997–1001.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Arnold BF, Galiani S, Ram PK, Hubbard AE, Briceno B, Gertler PJ, Colford JM, 2013. Optimal recall period for caregiver-reported illness in risk factor and intervention studies: a multicountry study. Am J Epidemiol 177: 361–370.[Crossref][Google Scholar]
Martorell R, Habicht J, Yarbrough C, Lechtig A, Klein R, Western K, 1975. Acute morbidity and physical growth in rural Guatemalan children. Am J Dis Child 129: 1206–1301.[Google Scholar]
Data & Media loading...
Supplementary PDF
- Supplementary PDF
- Received : 18 Jul 2014
- Accepted : 04 Nov 2014
- Published online : 04 Feb 2015


text:
At Odds is a political talk show with two self-proclaimed wise guys, Nate and Brian. Both hosts bring their own angle on all of the current news and politics. They are active, attending town halls and staying in touch with representatives, as well as doing their best to spread conservatism and truth.
Nate and Brian are both very liberty oriented and very active in fighting back against gun control. They are hosts of a long-running pro-gun internet talk show and authors of a pro-gun children's book, My Parents Open Carry. They are also co-founders of Michigan Open Carry, Inc, a gun rights group in Michigan with a focus on the promotion of openly carried firearms as a way to bring gun ownership out of the closet.
The show's website is www.atoddsshow.com.Their book can be purchased at www.myparentsopencarry.com.


text:
In November 1979 The South Square Trust was created by Arthur Grimwade a
Director of the auctioneers Christies. As he had received a scholarship
at school, it was his wish later in life that others should benefit from
his good fortune. He wanted to help encourage education in the arts as
well as provide funds for donations to general charitable purposes.
He and his wife Helen subsequently made further gifts to the Trust during
the rest of their lives increasing the scope and size of the grants made
by the Trustees.
Neither of them wanted their names connected with the Trust during their
lifetime and the Trustees were sworn to secrecy as a result. Now, with
anonymity no longer necessary, the Trust continues to make grants and
donations in line with these original aims directly supporting a number
of schools as well as individual students on a range of arts courses.
Further donations have been received from other sources and are particularly
welcomed from those who have previously benefited from the support of the Trust -
Further information on donations
To see the schools which are currently supported by the Trust please click here
Supported Schools - Appendix 1
The guidelines, Trust's funding criteria and application process for general charitable
donations can be found under
Individuals and
Copyright © SouthSquareTrust.org.uk (2011 - 2020) All Rights Reserved. Registered Charity No. 278960
Design by Tyrer Moon.
(credits Free CSS Templates)


text: You may remember Italian media critic Enzo Corsetti from the "Supernanny Deconstructed" video remixes he did for The LAMP last summer, which broke apart the reality television show to expose how storytelling and camera techniques are used to set up conflict and characterizations. Now, Enzo is taking on another television show–ABC's Once Upon a Time, this time looking at how good, evil and sexuality are represented. Take a look and share your thoughts:


text:
Healthy Mix & H.I.I.T. Classes (or How To Lose 20 lbs in 45 days?)
Even though we all love to relax in the summertime, the reality is that most of us have a lot going on. With planning family trips, to picking up the kids from camp, to even just lounging at the pool, there is always something that needs to get done. Unfortunately, your health and fitness goals usually end up taking a backseat.
At Fresh 'N Fit Cuisine, we don't want that to be the case, so we offer you 5 chef prepared menus! How do you know which one is right for you? That's where our traditional Healthy Mix menu comes in. In addition to being our most nutritionally balanced, it's the perfect place to start your journey towards a happier and healthier you.
Eating right is the first step towards living a healthier life so try one of our 5 menus that include Paleo, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Healthy Mix. We even offer a custom option that allows you to create your own like a 30 day cleanse approved menu. Use promo code BLOGJUN20 today and get $20 off your first order!


