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July 1, 2014 Adele Ferguson, Ben Butler
CBA tellers driven to despair by hard sell. Explosive new survey reveals the pressure faced by bank tellers to chase sales targets is leading to fraud at the CBA. Photo: Dominic Lorrimer. A copy of the complete article may be downloaded by clicking on:STRESS, DEPRESSION AND BULLYING AT COMMONWEALTH BANK
Pressure on bank tellers to push customers into Commonwealth Bank financial products such as insurance and managed funds is causing stress, depression and bullying, according to an explosive new survey of staff. The survey obtained by Fairfax Media says the pressure of chasing sales targets is also leading to fraud at the bank.
Conducted in May by the Finance Sector Union, the survey found that arbitrary performance targets linked to sales and customer satisfaction had resulted in "broken pay models" and "an erosion of trust". The findings come as the Commonwealth Bank reels from a damning Senate inquiry into widespread misconduct in its financial planning division, which culminated in a recommendation for a royal commission.
FSU national secretary Leon Carter said 800 bank staff where interviewed for the survey in response to "repeated nationwide reports of workers at CBA experiencing stress at work". He said CBA was the "biggest and the baddest" of the banks. "Staff have to up-sell and on-sell products and services and debt to consumers to maximise profits for the bank." CBA is set to make a record profit this year of more than $8 billion. It is renegotiating its enterprise bargaining agreement with the union.
A CBA spokeswoman said the bank disagreed with the union's "flawed" survey, which was part of the union's EBA campaign, took the wellbeing of staff seriously and encouraged whistleblowers to come forward in the bank. More than three-quarters of staff surveyed said they felt stressed about achieving their targets and more than half said they had to work overtime to achieve their targets. A Victorian-based staff member said linking sales and pay was "a broken system that can't be repaired" and was inappropriate given the trust customers place in banks. In Queensland, a staff member said they recently discovered "again" staff were falsifying credit applications, which was "widespread in our area".
The staff member said it was brought to the attention of management, who already knew about it. "Is this not fraud … Don't we get dismissed for this conduct? No satisfactory answer was given." "When people are under pressure to achieve targets they will do these things," the staff member said. The CBA said it was "urgently" investigating the allegation.
The report comes as the Coalition introduced regulations to water down reforms to financial advice, effective from Monday. More than half the staff surveyed said they did not know how targets were set. One staff member said: "Sadly the decay of CBA is upon us. In my branch there is not one staff member that feels satisfied with their job," another said. "It is becoming more and more exhausting trying to get targets and with the stress our customer experience score [customer satisfaction rating] is falling."
Mr Carter said staff were subjected to a league table, sometimes in the form of a whiteboard in the office. A staff member in Victoria said "I hate the new visual boards … they make it feel like a board of shame if you have not hit your revenue for the week." Another said "When you are the only one that cannot contribute to the team $$ it makes you feel bloody awful especially when it's on the whiteboard."
A former CBA financial planner and whistleblower Jeff Morris, who warned the corporate regulator in 2008 about a financial planning scandal in the bank's planning division and left the bank last year, said: "A lot of the problem stems from the American Cohen-Brown sales drivel that has permeated the organisation in a quest for sales and profit at any cost." "The poor staff get no respite: sales meetings, videos, weekly 'Big Fives' and ritual humiliation on the 'Whiteboard of Shame' at the end of the week for the 'underperformers'."
July 1, 2014 Colin Kruger Business Day
Bank chief of the year, Commonwealth Bank's Ian Narev, has finally woken up to the seriousness of the bank misleading the corporate pup and a Senate inquiry over its financial planning fiasco. CBA is advertising for a new government relations chief to smoke the peace pipe with Treasurer Joe Hockey and other malcontents in Canberra. According to the ad on Seek, the lucky CBA applicant will be part of a team that "advances and protects CommBank's interests by engaging with federal and state politicians and senior bureaucrats to adopt policies that are aligned with CBA's strategic and commercial interests and to minimise the risk of adverse regulatory change".
Dare we say the horse may have bolted on the last bit but to head off any further trouble the applicant will also "collect and analyse information about current and planned government, industry and regulator actions". The applicant will have demonstrated skills such as a "strong understanding of the machinery of government, including direct experience liaising at senior departmental and ministerial level".
Acting the part. Narev himself is vaguely promising a stronger response later this week in what is sure to be his toughest public performance since his days as a child actor on 1979 New Zealand period drama Children of Fire Mountain. Narev played the slightly clumsy scallywag Davie with the trademark line: "Me mum will skin me." In the first episode, Davie sees his gang get framed for breaking a butcher's shop window and makes a blood vow to seek vengeance. Given CBA has not actually owned up to any real wrongdoing – let alone offered any senior exec sacrifices to the baying masses – CBD wonders if Narev will be reprising that particular performance.
Soft landing. The legendary feats of Sir Anthony O'Reilly on the business field and rugby field will not save him from the humiliation of bankruptcy it seems. Bad bets on media, including locally listed APN News and Media, played a significant part in his downfall.
At least he won't have to contemplate too many of the harsh realities of financial penury. Sir Tony's two-decade-strong second marriage to Greek shipping heiress Chryss Goulandris, O'Reilly ensures the former billionaire will be kept in the comfort and style to which he has become accustomed. Lady O'Reilly is considered one of the savviest breeders in the horse racing industry with a business reported to be worth up to €100 million before her inheritance is taken into account.
On the spot. Woolworths South Africa has boldly declared its bid for Country Road as final, which would heap pressure on the Aussie retailer's independent directors responsible for considering the bid if it actually had any. As the company admits in last year's annual report "there are no independent directors on the board of the company as all directors are either executives of the company or its major shareholder and ultimate controlling entity (Woolworths)".
The reason for this is simple. "The cost of … maintaining additional independent directors are viewed to be in excess of any benefits that may be derived from compliance," says the report. The alternative in this instance is to leave "independent" duties in the hands of the two directors not directly employed by Woolies – Country Road chief Iain Nairn and his chief financial officer, Oliver Kysela.
And CBD is sure they will offer a fearless assessment of the bid on behalf of independent shareholders. "I hope the shareholders of both companies have the opportunity to take advantage of these offers, and (Woolies) is able to reach its goal of acquiring 100 per cent of both Country Road and David Jones," says Woolies boss and Country Road chairman Ian Moir. Yeah, no pressure boys.
1 July 2014 TONY BOYD Illustration: David Rowe
It will be a gutsy move, but Commonwealth Bank of Australia chief executive Ian Narev can this week take a leadership position in financial advice.
He can use the black mark against the bank's financial planning division as a catalyst for adopting the highest standards of professionalism in financial planning in Australia.
All he has to do is pick up on the 10 point industry transformation plan published by Financial Planning Association chief executive Mark Rantall in response to the Senate Economics Committee report released last week. Rantall, who has been campaigning for an improvement in financial planning professional standards for many years, says the fundamental problem with the industry is the lack of minimum educational standards.
The FPA says all financial planners should have a relevant university degree and three-years experience over a five-year period. They should also be required to undertake minimum professional development courses over each three-year period. These requirements would go hand in hand with the restricting the use of the term financial planner or financial adviser under the Corporations Act. It is an indictment of the industry that it is possible to become a financial planner in Australia after doing a two-week course gaining the RG146 qualification. The courses cost about $2000.
That would not get you a job at the Commonwealth Bank but the fact that it is possible to start from scratch and be offering advice within a fortnight means that planners are a long way from being able to call themselves members of a profession. This is what provides opportunity for Narev to make a difference. As the head of an institution that has 1,800 salaried and aligned advisers, Narev can be a powerful force for change.
The CBA planners provide advice to both CBA and non-CBA customers through salaried employees at Commonwealth Financial Planning and BankWest Financial Advice and self-employed advisers working for Count Financial, CFP Pathways and Financial Wisdom. However, the bank does not impose the minimum standards set down by the FPA. Its certified financial planning qualification is a globally recognised professional standard. About 153,000 people around the world have successfully completed the CFP certification program including 5,500 in Australia.
There are about 18,000 financial planners in Australia and about 10,500 are members of the FPA. There are about 8,000 FPA members who are practitioners. One test of the professionalism of FPA membership is to look at the counter factual. Only about 2 per cent of enforcement activity by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission have been against FPA members even though they comprise about 50 per cent of financial planners.
The Wealth Management Advice arm at CBA has been transformed since several rogue advisers provided inappropriate advice to customers in 2007 and 2008. The bank has paid compensation of $51 million so far and Narev is expected to offer to pay more to affected customers when he issues a comprehensive response to the Senate Committee report later this week. Narev will probably use the statement to remind politicians calling for a royal commission and those who detest the integrated financial services model that the big banks do provide certain protections not available with smaller companies providing advice.
They have the capital and financial strength to compensate customers. The conglomerates that dominate Australian financial services must protect all their brands or risk the possibility that failures in one area will affect another. Having said that the CBA maintains the highest customer satisfaction of the big banks in retail banking and recently its financial planning division was given the highest customer satisfaction rating in an industry survey. Nevertheless, Narev has work to do. He needs to put CBA back on the front foot and one way of doing that is to show an industry leading position on raising the standards of professionalism in financial advice.
NICOLIN LOOKS TO FUTURE. It would be easy to focus on the negative implications of the $124.7 million of impairments announced by protection solutions company Ansell on Monday night and ignore the long term benefits of the changes made by chief executive Magnus Nicolin. Earnings per share will take a heavy hit from the impairments, which are to cover the write off of goodwill for a number of redundant products and the closure of a factory on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. But the positive aspects of the announcement include the earnings uplift estimates for 2015 and 2016.
The restructure is Nicolin's logical response following a period of expansion that ended with the closure of the acquisition of BarrierSafe Solutions International in January. Nicolin has a good track record having lifted earnings before interest and tax by 60 per cent over the past three years on the back of sales increases over the same period of 55 per cent. The restructure will mean Ansell will now have four global business units, three of which will be focused on busines to business. The four units are medical, single use, industrial and sexual wellness.
When Nicolin arrived at Ansell it had 250 brands. He has slashed that number by 100. A key part of the announcement on Monday was news that the SAP enterprise resource planning project in Europe had been implemented on time. Also, the company is taking an $US18.8 million impairment for its Oracle system in the US as it will no longer be adopted globally. Europe and Asia Pacific will have the SAP system as its cheaper to run.
FOOTPRINT. Andrew Formica at Henderson Group will be taking a rest from acquisitions for some time after finally filling the hole in his global footprint with the $US200 million acquisition of Geneva Capital Management. Henderson already had about $US12 billion of funds under management in the US but it lacked the breadth of products and the institutional client base to be taken seriously in that market.
Henderson will remain a minnow in the US after lifting its US funds under management by more than 50 per cent to $US18.3 billion but the transaction is earnings accretive and includes ambitious growth targets for the Geneva management team. T he transaction has been structured to provide the team with big incentives to continue performing at a high level. The initial payment of $US130 million values the existing earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) at 7.2 times. The second tranche of $US45 million is payable over five years if revenue retention targets are met.
This works involves paying the management $US9 million a year for each of the next five years with the delivery of another $US18 million in EBIT. That takes the earnings multiple to 8.8 times. The multiple rises to 9.7 times if the Geneva management meet stretch targets for growing the business in the mid to low teens over the next five years. Meeting those targets will cost Henderson another $US25 million taking the total transaction value to $US200 million.
The global funds management industry has seen a couple of deals this year which can be used as benchmarks. Man Group in London paid $US494 million for Numeric Holdings in June at an EBIT multiple of 10 times. The amount paid by Henderson for Geneva appears reasonable given that Henderson trades at 15 times future earnings. Formica says the valuation placed on Geneva is attractive for shareholders but the motivation for the deal is all about acquiring a business that has the same culture and values as Henderson.
SHOPPING FOR GOOD INVESTMENT. The fact that UniSuper has increased its stake in Scentre Group, formerly Westfield Retail Trust, says John Pearce's fear of gearing in retail investment trusts will not stand in the way of buying some of the best shopping centres in Australia.


