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A New Year Begins
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back. I hope that you, and your families, have enjoyed a rewarding and relaxing summer. I'd like to outline the news and updates from school, but also to recap on the procedures for returning to school, so this is a longer message – but hopefully useful and informative.
Returning to school
We will be welcoming students back later in the week, on a staggered start, and the details of this are below. We are spending today and tomorrow with training for all staff to ensure we do the best job possible this year. I'll outline in another letter the training we do, as it helps to understand how we will be improving the school this year, and the ways in which we will be supporting your children.
The arrangements for Year 7 students are as follows. Their first day is Wednesday 7th September, and they begin the day in the theatre for assembly at 8.30am. They can enter school by either the Frant Road or the Holmes Avenue entrances and staff will be on hand to guide them to the theatre. We will have a fire drill for Year 7 only on the first morning, for their advance information we conduct these in silence to ensure an orderly and swift evacuation of the building. They will need their PE kit for the first day.
Year 10 will also begin school on Wednesday, and they attend for half a day. They report to the theatre as well, half a year group at a time. This is arranged by form group, so the following form groups are to arrive at 9.30am: VA, PS, GL, RN, GE, and HB. The remaining form groups are to arrive at 10.00am, these are: ZB, RW, KR, BM and JC. The first group of students will be finished by 11.30am, the second set by 12 noon.
We also conduct our entry interviews for students joining Year 12 at this point; these take place in Blatchsix. We have places on many courses still available, and would encourage any students who haven't yet secured a place either at Blatchsix or another provider to come and talk to us about their options.
All other students return on Thursday and should report to their form room at 8.25am.
After the summer break it is always helpful to have a reminder of school timings, and this year we retain the 6-lesson day. There is still a single lunch break for all students. These are the school day timings. There is 5-minute movement time to get to lessons at the end of break.
|8.25 – 8.55
|Tutor Time / Assembly
|8.55 – 9.45
|Period 1
|9.45 – 10.35
|Period 2
|10.35 – 10.55
|Break time (whole school)
|11.00 – 11.50
|Period 3
|11.50 – 12.40
|Period 4
|12.40 – 13.20
|Lunchtime (whole school)
|13.20 – 14.10
|Period 5
|14.10 – 15.00
|Period 6
If for any reason your child is unable to attend school, we use an App called Studybugs to report absence. Absence can be reported at any time, so you can let us know as soon as you know that your child won't be in school. One of the great advantages about Studybugs is that it automatically enters reports for illness from you as parents/carers straight into our school registers, which means we know right away if any children are unaccounted for.
For any general questions please contact [email protected] which will forward any issues to the relevant person.
For information the Studybugs app is available for iPhone, Android and Windows Phone, or you can use the Studybugs website – see https://studybugs.com/about/parents. This should work on all computers.
News and updates
It has been a hugely successful summer holiday for Blatch staff and students. The examination results have been excellent, and it has been fantastic to see such large numbers of students achieving beyond national expectations. It is likely that when government league tables are announced this term it will be confirmed that Blatch students, on average, have made almost half a grade more progress than others nationally. We believe in the capacity of every child to excel, and it has been joyful to see this translate into reality for our students. I am a firm believer that with hard work and support from home, our school is one in which all students can thrive.
We're very excited about our school development plan this year. We'll be focusing on some broad areas: exemplary behaviour, developing highly effective leaders at all levels, and the outcomes of students' learning and the quality of their work and raising achievement for specific groups, especially disadvantaged students. Within these areas, we're undertaking specific developmental work, primarily on the structure of our curriculum. We'll be working on the way in which we inspire students to love learning. On that note, we'll be refreshing and re-invigorating our schemes of learning and sharing them with you via Firefly so that you, and your children, can better understand the long-term plan for their learning. We'll be focusing on Fertile Questions, an enquiry based approach to learning that aims to produce successful learners who are curious, courageous, exploratory, experimental, imaginative, reasoned, disciplined, sociable and reflective. Simple! I've attached our school development plan for this year for you to see (School Development Plan [pdf]). I appreciate that for many busy parents this may be a document that you entrust to school and don't usually expect to read – but I know for some this is interesting and helps you to understand what we are trying to do to support all children.
An additional curriculum change we are looking at developing over the coming year is our digital strategy for learning. We will be developing Firefly significantly to ensure it supports student organisation and learning at home, but we are also ensuring that we have a clear vision for how we develop students' digital skills in school. We have excellent Computing and IT provision, both in specialist lessons, and across all subjects. It is vital students are prepared for the coming digital landscape, but we will be looking to achieve this through more targeted use of IT, rather than increased total time spent on devices. We will be aiming for students to spend a maximum of about 10% of total available lesson time on computers or IT devices, which overall is likely to be a small reduction. There are some exceptions where students use a device to support an identified need, and this won't change. We want to ensure that students spend time developing their social skills, their concentration and their ability to communicate as much as their digital literacy. It will mean we are really focused on how we use time in IT, and will ensure that students develop these skills alongside the other aspects of their personal development.
In addition, we are reducing the use of mobile phones in school, and would ask for your support with this. We do not think it is helpful or appropriate to state a ban on students bringing phones to school, indeed for vulnerable students it can be an important aspect of them managing their safety. However, we want to maximise student concentration on learning, and personal development, and the overwhelming evidence in school and increasingly nationally is that phone use in school has a negative impact on learning. We are therefore reducing the use of mobile phones and they will not be allowed to be used at any time during the school day. The exception of being allowed to use them at break and lunch time does not now apply, apart from Year 11, 12 and 13 who retain this privilege. Students may have a phone with them, for use before or after school, but it will need to be switched off and put away all day in school.
While school has been closed for the summer we have taken the opportunity to significantly improve the site and have installed a new, safer fire alarm system, as well as upgraded heating in West Wing. This will make school safer and more comfortable for all students. In addition we have a new playground surface and more picnic benches installed (courtesy of Friends at Blatch) so students can enjoy break and lunch time more.
As is always the case each year, we bade farewell to a number of staff who move on to pastures new or retired. We said goodbye to Ms Andrews, Mrs Austen, Ms Blackie, Ms Brightwell, Ms Hurley, Mrs Nabarro, Ms Stein, Mr Cambers, Ms Gervais, Ms Hayward, Mr Holbrook, Mr Hone, Ms Kirby, Ms Murray, Ms Pinnick, and Mr Skilton-Day. We wish them well for their next roles or retirement.
This of course means we welcome new staff to Blatch, and I am delighted with the calibre of staff we have starting. We welcome a number of new teachers, Mr Foster (English), Ms. Tack (English), Mr Bissett (Maths), Ms. King (Maths), Mr Cossutta (Science), Ms. Lewes (Science), Mr Guilford (History), Ms. Harrington (Head of Geography), Ms. Sherwin (Geography), Ms. Diaz Chica (Languages) and Ms. Wayne (PE). We also welcome new teaching assistants, Ms. Halsey, Ms. Lower, Mr Smith and Ms. St Hilaire.
We also welcome a rather unusual member of staff, Milly Blatch. She is our school dog, who is now 15 weeks old and very keen to be in school, but will start gradually. She will be working primarily in student support, with students with SEN and in Inclusion. There will be opportunities for all students to interact with her over the year. We'll be guiding students on how they need to behave around her, and she is undergoing a large amount of training prior to being in school. She'll be starting gradually as she is still very young and we need to be sure her welfare is paramount. She will be a great addition to the school, but as we said last year, if you have any concerns about allergies or anxieties relating to her, please contact Ms. Thompson with the details.
A number of staff members are taking on new roles within school this year. At the end of the term Mr King will be stepping up from Head of Year 10 to join the Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Head Teacher. He will be covering the maternity leave for Ms. Hovell. He will, with additional assistance, retain an oversight of the Year group, and we will share the finer details with parents nearer the time. He will be joined in the Year 10 team by Ms. Silverman who becomes the Assistant Year Team Leader.
Ms. Moore will become our Professional Tutor, in charge of training new teachers. We have also undergone a major restructure of our admin and support staff across school, and a number of staff will be taking on new roles across the admin section. We are creating an admin hub, and services such as student services and receptions will be run differently. These changes come into effect across this term, and we'll update you on those that affect you as they happen. Overall it will mean a more efficient and productive way of working, and we're excited to see these changes come into effect. There are some roles within this new structure that we will be advertising this term, and so please keep an eye on the website for details if you know anyone with excellent admin skills and a desire to help us deliver an excellent education for all.
It promises to be an excellent year ahead. We will be doing our utmost to help your children learn and thrive in order to meet their potential, and with your continued support we will be successful.
Mr Harrold
Head Teacher


