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Space for Convenience
NOTE: I wrote this post about six months ago and for one reason or another never posted it. I'm sharing it now mostly because, even though I haven't been at the same place as I was when writing this for most of the past few months, this week I'm needing this reminder. I can now firmly say, YES making space for myself and finding ways to feed my soul has worked very well to improve my strength and creativity when it comes to eating healthy. And I need to remember on those days when I dread making dinner and I want to just reach for the box of Mac n Cheese that it is a clear sign I have been neglecting my soul.
Allow me to paint a picture for a moment...
I am standing in the grocery store and I am surrounded by temptations to convenience. There's a shelf of crackers on my right, rows and rows of processed carbohydrates mixed with vegetable oils.
In Prague I couldn't understand most of the packaged foods in the store so it was easy to ignore them. Here I see that box of Gold Fish crackers and instantly know what it is. The whines of hunger are getting louder from my son now.
"Here." I open the box and the little yellow dyed fish swim their way into his mouth.
I wander to the next isle and a box of Mac n cheese stares me right in the face. I recognize the box in a moments time, but more than that I have memories from my own childhood of eating it - happy, feel good memories. And as I look at it those memories play in the back of my mind.
Then my 3 year old son see's the box. He has his own memories of eating Mac n cheese with cousins now far away again. And the asking begins. A tantrum is quickly approaching. My stress level rises and into the cart the box goes.
Eventually we're home and I'm tired. Bryan will be home from work soon and I need to make dinner quickly. Thad asks for the Mac n cheese and I see an easy answer to the problem of dinner.
Consumerism meets the weakness of a sleep deprived, stressed, emotionally on edge, and slightly depressed mama and the result isn't very pretty.
Lately I feel like I've been moving backwards on the continuum to healthy eating.
I rationalize that at least I buy organic, but I've still chosen lots of highly processed foods lately. I've stopped making my own chicken stock and buy chicken broth from the store. I regularly buy tortillas that have vegetable oil in them. I rarely make my own bread any more. I haven't soaked or sprouted grains in months. (Although I do buy sprouted bread when possible.) We've ordered take out delivery twice this month, once pizza and the other time Thai food. This week I even ate a snickers bar! My first candy bar in years.
Some of you may read this and laugh and think "Come on, Beth, you still eat really well. Adding a few processed foods to your diet isn't the end of the world." And part of me agrees. I've always believed that even though it's good to eat healthy, it's also really good to be flexible and make compromises now and then. But, these things haven't just been occasional compromises they have started to become regular occurrences. And they've come at a time when I should be buckling down and being more strict because of Bryan's melanoma and Sage's microcephaly.
So I think I need to ask myself why? Why the compromises? What purpose have they served? And how can I best change these new bad habits?
In someways these processed, quick foods have indeed served a purpose and I would even say that they have been "healthy" for me. Not for my body, of course, but for my soul. I haven't exactly been in the greatest place emotionally lately, and easy, quick meals and snacks that don't require much effort or clean up are indeed helpful.
When I reflect on the recent changes in our diet I feel a lot of guilt, but at the same time I completely understand the decisions I've made.
Maybe instead of stressing myself out over not eating the way I'd like, or stressing myself out trying to make everything from scratch again like I used to, I should just be grateful for the conveniences that we have available to us and be gracious with myself in this season.
I'm thinking too that if I really want to change our diet perhaps the best way to do it isn't to just force myself to start making everything from scratch again suddenly. Perhaps what I really should do is work on getting myself emotionally healthy so that I have the emotional and mental strength to withstand the temptations and make my family the food I know is best for them. Perhaps making space for myself and being gracious with myself in the short term will renew my energy and creativity in the kitchen in the long term.
What do you think?
Rejoicing in the journey, Bethany Stedman