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Tyler Stadius
Vancouver, Canada
Internationally respected DJ, Tyler Stadius, brings the best this industry has to offer. He has shared the stage with the likes of Richie Hawtin, Eddie Richards, Mark Farina, James Zabiela, Terry Francis, Johnny Fiasco, Deep Dish, Louie Vega, Sasha, Derrick Carter, Josh Wink and so many others.
Tyler can truly say music is his life. He travels the world DJing - Croatia, Turkey, USA, Canada, Bulgaria, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Korea, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Slovenia...
Back in the late 90's, early 2000's, he owned Bassix, a well known Vancouver-based record store, so its to be expected that his record collection would be extensive. He is credited for bringing house music to Vancouver, with countless parties, and timeless mixed tapes. He helped launch SONAR back in 1997, Vancouver's first club dedicated to electronic music, where the club was soon voted one of "Ministry of Sound's" top 20 nightclubs in the world.
Tyler is a busy man...he's had several releases, including his most famous FABRIC 6. Other notable label releases include Pancake Recordings, Deepen Discs, Sensei and DeepXperience.
He has a number of radio shows and podcasts, which are aired around the world, including Frying Pan (Proton), Melange (DE) and DinamoFM (Turkey).
Tyler Stadius has hit the trifecta when it comes to DJing - he has amazing music, he can mix flawlessly and he can make a party pumpin'!
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feat. Neighbour, Tyler Stadius, Blondtron, Suave Assassins plus much more! @
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Nov 11, 2012
Techno <3
w/ Tyler Stadius + Kevin Shiu @
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May 12, 2012
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May 30, 2009
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The White House is shifting its economic argument to focus on Republicans as evidence mounts that its messaging on the politically tricky issue of inflation has fallen flat with most Americans.
Allies have advised the White House to accept that voters think the economy is getting worse, even if that is not the case, and to start pointing to Republican legislators as obstacles to actions Biden wants to take to lower costs for middle-class Americans.
Biden's team has heeded those warnings, and aides say Cabinet officials, outside groups and Democratic lawmakers will be drawing a stronger contrast between Biden's approach and the GOP's proposed alternatives.
"If the Republican members of Congress want to have a debate about who is tackling price increases, we're happy to have that conversation and make clear who is leading on tackling the price increases that are challenging families," said Kate Berner, White House deputy communications director.
Berner described the messaging shift as a "new phase" in White House efforts to "communicate with the American people about who's for cutting prices and who's taking action and who's not." "You'll hear it from the president as well, but the president also has a role to play to bring the country together, to take the temperature down and to not play political pundit, but instead be a leader," she said.
The pivot follows a month of bruising polls for Biden. His approval rating has consistently been in the low 40s and Americans continue to express negative views about the economy. A recent NPR/Marist survey showed 52% of Americans disapproved of Biden's approach to the issue, while 42% approved.
Veteran Democratic strategists say that public sentiment signals it is time for a messaging shift.
No matter how frequently Biden says that jobs are returning, wages are rising and supply chain crunches are easing, White House allies say those arguments may never persuade Americans with financial anxiety that an economic recovery is underway.
"There's plenty of good news out there that you can message off, but the problem is that many people, for whatever reason, are not feeling it, and you have to acknowledge that," said Democratic strategist Jim Manley, who was a top aide to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
The administration has to tailor its message in a way that appeals to people whose wages are not rising as quickly as the price of gasoline and groceries, said Paulette Aniskoff, a partner at Bully Pulpit Interactive and a director of the White House Office of Public Engagement under former President Barack Obama.
"Continue talking about the good you're doing, but it's also fair to pivot to say: are the Republicans offering you anything? Do you realize they are actively sabotaging progress on the economy and covid?" Aniskoff said in an email.
Democrats have told the Biden administration to make the point that while the president's Build Back Better plan seeks to expand access to child care, kindergarten and paid leave, Republicans in Congress are standing in the way of tax increases on the wealthy that would pay for those benefits.
Broader than inflation
Joe Lockhart, who was White House press secretary under former President Bill Clinton, said that the White House must also do the difficult work of making an economic case that is broader than Biden's efforts to address inflation.
"If the Republicans get to define what the economic issues are, and they define it as inflation, then you've already lost," he said.
Republicans in Congress say Democratic spending – particularly the $1.9 trillion COVID-relief package that is now law – is responsible for inflation. They are attempting to stop Democrats from moving ahead with another roughly $2 trillion social spending and climate change bill that contains tax increases that would fund many of Biden's domestic priorities.
National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Tom Emmer argues that when Americans went into the marketplace with pandemic assistance money from Biden's legislation, it affected the supply chain and fueled inflation.
"They created this problem," Emmer said. "The voters already know this, so they can compare and contrast all they want, because they're going to be out of office, at least in the midterm elections. This is why the House will flip next November." Congressional Republicans say they want to reverse drilling, mining and leasing restrictions put in place by the Biden administration, speed up the construction of oil and gas pipelines and reduce federal regulations on fossil fuel companies in order to ease inflation.
They also want to make permanent a tax break for businesses that was part of their 2017 tax legislation and is set to expire next year.
They say that allowing businesses to deduct the full cost of their capital improvements up front, rather than spreading it out over years, encourages companies to make more immediate investments that would help with job creation.
Biden says his administration's environmental measures and efforts to combat climate change are not inflating gas prices and that his Build Back Better plan, which is being considered in Congress, will reduce taxes and costs for low- and middle-income families.
Polling shows that Biden is not winning the public opinion battle. In a late November survey for Morning Consult/Politico, 46% of registered voters said the president's Build Back Better agenda would make inflation worse, while 23% said it would improve the situation.
Another 15% said it would have no impact.
"Their message hasn't been working because, again, they don't listen to the American voters," Emmer said. "Their arrogance is going to be their undoing." White House officials say Biden has been forthright about the challenges facing American families.
Although the president has stressed data that points to improving economic conditions, Berner said, "I don't think that we are trying to tell people what they're experiencing isn't real." "The president took aggressive action to put Americans back to work and make sure more Americans had money in their pockets so that they could gather with loved ones for the holiday season," she said.
"But at the same time, we are tackling these price increases and pressures and we're tackling the costs that families have struggled with for many years."
With inflation likely to last well into 2022, the Biden administration has ramped up its efforts in recent weeks to bring costs down with longer hours at the nation's busiest ports and releasing barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Biden has also asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate oil and gas companies for potential illegal conduct.
"Now my Republican friends are talking a lot about prices, but they're lined up against my Build Back Better plan, which would go right at the problem for rising costs for families," Biden said in a Wednesday speech. "Why is that? I don't want to speculate on anyone's motive. But it's always easier to complain about a problem than to try to fix it. "
Rep. Jake Auchincloss, vice chair of the House Financial Services Committee, said that inflation is not a messaging problem, it's an actual problem, and Democrats must continue to demonstrate they are trying to solve it.
The Democrat from Massachusetts, echoing the White House, said Republicans are wielding inflation to score political points, without putting forward their own ideas.
"We are going to be judged as the party in power, and I would hope Republicans would be judged, too, not about who has sharper talking points, but who is actually reducing inflation," he said.
The White House is shifting its economic argument to focus on Republicans as evidence mounts that its messaging on the politically tricky issue of inflation has fallen flat with most Americans.