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My Most Favorite Reads of 2013
// January 2nd, 2014 // Blogging
Woo hoo! 2013 is over! And I have to pat myself on the back. I've read SO MANY BOOKS! I'm so excited for a new year of reading! As I do every year, I have made a list of the best books I've read. This, my friends is that list. Time to begin. Let's start off with #10!
10. Behind Enemy Lines
This book is the sixth in the Infinity Ring series. I liked this one more than the others. Jennifer A. Nielsen, the author of the False Prince and the Runaway King, wrote it. She is an amazing author, so the book was fantastic. It is about Dak, Sera, and Riq. They are time travelers who try to fix "breaks" that have happened. The time traveling group goes to WWII to become spies and help the Allies win the war.
9. The Hypnotists
This book was written by Gordon Korman. It is about Jax. He can hypnotize people, but REALLY hypnotize, not like, "when I say abracadabra you will wake up and slap yourself forever." It is actually like they control minds, and have a connection with their victim. For more information, see my book review.
I read this book in English class in my school, and it was amazing. The dialogue was cool, and the descriptions of people and things were… well, really descriptive. It is about a girl named Winnie who stumbles upon a family. That family is immortal because they drank water from a spring that grants immortality (similar to the legend of the Fountain of Youth, right?). They regret being immortal, because it is boring, and death is part of the circle of life. There is a man who wishes to become rich by selling this water to anyone he deems worthy. It is written by Natalie Babbit.
7. The Fantastic Family Whipple
I got this book as an ARC (advanced reader copy) at the Book Expo of America in NYC. It was amazing and unique. The book is about a boy from a large family. Everyone in that family is a world record breaker, except for him. For more information, see my book review.
6. The Underland Chronicles
Rather than putting all of the books in one series into different slots, I decided my sixth favorite read of the year was the entire collection. The Underland Chronicles is a series written by Suzanne Collins. The series is about Gregor, who goes from the Earth's surface to the Underland, a world under ours. These books are fast paced and are very enjoyable. Here is a link to one of my reviews for the series.
5. The Runaway King
This book features, well, a king, an assassin, and a nasty band of pirates. Yep. All in one novel. Jennifer A. Nielsen did a pretty amazing job with this book. It is the second book in the Ascendance trilogy. For more information, see my book review.
The first book in the Ascendance trilogy. The book was outstanding throughout, but I swear, at the end I was sure my heart had stopped. It is about a kingdom with no king. The royal family died, and the only person to take the throne was a prince who was missing. A boy named Sage, an orphan, was taken by a nobleman named Conner. With two other boys, Conner trains them on how to act like the prince, so the boy who is chosen and is brought to the throne can be his puppet. The entire book BLEW MY MIND!
3. The House of Hades
I have been reading Rick Riordan books for a long time. He is one of my favorite authors. His books are amazing and this one was no exception. It is always fun visiting Percy, Annabeth, Jason and Leo in Riordan's world of Greek mythology. For more information, see my book review.
2. Ender's Game
This book was one of the most interesting, and amazing books that I have read. It is about a boy named Ender who is extremely smart. Earth is at war with the buggers, an alien species. Ender is brought to battle school, where he trains to become a commander of a fleet of spaceships. Like the False Prince, the ending had me with my eyes wide open. Orson Scott Card made a, well, AWESOME book.
Now, for the final book. Don't tune out now, because my #1 book I read this year is…
This book is outstanding, amazing, enjoyable, memorable, thrilling and AWESOME! The descriptions of Middle Earth are amazing, and the monsters, world and races are unique and outstanding. Some people don't like this book because they think there is a lot of walking, and not a lot of action, but some people, like me, find it to be one of the best books they've ever read. It was written by the legendary author J.R.R. Tolkien.
So, that is it. The best books I read this year. I hope you have a wonderful new year (reading books)!
One Response to "My Most Favorite Reads of 2013"
you couldn't be more correct. All of these are great books.

subset: commoncrawl


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This is going to be an unusual podcast, longer than normal and unusual because we're talking about the route to happiness amongst other things of course. Hearing about Deb's journey from the depths of despair to helping others , if they wish to, explore their own journey towards happiness.
In Deb's own words:
I am my work, and helping you is my dream; standing beside you is my dream; believing in you and supporting you, that is my dream; seeing you happy, that's my dream of dreams. That and more foreign travel, more cats and dogs (don't tell my husband), chocolate, days out, dancing, plays and shows, writing, and much more. I have so many reasons to feel inspired and enthusiastic about my life. That's what I want to offer you. Plus the inner strength to stand your ground when you need to, and the mind space to be able to create and define your own life. And peace, always inner peace and smiles….lots of smiles.
Who am I, Where am I, What is this Place?: And when can I start screaming?
by Deb Hawken - http://amzn.eu/74i8rDJ


text: Introducting Auntie, Mamma and Baby Vin! I had such a good time with these three at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver, Washington. Such a sweet little park for a sweet little boy! It only took a nap to get him to love this photoshoot as much as we did ;) Thanks Sassers and Stones!


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At both of our adult services our people are contagiously friendly and the messages are practical, relatable, and filled with humor. We also offer full program options for all ages. We believe church can and should be a fun, relaxed and enjoyable place where we can grow closer to God and develop meaningful relationships.
Concert feel and live teaching
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6pm Service
Located in The Theater
Campus: 361 Tilghman Rd | Salisbury, MD 21804 (in the K-Mart shopping center)
Office Location & Mailing Address: 347 Tilghman Rd | Salisbury, MD 21804
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Contact: 410.742.4424


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I'm going to preface the description of Week THREE with a little spoiler alert for Week FOUR. 🙂
I'm putting together these Mini Challenges as an actual training plan – whether you follow them in a linear manner or not – which means that we build up and get tougher, then every few weeks we CUT BACK our training. Pushing your limits, then resting and making adaptations are critical components of any kind of program that you hope to get results from, and I take them very seriously.
So, about Week THREE.
It is most decidedly NOT a rest week! But Week FOUR will be, because you're going to need it. 🙂
If I had to pick a single descriptive word for Week THREE, I think it might be "brutal." We're going hard this week, Killer Bs, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!
MONDAY, we're kicking things off with an all-new, all sweaty, no jumping 10-20-30 LOW IMPACT CARDIO workout. If you haven't tried the 10-20-30 protocol yet, you're in for a treat with this fast-paced and relentless routine that's all about ENDURANCE, BODY SHAPING and FAT LOSS.
TUESDAY brings us another all-new INDOOR (or outdoor, if you download the podcast on SoundCloud or iTunes!) WALK + RUN, and this week there's a fun twist: it's STORY TIME! I'm chatting about how I qualified for the Boston Marathon, but don't worry, it's not all about training. In fact, it's barely about running and much more about SETTING and then SMASHING your goals, no matter what they are.
WEDNESDAY's workout is an all-time favorite of mine, a short but oh-so sweaty DUMBBELL TABATA. Don't let the 25 minute runtime fool you, this one packs a punch!
On THURSDAY, I've put together a tough bodyweight-only stack of #HOT100 workouts that will work us from head to toe with no equipment. Thankfully, the final video is a luxurious stretch to work out all the kinks and get you ready for Friday.
FRIDAY's video is an advanced KETTLEBELL HIIT, featuring full body strength and heart-pounding cardio in a compact, 30 minute workout. If you don't have a kettlebell, feel free to use a dumbbell instead. You'll still get a great burn!
Enjoy the CHALLENGE this week, Killer Bs! And don't forget to tag me on your social media so I can cheer you on! #PahlaBMiniChallenge