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eMarketer Webinars & Videos
Digital shopping and buying is a fact of life for the average US consumer, and retailers continue to face challenges and opportunities as new technologies develop and trends emerge. Topics in this webinar include: Why mobile conversion rates are climbing; How beacons and location-based marketing are driving in-store sales; How the visual web—YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram—is affecting ecommerce; Where influencers and consumer-generated content fit into the purchase funnel.
The first stage of consumer-ready virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are coming to market throughout 2016, giving brands and publishers a new, immersive medium through which they can engage audiences in compelling ways. Topics in this webinar include: The current landscape of VR and AR technologies and how they map with specific near-term marketing and advertising opportunities; Consumer attitudes about using immersive media, as well estimates of current and future adoption; Key technological, creative and distribution challenges that need to be considered when leveraging immersive media; The long-term potential of using VR and AR for marketing and advertising experiences that go well beyond 360-degree video.
Customers are basing their expectations today on their interactions with firms like Airbnb, Amazon and Uber. In response, brands are focusing now more than ever on creating and delivering the same type of seamless customer experiences. Topics in this webinar include: Understanding the evolving nature of today's always-on, need-it-now customers; Key functions being carved out at brands to help achieve customer experience goals; The role client-side marketers are taking to define and deliver on their customer experience strategy; Approaches to measure and analyze customer experience improvements.
Few marketers have complete insight into their customers' journeys, but many have more actionable data than in the past. Topics in this webinar include: What are some of the biggest trends and areas of focus for multichannel marketers today? How are audiences splitting their time across channels and devices—and how are marketers following them? What challenges are inhibiting multichannel marketing? What are four core areas of focus marketers need to consider in order to successfully execute a multichannel strategy?
The volume of content flowing out of B2B companies continues to grow, as more marketers find success with the tactic. Topics in this webinar include: What have B2Bs learned about content marketing ROI in the long term? How much content are B2B firms producing for their marketing efforts? What types content process and strategy deliver the best results? How are B2Bs tailoring content marketing efforts for their audiences?
Marketing technology is now a key topic of conversation in the C-suite at brands and agencies worldwide. Though marketers continue to improve their grasp on the vast tech landscape as they build their stacks, there are still many questions they need to have answered. Topics in this webinar include: How marketers' priorities for technology are aligning with their business goals; Whether the marketing technology landscape will continue to expand, or consolidate; How the vague task of "integration" is becoming clearer and easier to accomplish; How agencies are adapting to demands for greater tech and data aptitude from clients.
Mobile already accounts for more than half of digital ad spending in the US, and its share is growing. Topics in this webinar include: Why even though overall spending skews toward mobile, most brands don't think they're spending half their digital budgets on the channel; What opportunities lie in location-based marketing beyond geofencing; Why marketers need to embrace ad IDs and cut the cookie cord; Which metrics to monitor and get the most out of mobile measurement; Why creative is in crisis on mobile
Buyers and sellers alike see value in reaching audiences across all screens. Register here for a complimentary eMarketer webinar to learn about the opportunities and challenges of achieving a more people-based approach to targeting. Topics in this webinar include: What's the current state of cross-device targeting among advertisers? Where does TV fit in to the cross-device landscape? How valuable is first-party data? Will marketers attempting to target audiences run into privacy concerns?
A typical brand now has a staggering amount of data in its arsenal, and the marketing department's goal is to use that data to deliver more effective results than ever before. Enter predictive marketing, which uses machine learning to deliver more accurate insights about how best to encourage sales from existing and new customers. Topics in this webinar include: What marketers are doing with predictive models; How many companies have moved toward predictive marketing, and how far along they are; What the return on investment (ROI) of predictive marketing can look like; Which challenges are proving difficult for adopters of predictive marketing.
Mobile commerce had a breakthrough year in 2015. Smartphone retail mcommerce sales in the US nearly doubled, driven by larger screens, smoother buying experiences, better mobile search and context-driven discovery. Topics in this webinar include: How high mobile retail sales will go this year, and which devices are driving that; What retailers are doing to optimize shopping experiences for mobile; How context-driven commerce is changing the mobile retail landscape; Which factors are driving higher conversion rates on mobile.
Many are dubbing 2016 the "Snapchat Election", not only because campaigns are using the social app to reach the coveted millennial demographic, but due to the ephemeral nature of today's media environment where content is consumed in streams, feeds and snaps. Topics in this webinar include: How the use of different channels like Snapchat are being matched with specific campaign goals; How much US political campaigns will spend on digital advertising in the 2016 election cycle; Differences between approaches at the local level versus the national level; How voters research candidates and their attitudes toward political advertising
Marketing automation is no longer a "shiny new toy" for marketers—and that's a good thing. Adoption continues to grow, and marketers are becoming more sophisticated by adding capabilities like predictive analytics and account-based marketing tools. Topics in this webinar include: Marketers' current adoption and use of marketing automation platforms; How and why marketing automation platforms are being connected to other systems and data sources; What role marketing automation plays in enabling the buzzed-about practice of account-based marketing; What challenges marketers still need to overcome with marketing automation.
Using social data isn't a new concept for brands, but there's still confusion on how to put the information to use. Topics in this webinar include: Why brands are conflicted about social listening's usefulness and the challenges they face; Nine use cases for social listening, with specific brand examples; An overview of the technology and the future of social analytics.
eMarketer expected a strong 2015 holiday season for ecommerce and total retail sales. In this webinar, we take a look at the final results and review what retailers need to know about changing consumer behaviors to keep up in 2016. Topics include: How the overall retail sector performed during the 2015 holiday season; Why experiential gifts were one significant holiday trend of 2015; How consumers used their phones and other mobile devices to shop last holiday season; How deal-seeking behaviors are changing the holiday shopping calendar.
Marketers of all stripes know that keeping an existing customer is easier and more lucrative than finding a new one, but fostering loyalty can be tough. Topics in this webinar include: What consumers want from loyalty programs; What marketers can do to increase consumer loyalty; How personalization can contribute to loyalty; How mobile has changed loyalty marketing.