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It's tough enough trying to look like you know what you're doing on a tennis court when you're just learning the strokes and strategy. The last thing you want to do is embarrass yourself by interfering with players on other courts or irritating your opponents.
Understanding some of the basics of tennis etiquette will help you fit in with your friends, teammates and others at the club or park and help you look like you know what you're doing.
Call the Score
If you're serving, make sure to call the score before every point. This not only lets your opponent know you're ready to serve, but also prevents score disputes later.
Respect the Neighbors
Don't roll balls behind or onto someone else's court during a point. If a ball comes onto your court from another match, wait until they have finished their point to return their ball or roll it back to the fence in-between your two courts (but not behind their court where they could potentially trip and fall). Even if you roll the ball out of harm's way during a point, at least one side will see that ball rolling behind the court and might become distracted, stopping the point (which will have to be played over).
If your ball goes onto or behind another court, don't retrieve it if the players are playing a point. If a ball rolls behind a player or players who don't see it and they might injure themselves by stepping on it, you might need to warn them. However, this can cause them to stop playing a point they might have won, getting you a lecture. In these situations, you are often damned if you do and damned if you don't. Don't worry, you'll eventually learn to get the hang of when to issue give a warning and when to keep quiet.
Fair Warmups
Before a match, players have five minutes or so to warm up. This is not practice time. You should hit balls in a way that lets your opponent warm up, and they should do the same for you. When your opponent comes to the net, for example, don't blast balls past her or right at her. Make sure she can practice her volley.
Don't Play Out Serves
If your opponent hits an obviously out serve, don't hit it back. Hit it into the net or let it roll into the fence behind you. Practicing your return makes your opponent wait to hit his second serve and may require him to clear the ball.
Question Only Once
If you think (or even know) your opponent has made a bad call, you can ask once (per point) for clarification and that's it. No matter how flagrant a bad call, you can't argue. If there's an official, you can ask for a referee to make calls, but it's impolite to keep challenging the same call — and, you might be wrong!
Let Kids Play
Parents should not coach kids, make calls, explain rules or give coaching advice during junior matches. The only exception to this is if the league rules encourage this (often for beginner tournaments) and parents are unbiased, helping both or all four children. Getting involved with your child's match also puts pressure on her and makes it less fun.


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If you find the same product for a lower price from any other company, we will refund/match the difference. Offer is valid for 30 days from the date of purchase. Valid on orders shipped within the continental United States. Cannot price match against auction sites. Pricing match is based on competitor complying with Manufacturer's Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) Policy. If a product is listed below "MAP" we may not be able to match that price. Vendor that we price match must have product available to purchase and not on backorder.
Living Earth Crafts® Napa La Mer™ Wet/Dry Table
The Napa La Mer™ is the perfect solution for wet treatments, massage, Vichy showers, body wraps, mud masques, scrub treatments, and more. This beautiful shelf table is crafted with treated water resistant Teak wood and marine grade foam and Aqua™ vinyl. Add stainless steel hardware and a vented HDPE top and you have a table ready to endure the constant rigors of a wet room environment. Non-electric height adjustments are easy and can be done while the client is on the table. Just a few revolutions of the handle and the Napa La Mer positions itself perfectly for a number of wet room treatments as well as massage. Unlike other wet room tables, the comfortable upholstered top is designed to drain and can be removed for periodic disinfecting. At the end of their useful life, the foam and upholstery can easily be replaced.
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Please Note:
- Headrest pictured is not included.
- LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY: Living Earth Crafts (LEC) offers an industry best warranty, worldwide, on all tables and accessories. We guarantee our table frames against defects in material and workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns the table, or five years after the model is discontinued. Foam and upholstery covering are warranted for three years. Hydraulic systems, motors, controls and actuators are warranted for two years, including parts and labor. LEC's warranty service for stationary tables is offered on-site, where feasible. Accessories and options are warranted for one year, unless otherwise noted. LEC may repair or replace defective components at our discretion. For factory repairs on portables, the customer is responsible for shipping costs associated with returning the product to the factory. LEC will return the warranted product, standard shipping pre-paid, to customers in the continental US. International customers are responsible for any applicable duties and taxes, as well as all shipping charges inbound and outbound. Normal wear and tear, and costs associated with maintenance procedures, and damage caused by accident, misuse, improper maintenance, harsh operating environments or neglect (which includes tears in the upholstery and damage caused by harsh chemical-based cleaners) are not covered under this warranty. All warranties are limited to repair or replacement, at LEC's discretion, unless otherwise stated.
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|Brand Name
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Dave and I apparently decided to labor over Labor Day. Not in a bad way, but our to-do list has grown extensively and needed some attention. We made a bunch of quiche for quick freezer dinners and to use up some of mom's veggies, did laundry, dealt with adoption paperwork, cleaned out and organized closets, sorted Dave's mystery boxes o' stuff, did a goodwill run, paid bills, wrote thank you's and watered plants. Surprisingly, we made a solid dent in the – let's be honest; my – to-do list. Yay! To celebrate, we took Tess and Stella over to watch Adam's kids go nuts in the pond at mom's house.
These are never the most inspiring weekends, but it feels so good to check stuff off and see a tidier house. The beauty of it is we get a bonus day tomorrow! Tonight's menu is inspired by a pound of myriad overripe tomatoes: Mark Bittman's Indian-style tomato sauce and cinnamon apple cake. With mom's contributions, the inspirational fresh produce is approaching overwhelming fresh produce, so we have to get organized. The recipes will keep coming!
Tess has a new party trick: the forearm prop-up. Her viewpoint is now considerably more interesting, and it's an adorable photo pose – as if we needed encouragement. She's smiling and laughing more too, and reacts to parental monkey antics. I fear our maturity level has taken a hit for her entertainment. No biggie. Thank go she's entertained, because her nap/eating schedule has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. We threw up our hands today and fed her when she was hungry. Tomorrow'sanother day! Otherwise, we hope every one's enjoying the three-day break as much as we are. 🙂


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Fri, 28 December 2012
Join the gang, their family and friends as they celebrate the holidays and the third anniversary of TMOS! Today's show kicks off with an extended edition of, "Marc Ronick, This is Your Life", featuring Marc's parents (the real ones) and camp friends. Then its on to a very drunken Zoolander, New Year's Resolutions and...Shot Roulette!
Direct download: TMOS20121228.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36am EST
Wed, 26 December 2012
Join the gang, their family and friends as they celebrate the holidays and the third anniversary of TMOS!
Direct download: TMOS20121207B_XMAS_EDIT.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:48pm EST
Fri, 21 December 2012
Santa makes one more stop before the holidays...plus a sonogram tale, Facebookery and we put a listener in Jeopardy. Gary Krimble folks! Thanks for a great year!
Direct download: TMOS20121221.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:28pm EST
Thu, 20 December 2012
Check out Mike O'Meara on The Andy Parks Show!
Direct download: Omeara_on_Parks_122012.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:11pm EST
Thu, 20 December 2012
Sonogram Thursday with Mr. Cassidy, your letters, the magic of legislation, hair...and a surprise guest. Ho Ho Ho! Today's show is brought to you by our very own Amazon page! Plenty of last minute gifts still available in time for the holiday!
Direct download: TMOS20121220.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:51am EST
Wed, 19 December 2012
Wine drinkin' with Santa buddy, eagle fun, Mother O'Meara and the delightful Brian Gauthier.
Direct download: TMOS20121219.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:27pm EST
Tue, 18 December 2012
Live Christmas music for your Tuesday...plus Hof, gifts and lots of laffter.
Direct download: TMOS20121218.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:41pm EST
Mon, 17 December 2012
Monday has a symphonic recap, a Quench recap, Mike vs. cleavage and fruit cake...and Carla is busy.
Direct download: TMOS20121217.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:55pm EST
Fri, 14 December 2012
Friday with the jolly fat man, Mike vs. the Junkies, talk of WTNT and we meet "Josh". See you at Quench tonight!
Direct download: TMOS20121214.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:58pm EST
Thu, 13 December 2012
Thursday brings you the biggest mailbag ever, Mike vs. the orchestra, why Robb frowns and an obscure (but popular) voice.
Direct download: TMOS20121213.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:02pm EST
Wed, 12 December 2012
Jack Cassidy for your Wednesday, plus a call to Carla, Clara Peller and...who hates Santa?
Direct download: TMOS20121212.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:15pm EST
Tue, 11 December 2012
Today, cookies & gifts & housewives & homoeroticism & controversy!
Direct download: TMOS20121211.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:36pm EST
Mon, 10 December 2012
Today, we go all symphonic. Plus, Mr. Sirkorski, SNL analysis and our party recap.
Direct download: TMOS20121210.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:35pm EST
Fri, 7 December 2012
Friday with a drop or two of libations...plus an apology, Lowell's latest project and Mrs. O'Meara comes by...Ho! Ho! Ho! Thanks for 3 amazing years everybody!
Direct download: TMOS20121207.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:45pm EST
Thu, 6 December 2012
Thursday! We have mail and presents, plus dog trouble and some complaints about Christmas TV.
Direct download: TMOS20121206.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:19pm EST
Wed, 5 December 2012
Wednesday with a Psy of relief, a word of congrats deejay slopiness and the Sox get some vowels.
Direct download: TMOS20121205.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:13pm EST
Tue, 4 December 2012
Goofy Tuesday with mattress chat, football recap, a nod to charity, Robb's grocery love letter and Mitt gets a job.
Direct download: TMOS20121204.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:03pm EST
Mon, 3 December 2012
Monday fun with the magic of recipes, Lottery update, Giants & Skin...and sick tummies.
Direct download: TMOS20121203.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:05pm EST