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Exploring Iceland Outdoors: The South Coast and Golden Circle
Story by: Nikki Pepper & Jamie Weissman; Photos & Edited by: Michaela Guzy.
For a small country with a population of just 325,000, Iceland has over 800,000 foreign visitors a year, most from the United States, Germany and Great Britain. It's an easy destination thanks to IcelandAir which offers a layover at no extra charge for flights from the US to Europe. So instead of flying direct across the pond, why not stop in Iceland for a few days – or several – to explore what is known as the land where Europe meets America? Take your pick at one of these two outdoor adventure routes, both along the southern region of Iceland. Get ready for plenty of city and sight tongue twisters! But that's just part of the fun of a new journey, isn't it?
A scenic view of Iceland.
canadian pharmacy generic tadalafil SOUTH COAST: Waterfalls and Beaches
One of Iceland's infamous black sand beaches.
Don't let the name fool you- Iceland is home to some of the world's most beautiful waterfalls and beaches. Seljalandsfoss, one of the most famous waterfalls in the country, was used as a waypoint during The Amazing Race 6. But what's even more amazing is visitors can walk behind the waterfall to get a closer view.
The view from inside Seljalandsfoss.
Another notable site to visit is Selfoss, which lies just outside Iceland's capital and largest city, Reykjavik. About 500 miles away is Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. And if you're looking for more entertainment with your rushing water, be sure to visit Skógar, a waterfall that also boasts a folk museum near the site.
Though Iceland has many notable waterfalls, the country is also home to miles of beaches, one of which has quite a unique feature. On November 24, 1973, a United States military plane was forced to land on Sólheimasandur's black sand beach in the south of Iceland. The crew survived the landing but the wreckage remains at the site as a local attraction.
OTPYM Founder and friends aboard the plane wreckage.
While Sólheimasandur offers a unique wreckage, Reynisfjara offers a natural wonder. The black beach is located under a mountain and is home to numerous basalt sea stacks. Reynisfjara is just west of Vik, a village with a population of just 300. The cozy destination serves as a reminder that despite the abundance of water, Iceland has few places suitable for a harbor to sustain a larger population.
Just like waterfalls and beaches, Iceland has plenty of volcanos. Hverageròi is a town known for its greenhouses and is partially surrounded by a volcano yet has a river running through. And Hella, a town smaller than Hverageròi but growing in popularity, is home to Hekla, a volcano you can take a day to hike up.
Michaela atop a glacier.
order cheap generic viagra online canadian pharmacy GOLDEN CIRCLE: Volcanos and Steam
The Golden Circle is an ideal route for shorter trips still full of waterfalls, beaches and volcanos. You get a taste of history here too, at Almannagjá, the site where the Iceland parliament convened for the first time in 930 AB. (Since 1845, the parliament has resided in Reykjavik.) If you find this interesting, visit Lögberg, or Law Rock, where the law-speaker would quite literally stand up and recite the law.
Laugarvatn, avillage with a population that doubles in the winter months, is a popular holiday destination thanks to the relatively new Laugarvatn Spa, built around the success of a steam well. The amazing and all-natural Sóley skincare products elevate your spa experience and let you take a bit of it home. Here, you can also find the University of Iceland.
A hot spring in Iceland.
Become one of 600,000 who visit Gullfoss waterfall a year (Gullfoss means "golden falls," fitting for the Golden Circle). The waterfall is made of two cascades, 33 feet and 66 feet tall, and was carved out roughly 10,000 years ago. And for water headed in the opposite direction, Strokkur is a spouting spring that reaches 100 feet every 3-8 minutes.
Gullfoss Waterfall.
Ready to experience Iceland outdoors? We recommend a couple resources for booking your Icelandic adventures: Reykjavik Bike Tours and Reykjavik Segway Tours are two fun and mobile ways to travel around Iceland. Our Iceland expert Stefán Helgi Valsson will make sure your trip is worthwhile by showing you all the water, sand and volcanic rock Iceland has to offer. (And he was our expect spell-checker for all these Icelandic doozies!)


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Jordon River - Mount of Temptation - Jericho
At this point in our trip we head east to the Jordan River, at the site Yardenit, believed to be near where John baptized Jesus. On the drive south through the West Bank, stopping at the Mount of Temptation in the Judean Desert where Jesus was tempted by the devil. Continuing south to Jericho, the oldest city in the world (and famous for its bananas), where we had mass in a church there. We ended the long day at in Jerusalem, which will be the focus in upcoming photo galleries.Read More


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Are you one of those people who believe in luck? Or are you one of those who believe in making their own luck? Either way, there is no denying that a little bit of luck can go a long way in brightening up our lives.
From the little things to the big and important ones, we all need a sprinkling of good fortune to see us through. Whether it is having an umbrella on hand in a rain shower or landing that all-important contract for your company, luck does play a part in everything.
Some guys seem to have all the luck. But there is a bit of it for everyone, surely, if you just take a closer look. Like the day you thought your luck had ran out because you missed your usual train in the morning. You grudgingly boarded the next one, and ended up meeting the love of your life.
So whether you are feeling particularly lucky, or you just want to try it out, there is always a game of Bingo at Paddy Power to test your luck.
Here are a few interesting facts about the history of bingo down the ages. You might surprise yourself.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.


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Gearhart Dentistry – Gearhart, OR
Dr. Stephanie White
There's no place like home! And, there's nothing better than being 50 feet from your place of business. Gearhart Dentistry and the Doctor's residence, located in Gearhart, Oregon, are only footsteps apart and ideally configured to offer an enviable lifestyle—possibly with one of the shortest commutes on record!
Construction began in January 2010 in the new location (the office opened in September of the same year). The new building's 1,750-square-foot downstairs space houses the reception area and 4 operatories. Its 400-square-foot second level is used for the Doctor's personal office and storage.
"We feel the office's environment accurately reflects the quality of care we provide to our patients," points out Dr. White. "I believe the new office is more relaxing and less stressful for my staff as well…it allows them to work as a strong team and enjoy a greater level of communication and productivity. We have had a measurable increase in new patients in just the last 3 months and there have also been a lot of walk-ins, roughly one to two per week, wanting to check out the new place and inquire about becoming patients."
"My business being so close to my home is such a wonderful thing," remarks Dr. White. "There are many matters that need to be handled after patient treatment hours, which means time away from loved ones. I can literally run over to the office and work—guilt-free."
Through the successful completion of her new office, Dr. White will better realize her business goals and be able to fulfill her personal philosophy of patient care. With new technologies and a perfectly configured space, the Doctor can confidently look forward to supporting an increase in her burgeoning client base and comfortably meet the demands of her personal life as well.
Gearhart Dentistry 2011 Making the Dream Work
Dr. Stephanie White definitely achieved the best of all possible worlds when she opened her new practice in Gearhart, Oregon. With an enviable proximity of the business office to the Doctor's family residence, everyday concerns over traffic and delayed schedules were overcome from day one. "As a mother, small business owner, and dentist, this relocation provided numerous benefits on many levels, including highway frontage that increases the practice's visibility," points out Dr. White.
"Our productivity has increased by 25% and we have seen a 75% increase in our patient base since opening the new facility."
The new office's superior ergonomics and enhanced functionality continue to make each workday less stressful and more productive. Industry-leading technologies play a huge part in the office's ongoing success. "The most beneficial technologies affecting our business are the DEXIS platinum sensor and the Dentrix practice-management software," notes Dr. White. "We made the switch from conventional film to digital radiography more than four years ago.
It was a very smart move financially. We are able to provide high-quality diagnostic images with less radiation to our patients. With chair-side monitors in each operatory, we are able to enlarge radiographic images and clearly illustrate problem areas to patients—which has a huge impact on case acceptance. We save money on the amount of time it takes to take films (and see a finished product), not to mention the days of painstaking maintenance of processing equipment and chemicals that are a thing of the past. Our Dentrix software allows us to manage operating systems in our practice more efficiently. With the numerous reports that can be run, we are better able to track our patients' data as well as the practice's financial status and needs."
"The space and the new equipment and technology makes them proud to be a part of our Gearhart Dentistry team and provide dental care in such a beautiful office."
Gearhart Dentistry is also busy increasing its visibility through the Internet. "We are currently working on getting our Web site established," notes the Doctor. "One of the features on our new Web site is Henry Schein's Guru. This educational resource integrates with our Dentrix practice-management system and connects with patients in our office, at home, or online, offering multimedia presentations on treatment recommendations by using the patient's own X-rays and intraoral images. It's a great communication tool and helps build trust with the patient."
Working toward greater team harmony is always a prime consideration for the dental practice. Positive morale of the staff directly impacts productivity and influences patient satisfaction, helping to build a bright future for the business. "Our staff loves the new office," says Dr. White. "The space and the new equipment and technology makes them proud to be a part of our Gearhart Dentistry team and provide dental care in such a beautiful office. They are also excited to implement the latest technologies as they become available.
As a small business owner, Dr. White continuously works to keep her practice goals on track. "We provide dental services in a location that we own, which keeps overhead to a minimum and translates into increased profitability and lower costs to the patient," adds the Doctor. "Our productivity has increased by 25% and we have seen a 75% increase in our patient base since opening the new facility."
With the support of its dedicated team and new technology solutions, Gearhart Dentistry is perfectly positioned to pursue continued success in fulfilling its philosophy of patient care while staying competitive in today's marketplace.
Featured Equipment:
Dentrix Practice Management Software
DEXIS Platinum Digital Sensors
Digital Doc Icon Intraoral Camera
Crown Seating Operatory Stools
Guru Patient Education System
Midmark Assistant Stools
Pelton & Crane 3000 Chairs and Delivery System
Pelton & Crane Helios Light
Pelton & Crane Cabinetry