subset: commoncrawl


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Why big pharma is partnering with this Chapel Hill data company
Oct 20, 2017, 12:47pm EDT
For Chapel Hill-based clinical data company TARGET PharmaSolutions, pharmaceutical giants like Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) (NYSE: BMY) and Allergan (NYSE: AGN) have continued to sign on as strategic partners.
Since the beginning of October, not only has TARGET announced that BMS and Intercept (Nasdaq: ICPT) have extended their respective strategic partnerships for its TARGET-NASH (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) study to multiyear agreements, but it's also announced that Boehringer Ingelheim International has entered a new multiyear strategic partnership for TARGET-NASH.
"We've continued to demonstrate how important real-world evidence is," says TARGET CEO Meg Powell. And that importance continues throughout the life cycle of drug development, she adds.
All of TARGET's partners have drugs that are in clinical development in NASH, Powell says. As these companies are putting together clinical trials, they're able to "prepare marketing and commercialization plans, collect data for regulatory purposes, and start to think about their reimbursement strategy …"
These companies are interested in a "very robust and high-quality data source that they can leverage," when it comes to a particular disease, she says. How patients are "being treated in the real world has become very valuable."
It's about a "unique constellation of all the components of our offering," adds Powell, "bringing multiple stakeholders around a data set," including regulatory agencies as well as pharmaceutical companies and academic expertise. It's all designed to enhance the understanding around a particular disease state, and ultimately how that disease is being managed in the real world.
Outside of NASH, TARGET is also working in the following areas: primary biliary cholangitis, a chronic liver disease; hepatocellular carcinoma, a liver cancer; and inflammatory bowel disease. The company expects to move into a fifth area next year, according to Powell, and also expects to add additional partners in the near future.
In the last year, TARGET has grown from a staff of 10 people to roughly 50 people, Powell says. New hires have largely been in clinical operations and analytics.
TARGET also expects to enroll its first patients in Europe by the end of this year, and is beginning to look at other geographic areas, including Asia.
The company completed its Series A round in March 2016, raising $2 million, with Rex Health Ventures serving as the lead investor. The firm formed in 2015, and was based on the success of an academic collaboration by Michael Fried of UNC- Chapel Hill and David Nelson of the University of Florida, which looked at how drugs for Hepatitis C performed in the real world.
Jennifer Henderson, staff writer for Triangle Business Journal


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Since 2007, we have led the effort to fight hunger in our community in a manner that respects the dignity of the people we serve.
Our Mission
- Provide resources as available to anyone expressing need
- Encourage awareness and participation of the community in the mission of the Fall City Community Food Pantry (FCCFP)
- Promote and advocate solutions to address poverty and hunger in the Snoqualmie Valley
Our mission shall be carried out without benefit for our members and any profits or other gains acquired shall be used to further the mission of the organization.
The Fall City Community Food Pantry is an all-volunteer run organization with no paid staff.
Our Achievements
- We serve more than 1200 clients each year through our 100 percent volunteer- run organization.
- We partner with neighborhood clubs, schools, churches and other organizations to provide food security to those in need.
- We donate funds to neighboring organizations who provide more than 90 backpacks weekly to students in need in the Snoqualmie Valley.
- We provide baby items for our clients including car seats, diapers, baby food, bags of clothing and more.