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Giraff+ Combining social interaction and long term monitoring for promoting independent living
See a GiraffPlus press release issued by the European Commission in this ISTC news.
Early detection and adaptive support to changing individual needs related to ageing is an important challenge in today society. The Giraff+ project aims at developing a system that addresses such a challenge. The system consists of a network of home sensors that measure e.g. blood pressure or temperature, or detect e.g. whether somebody occupies a chair, falls down or moves inside a room. The data from these sensors are interpreted by an intelligent system in terms of activities, e.g. the person is going to bed, and health and wellbeing, e.g. the person is tired or well rested. These activities can then trigger alarms or reminders to the person or his/her caregivers, or be analysed over time by a health professional. The system should automatically adapt to perform specific services such as checking the person's sleeping patterns. There is also a telepresence robot, the Giraff, which can be moved around in the home by somebody connected to it over internet, e.g. a caregiver. The Giraff is effectively a mobile communication platform, equipped with video camera and display, and microphone and speakers, and it helps the user to maintain his/her social contacts. Particular emphasis is put on user evaluation outside the laboratories. The Giraff+ system will be installed and evaluated in at least 15 homes of elderly people distributed in three European countries (Sweden, Italy and Spain). These evaluations will drive the development of the system. The concept of "useworthiness" will be central in order to assure that the Giraff+ system provides services that are easy and worth using. In addition, by using existing and affordable components (besides the Giraff robot also sensors from two participating companies: Tunstall and IntelliCare) we strive to achieve a system that is affordable and close to commercialization.
CNR takes part in Giraff+ with two research groups having distinct competences one at ISTC and one at ISTI.
ISTC covers various roles in the project: Gabriella Cortellessa is the Project Technical Manager, Andrea Orlandini coordinates WP1 on User Requirement Analisys and Architectural Design, Amedeo Cesta coordinates WP4 on Interactive Capabilities and Personalization Services.


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John Dabell
John Dabell is an education consultant and author who specialises in primary maths. He has contributed articles on the topic of pedagogy to the Maths — No Problem! blog.
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Air pollution from coal mines
Air pollution from coal mines is mainly due to emissions of particulate matter and gases including methane (CH4), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), as well as carbon monoxide (CO).[1]
Mining operations like drilling, blasting, hauling, collection, and transportation are the major sources of emissions and air pollution. Coal left in the ground can catch fire, and mine fires are difficult to control, with some burning for decades or even centuries, creating a major source of air pollution. The use of explosives, such as in mountaintop removal, releases carbon monoxide (CO). Dust and coal particles stirred up during the mining process, as well as soot released during coal transport, contributes to emissions and respiratory problems.[1]
High levels of suspended particulate matter increase respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, while gaseous emissions contribute to respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebral problems.[2] Coal also contains methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, which is released into the atmosphere during mining. On average, the deeper a mine, the more methane it generates, although methane emission depends on the mining methods, depth of coal mining, coal quality, and entrapped gas content in coal seams.[1]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Partha Das Sharma,"Coal mining and pollution" Knol Website, July 2009
- ↑ Alan Lockwood, Kristen Welker-Hood, Molly Rauch, Barbara Gottlieb,"Coal's Assault on Human Health" Physicians for Social Responsibility Report, November 2009
Related GEM.wiki articles
- Air pollution from coal-fired power plants
- Climate impacts of coal plants
- Mercury and coal
- Sulfur dioxide and coal
- Global warming
- Environmental impacts of coal


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The smart-me 3-phase meters are now MID certified. These devices now conform to the Europe-wide MID standard and can be used for billing purposes.
Springboard to the world
This is not just a quality seal, it also expands options for market access. Because MID licensing applies throughout Europe, electricity meters can be sold in other countries without the expense of additional certification. Prosumers – users who blur the line between energy consumer and producer – are a driving force for energy transformation worldwide. They depend on precisely the kind of smart management solutions that smart-me offers.
The simple solution for private consumption
Along with this geographical expansion, new application areas are also opening up within the domestic market in Switzerland. And with the merging of private energy consumption that has been permitted since January 2018 – which allows owners to bill tenants directly for energy produced in the building – the smart-me metering system can provide the data basis for energy cost billing. Moreover, intelligent cloud software can provide additional functions such as visualisation and optimisation of energy flows. You can test the new technology live at www.smart-me.com.
smart-me energy management
smart-me makes energy management easy, affordable and viable on a large scale. Our devices capture data from all energy sources, including electricity, heat, water and gas. The data is synchronised directly with the smart-me cloud via wifi. The cloud platform is the smart control centre for the collated energy data. This data can be accessed at any time via a smartphone app and through the web portal. Users receive visualisation tools, with the option to optimise their private consumption using intelligent rules and generate their own bills. A variety of open interfaces enable straightforward export to the user's software program of choice.
About smart-me AG
smart-me AG was established in 2014. Its technology has attracted numerous awards and it has established itself as an innovative technology manufacturer. The smart-me team currently consists of twelve people working out of the Rotkreuz headquarters. The smart-me system (app and hardware) is currently used by around 3,000 customers with some 18,000 integrated measuring points (electricity, heat, water, gas).