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The most encouraging development for the future of African football will be confirmed in Johannesburg tomorrow – and has nothing to do with the World Cup. Certainly it is a boon for the continent that South African organisers have belied prophesies of doom by staging a safe and successful tournament, and the social and economic effects of the image revamp, even more than the achievement, could be far-reaching.
But for African football specifically, the most significant news from South Africa will come tomorrow when representatives of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) sign an improved television rights deal with the satellite broadcaster SuperSport, proving that there is a cure to the blight that continues to suppress potential across most of the continent – the blight of corruption and mismanagement.
Africa is a football-mad continent but has only ever sent three teams to the World Cup quarter-finals. It had six sides at the 2010 tournament but mustered only four wins – the strong showing of Ghana, a country with a good FA and innovative clubs, cannot mask the general trend of underachievements, including by Cameroon and Nigeria, countries who boast bountiful talent but finished bottom of their groups. When it comes to African football, tales of corruption, incompetence and infighting remain more common than success stories.
"Too many national associations are failing African football," Nicholas Musonye, general secretary of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations, says. "We cannot have strong national teams without strong leagues but we do not have strong leagues because too often the associations are run by the wrong people, people who get involved for politics or money, not for football. Until we sort ourselves out, we will have the same old circus."
The KPL represents a great example of African football sorting itself out, a successful rebellion by people who genuinely care about football against the powerful people seeking to hijack it for their own ends. Over the past decade the hijacking has at times been so blatant as to be farcical – an investigation into corruption in the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) in 2005 found that from the first eight matches played by the national team following the arrival of a new president "there was not a single penny banked by the treasurer as proceeds from gate receipts". There were also reports of top KFF officials acting as unregistered agents to sell players abroad and embezzling funds given by Fifa. Even 30 computers donated by Fifa disappeared.
Kenya's clubs, sick of being hindered rather than helped by their federation, began agitating for reform and, in the face of repeated sabotage and intimidation by the KFF, eventually took over the running of the domestic league, forming, in 2008, the country's first professional league, the KPL, and only the second one in the continent, after the South African Super League, to be owned entirely by clubs.
"When you have a company that owns the league and the 16 clubs are equal shareholders and equal decision‑makers, then you automatically have three things," Bob Munro, chairman of Mathare United and a KPL official, says.
"First, you have complete accountability, because you basically have 16 auditors as every shilling that comes in belongs to the clubs together and they sit and decide how best to allocate it – how much goes to the clubs, how much to a common pool for staff, referees, marketing and so on. Secondly, you have complete transparency because there are no secrets when there are 16 owners. And, thirdly, you automatically have fair play – if any official or referee tries to favour one club, the 15 others will fire them. Fair play, financial accountability and democratic transparency, that's all you need to have good football management."
The improved management has meant a competition with renewed integrity that, in turn, has stimulated interest from supporters and, crucially, sponsors and television. SuperSport started screening it from its inception and have been so impressed that they have called the clubs to South Africa this week to offer an improvement on the existing $5.5m (£3.6m) four-year deal, which still had almost half its term to run.
"The KPL is a great success story and other countries in the region have taken note," Musonye says. "I know that clubs in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia are looking at doing something similar."
In West Africa too, similar moves are afoot. Earlier this decade Senegalese football nearly collapsed under the weight of corruption as opportunistic officials tried to profit from the national team's success at the 2002 World Cup. The shambles ultimately led to 12 of the country's leading clubs withdrawing from the domestic league in protest and forming a "parallel tournament". Their concerted display of power eventually forced change and a purge of inept or bent officials – 29 were ousted from the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) in 2008. Since that year the country has a professional league that, although owned by the federation rather the clubs, has restored optimism to the country's football community.
Successes are still too few. Even in Kenya big challenges remain.
While the KPL thrives, the national team is still in the clutches of self‑serving officials – not the KFF, but Football Kenya Limited, which, after a long legal battle, won the right to be recognised by Fifa as the country's national association. "They are no better than the KFF," Elias Makori, sports editor of Kenya's largest‑circulation newspaper The Nation, says. "In fact, they are worse, because they are a private company comprising just three people."
Their self-interest is institutionalised. "The clubs never agreed to the new statutes for their own organisation," Munro says. "For example, the new statutes drafted by only two FKL officials included such lovely things like no candidate can be older than 58 or younger than 40. Can you guess what age range those two officials are in?"
This week Kenya's prime minister, Raila Odinga, requested that the FKL step aside and let clubs vote for new officials. It was only a request, mind, because Odinga knows that any more forceful move by him would incur the wrath of Fifa, who are fundamentalists when it comes to upholding their ban on governmental interference in football – sometimes with the effect that they prevent reform. The Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, found that out recently when, after the Super Eagles' misadventure in South Africa, and the alleged mis-use of most of the country's World Cup budget, he announced the team would be withdrawn from international competition while the Nigerian Football Federation "put its house in order". This was not a populist fit of pique – unlike when the governments of Benin and Guinea announced the disbandment of their national teams this year following poor performances – it was a sign of his determination to eradicate the mismanagement that has systematically prevented a country of more than 150m people from fielding a team that reflects the talent at its disposal. Johnson had to backtrack and though police have since been sent into the NFF to investigate fraud, many Nigerians fear Fifa's hardline approach has impeded true change. That is a common complaint.
"What Fifa needs to do is stop insisting on no government interference and instead insist on good governance," Makori says. "It needs to help the right people and thwart the opportunists by drawing up a model constitution for all its associations and demanding that it is respected. If the status quo remains, it is hard not to be pessimistic."


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Fields of lavender crocuses are sprouting across lawns early this year due to faux spring winter. The mild weather may have you packing away down jackets, cleaning out closets and have you itching to clean out your flowerbeds, getting your fingers back into the earth as well.
If you do, proceed with caution. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that more than 41,000 Americans injured themselves while gardening or using gardening equipment in 2010.
Try these tips for safe and pain-free gardening:
- Don't do too much too soon. Split up large projects into smaller ones.
- Stretch and warm-up your joints before tackling the twigs and matted leaves scattered among your pachysandra.
- Work at the time of day when you feel the most flexible.
- Make sure tools are sharp and in good working order to make cutting and trimming easier. If arthritis has made gripping your tools more difficult, try fitting the handles with foam tubing for better hold and control.
- Pay attention to your posture. Bend with your knees and avoid twisting motions.
- Consider gardening in raised beds for easier access and with perennials for beautiful blooms requiring less maintenance.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands and consider knee-pads or a stool for work close to the ground.
- Wheeled caddies can store hand tools and help move heavy pots or bags of potting soil.
- If you like to grow clematis, consider installing a mailbox in your backyard flower garden. You can keep your pruners and trowels handy inside and have a perfect post to train your climbing plants.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Don't forget to wear a hat and your sunscreen.
If you still find you've overdone it, remember that Oxford Valley Pain and Spine Center offers therapeutic massages. For more information, visit www.oxfordvalleypain.com


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Filed under baby style
Little Princess,
I haven't been able to update your blog lately because I have been so busy taking care of you! London, you are truly the love of my life. You fill my heart with so much joy. In these pictures you are about 7 weeks old. Unfortunately, right around 2 weeks you started getting colic. This stage of your life was really tough and made me so sad to witness you being so upset and not able to help you. Around 6 weeks the colic peaked, however you still began your "social smiles." This was such a fun milestone! By 9 weeks you were getting better and better! You also started sleeping through the night at 9.5 weeks! Yeah London!
London & Soldier 7 weeks
Filed under baby style, family photos
Filed under family photos
London- I can't believe it, you are already a month old! Time has just flown by and I can't imagine my life without you.
LvB @ 1 day
LvB @ one week
LvB @ one month
Filed under Uncategorized
This mom is behind on her blogging!
Here are pictures from Miss London's first beach trip. You are two weeks old and you did so great!
Filed under family photos
Filed under baby style, family photos
Filed under baby style


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All together now/
Blair cabinet 'took one decision in eight months'
The cabinet took just one decision during Tony Blair's first eight months in office - to leave the Millennium Dome to the prime minister - a former top civil servant has disclosed.
Lord Butler, who was cabinet secretary when Labour swept into power in 1997, said the new government failed to take collective decisions from the start. While cabinet government had "progressively weakened" since the second world war, he said, it "virtually disappeared" under Mr Blair.