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When you have a toddler, you're automatically accustomed to almost every sentence starting with 'I want' whether it's food, toys or the toilet you want to fulfil those demands. As...Read More
Ok, can I just say something crazy? This year we are going to have a magical Christmas all with a Frozen theme, ok it doesn't sound that crazy since most...Read More


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After a whirlwind romance, marriage, pregnancy, and equally quick divorce, Jonea Rogers was ready to chalk up the whole thing to another life lesson learned. But then her three‐year‐old daughter began returning from custody visits to father, Ian Stone, with what Rogers perceived as evidence of physical and sexual abuse. As any good mother would do, Rogers took her concerns to a variety of official sources: law enforcement, child protective services, family court.
It was Jonea Rogers' misfortune to find herself at the mercy of the Marin County, California, family court system (more on that later). Authorities refused to intervene, even in the face of medical evidence and testimony by both Ms. Rogers and her babysitter. Feeling she was left with no alternative, this desperate mother took her child and disappeared.
For three years, Rogers and her daughter lived under assumed identities, traveling hither and yon across eight different countries, all with the goal of preventing further contact with an allegedly abusive father and grandfather. But luck eventually ran out for the mother and daughter. A "good samaritan" tipped off police after recognizing the young girl from a missing child listing on the Polly Klaas Foundation website.
It wasn't long before Rogers found herself sitting in jail for five months with a $500,000 bond on a federal warrant of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Her daughter was immediately and without question turned over to her alleged abusers.
Meanwhile, Rogers was prosecuted on criminal charges for abducting her own child, but a Marin County jury found her innocent on all charges in a 2006 court proceeding. The very same evidence that the jury considered in Rogers' exoneration had been deemed "frivolous" years earlier by a family court judge and tossed aside.
Though Ms. Rogers avoided additional jail time, she has never been allowed to regain custody of her daughter. The girl lives with her alleged abusers to this day. Is this an example of a psychotic mother who couldn't bear the thought of sharing her child with a hated ex, or is there a deeper issue at play? According to lawyer/author Karen Winner, there's been something rotten going on in the Marin Superior County family court system for a while now.
Winner wrote an 81‐page report in 2000 that detailed a series of unseemly relationships between an elite group of wealthy attorneys who maintained close ties with Marin family law judges. According to Winner, the system was rigidly rigged to favor male clients with deep pockets, who could afford the high‐priced legal help.
Enter the FLEAs
Such an acronym seems to good to be true. A group of favored attorneys who actually call themselves FLEAs? Winner's report asserts that is exactly what they called themselves, short for Family Law Elite Attorneys. This group was unofficially founded in the early 1980's under the leadership of family law attorney Michael Buck Dufficy. By 1990, Mr. Dufficy had become a judge, and it seemed that a client was assured a victory in his courtroom merely by hiring one of the FLEAs.
And perhaps the most prominent FLEA of all, other than Dufficy himself, was one Terence Frederick Colyer. The Colyer strategy, as told by an employee of his firm in 1997, was "papering people to death," and running up exorbitant legal fees in the process. But to a client able to write a check on the family fortune, nothing mattered except winning and that's what Colyer always did.
Grand Jury Involvement
By 1997, the cozy arrangement between Judge Dufficy and the FLEAs had been brought to the attention of a grand jury, which voted 19‐0 to conduct an investigation into alleged improprieties at the family law court. Among the charges, Judge Dufficy flouted laws and manipulated outcomes by showing gross favoritism to attorneys like Colyer, Mauna Berkov, and Verna Adams (who was appointed to the bench in 1999).
The favoritism was so severe that a former law partner of Colyer's referred to it as the Verna Factor, which meant that if Verna Adams appeared as opposing counsel, you might as well not show up because you were going to lose. Though Judge Dufficy eventually recused himself from hearing Family Law Court Cases on the grounds of poor health, further reform of the system ground to a halt, even in the face of the Winner Report, the grand jury investigation, multiple FBI investigations, attempted voter recalls of Marin Superior Court judges and the district attorney, numerous newspaper articles, and volumes of complaints from litigants.
The only tangible evidence that anything was amiss was when the Commission on Judicial Performance privately censored Judge Dufficy regarding his conduct on two separate cases. By 2002, everything had returned to "normal" in the Marin County family law system.
The Good and the Bad
But back to Jonea Rogers and her plight. Though it appears that she achieved some measure of justice with the innocent verdict regarding child abduction charges, the custody case continues. Following her criminal vindication, Rogers was still left paying a fee to see her daughter a few times a month at a supervised visitation facility. Not the result she envisioned after receiving a verdict concluding that social services and law enforcement had failed her, creating a desperate state of mind that convinced her running was the only answer.
The Marin Family Court allowed Stone to move with his daughter to Hawaii in 2005, even though a Marin County court psychiatrist deemd the move would be detrimental to the child. Jonea Rogers has a request for custody and return of her daughter to Marin now pending in the Marin Family Court.