text:
New PC's With A Twist
Let's be honest. D&D is a game within which you can become an amalgamation of your fantasies: a bold, daring brute of a Fighter, a brilliant and savvy Sorcerer, or a clever and stealthy Rogue. You can be practically anything you like - your alter ego, your antithesis, your fantasy of how success would appear.
Let's be honest. D&D is a game within which you can become an amalgamation of your fantasies: a bold, daring brute of a Fighter, a brilliant and savvy Sorcerer, or a clever and stealthy Rogue. You can be practically anything you like - your alter ego, your antithesis, your fantasy of how success would appear.
Why, then, are so many players' characters the same? Game after game, campaign after campaign, you see it all the time.
This said, here is my new dwarven fighter:
Str: 17, Con: 16, Dex: 8
Chain mail, battle axe and shield. His skills are Listen, Climb, Search and Hide. He is from a mountain, seeks revenge for his father's death, and he hates goblins. His name is Karnak. Or it's Fidik. Or Brodrik. Or whatever.
Sound familiar? There are a hundred dwarves just like this born every day, every game. So, how do you break out of the mold? What are some ways to come up with truly different characters with unique styles and personalities? Here are a few ideas, and we'll get back to our "new dwarf" later!
First and easiest, let's address race and class. You probably have some solid idea of your character's place in a game's setting of society. Or it's history. Or do you? I'm assuming you have read the Player's Handbook. You know the races and classes of characters available. Talk to the Dungeon Master to find out what would fit in his world.
What does he need? What would he like to see more of? Is there a particular niche to be filled in some capacity to enhance the plot or campaign? Gleaning this information from him, your flame of creativity is more likely to be ignited! You may choose to play a combination of race and class which you've never tried or seen played before. A lot of D&D periodicals, web sites, and clubs are always springing new, bizarre, race/class combinations onto the scene. For example, a Dwelf Paladin/Monk may be intriguing but unnecessary. The current race/class choices offer a multitude of opportunity for creative combinations as they stand. Investigate.
Core abilities come next. There are multitudes of ways to generate the dice rolls which determine abilities, and there are, of course, minimum ability requirements for certain classes. Mixing up the norm, however, can produce an interesting character in itself. Why not have an elf with the constitution of a dwarf? Or, why not have a dwarf with the dexterity of an elf? It's different, and could definitely add some spice to game play. The unexpected is always interesting.
Your character's name and background (history) is of particular importance within the game itself, mainly because it affects the character's interaction and communication with the other players more than you might think. Again, your Dungeon Master's world should provide you with the information you need to design a character's background so the role played fits well into the scheme of things. Even in a generic world, dwarves don't have to come from the mountains and elves don't have to come from the forest. Once again, mix it up. With this background and history, make your character's story believable. I won't go into names here any further. See Paula Kisselmen's excellent article "The Name Game" and Kate Morris's "What's In A Name?", both available on Gamegrene.
Now we come to choosing skills and feats. I want to emphasize choosing skills here primarily. Dragon #299 has an excellent article on feats and characterizing of those feats. The list of skills is on page 59 of the Player's Handbook, and I would be willing to swear you'll only see only a dozen or so of those skills regularly utilized. Sit down and carefully read about the skills, paying extra attention to each, keeping in mind it may be a combination of skills which might be your ticket to effective play. Think about picking Alchemy, Appraise, Reading Lips, or Sense Motive. These are unusual skills that, while may not be used as much as Listen and Hide, can present some very interesting opportunities. You might ask how to determine which of these unusual skills would be desirable. For example, a dwarf whose background is from a mining clan and son of a blacksmith probably spent more time judging the worthiness of tools than he did hiding in a cavern; therefore, he could choose Appraise instead of Move Silent. Some skills are simply implied with the history of a character. Don't be afraid to make some basic assumptions or be insecure with your established history. Remember also the other three guys you are playing with probably chose Listen as a skill, so leave that to them while you use your Appraise to determine the origin of the orcish sword the Party just found. Sometimes it's a matter of filling in with some missing skills in order to provide a canvas for effective teamwork with your fellow players.