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Warm goat cheese salad is hands-down my favorite salad of all time &mdash and that's saying a lot, as I am a big salad fan!
Created by serving fried goat cheese, known as chevre chaud in French, with salad greens and a vinaigrette dressing, this salad is sure to impress. It's a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!
The recipe given here is one I created from combining several of my favorite salad ingredients, together with a homemade dressing that all blend especially well with the creamy, tangy taste of the warm goat cheese.
The sweet onion vinaigrette is a beautiful rose color, and the flavor adds interest to the cheese and the greens. The addition of fruit to the salad gives it a natural sweetness, and also goes well with the flavor of the goat cheese.
Serve a small portion of one piece of goat cheese with one cup of salad as an appetizer, or double the portions to have a salad that complements a meal. You can even step up the portions again, and add a thick piece of toasted garlic bread or cheese toast to have a delicious entree.
Dressing: Combine dressing ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Salad: Slice the strawberries and bananas and toss with the greens to mix. Divide into serving bowls or plates.
Chevre Chaud: Place the egg and 1 tsp. water in a small bowl, and mix well with a fork or whisk. Place the bread crumbs in a separate bowl. Slice the chevre into 1/2" thick rounds. Dip in the egg, then roll in the bread crumbs. Brown both sides quickly in a pan with a small amount of oil.
Gently place the warm chevre onto the salad and top with vinaigrette (stir or shake first if it has begun to separate).
Now, enjoy &mdash both the taste and the compliments!
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Bob Evans Farms, Inc. will require all its suppliers to phase out gestation stalls by 2025, the company announced March 13.
"Consistent with the livestock care standards adopted in our home state of Ohio, by 2025, we will require all suppliers to source animals from housing systems that provide the animals with ample opportunity for movement and comfort and ensure the safety of the workers who care for them. We believe this is best achieved by transitioning from conventional gestation stall housing to systems that provide greater freedom of movement and individual care and safety," the company said. "To help us reach that goal, we will continue to seek counsel from our Animal Well-Being Committee and to support groups that conduct research on hog housing."
In a statement, the company said the decision came much research and consultations with farmers, customers, industry trade groups and animal rights advocates.
"Bob Evans Farms' internal experts consulted regularly on sow housing with members of our Animal Well-Being Committee, which includes three independent outside experts in animal behavior and well-being," the company said. "We also considered academic research and scientific literature that examined the advantages and disadvantages of individual and group housing environments for gestating sows.
"Our key learning is this – the single-most critical factor in ensuring animal well-being is not the housing system itself, but rather the animal husbandry practiced by those who care for the sows. Although there is no perfect housing system available, we will remain focused on quality animal care from trained, qualified caretakers and a safe on-farm working environment."
Recently, pork producers attending the National Pork Board's National Pork Industry Forum approved a resolution reaffirming the industry's position that pork producers should be able to select a sow housing system, including gestation stalls or individual maternity pens, which best promotes employee safety and animal care while ensuring a reliable supply of pork for consumers.
"Pork producers, working with veterinarians, understand what it takes to provide the best care and welfare for their animals," said Karen Richter, a farmer from Montgomery, Minn., and National Pork Board vice president. "The National Pork Board builds its animal and well-being programs on the foundation of what are best for the pig. By adopting this resolution, producers are reaffirming their commitment to choose what type of housing is best for their animals."
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Whenever you select carpet, you have to consider many aesthetic as well as technical areas. With well over a hundred thousands styles and colors being released every year, selecting the right carpet to match your needs can be a very challenging task indeed. Carpet is available in several different textures, ... Most carpet warranties will require the installation of new carpet padding as well at the time of installation in order for the warranty to become valid.
The process of steam cleaning your carpet involves hot water being fed to a spray extraction tool or wand, coupled to a pump vacuum power unit. The cleaning solution is injected under pressure deep into the carpet through water jet nozzles. The water will then penetrate the fiber all the way down to the backing ... the entire area has been cleaned. 9. Groom the cleaned area, replace all furniture that was removed, then clean all equipment that you used.
When you select carpet for your home, you have many things to consider and many different options to weigh as well. Carpets come in many different colors and styles, textures and fibers, and there are many different qualities to choose from as well. The two most popular choices of carpet today are the loop pile and cut ... having to work twice as hard to make stains less noticeable. It would be easier and also smarter to select a dark color and make it easier on yourself.
Carpets are available in many different styles and colors, although when you shop for your carpet, you should try to buy the best quality carpet you can get for the money. Even if you happen to be on a very strict budget, you shouldn't skimp on your carpeting or your carpet pad, as quality products will tend to ... have any problems picking out your next carpet. Quality and durability are the keys to great carpet and pad, which is why you don't want to rush this process.
If you walk into any carpeting store, you'll find yourself amazed at all of the choices that are there for you to pick from. You'll find textured plush carpets, saxony carpets, berber carpets, and even commercial grade carpets. There are carpets that can be installed wall to wall, and carpets that can be cut to size with ... should ask to take a piece of it home. Look at it during natural daylight and at night under an artificial light to see if the color changes at all.
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I am reading this book now! I found out about it through a WordPress site that I visit called Holes To Heavens by Adam Sommer. Adam has a great site to visit and is an astrologer.
Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas is an amazing book about human consciousness. He takes us on a journey of the humanities and the mind, and patterns of being. Richard Tarnas is a cultural historian and professor of philosophy and depth psychology. The title of his book defines the contents of the chapters. The relationship of us with the cosmos is a fascinating subject to me.
As a Romantic, I recommend this as a must read book, and a book to have available on your favorite bookshelf. It is a delightfully wordy, intense and insightful book that incorporates history, culture and spirituality. I feel I have, so far, grasped the thesis of Richards's book as:
Above all we must awaken to and overcome the great hidden anthropocentric projection that has virtually defined the modern mind: the pervasive projection of soullessness onto the cosmos by the modern self's own will to power.( page 41 paragraph two)
Understanding what Richard is telling us is so very important to know. In our modern time of discord, and at times of hopelessness, we can develop a relationship with our inner world, our outer world and the cosmos in a new and creative way. In his book we find some old friends, the foresight of Blake, Jung and Goethe resonate in his book as affirmations of a new and hopeful world.
Synchronicity is like breathing…as above so below!!
Holes To Heavens


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Professor Emeritus
Areas of Interest
adult cardiac surgery, surgery for heart failure, mechanical circulatory support and surgery for heart failure, surgical education
Dr. Holman trained in general and cardiothoracic surgery at Duke University under Dr. David Sabiston. During his residency, he performed research in the laboratory of Dr. James Cox. Dr. Holman was an instructor in cardiac surgery at UAB under Dr. Albert Pacifico and joined the faculty in 1988. Since that time, Dr. Holman has performed adult cardiothoracic operations at UAB and the Birmingham VA Medical Center. In addition, he worked in several areas of research including cardiac arrhythmias, ischemia-reperfusion injury and outcomes analysis for patients with heart assist devices. He has been awarded grants from the NIH, American Heart Association (including an Established Investigator award), VA, and industry. He has been a member of NIH and VA study sections and is currently the chair of the American Heart Association (AHA) Surgery Study Section.
When Dr. Holman began work at UAB, he started the ventricular assist device program. He has been the local principal investigator for numerous FDA Investigational New Device trials of ventricular assist devices. He has been a member or chair of several data safety monitoring boards for new surgical devices.
In 2007, Dr. Holman expanded his involvement at the Birmingham VA Medical Center to become the chief of surgical services. He has been involved in the expansion of existing services and the establishment of new services at the VA. Advances in the VA clinical programs culminated in promotion of the Birmingham VA Medical Center from a 1B to a 1A facility in 2014.
Dr. Holman's clinical interests include adult cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting and heart valve surgery) and surgery for heart failure (mechanical circulatory support devices). His research interests include topics in mechanical circulatory support and surgery for heart failure. He also has interests in surgical education and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (heart attacks). Dr. Holman participated in the training of five NIH funded resident researchers and numerous clinical trainees in cardiothoracic surgery.
Medical School
Cornell University Medical College
Duke University Medical Center
General Surgery
Duke University Medical Center
Research Fellow
Duke University Medical Center
General and Thoracic Surgery
Contact Information
Patient Appointments and Questions: 205-934-3853
Academic Office: 205-934-3853
Campus Address
Zeigler Research Building, 719


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THE LIGHT OF THE MOON (2017) review
written by: Jessica M. Thompson
produced by: Jessica M. Thompson, Carlo Velayo and Michael Cuomo
directed by: Jessica M. Thompson
rated: not rated
runtime: 94 min.
U.S. release date: March 24, 2017 (SXSW) & November 1, 2017 (limited)
There have always been films about rape victims and all that transpires after their devastating assault – the investigation and the trauma, as well as the extremely uncomfortable feelings that come with each day following the crime. In "The Light of the Moon", writer/producer/director Jessica M. Thompson provides an intimate and honest look at the aftermath of rape, free from what's typically depicted in a film including this material, like police procedurals and identity of the rapist. After all, the criminal's life is rarely ever altered in the wake of such a despicable act and figuring out how to put one foot forward for the victim can be a minute-by-minute process. What Thompson does in her thoughtful and sensitive feature-length debut is remind us what transpires in the life of someone who never wanted to be considered a victim.
In its opening scenes, "The Light of the Moon" establishes Latina architect, Bonnie (Stephanie Beatriz, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "Short Term 12"), as a confident and cool, hard-working colleague to Jack (Conrad Ricamora,"How to Get Away With Murder") at a firm where she's trying to prove her value. She shares an apartment in the Bushwhick section of Brooklyn with her boyfriend, Matt (Michael Stahl-David, "The Good Wife" and "Cloverfield"), and while we first meet him when he arrives at her work to apologize and let her know he won't be joining her and her co-workers for drinks after work because he has to entertain a client yet again.
Bonnie is obviously disappointed and the two get into what seems like a stereotypical round of sarcastic arguments about how both of their work commitments and social activities always seem to get in the way of them spending time together. We've seen that covered before elsewhere and thankfully it doesn't take long for Bonnie and Matt to shake off cliche and establish themselves as real people (she's a real person and he's not a typical guy) and not a checklist of perquisite characterizations and thanks to the great portrayals here by Beatriz and Stahl-David.
They both make an amicable decision to lay low and spend time with each other the next day, since Matt will be out all night and she's going out with her friends. The scenes that follow are with Bonnie, as she can be seen dancing with her colleagues at a club not far from there apartment. She's having a good time, throwing back shots and laughing, but there's also this guy she has to fend off on the dance floor who gives her some skeevy uncomfortable vibes. As Bonnie and her friends part ways, she begins the three-block walk home on her own with headphones intact and is suddenly pulled into a dark alley and is accosted and raped.
It all happens so fast and Thompson and cinematographer Autumn Eakin aren't interested in getting graphic with the assault, focusing explicitly on Bonnie's terrified face, putting viewers right there with her during that awful ordeal. What little we see and hear is more than enough and Thompson knows this. In no time, her unidentified rapist is long gone and Bonnie is left to stumble home, bloody and in shock. The story is just beginning.
With television shows like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and the way in which rape victims have been portrayed on the big-screen, there is unfortunately a certain familiarity with what takes place after a rape, but it's rare that we stay with a victim this closely immediately after. The first question for the viewer is inevitably, "What's next?", since it's natural to wonder how Bonnie can possibly consider what to do now. Back at her apartment, she is shown taking off her underwear and placing them in a plastic bag along with the facial tissue she used to clean up down there, an action which tells us she's thinking of evidence before she showers.
When Matt comes home, he sees her bruised face and she has to tell him something. Beatriz portrays a humiliation and pain in this moment that feels so right and real. No one wants to come out and immediately tell their significant other they've been raped, so she understandably tells him she was mugged and tells him she needs to go to the hospital. Still, there's an instinctual need to avoid what's transpired.
Already bombarded with questions from her boyfriend when he first saw her, Bonnie then has to endure the onslaught of questions and directions from hospital staff, detectives (Craig Walker and Heather Simms) that are brought in and a social worker (Patricia Noonan) on call. Questions like "How much did you have to drink?" and "Were you wearing your headphones?" feel like questions asked in a courtroom, instead of an emergency room. The rape victim is left to deal with these questions that make her feel like she made poor decisions. She is given tetanus shots and follow-up medications for STDs and AIDS, all from one life-altering violation.
Thompson's screenplay and direction are very strong here, getting to an honesty and emotional uncertainty that feels authentic, but it's Beatriz and Stahl-David that really hit the right notes here. From that difficult scene in the hospital where Bonnie reveals she's been raped with Matt by her side processing such shocking news, to the awkward feeling Bonnie has each time Matt goes out of his way to meet her needs and look after her, the two actors already have a natural chemistry together, but how they both portray characters who are trying not to feel divided isn't just convincing, it's impressive.
"The Light of the Moon" effectively takes us through the harrowing and unsettling process. The process of medical care and police involvement and also the process of how this couple must process all this. This may not have happened to Matt personally, but he is the only one with the knowledge that Bonnie was raped and he knows that's a lot to deal with. They both would like to go back to the way things were, but they also know that's not possible.
The rest of the film touches on questions that plague both the couple and the audience: How will they be able to have sex again? Will they be thinking about the rape during sex? How could they not? Will the rapist get caught? Will there be another victim? Will Bonnie seek help in therapy? Will Matt? Can these two endure this and their relationship continue? Will Bonnie tell her mother? Most of these questions are answered, but none of them are easy answers. Every step is difficult. Every step is also one step further away from the night of the rape for Bonnie, as she slowly tries to move forward. She'll still be rattled and remain alert – which we see during a scene where she confronts a woman one night who is walking by herself with headphones on, oblivious to her surroundings – and that may never truly go away.
Considering rape victims often turn the tables on their rapist in the movies and wind up becoming aggressive attackers themselves, setting out on exacting revenge or bringing their attacker to justice, it's refreshing to find a film that's willing to patiently follow a protagonist in a more realistic manner. It won't be easy for viewers who have experienced sexual assault themselves, but in this current state of rape culture and abuse being brought to light in the media, it's important to have something out there like "The Light of the Moon" to allow a story to represent truthfully those who often don't know how or when to have a voice.
"The Light of the Moon" received the Audience Award this past spring at SXSW and is now receiving a limited theatrical release.