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Emmys 2013: Netflix wins only once, but respect earned is priceless
Not so fast, Netflix.
Despite an influx of online streaming series into leading categories for Sunday night's Primetime Emmy Awards, only one nominee took home a win.
"House of Cards" director David Fincher landed the award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, beating out cable counterparts "Boardwalk Empire," Breaking Bad," "Downton Abbey" and "Homeland."
The win was the first for an online streaming series in one of the premiere categories.
But that was all. No other wins for Fincher's Netflix-aired political drama, which premiered all at once (13 episodes) on Feb. 1.
"House of Cards" stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright were each denied in the Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama categories, respectively.
And Jason Bateman was left in the cold after being nominated for best actor in a comedy for "Arrested Development." The former Fox series was revived on Netflix for a fourth season and was also released in its entirety on Aug. 7.
But for series airing exclusively online, the wins and losses might not matter quite as much this year.
Just getting in the same room as "real" television's top shows, and being mentioned in the same breath is unprecedented.
There have been online nominees before, but never in the major categories. Last year's "Web Therapy" and "30 Rock: The Webisodes" were nominated in a short-format category.
And, really, winning anything at all should gain some respect for the video distributor. Perhaps other high-quality programs will transition to the online format.
More nominations are likely next year, when the critically-acclaimed "Orange is the New Black" will be up for awards.
So overall, despite the lack of new mantelpieces, Netflix seems to have made the splash it desired.
And here's a telling sign that this new entertainment vehicle has arrived: When "Breaking Bad" director Vince Gilligan came up with his cast to accept the award for best drama, he said he thought the award would go to "House of Cards." Then he mentioned the other nominees …


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Savia Atmospheric Waters
3 New Atmospheric Fountains, Including the Discovery of the Ice Fountain, and Atmospheric Waters for You and Your Local Supermarket.
Savia Atmospheric Waters
3 New Atmospheric Fountains, Including the Discovery of the Ice Fountain, and Atmospheric Waters for You and Your Local Supermarket.
Savia Introduces 3 new Atmospheric Fountains to the World. Glass Fountains representing the Solid Fountains and discovered in 2.014, Ice Fountains discovered in 2.014, and Winter Fountains discovered in 2.016. Savia now provides 100% Yearly Coverage, from Summer through Winter.
Join us as we finalize the Design Phase and begin International Production and Manufacturing.
This campaign is to Bring You Bottled Atmospheric Waters from the Newly Discovered Ice Atmospheric Fountain as well as to Introduce all 3 New Atmospheric Fountains Discovered.
Unlimited Water, Unlimited Food, Unlimited Wine, Unlimited Cheese, Unlimited Bread. Agua Ilimitada, Comida Ilimitada, Vino Ilimitado, Quesos Ilimitados, Pan Ilimitado.
The 3 New Atmospheric Fountains
The Full-Solid Atmospheric Fountains Discovered Summer 2.014 work across most materials, mainly Glass, Metals, Plastics and Ceramics. Being Manually-Run, these Atmospheric Fountains use Ice as their source of Energy. Condensation is the way they Harvest new Atmospheric Waters. And unlike their successors, the Atmospheric Water Generators, they also are 100% Silent as well as 100% Natural and Green. Production is always Electricity-Free, Summer-Time Fountains.
The Ice Atmospheric Fountains Discovered Summer-End 2.014. Ice readily Harvests Atmospheric Waters Invisibly and Silently. Ice melts down its physical structure while gaining the Weight of the new Atmospheric Waters. It is the only known element to Harvest Atmospheric Waters directly. Ice is therefore the natural and original Atmospheric Element, and virtually-free. Production is Electricity-Free, Summer-Time Fountains.
The Winter Fountains Discovered mid-year 2.016. A true Winter Fountain that Harvests Atmospheric Waters by direct water vapor freezing. Working past the freezing temperatureof 0º Celsius, sea salts needed. Production is unbelievably Electricity-Free still.
Building Our First Atmospheric Ice River and Bottling it
Quite an Amazing Discovery that Ice Readily behaves like an Atmospheric Fountain, Generating the Purest and Freshest Atmospheric Waters. Quite an Amazing Fact that Ice is here to Lend Us a Hand in the Business of Generating Atmospheric Waters. From Agriculture to the Best Quality Waters, Ice is Virtually-Free and can be Sourced Directly from the Atmosphere.
Ice has no Competitors when it comes to the Quality of the Waters Produced. Stainless Steel and Glass are the Closest Competitors. Ice can also be "Produced Manually", using Sea Salts and Ice.
Starting from Miami and Spain, and the expansion dependent on the Stretch Goals, we Plan to Bottle Atmospheric Waters to serve you directly and through your Supermarket. Drinking Waters represent the largest item weight in your Supermarket.
Your New Atmospheric Drinking Waters
Savia had to choose which type of Atmospheric Fountain to run to Bring You Atmospheric Waters. The choices were the Condensation Fountain or the Ice Fountain. Currently, the Condensation Fountain runs on Transparent PVC instead of on Glass, so the Drinking choice was very clear, and the Ice Fountain was chosen, Perfect-Quality Drinking Waters.
To Harvest your New Atmospheric Drinking Waters, Savia has to go through many steps as opposed to traditional pumping of River Waters. The process starts by First Sourcing the best Base Waters as traditional Bottlers do. The Base Waters are then exposed to Active-Freezing, a freezing process similar to reverse-osmosis which clears and selects a portion of the Base Waters, the rest are dumped. Finally, the Selected Waters are Frozen to be used in the Ice Fountain, Atmospherically. The Ice Fountain returns 4% New Atmospheric Waters as opposed to the Condensation Fountain which returns 100% New Waters.
The Early Days
It has been over 2 years of early growth with the Condensation and the Ice Fountains. And it has been over 6 months of early growth with the Winter Fountains. Much has been accomplished, much can now be physically realized.
All 3 new Atmospheric Fountains are manually-run and require extensive work to Harvest new Atmospheric Waters. The 3 Atmospheric Fountains are fully active and non-passive. They can fully function 100% electricity-free or have the added convenience of commercial freezers for ice making. Production will still be Electricity-Free and silently.
Still this type of production method will not be the most desirable in all cases. In some cases, we will desire the convenience of electric and not manual production. Large scale production may, on the other hand, like to produce electricity-free.
Hence, as part of the stretch goals and our full strategy, we also plan to add a line of electricity-powered Atmospheric Water Generators. For convenience, ease-of-use and usability. From home-appliances to mid-sized generators.
There is as much seasonality to Atmospheric Elements as there is to our rivers, only upside-down and therefore perfectly-complementing each other. The Atmospheric Elements are in high-season over the summer-time, summer-miracle waters, and low-season over winter-time.
Water Crisis
All along, there is also a very large water crisis underway, much resources are being spent to fight it. While there are many aspects to consider, reliable and clean access to safe-drinking water is key. Unlimited access to water also provides unlimited access to food.
Rather than complementing an existing strategy, the Atmospheric Fountains can be fully relied upon to exist as the only source of water, all year-long. The Ice Fountain is virtually-free. We also have to mature and evolve the designs. Obtaining very large quantities of waters can be virtually-free as a whole now.
Savia sees the Water Industry as a Humanitarian Industry, encouraging others to do the same. As part of the Stretch Goals, Savia also plans to open up its own Water Foundation. Through this strategy, Savia hopes to lead directly in the Water Crisis.
S h i p p i n g
Shipping is intricate for Bottled Atmospheric Water as there's virtually no margin and Water is a very heavy-weight item. Apologies in advance for the relatively high cost of Shipping You The First Atmospheric Waters. We have had to cut a few corners to Bring you these reduced Prices as it is.
The original plan is to Ship to the United States and Europe. Additional areas, such as Australia, are dependent on the Stretch Goals. We are currently not shipping Internationally due to the High Transport costs. On the other Hand, we can reach everywhere through the Stretch Goals.
T h e A t m o s p h e r i c F o u n t a i n s
The original Kickstarter Campaign was to Design and Bring to Market The New Condensation Fountain, a predecessor of today's Atmospheric Water Generators. Since re-launching for Bottled Atmospheric Waters, the 3 New Atmospheric Fountains are within the Stretch Goals.
Risks and challenges
We are thankfully free of major risks and challenges concerning performance. The Atmospheric Fountains work Actively every day and every night of the year, and for life. Minor challenges are always expected as it is all new and we are still learning to Harvest Atmospheric Waters. Other minor challenges lie with our ability to see backers on-time. But we see no major Risks or Challenges and instead an easy-going Project by now.Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
Funding period
- (45 days)