Now we equip your character. Nearly without exception there are standard expectations for each type of class and race. Most dwarven fighters will choose an axe for their main weapon. Most humans pick a sword. The elf will pick a bow. As long as you can still inflict the same damage, get creative here, too. Use the exotic weapons as well as the more traditional, because it can add flair and to your character. A ranger I came across recently chose a falchion (2d4 damage, better than a 1d8 longsword) as his melee weapon. The blade was engraved with a dolphin which represented his homeland's flag. The curve of the falchion mimicked the silhouette of the dolphin arching out of the sea, and this shape lent the character memorable flair and idenity. In other words, you want to be noticed and remembered. Oh, and name your weapon something besides "Widowmaker", "Bonecrusher", "Bloodletter" and so forth. Be original. And don't forget to scrutinize the available equipment list and spend that last bit of gold on some details! For instance, a steel mirror can be used for signaling, for eyes in the back of your head, or for peering around corners in dungeons. Think practically as well. As Sam Gamgee said, "If you don't have your rope, you'll be wanting for it."
These are some ideas, not so much to decide for you your preferences, but to enhance your imaginative play and build a character who is better than just predictable. Remember our dwarven fighter? Let's reassign him abilities, skills, and equipment:
Str: 15, Con: 14, Dex: 17, Cha: 15
He comes from a sea port and a shipbuilding family line. His skills are Appraise, Balance, Intimidate, and Use Rope. His weapon of choice is a trident, and he wears leather armor. His name is Balboa, and he hates stereotypes.
He's not that strong for a fighter, and yes, he will suffer a little for starting off with just 10 hit points. His Dexterity makes up for his light leather armor, and our sailing dwarf is a nimble and assertive information gatherer, important not only for his effectiveness, but because of his sheer unexpected qualities. There is more value here than meets the eye, especially at first glance. This guy will be fun to play. With a twist. Gotcha!
The frightening part is that I've seen that first dwarf. Our DM informed the player, after a few rounds of this, that his next character WOULD be a half-elven bard. The poor powergamer started to object, and was told "Quiet, or it's a pixie!"
Yeah well your second character has had great stats to start with.
15 for STR, 12+2 (14) for Con, 17 fo CHA and 17 for DEX.
With these stats you have the luxury of making a anti-munchkin character 15 STR and 14 CON are still fairly good. If you use the throw 4d6 keep the 3 best 6 times method, you're unlikely to get the results you show (well you'll get them once in a while).
Furthermore, I really don't think that the "Gestapo" solution to the problem is viable. I mean, some of my friend aren't comfortable playing bards, who am I as a DM to force them to play such a character.
I don't know, maybe strongly encourage the player to play a fighter sub-class like paladin, ranger or barbarian would have seemed less drastic.
Tell me if I'm wrong Bob, but if the player you mentionned didn't quit the table (which I would probably have done in his/her place) did s/he do a good job at playing a bard?
I would guess s/he did not, why? Because that person wanted to play a tough, direct and strong PC, not a suave, courtly and articulate glass-jawed rogue...
And then, there's putting races in *classes* you wouldn't expect to find them in.... Most people running Elves would have them either Bards, Wizards, or Rangers, with the occasional fighter or rogue mixed in. I looked at the D&D elf, felt cheated because they're so *short*, had already wanted a barbarian character..... Now, in some brains elf+barbarian=impossible... to my brain, elf+barbarian=something along the lines of the WolfRiders from the inimical ElfQuest comic series. Can't accuse *them* of being civilized.... I added a twist, namely making my barbarian elf a girl, and.... Megil was born.
She comes from a tribe of savage, tree-dwelling hunter Sylvan Elves from a jungle far to the south. Her skills are Balance, Climb, Intimidate, and Jump. Her weapon of choice is a short spear and she wears studded leather armor. Her name is Megil and she hates city living.
So, instead of a cool, detached Wizard (the stereotype for female Elves in D&D), we have a savage, feral tree-jumping hunter who isn't all that bright (by Elven standards.... in human terms, she's on the dim side of average) but has moments of needle-sharp insight, can tend to be a bully, and is abrasive, tough as old shoe leather, and mean as a hornet if provoked.