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h Informed Consent for Spontaneous
Labor and Normal Vaginal Birth in a domiciliary
or out-of-hospital setting:
While the course of childbearing is a normal biological function, medical problems may arise unpredictably and suddenly as an unavoidable hazard of childbearing.
Certain risks are universal to childbearing regardless of location, such as failure-to-progress, malposition of the fetus, cord accidents, respiratory distress, genetic defects, cerebral palsy and rare catastrophic complications of childbirth. Research has consistently shown that continuous electronic fetal monitoring and liberal use of cesarean does not improve outcomes for low & moderate risk pregnancies with healthy term infants. Despite the ubiquitous use of continuous EFM, the rate of cerebral palsy has remained the same for the last 30 years – approximately 2 per 1,000 live births.
A specific subset of risks are greater in a medical setting, such as unwanted interventions, immobilization in bed by medical equipment, high rates of induction, anesthesia & operative delivery and the long-term consequences of medicalizing normal childbirth such as incontinence. A different subset of risks are more prevalent in a domiciliary setting - no immediate access to diagnostic ultrasound, blood transfusions, obstetrical interventions such as forceps or cesarean surgery, perinatology services for the newborn, other treatments/technologies for time-critical emergencies.
In general, these two subsets of risk (hospital & home) cancel each other out statistically. Birth outcomes are the same for low & moderate risk pregnancies with spontaneous birth of term infants regardless of whether the babies were born in homes, hospitals or birth centers – studies show a consistent perinatal mortality rate of 2 per 1,000 births.
While hospitalization for normal childbirth does not prevent or reduce many common maternal-infant complications, immediate access to hospital-based intervention and medical treatment is statistically associated with improved outcome for some types of complications -- in particular, acute fetal distress, severe neonatal respiratory distress and rare undiagnosed cardiac anomalies in the newborn.
c d
____/____ I (we) understand that risk is always present in life, including childbearing, regardless of the location for labor and birth, due to unforeseeable complication and/or human error.
____/___ The potential for complications in childbirth of unknown severity has been explained to me and I acknowledge that such complications could result in permanent disability or even death for myself and/or my unborn or newborn baby.
____/___ I (we) have been advised that we may have a more detailed explanation of the possible problems and complications referred to above.
____/___ I (we) understand that high-tech equipment for dealing with potential or actual complications of normal childbearing is most readily available in the labor and delivery complex of an acute-care hospital and that additional emergency transport time between home and hospital can, in some cases, negatively effect outcome.
____/___ I (we) acknowledge that no guarantees can be made concerning the results of midwifery care provided to me, my unborn or newborn baby. In contrasted to hospital-based obstetrical care, we understand the limitations of community-based midwifery as provided by Faith Gibson, LM and her associates.
____/____ I (we) hereby state that I am (we are) aware of the nature and magnitude of the risks voluntarily assumed by choosing domiciliary birth services with a professional midwife, and that we are satisfied with our decision and willing to assume the consequences of our decision.
___________________________________ _________________
Signature of Client date
____________________________________ _________________
Signature of Partner date
____________________________________ _________________
Signature of midwife date
Faith Gibson, LM, CPM
California Licensed Community Midwife #041
Nationally Certified Professional Midwife #96050001
(650) 328-8491 Pager 329-6048 Cell 814-2072


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James MacMillan: interview about his St John Passion
James MacMillan: interview about his St John Passion
James MacMillan discusses his setting of the St John Passion, recently released on disc and receiving its first German and Dutch performances this Easter.
What drew you to compose a St John Passion?
St John's version of the Passion story is the one I know the best, because it is recited or chanted every Good Friday as part of the Catholic liturgy. I myself have taken part in this most years since I was a student at Edinburgh University, chanting the Gregorian and Dominican musical settings. John, of course, was one of the original disciples, a beloved friend of Jesus, who took Christ's mother into his own home after the crucifixion. He was an eye witness to these events and seemed to have a profound inside understanding of what happened, and the spiritual significance of Christ's words, from his astonishing court-room battle with Pilate to his last utterances on the Cross. This aspect is also apparent in Bach's St John Passion, and is the reason why this is my favourite among all his works.
How does the narrative unfold?
There are two choirs. A small chamber choir tells the story and carries the Narrator's words. Its music is plainsong influenced, and has a certain detachment from the drama. Jesus is a solo baritone – the only soloist. His lines are full of decorations and melismas, and in his own way, he seems apart from the convulsions unfolding around him. The large choir represents all the other voices – of the crowd, of servants, the Pharisees, Pontius Pilate, St Peter and so on. At the end of most movements the large choir are given a Latin motet to sing. These texts are from Good Friday liturgies, or elsewhere. They provide reflection points where we can step outside the drama and look sideways at it, from a different perspective. For example, Part One ends with the Crucifixus section from the Credo, from the Ordinary of the Mass.
There are further interpolations in Part Two, which increasingly emphasise the inner drama, including settings of the Stabat Mater and the Reproaches.
The Stabat Mater ends the section with Jesus and his Mother, depicting Mary's reaction to the Crucifixion. Yet again an important and famous text from the Good Friday experience seemed to suggest itself at the appropriate point. After the heartbreaking dialogue with his Mother on the Cross, I introduce this text which focuses on the very human feelings of a mother's grief at the calamity which has befallen her son.
I set the Reproaches as a separate 'aria' for Christ, with interpolations from the choir. The Reproaches are antiphons and responses from the Good Friday liturgy. Palestrina's setting is still sung in the Sistine Chapel every Good Friday. The texts ascribed to Jesus in this are mostly taken from the Old Testament (the books of Isaiah, Micah and Jeremiah), and were written before and during the Exile in Babylon. Parallels are drawn with the wandering through the Wilderness in the book of Exodus and the Passion narrative.
What interpretation do you make of the Reproaches?
My experience at Good Friday services was that the Reproaches turned the liturgy outwards towards the congregation, and I wanted something similar at the point before Jesus's death in the Passion. The words of Christ question the rejection of God: "My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!" "My people" here means all people, in the New Testament sense – you, me, everyone in the world. At some level we all take responsibility for Christ's seeming rejection. In the Catholic liturgical context the Reproaches are a prayerful device which allows the people present to reflect on their own fallenness, their own unfaithfulness and sin. Up to this point in my work Christ has been a traditionally passive participant in the narrative, but in this movement I tried to make him come alive as a human being with real emotions and feelings.
Christ's death is followed by a final orchestral movement.
The final movement, after all the words have been sung, is a Song without Words – no text could suffice here – it is left to music alone to explore the deeper tragedy which has just unfolded. The translation of this final title is 'Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us'. Again it is taken from the Reproaches, and it is meant to be a kind of prayer, or benediction after all the violence and sorrow.
Listen to the St John Passion in our audio-visual area.
Buy the new LSO Live recording of St John Passion at our online shop.
> Further information on Work: St John Passion


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Cotton v. Zitterman Bosh & Associates et al
Filing 16
ORDER and DEFAULT JUDGMENT - Plaintiffs' motion for default judgment (Doc. 15) is granted. Default judgment is entered in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendants Zitterman Bosh & Associates and Damario Turpin in the amount of $5,607.50. Signed by Judge David G Campbell on 8/13/12. (DMT)
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.