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High quality Hair Dyes That Let You Skip The Salon
Hair coloring dates back not less than to the ancient Romans, and many societies have used natural options to dye their hair. Although this hair coloration seems to be best on darker pores and skin tones with darker eye colors, it can be adjusted to swimsuit lighter complexions. Try each Garnier shade of brown and black from Bright Toffee to Blackest Black permanent hair shade. 9. Creamy blonde hair shade is a cool, whiter shade of blonde that looks best on medium to darkish skin tones with darker eye colors resembling brown or black.
Coloring your hair doesn't should be complicated. Your complexion will have an effect on how your hair seems to be whenever you go blonde. Bleaching is all the time permanent as a result of it removes the natural pigment. Semi-everlasting colour washes out over a period of time—typically four to 6 weeks, so root regrowth is less noticeable.
This multi-hue look is bold without being as intense as the extremely-vibrant punk colours, says George. Getting your hair coloured professionally may be an costly enterprise. To extend the life of your shade, use shampoo for coloration-handled hair in between colorings.
Like Hazan, Connors suggested going lighter than the shade you want when utilizing this product. No matter what you enter, you will nonetheless be capable to see & consider our full vary of merchandise & colors. Nonetheless, this means that grey and white hair is not going to dye to the same color as the rest of the head (the truth is, some white hair won't take in the color in any respect).
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Do you suffer from chronic pain? Many people do. Today I'm happy to have Janet Komanchuk, as my guest. She's a retired schoolteacher who has experienced the miraculous remission of chronic, debilitating fibromyalgia, which was the result of many overlapping stressors and unresolved issues throughout her life. While weathering extreme fatigue and pain, she'd tried everything from traditional Western medicine to alcohol consumption and various holistic treatments. It wasn't until she experienced the healing work of medium and healer Andrew Overlee, http://www.joyofhealing.com and his wife, Tamara, a dedicated spiritual counselor and author, that she was able to regain her life. She is now pain-free without any use of prescription medication. She is an educational writer and public relations assistant with Joy of Healing, Inc., in Valrico, Fla.
3 Questions Chronic Pain Sufferers Should Ask Themselves
By Janet Komanchuk
The numbers involved in America's problem with chronic pain are staggering and probably larger than most realize. More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, costing nearly $600 billion annually in medical treatments and lost productivity, according to the Institute of Medicine, which adds that the total surpasses that of all people affected by heart disease, diabetes and cancer combined.
Despite the immense scope of the problem, very little is spent on research to find better ways to manage pain. Chronic pain has become a disease in its own right for many patients.
I suffered from fibromyalgia and was dealing with so much pain that, at age 52, I faced with the prospect of spending the rest of my life in a nursing home. Fibromyalgia syndrome is a complex, chronic condition of widespread muscular pain and fatigue that often includes sleep disturbances, impaired memory and concentration, depression and other debilitating symptoms.
When medical leave, morphine patches, codeine and myriad pharmaceuticals brought no relief, I took an early retirement and tried a different approach in combination with medical treatment. After finding an alternative healing therapy that works for me, I've enjoyed more than 13 years of pain-free and prescription-free living.
Chronic pain sufferers who cannot find lasting relief should ask themselves the following three questions:
• Have I really tried everything? I had been to orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, rheumatologists, psychologists, underwent MRIs and took all manner of medications for my unbearable pain. In a narrow sense, it would seem as though I'd exhausted all of my options – until I looked beyond traditional Western medicine. Alternative treatment led me to recognize the layers of stress throughout my life, which I believe was a primary driver of my pain.
• Am I overlooking dietary triggers? The medical community continues to learn more about the benefits of healthy eating and specific diets for people with certain conditions, such as a gluten-free foods for those with sensitivities to gluten. Likewise, it can take years for someone to realize that they are lactose-intolerant, or have other food allergies. If you can't pinpoint the source of chronic pain, and no treatment is working, find out what is healthy for your body. Eliminating wheat, sugar and many processed foods helped me.
• Are your mind, body and spirit in balance? I thought I was living the life I was supposed to live, accumulating wealth and possessions, and I had a narrowly defined expectation of others. In reality, however, the priorities guiding my well-being, which are based in the mind, body and spirit, were skewed. Fueling a person's physical experience of pain is often a cauldron of unresolved emotional issues.
At the height of my suffering I often said, "If every part of my body that hurt was bleeding, then you could begin to understand what I'm feeling." I want to urge the millions who are struggling with chronic pain to never give up – and, to keep an open mind for treatment!
Join The Self-Love Movement™! Take the 31 Days of Self-Love Commitment—"I commit to do my best to do something loving for myself, however big or small, for the next 31 days." and get my book, How Do I Love Me? Let Me Count the Ways for free at http://howdoiloveme.com. Read my 2014 31 Days of Self-Love Posts HERE. Join the Self-Love Movement™! on Facebook. Watch the video made with Hoobastank's song–The reason–that illustrates the power of self-love.
- Related Topics
- Self-Empowerment & Confidence


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Feel free to peek at openings and houses on the links below. (Content is translated by Google, and may not be perfect.)
Real estate | Job openings | Heritage
If you are ready to take the next big step you can apply for a visum at The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).