text:
This week, the first snow sparkled over our heads in Montreal and we have to take this as a joyful moment. In order to mourn the death of the hot weather, the best thing to do is to throw an amazing end-of-fall-brunch-party! Invite friends over, wear only black and set the table! You know how we like nice and well dressed tables at Dentelle+fleurs! Here are some basic tips :
- Make it all about comfort food and rich ingredients
- Mix textures for the tablecloth and the doilys
- Prepare a big plate of cheese, because everybody loves cheese!
- Make different small appetizers to be shared because sharing is caring
And don't forget, it is fun when the deco fits with the season, so make it all about red little fruits and green pines. Get inspired!


text:
What Is the Difference Between Certification & Licensing for Paralegals?
In their website article, "Getting Legal with Paralegals," the American Bar Association Business Law Section asks, "Are paralegals merely assistants to lawyers, or do they represent an independent profession that requires separate regulation and supervision?" States ask the same question, and many have no regulation of paralegals and require no certification or licensing. Basically, certification refers to meeting established educational standards and licensing means acquiring permission to work as a paralegal.
Certification programs aim to validate an paralegal's skill and knowledge, at or above specific performance levels. You may achieve this level through an education process or while working at a law firm as an apprentice. Certification programs may also include establishing standards, initial testing and continuing testing to ensure paralegals keep up with changing standards. Many educational facilities offer paralegal programs that may include preparing students for national certification testing. State laws or bar associations decide if certification is required.
National Certification
The National Association of Legal Assistants, NALA, offers a Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal educational program that many states recognize as sufficient to become a paralegal. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, NFPA, distributes the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam, or PACE, which many states consider a viable test to ensure that a prospective paralegal has achieved a sufficient education. However, some states consider that paralegal activity is the responsibility of the lawyer who employs them and make no certification requirements. Legal firms may require paralegals to complete NALA certification and pass the PACE, even though their state does not.
Paralegal licenses are issued only in states that require them. They grant a person permission to perform the duties of a paralegal and use the title "paralegal" to identify their profession. The license may also cover different titles. California, for example, considers "paralegal," "legal assistant", "lawyer assistant," "freelance paralegal," "independent paralegal," and "contract paralegal" to mean the same thing under their Business & Professions Code Section 6454. States that require licensing may maintain the right to suspend or revoke licenses for reasons such as bad conduct, forbidding the person from working in that capacity.
Many law firms join the International Paralegal Management Association that opposes the mandatory regulation of paralegals, and argues that only the law firms should control them. In its "Position Paper on U. S. Paralegal Regulation" of June, 2011, IPMA concludes that "consumers of traditional paralegal services are protected by the supervision of lawyers, thereby making regulation, certification or registration of paralegals unnecessary." Because IPMA may lobby to change state laws, prospective paralegal candidates should check with their state's bar association for current certification and licensing requirements.
Photo Credits
- Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images


text:
The Wedding Weight Loss Challenge – Week 6!
Last week, I finally lost that first stone on the Weight Loss journey. I still can't really see it as a diet because I am able to eat a moderate amount of crap!!! And trust me, this week I've needed it!
Weight: 18st 5.6lb
Change: -4lb
Total Weight Lost: 1st 4.4lb
How do I feel this week has gone?
This week has been an appalling week in all honesty. I've not bothered to track 2 out of the 7 days and I've been on a bit of a see food diet. I have eaten sweet foods, I have eaten crisps and I've drunk more coffee than I really should have. However, I have been mindful of the points values of the crap I have been eating, and I think it shows. Although, I'm sure the 4lb weight loss has more to do with the fact that a particularly evil period arrived on Saturday and also the tummy bug I had on Thursday/Friday. Do you know what though, I've kind of enjoyed the almost week off…. I must get back to it today, though, because it's very easy for me to fall off the wagon.
I still am not exercising frequently enough. I keep thinking that there will be a perfect time here, or that would be a perfect time too… but these 'perfect times' never materialize because I discover that there is something mighty pressing that I need to do, for example – housework or studying. I simply do not enjoy exercise (except walking and the weather has been ultimately shit and I would have to take the kids) therefore, something else is ALWAYS more important.
Last Tuesday, I did take the weight loss photographs, meaning I now have 3 photographs to scrutinize and look for the most miniscule of changes in my body shape and size. So without further ado, here are the weight loss comparison photographs.
Left photo : 3rd January 2013 – Start of my journey
Center photo : 19th January 2013 – 9.6lb lost
Right photo : 5th February 2013 – 1st 0.4lb lost
I'm proud as punch of these photographs! I was slightly disappointed when Sim pointed out that my boobs have shrunk; but I also know that my arse appears to have gone in and up!!!
Over the weekend I read Navel Gazing (review coming soon) and realised that the author, Anne H. Putnam, is around a year older than me. The book made me wonder if I, too, will dislike my body as it shrinks… Dislike the side effects to losing weight, such as baggy skin that doesn't fit… However, looking at the photographs, all I see is a body that is looking healthier… Even the single stone has made a HUGE impact on it. I'm so excited for my next stone! The chances are that I stand a good chance of accepting the body I will be left with at the end of my journey because I have no expectations…..
Overall, I've had a shit week but a good loss so all's well that ends well!


text: Costadinos Contostavlos (born 11 June 1987) better known by his stage name of Dappy, is a British singer-songwriter, rapper, actor of Greek descent. He is best known for being the lead singer of the Camden-based Grime/hip hop/R&B trio N-Dubz, with his cousin Tulisa and their friend Richard 'Fazer' Rawson. He is known for his slightly unusual… Leia mais