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Efficacy Study of Minoxidil Lotion Versus Combined Minoxidil and Finasteride Lotion to Treat Male Pattern Hair Loss
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01391156
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : July 11, 2011
Last Update Posted : July 20, 2012
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Condition or disease
|Androgenetic Alopecia
|Drug: 3%Minoxidil lotion Drug: 3% Minoxidil with 0.1% Finasteride lotion
|Phase 3
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|40 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|Efficacy of 3% Minoxidil Versus Combined 3% Minoxidil and 0.1% Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss: a Randomized, Double-blinded, Comparative Study
|Study Start Date :
|March 2011
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|March 2012
|Actual Study Completion Date :
|March 2012
|Experimental: Minoxidil
Drug: 3%Minoxidil lotion
3% Minoxidil lotion apply two times a day
|Active Comparator: MinoxidilFinasteride
Drug: 3% Minoxidil with 0.1% Finasteride lotion
3% Minoxidil with 0.1% Finasteride lotion apply two times a day.
- The mean change of hair count from baseline and 6 months [ Time Frame: baseline and 6 months ]Total hair count on the vertex is measured on 1 cm2 circular area. The mean change in hair count is compared at baseline and 6 months.The significance of change is determined by Unpaired t Test.
- Global photographic assessment by dermatologists [ Time Frame: baseline and 6 months ]Photographs of the vertex scalp are taken at baseline and 6 months. A panel of 3 dermatologists assesssed the change in hair growth using a 7-point scale.
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 50 Years (Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- male, age 18-15 years
- androgenetic alopecia grade 3V to 5 ( Norwood-Hamilton classification)
Exclusion Criteria:
- use minoxidil in 6 months
- use finasteride in 12 months
- use ketoconazole, tar, selenium shampoo, topical tretinoin, topical steroid in 2 weeks
- seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis on scalp
- history of allergy to minoxidil, finasteride
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01391156
|Mae Fah Luang University Hospital(Bangkok)
|Bangkok, Thailand
|Principal Investigator:
|Chuchai Tanglertsampan, MD
|Mae Fah Luang University Hospital(Bangkok)
|Responsible Party:
|Chuchai TANGLERTSAMPAN, MD, Chuchai Tanglertsampan, MD, Mae Fah Luang University Hospital
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01391156 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|July 11, 2011 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|July 20, 2012
|Last Verified:
|July 2012
male pattern hair loss
androgenetic alopecia
Alopecia Areata
Hair Diseases
Skin Diseases
Pathological Conditions, Anatomical
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors
Steroid Synthesis Inhibitors
Enzyme Inhibitors
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Hormone Antagonists
Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists
Physiological Effects of Drugs
Urological Agents
Antihypertensive Agents
Vasodilator Agents