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Price from
Follow in the footsteps of legendary arctic explorers through the Northwest Passage
Take flight from Ottawa and journey back in time on an exploration of the High Arctic. As a modern day adventurer on this new 17-day exploration, trace the route of Sir John Franklin's fateful mid-19th century expedition to find the fabled Northwest Passage. Cruise on waters that few have sailed and set foot on lands that even fewer have walked, taking in incredible untouched scenery, searching for wildlife, and getting up close to fjords, glaciers and icebergs. Follow the coast of the islands of the Canadian High Arctic to see the graves of lost explorers, polar bear research stations, traditional Inuit communities, walrus waters and archaeological sites. Cross Baffin Bay to Greenland – a region ruled by ice – and see mountains towering over colourful settlements, soaring glaciers, and huge ice shards be born into icebergs. Hike the tundra and mountains, and glide a kayak along the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. This is a new legend to add to the stories of the Northwest Passage.
- Code
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 8
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 132
Why you'll love this trip
Experience the highlights of both the Canadian Arctic and Greenland, from historic Canadian and Inuit sites to former Mountie outposts, glaciers and fjords
Enjoy encounters with the Arctic's impressive wildlife, including whales, walrus and muskoxen
Meet the locals of traditional Inuit and Greenlandic communities
Witness the birth of icebergs at as you cruise along the face of the World Heritage Ilulissat Icefjord
Boarding Zodiacs and kayaks will allow you to get even closer to the Arctic's spectacular scenery
Is this trip right for you?
As you'd expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the trip notes for further important information about what to bring.
Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships have a lot of stairs, so please hold on to the handrails if seas are rough.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there's an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you'll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.
Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore it's necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader's instructions and do not stray from your group – your leader carries equipment to protect you.
Ocean Adventurer
On this itinerary, you'll be travelling aboard the Ocean Adventurer
There's plenty to see and do if you arrive early into Canada's capital. Browse the artwork in the beautiful National Gallery of Canada, take a stroll along Rideau Canal or soak up the buzzy atmosphere of ByWard Market.
Meals IncludedThere are no meals included on this day.
Special InformationNo arrival transfer is included. Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Full details of the hotel will be provided in your final documentation. You can arrive at any time on Day 1. A Quark representative will be in the hotel lobby in the evening to provide information on the arrangements for the following day.
It's important to note that on the flight to Resolute, there's a strict luggage limit: 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of checked luggage and five kilograms (11 pounds) of cabin baggage. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Ottawa (you can't take it with you on the plane).
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, of the Royal Navy, Beechey Island is a Canadian National Historic Site. It's an important stop on our voyage, as this is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin's ill-fated 1845–46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a remote windswept beach, were discovered in 1851 by the crew of British and American vessels searching for signs of Franklin's lost expedition.
Radstock Bay is a popular research location for observing polar bears, which are often seen here in summer. An impressive Thule archaeological site provides insight into how these pre-Inuit people lived in the Far North.
For almost 5,000 years, the hamlet of Arctic Bay and its surrounding area has been occupied by Inuit nomads migrating from the west. Surrounded by soaring cliffs teeming with seabirds, this is a great spot to go ashore and learn about the Inuit community's traditional way of life. The eastern end of Lancaster Sound affords numerous hiking opportunities on Devon Island. We'll anchor at Croker Bay, where we'll Zodiac cruise along the face of an active glacier. We'll try to keep a safe distance, but still hope to get close enough to appreciate the splendor of calving ice. Walrus frequent the waters here, so be sure to have your camera handy. A hike to a nearby archaeological site is another possible excursion. At Dundas Harbour, trek along a beach to a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost. Encounters with muskoxen are possible here.
Canada's most northern settlement, Grise Fjord will be your final shore visit in the Canadian High Arctic. Now home to about 150 residents, the traditional, mostly Inuit community was created in 1953, when the federal government resettled eight Inuit families from northern Quebec. Hunting and fishing are a significant part of their way of life. Visit the monument to the first Inuit settlers, as well as the remnants of the "old camp" where they lived.
Meals Included
- Breakfast (4)
- Lunch (4)
- Dinner (4)
Meals Included
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Nuussuaq (formerly known as Kraulshavn) is the only mainland community in the Upernavik Archipelago. Founded in 1923 as a trading station, it's one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland .
It's not surprising that the red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises up behind Uummannaq gave the traditional community its name (Uummannaq means "heart-like" in Greenlandic). As your ship approaches the shore, you'll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain below. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated five years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here.
In the nearby archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq (also known as Qilakitsoq), you'll visit the ruins of an ancient settlement, where the remains of eight fully dressed mummies were discovered under a rock outcrop in 1972 by a pair of hunters. The famous Greenlandic mummies, which date back to 1475 AD, are on view at the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk.
Cruising farther south rewards with spectacular views of Eqip Sermia. The jagged, blue-tinged glacier soaring out of the crystal-clear water is one of the most beautiful sights in Greenland, and we hope to Zodiac cruise along its massive front from a safe distance. We may also go ashore to explore nearby.
Just south of Ilulissat, which means "iceberg" in Greenlandic, is the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s . Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as float out the fjord to Disko Bay .
In Sisimiut, you'll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak (an Inuit word that the English borrowed) is Greenland's national symbol and can be traced back to the country's first immigrants, who used vessels that resemble the narrow one- or two-person boats. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area. You'll also have a chance to hike amongst the area's surrounding mountains.
Situated in a scenic hollow on a small island with no freshwater, the colourful community of Itilleq, which has about 130 inhabitants, is surrounded by sea, mountains and fjords. The final excursion of your arctic adventure may be a hike around Itilleq Fjord.
Meals Included
- Breakfast (5)
- Lunch (5)
- Dinner (5)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special InformationYou are free to depart at anytime today. Please note that no airport departure transfer is included.
Meals16 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners
TransportShip, Zodiac, Plane
Important notes
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 120 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.
Kayaking is available to book on all Arctic voyages except on Icebreakers. Kayaking must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please inquire at time of booking. Some previous, recent experience is essential. Snowshoeing and hiking is also offered on some itineraries. These activities are at no additional cost and do not need to be pre-booked. See the itinerary for Adventure options available on this voyage.
Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
Strict luggage limits apply. Please see Trip Notes (What to Take) for more information.
Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.View Essential Trip Information


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Report NEP-REG-2008-06-13This is the archive for NEP-REG, a report on new working papers in the area of Regulation. Christian Calmes issued this report. It is usually issued weekly.
Subscribe to this report: email, RSS or Twitter.
Other reports in NEP-REG
The following items were announced in this report:
- Jamasb, T. & Pollitt, M.G. & Triebs, T., 2008. "Productivity and Efficiency of US Gas Transmission Companies: A European Regulatory Perspective," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 0812, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
- Inês Drumond, 2008. "Bank Capital Requirements, Business Cycle Fluctuations and the Basel Accords: A Synthesis," FEP Working Papers 277, Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Economia do Porto.
- Littlechild, S.C. & Ponzano, E.A., 2007. "Transmission expansion in Argentina 5: the Regional Electricity Forum of Buenos Aires Province," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 0762, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
- Aidt, T. & Hillman, A., 2008. "Enduring Rents," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 0802, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
- Item repec:dgr:kubcen:200852 is not listed on IDEAS anymore
- Théophile T. Azomahou & Raouf Boucekkine & Phu Nguyen-Van, 2008. "Promoting clean technologies: The energy market structure crucially matters," Working Papers 15, Development and Policies Research Center (DEPOCEN), Vietnam.
- Marianne Riddervold, 2008. "Interests or principles? EU foreign policy in the ILO," RECON Online Working Papers Series 9, RECON.
- Giovanni Maggi & Robert W. Staiger, 2008. "On the Role and Design of Dispute Settlement Procedures in International Trade Agreements," NBER Working Papers 14067, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.


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Jacques Monod shared a Nobel Prize for his work on the lac operon. This work played a crucial role in the development of molecular biology and ultimately led to the birth of evo-devo. In 1971, Monod wrote a classic book entitled, Chance and Necessity. It begins as follows:
The difference between artificial and natural objects seems immediately and unambiguously apparent to all of us. A rock, a mountain, a river, or a cloud – these are natural objects; a knife a handkerchief, a car – so many artificial objects, artifacts. Analyze these judgments, however, and it will be seen that they are neither immediate nor strictly objective. We know that the knife was man-made for a use its maker visualized beforehand. The object renders in material form the preexistent intention that gave birth to it, and its form is accounted for by the performance expected of it even before it takes shape. It is another story altogether with the river or the rock which we know, or believe, to have been molded by the free play of physical forces to which we cannot attribute any design, any project, or purpose. Not, that is, if we accept the basic premise of the scientific method, to wit, that nature is objective and not projective.
Hence it is through reference to our own activity, conscious and projective, intentional and purposive-it is as makers of artifacts-that we judge of a given object's "naturalness" or "artificialness." Might there be objective and general standards for defining the characteristics of artificial objects, products of a conscious purposive activity, as against natural objects, resulting from the gratuitous play of physical forces? To make sure of the complete objectivity of the criteria chosen, it would doubtless be best to ask oneself whether, in putting them to use, a program could be drawn up enabling a computer to distinguish an artifact from a natural object.
Such a program could be applied in the most interesting connections. Let us suppose that a spacecraft is soon to be landed upon Venus or Mars; what more fascinating question than to find out whether our neighboring planets are, or at some earlier period have been, inhabited by intelligent beings capable of projective activity? In order to detect such present or past activity we would have to search for and be able to recognize its products, however radically unlike the fruit of human industry they might be. Wholly ignorant of the nature of such beings and of the projects they might have conceived, our program would have to utilize only very general criteria, solely based upon the examined objects' structure and form and without any reference to their eventual function.
This crucial sentence is this:
Hence it is through reference to our own activity, conscious and projective, intentional and purposive-it is as makers of artifacts-that we judge of a given object's "naturalness" or "artificialness."
A reference to our own activity is an appeal to subjective knowledge. And maybe it is simply not possible to make such judgments without accessing this subjective element. After all, recognizing design may indeed be akin to recognizing another mind. For how do we recognize other minds if not by recognizing what they design?
This would explain why science has never come up with an objective method for detecting the existence of design. We cannot truly measure the conscious, projective, intentional and purposive activity of the mind. And since measurement is the foundational aspect of objective knowledge and science, it would mean that science cannot ever truly detect design.
In fact, Monod recognizes this truth:
The cornerstone of the scientific method is the postulate that nature is objective. In other words, the systematic denial that "true" knowledge can be got at by interpreting phenomena in terms of final causes – that is to say, of "purpose." An exact date may be given for the discovery of this canon. The formulation by Galileo and Descartes of the principle of inertia laid the groundwork not only for mechanics, but for the epistemology of modern science, by abolishing Aristotelian physics and cosmology. To be sure, neither reason, nor logic, nor observation, nor even the idea of the systematic confrontation had been ignored by Descartes' predecessors. But science as we understand it today could not have been developed upon those foundations alone. It required the unbending stricture implicit in the postulate of objectivity – ironclad, pure, forever undemonstrable. For it is obviously impossible to imagine an experiment which could prove the nonexistence anywhere in nature of a purpose, of a pursued end.
But the postulate of objectivity is consubstantial with science; it has guided the whole of its prodigious development for three centuries. There is no way to be rid of it, even tentatively or in a limited area, without departing from the domain of science.
So, instead of assuming it is possible to objectively identify design, let's propose that reference to our own activity, conscious and projective, intentional and purposive- as makers of artifacts-is necessary.
This is of course is bitter pill for many to swallow. Let's look at that next.