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- Home
- About MINS
- For Physicians
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- Find a Doctor
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The Minimally Invasive Neurosurgical Society (MINS) offers a resource of knowledge and experience for medical professionals, which offers surgeons the best possible outcome for their patients throughout the country. Through education, MINS advances minimally invasive spine surgery throughout the world.
Our members also have the opportunity to share their research,
published articles, presentations and awards through MINS.


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How to Recover Cloud Backup Files
This article will outline how to recover files backed up using the ServerMania Cloud Backup platform, powered by Acronis.
Step 1: Login to the cloud backup portal.
Visit our cloud backup portal and login using the credentials supplied to you.
Step 2: Click Backup
Step 3: Click Recover
Navigate to the device you wish to recover files on and click the Recover button.
Step 4: Click Recover Files/Folders
Step 5: Select the backup date
The left side of the screen outlines all of the available backups. Click on the date of the backup you wish to restore from.
Step 6: Select the file or folder to recover
Step 7: Download or Recover the file
The right side of the screen allows you to either download the file, or recover the file on the remote device.


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3 Scriptures to Help Turn Your Uncertainty into Faith
We cannot count how many times in the span of each of our lives we have been uncertain. Uncertain of how we'd pay our rent, uncertain of how we'd buy food, uncertain if we'd ever have a baby, and the list goes on and on.
Have you been there?
Uncertainty is something that no one is comfortable with. It is in our human nature to want to know exactly what's around the corner. But as we know, life isn't predictable. And as it turns out, that is a good thing.
Because it gives us a chance to build our faith. And as you and I know, without faith it is impossible to walk in God's presence.
But how?
Through His Word. Today we want to share with you some of our favorite Bible verses that will help take you from focusing on what you don't know and onto focusing on God's promises to you. It has been our experience that when we begin to feel uncertain, we turn to memorizing God's Word and our uncertainty quickly turns into faith.
3 Scriptures to Help Turn Your Uncertainty into Faith
James 1:2-4 KJV: 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:31-34: 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
We encourage you to think back to a time of uncertainty in your life and reflect on how God turned your uncertainty into faith in Him and faith in His plan for your life. Share this story with someone you know; it could be the thing that they needed to hear!
The Kerchevals


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Last summer, Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel rocked the fashion world when they premiered their 2016/2017 Cruise (aka resort) collection through the streets of Havana.
For a little less than a week the fashion industry's glitterati descended upon Cuba a mere year after President Obama restored diplomatic relations with the former Communist country. Guests were chauffeured to the show, which was being held in the park near El Prado, from the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in dozens of those iconic, colorful classic cars.
While I was in Havana, we road in countless vintage cars.. but the most memorable experience, by far, was when we road in one of the cars that Karl used to transport his guests to the show!! I'm certain it was one of the cars used because on the front right-handed side of the front windshield was a pink interlocking C sticker with the words "Cruise 2016/17 Paseo del Prado". But the only thing cooler than that sticker was the fact that there was a bar in the backseat of the car.
To say I was in Chanel heaven was an understatement!!
Find my outfit details below photos.
Dress: Revolve // Scarf: Hermes (similar here) // Sunglasses: Chanel // Purse: Chanel // Earrings: Chanel (similar here)


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The Canadian Press
I missed you last week!
I really did.
'You' being the CFL fans who would have gathered in my home province of Saskatchewan for the Grey Cup Week.
There is one thing I know about Saskatchewan in regards to being a Grey Cup host; it would have been a party!
Can't wait to host you in two years.
» CFL unveils 'comeback' schedule
» Divisional games take centre stage in unique 2021 schedule
» Ticats snag first selection as 2021 CFL Draft order is revealed
Of course a week ago the CFL released their 2021 season and even though there are still the ifs, ands and buts about next year, I'm trying to jump out of my comfort zone.
Some call it pessimism. I say I prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
So I'm going to allow myself to just hope for the best and take a gander at the top 10 games on the schedule in 2021.
10. Pre-season game No. 1
I don't even know if the BC Lions/Calgary Stampeders game will even be televised but I don't care. There will be highlights of CFL football for the first time since the 2019 Grey Cup.
Will Mike Reilly and Bo Levi Mitchell even play in that game? DON'T CARE! I need to see the 150 x 65 yard field with three downs and a kicking game that actually matters.
9. Welcome back CFL on Thanksgiving
I'm a strong believer in the CFL needing to capitalize on the Canadian traditions throughout the season from Canada Day to Labour Day as well as Thanksgiving Monday.
2019, the league didn't have a Thanksgiving Monday game that had become a semi-tradition in Montreal over the years. And in 2021 it returns to Montreal with the Alouettes hosting the REDBLACKS.
8. Pre-Labour Day Classic – Sept 1 Hamilton @ Toronto
A quick in the schedule for this year is a pre-Labour Day Classic between the Argonauts and Tiger-Cats on a rare Wednesday night in Toronto. It's smack dab in the middle of a three game in 10 days for the Argonauts but it'll be an intriguing appetizer for the Labour Day Classic the following Monday in it's traditional time and spot at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.
7. September 25th – Matt Nichols vs Zach Collaros
In 2021, there is no return visit to Winnipeg for Matt Nichols after leading the Bombers to some success in his time as the starter. Of course, his injury last year made way for the Bombers to make a deadline day deal for Zach Collaros who lead the team to the 2019 Grey Cup Championship.
I'm always intrigued when the quarterback goes up against the team that, you could argue, dispatched him despite some success. The problem for Nichols is he wasn't able to win the Grey Cup for the Bombers, and Collaros did.
There is no real bad blood there but you have to think some motivation will be on tap for Nichols to show Winnipeg they picked the wrong guy.
6. August 13th – Nick Arbuckle vs Bo Levi Mitchell
Young Nick Arbuckle learned plenty in Calgary from Mitchell, Dave Dickenson and I'm sure at times, John Hufnagel. But now Arbuckle has his own team and he's been waiting a long time for this moment (over a year after signing his deal in Ottawa).
This is a different story than Nichols and Collaros, this is the future up and coming star who left his back-up job trying to beat his mentor. And you know when Ottawa and Calgary get together, overtime is almost a guarantee.
5. September 11th Triple header
Throw in two Labour Day rematches with the Bombers and Riders, and Calgary and Edmonton, and then throw in a Saturday night from BC. Place Stadium with the REDBLACKS and Lions.
9 hours of CFL football…. I'll never complain about that, especially after 2020.
4. June 10th – Grey Cup rematch, Opener and Thursday night
Could the CFL have thrown more story lines into the opening game of the back to work season? We get the Bombers and Tiger-Cats in a Grey Cup rematch 19 months in the making. You wonder if the Tiger-Cats will be extra eager to not only get back on the field but get back some revenge from their Grey Cup defeat in Calgary in 2019.
Match that up with the opening game of the season, to a national audience anticipating the big play CFL to excite and entertain once again.
And then…. THE REKLAWS!!! It's Thursday Night Football, baby. If you've ever heard my show, you may know I have an unhealthy obsession with the Thursday Night Football theme song. I love it. I want it back and I want to blast it as loud as possible!
Bring it on, baby!
3. July 1st – Canada Day – Riders vs. Stampeders
Psst. This is also a Thursday night – see above.
But, seriously, the Roughriders have absolutely nailed Canada Day games in the past with amazing fly overs, to the massive fan card images to some sensational football games. 2010, you may remember, is one for the ages.
But you also tie into a special event for the CFL on Canada Day. I hope it's the loudest anthem we hear in a long time as it will feel good to again celebrate our great country with this great league!
2. Mark's Labour Day Weekend
As Commissioner Randy Ambrosie has mentioned plenty of times, it was this weekend in 2020 where it really hit home we weren't going to have our CFL traditions. I've already written about the meaning of Labour Day Weekend in Saskatchewan for the Riders and Bombers.
But for Calgary and Edmonton fans, as well as Tiger-Cat and Argonaut fans, the traditions were equally missed. Being able to share some libations, laughs and jeers again on one of my favourite weekends of the year, will be a welcome return.
Hopefully the football will match the energy of the fans.
1. Grey Cup week in Hamilton
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats last hosted a Grey Cup game in 1996. They are one of the heartbeat franchises of the CFL and any Tiger-Cat fan I've ever met knows how to have a good time.
I'm allowing myself to think about the fun that will be had in Hamilton in 2021. It has the potential to trump any Grey Cup celebration ever because it won't be one we take for granted.
I'm not sure the result of the game will even matter to the seven other fan bases that don't have a team in the hunt, we just want to see that beautiful silver mug raised above the heads of champions.
I've covered all but one of these games since 2009 and want to be back on the field covered in confetti to celebrate the conclusion of a season that today continues to feel like a lifetime away, but can't get here soon enough.