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Opinion Columns & Blogs
It's the most important event in human history, and it continues to remain relevant
On Easter, more than 2.2 billion people around the world will come together to remember the single most important event in human history. It is an event, the beginning of which, an additional 2 billion Muslims also believe happened, and concludes with a miracle rejected by many, but the consequences of which altered the course of history.
Muslims, Christians and, for that matter, even a lot of atheists, Jews, Hindus and others recognize that a man named Jesus was nailed to a cross and crucified in Jerusalem almost 2,000 years ago on the first Good Friday. Christians, of course, believe that Jesus rose again from the dead on Easter Sunday. It is a dividing line for many. To accept the Resurrection as fact is to accept Jesus as God. One cannot be a Christian without accepting the physical Resurrection of Jesus from the grave.
While many reject the facts of the Resurrection, the consequences of belief in the Resurrection make Easter the most important event in human history. With the Apostles themselves the Gospel message began to spread. Paul shared it with the gentiles. Philip went into North Africa. Matthew and Bartholomew headed into Africa where remnants of their churches are now being eradicated by extremists. Andrew went north to the Caucuses and to what is now Russia. Thomas headed east to India, where some of the earliest Christian churches remain on the western coast of the Indian sub-continent.
All of the Apostles except for John were executed. Polycarp and Ignatius, two of the early church fathers, studied under John and vouched for his authenticity and ministry. Clement worked with Peter and Paul, producing his own writings. Irenaeus learned from Polycarp and Ignatius. All of these men became men of ideas and prayer as the Romans sought to stamp out Christianity. But the faith spread still further.
Christianity transcended race, ethnicity, income and gender. It was an accessible religion to both free men and slaves and taught that all were equal, all were sinners, and all needed Jesus, who provided a free gift of everlasting life to any who accepted him as their Lord and Savior. That is why so many totalitarians ruthlessly tried to exterminate it.
The Romans threw Christians to lions and used their bodies as torches to light the streets of Rome. The Soviets sent priests to Siberia to never be heard from again. The Chinese have bulldozed churches and the North Koreans rounded up priests and shot them. Now in the West, including here in the United States, secularists demand that Christian religious organizations hire those who do not share their faith or be censored. The hostility to the great equalizer of the Gospel takes different forms, but it all involves a rejection of the resurrection.
The truth is that too many people have to be written out of history to reject the authenticity of the Resurrection. Polycarp, Clement, and Ignatius must go because they knew the eyewitnesses to the Resurrection. The Apostles who we know were real must go. Christ himself must go and therein exists the most amazing thing. For 2,000 years many have dedicated themselves to Jesus's eradication from history. They keep failing.
Two thousand years ago, the Word became flesh and died on a cross only to conquer death. One is free to not believe it, but none of us can avoid the historic consequences of it. Even now an empty tomb and a resurrected God made flesh shape our history and destiny.
Erick Erickson is host of Atlanta's Evening News on WSB Radio.


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*slinks in through the back door, pushed by the dragons* I realise you lovelies are kind and wonderful people and likely wouldn't say anything about it if I didn't bring it up, but I am going to anyway: I'm sorry for missing Friday Poetry last week.
I'm getting frustrated with myself, if I'm being totally honest. I've been going through the archives, looking at all of the weeks I've missed lately - perhaps only three or four, but still, it adds up. And I have been writing so much poetry that I've been itching to share with you; it feels a bit like cheating to keep skipping out on it.
(Also, because I'm slightly selfish, I sort of want to see what you think of what I've been writing. I know I am so ridiculously proud of it - I feel like I've been growing in leaps and bounds as a writer lately - but it is always nice to have a second opinion. Especially when that opinion is yours.)
If it's any consolation, though, I actually did have a valid reason - it's one that took up much of my weekend, as a matter of fact.
I'll talk more about this tomorrow, since I believe it deserves its own post, but lately, my ears have been acting... oddly. I didn't mention it on the blog because I thought it was one of those passing not-quite-illnesses, but it turns out that is not true at all - in fact, I spent the vast majority of the weekend in and out of ear specialists' offices learning about exactly how not true it is.
Like I said, I'll be going into more detail on what happened tomorrow, but you know, I am feeling rather hopeful about this. Quite a few of the specialists have mentioned that there might be some connection to the depression & anxiety, but they also said that whatever this is, it's probably easily fixable, so I won't have to deal with it so much anymore. (Oh, what a wonderful thing to have an actual, physical disorder.) (File under: things I never thought I would hear myself say.)
Other than that, I didn't really do much this weekend - it was all rather a blur, honestly, because my mother insisted that it was imperative that she come to each of these meetings, and therefore they were all scheduled on her off days from work. (I did eat a very good ice cream sandwich - from a proper ice cream truck, no less! I thought they only had those in America! - but I don't think that counts as news.) (Oh, hell, let's just say it counts. ;))
Oh! And, before I forget, some real news - Eid Mubarak, to those of you to celebrate it! I hope you had a beautiful weekend with your families and ate lots of good food, because you absolutely deserve it.
And for everyone else - how has life been treating you lately? Let's chat in the comments. xx