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Im having a party tonight, and my sissy bitch husband has been getting ideas that he is some kind of real man. well the weak little pussy boy simply has to be put in his place. so tonight in addition to being my little sissy maid . The little whore is going be used as a party favor. my many male friends i have invited to the party. He will be drinking gallons of cum tonight and thanking each cock that cums in and on him. poor sissy slut.
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Bulk Solids Activator Features Intelligent Control Unit
The ActiFlow Smart Bulk Solids Activator is said to reliably prevent bridging and rat-holing of cohesive bulk materials in stainless steel hoppers. The activator is a non-product-contact device, consisting of a vibratory drive and intelligent control unit. In applications involving difficult flowing materials, it eliminates the need for mechanical agitators with secondary motors and gearboxes, as well as the need for flexible side wall agitation devices or aeration pads.


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The DWC Dedication Plaque
Marie J. Kumler was the first president of the Dayton Federation of Women's Clubs and the first president of the Dayton Woman's Club. In 1926, the year following Mrs. Kumler's death in 1925, the Club commissioned a plaque in her memory. The plaque, designed and executed by the Dayton Art Institute, was placed at the entrance to the House with an ever-burning lamp and incorporating the following verse: "THEY NEVER FAIL WHO LIGHT THEIR LAMP OR FAITH AT THE UNWAVERING FLAME BURNT FOR THE ALTAR SERVICE OF THE RACE." -Elsa Barker


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Rubio pushing bill to delay ObamaCare mandate over website meltdown
The widespread problems with the ObamaCare website are generating a new backlash in Congress, with Sen. Marco Rubio planning to introduce legislation that would delay the health law's individual mandate until the technical failures are addressed.
The Florida senator discussed the plan Tuesday morning in an interview with Fox News' "Fox & Friends." He said it would be "prudent" to delay the requirement on individuals to buy health insurance -- set to kick in early next year -- until users can consistently access the main website.
"How are you going to go after people next year ... if the thing you're forcing them to buy isn't available to buy?" he asked, saying the site is "not working."
Rubio's plan would delay the mandate until the Government Accountability Office certifies the system is "up and running and effectively working for six months, consecutive."
The plan comes as new reports detail the warning signs that may have been missed before the launch, and the massive undertaking that the tech team hired to fix the site is confronting.
The administration is now in a scramble to fix the problems that have prevented many from signing up for health insurance online. Officials announced Tuesday that former White House budget office chief Jeff Zients has been brought in as part of the team to address the site. President Obama on Monday directed the public to apply over the phone or by mail -- but at the same time, the White House did not rule out delaying the health law's 2014 requirement on individuals to buy insurance.
The New York Times, detailing the scope of the repair project, reported that while contractors have identified most the problems with the site, the administration is slow to issue orders. The Times quoted one specialist as saying 5 million lines of code may have to be rewritten.
The Washington Post reported Monday that a test of the website's capability to handle heavy traffic went wrong just days before the planned launch, when the site crashed after just a few hundred people tried to log on simultaneously.
The Post also reported that a group of 10 insurers invited to give advice and test the website urged federal officials not to do a nationwide launch due to the number of issues with the site. At late as a week before the launch date, the paper reported, no one had thought to test whether or not a user could complete the process of signing up for a health insurance plan through the site.
Meanwhile, a review of the site's technical specifications by The Associated Press found a mind-numbingly complex system put together by harried programmers who pushed out a final product that congressional investigators said was tested by the government and not private developers with more expertise.
Project developers who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity -- because they feared they would otherwise be fired -- said they raised doubts among themselves whether the website could be ready in time. They complained openly to each other about what they considered tight and unrealistic deadlines. One was nearly brought to tears over the stress of finishing on time, one developer said. Website builders saw red flags for months.
A review of internal architectural diagrams obtained by the AP revealed the system's complexity. Insurance applicants have a host of personal information verified, including income and immigration status. The system connects to other federal computer networks, including ones at the Social Security Administration, IRS, Veterans Administration, Office of Personnel Management and the Peace Corps.
President Barack Obama on Monday acknowledged technical problems that he described as "kinks in the system." He also promised a "tech surge" by leading technology talent to repair the painfully slow and often unresponsive website that has frustrated Americans trying to enroll online for insurance plans at the center of Obama's health care law.
But in remarks at a Rose Garden event, Obama offered no explanation for the failure except to note that high traffic to the website caused some of the slowdowns. He said it had been visited nearly 20 million times -- fewer monthly visits so far than many commercial websites, such as PayPal, AOL, Wikipedia or Pinterest.
"The problem has been that the website that's supposed to make it easy to apply for and purchase the insurance is not working the way it should for everybody," Obama said. "There's no sugarcoating it. The website has been too slow. People have been getting stuck during the application process. And I think it's fair to say that nobody is more frustrated by that than I am."
The online system was envisioned as a simple way for people without health insurance to comparison-shop among competing plans offered in their state, pick their preferred level of coverage and cost and sign up. For many, it's not worked out that way so far.
Just weeks before the launch of HealthCare.gov on Oct. 1, one programmer said, colleagues huddled in conference rooms trying to patch "bugs," or deficiencies in computer code. Unresolved problems led to visitors experiencing cryptic error messages or enduring long waits trying to sign up.
Congressional investigators have concluded that the government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, not private software developers, tested the exchange's computer systems during the final weeks. That task, known as integration testing, is usually handled by software companies because it ferrets out problems before the public sees the final product.
The government spent at least $394 million in contracts to build the federal health care exchange and the data hub. Those contracts included major awards to Virginia-based CGI Federal Inc., Maryland-based Quality Software Services Inc. and Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.
CGI Federal said in a statement Monday it was working with the government and other contractors "around the clock" to improve the system, which it called "complex, ambitious and unprecedented."
The schematics from late 2012 show how officials designated a "data services hub" -- a traffic cop for managing information -- in lieu of a design that would have allowed state exchanges to connect directly to government servers when verifying an applicant's information. On Sunday, the Health and Human Services Department said the data hub was working but not meeting public expectations: "We are committed to doing better."
Administration officials so far have refused to say how many people actually have managed to enroll in insurance during the three weeks since the new marketplaces became available. Without enrollment numbers, it's impossible to know whether the program is on track to reach projections from the Congressional Budget Office that 7 million people would gain coverage during the first year the exchanges were available.
Instead, officials have selectively cited figures that put the insurance exchanges in a positive light. They say more than 19 million people have logged on to the federal website and nearly 500,000 have filled out applications for insurance through both the federal and state-run sites.
The flood of computer problems since the website went online has been deeply embarrassing for the White House. The snags have called into question whether the administration is capable of implementing the complex policy and why senior administration officials -- including the president -- appear to have been unaware of the scope of the problems when the exchange sites opened.
Even as the president spoke at the Rose Garden, more problems were coming to light. The administration acknowledged that a planned upgrade to the website had been postponed indefinitely and that online Spanish-language signups would remain unavailable, despite a promise to Hispanic groups that the capability would start this week. And the government tweaked the website's home page so visitors can now view phone numbers to apply the old-fashioned way or window-shop for insurance rates without registering first.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee was expected to conduct an oversight hearing Thursday, probably without Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testifying. She could testify on Capitol Hill on the subject as early as next week.
Uninsured Americans have until about mid-February to sign up for coverage if they are to meet the law's requirement that they be insured by the end of March. If they don't, they will face a penalty.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.