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This time last year I wrote about how uncertainty and risk are shaping not only everyday events but also how we think about development and humanitarian practice. As I sit down to reflect on the challenges ahead in 2013, it feels a bit like Groundhog Day. Much of the uncertainty of last year remains – the long shadow of the global financial crisis, the fiscal crunch in Europe, the growing number and intensity of extreme weather events, and the fracturing trajectory of the increasingly deadly Syrian conflict.
There are also new uncertainties: the scale of fiscal drag on the US economy and the political degrees of freedom available to the Obama administration to spearhead critical reforms not just domestically but internationally too, a new leadership in China, the uncertain path of recent conflict in central Africa, the dark cloud of the Rakhine crisis in Burma, and rising tensions in the south China sea.
Risk and uncertainty are hardly new and can be a spur to creativity and innovation; but as the theme of this year's annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos suggests, they gather critical potency in a fast-changing, hyperlinked world in which there is 'no risk-off setting'. 2013 will be a testing time for decision-makers everywhere as they seek to find ways to bring adaptation and resilience to the fore as essential attributes of both private- and public-sector business models.
Against this backdrop, development and humanitarian actors are also being tested – on their agility and speed as well as their capacity to adapt to new disruptors in the aid and development space. ODI's recent work on creative destruction in the aid industry points to a number of critical disruptors for aid agencies in the coming decade: from the increasing role of private aid flows (via internet platforms such as Kiva and Just Giving), to the shifting dynamics of south-south cooperation, the emergence of new private-public financing instruments, and the changing aetiology of international cooperation, particularly in the climate space.
The work of ODI's Humanitarian Policy Group also points to disruptors that are changing the humanitarian space, from the number of crises generated by natural hazards and the importance of regional bodies in responding to emergencies, to new civil-military dynamics in conflict zones and increasing engagement with non-state actors in access to and delivery of humanitarian assistance.
As well as proofing themselves for future trends, development actors need to be ambitious in the face of a number of opportunities and challenges in 2013.
- The UK presidency of the G8 this year is undoubtedly an opportunity. The last time the UK chaired the G8 was 2005, a landmark year in which a new consensus on aid and on African development was reached amongst the richest nations of the world. In 2013 a great deal has changed. Several African economies are among the fastest growing economies in the world, and while development indicators still lag overall there are real signs of development progress. Although aid levels have failed to reach the heights promised in 2005, neither have they collapsed in the face of growing austerity, though the critique of aid spending in the UK is intensifying and we should expect more in 2013.
Set against this context and that of flagging 'G-power', the UK will try to steer the conversation this year towards a new set of collective action challenges that influence the global environment for development: trade, tax compliance and transparency – the 'three Ts'. ODI's research points to a worrying increase in protectionist tendencies in the EU, something that the G8 should do its best to counter. Any collective agreement on closing tax loopholes and improving global standards on tax compliance will be popular, but there are equally pressing issues for developing countries, including trade mispricing that, according to Global Financial Integrity, contributes close to 80 per cent of illicit capital flows globally.
Finally, transparency is a sine qua non of continued support for aid from the G8, but the G8 mustn't treat transparency as an issue only for developing nations, nor should it treat it as an end in itself. Evidence on transparency shows that not only does the disclosure of data and information matter, so do the enabling conditions that encourage the use of such information in and for the public interest. The 'three Ts' potentially offer an important way for the G8 to reposition itself on a global agenda, but whether they will restore G-power is still to be seen.
- The High Level Panel (HLP) on the post-2015 development framework is due to report in May. Ambition has to be the name of the game, but then so does focus – not easy bed-fellows. The HLP needs to set out a strong narrative for 'what next' while treading carefully through the forest of ever more ambitious demands for the post-2015 framework. The process is riddled with risk and not a small dose of uncertainty. 2013 will need to deliver a stronger sense of direction if the 2015 deadline is to be achieved. ODI is contributing evidence and ideas to help define a possible narrative for post-2015, including being part of a team putting together the 2013 European Report on Development on the topic and a global experiment designed to crowd-source citizens' views on priorities for a post-2015 global framework.
- Early 2013 will see renewed efforts to agree the EU's budget for 2014-20. There is already much focus on the size of the budget, and aid watchers are concerned that cuts could fall disproportionately on Europe's development budget. But new ODI research argues that it is not the volume of spend that matters most for EU citizens or for global development, but the direction of that spending and the distribution of spending across budget headings. What is needed now is a fuller understanding of how the EU budget can help the EU fulfil its role in the global economy in such a way that benefits EU citizens and global development more broadly.


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One year has passed already, Halfquake Sunrise is one year old. I've kicked off yet another Halfquake contest and you may read all the details over at the contest's page. Among other things, you can win Portal 2 and Alice: Madness Returns.
The Halfquake DVD, which the top five contestants will receive, has once again been updated with over 60 scans from various Halfquake Amen and Halfquake Sunrise notes/sketches.
Apart from the contest, I've created the Halfquake trilogy package, which - as the name conveniently suggests - contains all Halfquake parts in one neat container. With this compilation, Halfquake 1 has been upgraded to better support Steam, among other little things.
And finally, take a look at Denikover's Remains fan art and check out his Halfquake Minecraft map.


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Come and stitch this delicious Gingerbread Retreat Cottage, Part 9 in the Gingerbread Village! Added to the Tree Etui, the Stitching House, Church, Candy Cane Cottage, Bakery, Haunted House, Needlework Shop, and Quilt Shop, this little Gingerbread Retreat cottage is inspired by my friend Sue's camp cottage! At the front, you see a welcoming figure in a Santa hat waving you inside from the lower veranda. Picture windows at the lower floor show a class taking place.. where I'm teaching a group of happy students. There is even a separate porch addition, which I know you'll love! The roof is almost covered with Hardanger stitching, and is the main focus. You will be stitching with yummy silk flosses, Perle Cottons, sparkling beads and delicious looking 'candy' buttons. This building was not lined, which makes finishing easier and faster, but you can always line it inside, or add a bottom to finish it off nicely. Finishing instructions and colour photos are included at the end of this leaflet. This year, place all your finished Gingerbread buildings on your mantle for the Holidays! Look for more Gingerbread Village additions in future years! Sending all of you a delicious and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from my house to yours! -Thea
Gingerbread Retreat Cottage Fabric Layout is in Leaflet
(Note: If everything is made out of 28ct Gingerbread Coloured linen, we recommend you buy 14" wide x 31" high. The fabric layout for this size is in the leaflet. You can use Gingerbread coloured Cashel linen for the porch and cottage roof sections, or choose another coloured linen, as long as it's the same count. The darker the colour, the more the hardanger will stand out!, but it's a bit more challenging to see.
Cottage Front: and Back: 41w x 57h (2.9" w x 4.1" h) CUT: 6" w x 7" h
Cottage Side x 2: 49w x 37h (3.5" w x 2.6" h) CUT x 2: 6 1/2" w x 6" h
Cottage Roof x 2: 49w x 34h (3.5" w x 2.4" h) CUT x 2: 6 1/2" w x 6" h
Porch Front and Back: 10w x 29h (.7" w x 2.1" h) CUT x 2: 4" w x 5" h
Porch Side: 49w x 25h (3.5" w x 1.8" h) CUT: 6 1/2" w x 5" h
Porch Roof: 49w x 12h (3.5" w x .9" h) CUT: 6 1/2" w x 4" h
Suggested Materials
- Dinky Dyes #113 "Cobar" - copper golds
- Dinky Dyes #135 "Dandenong" - greens
- Kreinik Mori #1114 - red
- Kreinik Mori #8050 - black
- Needlepoint Inc. #252 - grass green
- Needlepoint Inc. #324 - antique blue dk
- Needlepoint Inc. #554 - yellow
- Needlepoint Inc. #955 - brown dk
- Kreinik Mori #725 - gold lt
- Kreinik Mori #8055 - grey
- Needlepoint Inc. #209 - red dk
- Needlepoint Inc. #355 - green med dk
- Needlepoint Inc. #455 - purple
- Needlepoint Inc. #481 - turquoise
- Needlepoint Inc. #556 - orange
- Needlepoint Inc. #753 - flesh
- Mill Hill seed bead #00479 - white
- SJ Designs 3.4 drop beads #58 - gold
- Large Gingerbread Man button
- Star Buttons - topaz
- Tree Button large
- SJ Designs 2mm pearl beads - white
- Specialty seed beads #101 - mixed colours
- Small Heart Button - red
- Micro Mini Rounds Buttons - white
- Micro Mini Round Buttons - red
- Micro Mini Round Buttons - green
- Kreinik Mori #8000 - white (4 - 5 yard skeins)
- Picture This Plus 28ct Cashel Linen - Gingerbread
- DMC #8 Perle Cotton (thick twist) - white
- DMC #12 Perle Cotton (thin twist) - white
- #24 tapestry needle
- #10 short beading needle
- Cross Stitch
- Cross Stitch over ONE fabric thread
- Back Stitch
- Satin Stitch
- Diamond Eyelets
- Hardanger - Kloster Blocks
- Wrapped Bars with Doves Eyes
- Woven Bars with Doves Eyes
- Partial Greek Cross
PDF Pattern Purchase and Download Instructions
Copyright Reminder: As a quick reminder, all of our PDF patterns are copyright protected and – as with all our patterns – are not permitted to be copied or distributed. We appreciate you sharing links here with your friends rather than sharing the actual PDFs :) Thank you!
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