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"I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners." – Luke 5:32
Have you ever heard of the saying "God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called?" This is what I'm reminded of when I read the Gospel today. Most of my life when God's gentle peaceful call has tugged at my heart my response tends to be a barrage of negative statements. "I'm not holy enough for this call. I'm not worthy enough. There are others better qualified." Yet today, Jesus reminds us that all are welcome at God's table, especially us sinners. Not only are we welcomed but we are called to follow.
The conversion of heart and faith that Levi must have had in Jesus to drop everything, invite Him into his home and prepare a banquet for Him and his other friends still astound me. If I imagine myself in Levi's shoes, I would hesitate holding on to my "not good enough" baggage and ask Jesus if he meant to call someone else because surely it couldn't be me.
And yet each time I do this, Jesus looks at me gently with kind eyes and continues to ask me to follow Him. No judgment of my hesitation. No need for a huge dropping of everything. He simply waits for me to loosen up of my grip of my suitcase of "not good enough baggage." This gradual letting go of my self-preoccupations helps me recognize that while I am a sinner, I am also called to join in the banquet. Although I am not as righteous as I would like to be, I am called to participate in God's dream for my life. This mercy and patient waiting reminds me that I am loved in a way that allows me to slowly trust in God's call more than my own inadequacies. This trust and willingness to follow God allows grace to transform me for whatever He asks of me.
What baggage might you be holding onto as Jesus calls you to follow Him? How does God invite you to participate in God's dream for your life?
Jaclyn Torres
Photo credit: InspirePortal.com


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Guzzi Diamante by Fillippo Barbacane
Fillippo Barbacane's Guzzi Diamante is actually a seriously modified Griso 8V (although nobody can really tell) limited edition motorcycle. In fact, this bike looks so…different that I must say it is like nothing I've seen before. That is most likely because nobody before thought at mounting a reinforced Gilera CX125 front end to a veritable motorcycle. Also, the gas tank has been repositioned under the custom rear subframe and a huge airbox with a top-mounted intake took its place. More air is directed to the now 140bhp, 1420cc engine thanks to the faceted bodywork. We love the wheels and pretty much this entire bike, but not the fact that only 30 of these will be made.
Source: hellforleathermagazine
1 comments:
I would like to test ride it for sure it looks like that BMW bike desing from a while ago.


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Charts & Figures
The Continuous Testing Möbius Loop
August 14, 2019
The 12 Must-Dos For Continuous Testing
August 14, 2019
Search Results
Report The 12 Must-Dos For Achieving Continuous Software Testing
Say Goodbye To Testing As UsualAugust 14, 2019 | Diego Lo Giudice, Bill Seguin
Application development and delivery (AD&D) leaders must not forget about the importance of QA. Teams need to develop software faster, but never at the cost of lower quality. So how can teams...
Report Shift Performance Testing Left To Streamline App Delivery
Times Are Ready For Shift Left of Load and Speed Performance TestingApril 12, 2019 | Diego Lo Giudice, Bill Seguin
As application development and delivery (AD&D) teams speed up continuous delivery (CD), they find performance testing too late in the cycle often results in costly rework. Continuous testing is the...


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"Jewelry by Viki was inspired by the two biggest passions in my life, my love of nature and my love of design." - Viktoria
Inspired by Nature + Handmade in Portland, Oregon
I have been creating handmade jewelry inspired by nature since 2005. Using the Architecture Degree I earned at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo I have a critical eye to discern unique color combinations and maintain a high quality of craftsmanship throughout my lines. I find design ideas in everything I see in my surroundings, leaves, rocks, rivers… Anything can inspire a new piece of jewelry!
I am proud to say that Jewelry by Viki is supporting the US economy and the environment. We purchase materials from US companies, use recycled metals, and produce our handmade jewelry in Portland, Oregon.
Viki's jewelry collection is available in bronze and bright or oxidized sterling silver partnered with a variety of the finest gemstones.


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Greater Tulsa Area Classifieds Moderated Newsgroup
Red Fork
Connector bals # 31145 32AMPS 440VOLT 3POLE+n+e 11H
Connector bals # 31145 32AMPS 440VOLT 3POLE+n+e 11H
Connector BALS # 31145 32Amps 440Volt 3Pole+N+E 11H IP44. The connector is brand new and has never been used before.
* Screwless push-type terminals
* 4-Point "Twist Lock" bayonet system to close the 2 piece-enclosure without screws
* Halogen, cadmium, silicon & PVC free plastics
* Maintenance free after installation
* Shock and vibration resistant
* Push-type terminals without the need of cable ferrules for the conductor and the use of crimping tools
* Terminals in the open position on delivery
* Push the appropriate colour coded button downwards to lock the conductor into the terminal
* To reopen put a screw driver blade under the lid at the top of the push-button and lift it
* Approved breaking capacity
* Low and stable removal and withdrawal forces
* Higher percentage of copper guaranties better conductivity and lower temperature rise
* "Klick-Rast Cover" with PU-gasket closes nearly automatically and gives protection degree IP55 in non operating condition.
* The bayonet system on connector or receptacle guarantees IP67 if an IP67 plug is correctly inserted and the bayonet ring closed
* Special ergonomic design hinged cover
* Excellent corrosion protection by nickel-plated contacts
* Chemical resistance through the use of special plastic material


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Latest from Ferrari
Think plug-in hybrid, and you're more likely to picture a minivan or pickup, but now Ferrari is in the game with a stunning new production car. Read more
The FF is dead, long live the GTC4 Lusso. Clumsy badging aside, what you're looking at is a heavy facelift of the current FF, which is the oldest car in Read more
Shell and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racing team have created an amazing online interactive experience that gives you a detailed tour of the inside Read more
This is the Ferrari 488 GTB, the company's mid-engine supercar, which replaces the 458 Italia. Launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the 488 features an evolutionary Read more
As part of a trip to the Belgian Grand Prix with Shell, Pocket-lint was invited to try its hand at driving a Ferrari Formula One car.Luckily for a majority Read more
As part of an event to highlight the benefits of V-Power petrol over conventional fuels, and its similarity to the mixes used by the Ferrari Formula One Read more
Deadmau5, famous DJ and the host of numerous Nokia launch parties, has commissioned a firm to adorn his £200,000 Ferrari 458 Spider supercar with vinyls Read more
The Ferrari LaFerrari, what do we know of this, Ferrari's flagship hypercar – successor to the 2005 Enzo and before that the legendary F50 and F40? Read more
While luxury automaker Ferrari introduced its €1 million LaFerrari sports car, the company also announced it has embedded two Apple iPad minis into the Read more
After the initial wave of Ferrari by Logic3 headphones, which included the passive T250 and P200 pairs, the brand has unleashed its second assault on the Read more
Ferrari has a long history of success in Formula One. Right now Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is sitting at the top of the F1 standings, neck a neck with Read more
In the real world the last day or so has all been about the new iPad. But over in fantasyland, we got our hands on the new Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. It was Read more


text: Explore this section I-CAR History & Journey Industry Segment Advisory Councils (ISACs) ISAC Members Russ Verona and Jeff Silver Awards Vision, Mission & Values Giving Back to the Industry Learning Culture Governance Board of Directors Board Committees Membership Field Teams Value of I-CAR Training Complete, Safe and Quality Repairs Gold Class White Paper Technical Tsunami Business Performance Risk Reduction Career Development Testimonial Videos Events Upcoming Events Past Events Press Room 2019 7-16-19 I-CAR® PROVIDES DETAILS ABOUT ITS ENHANCED EDUCATION AND RECOGNITION PROGRAM LAUNCH DELAYS 7-2-19 I-CAR® LAUNCHES BODYSHOPOLOGY.COM NEW, NEUTRAL SHOP LOCATOR ELEVATES TRAINING VALUE, UNIFIES 5-30-19 I-CAR® SUSTAINING PARTNER™ PROGRAM THRIVES WHILE ATTRACTING A WIDE RANGE OF PARTICIPANTS FRO 3-7-19 STRONG 2018 RESULTS FOR I-CAR® CONFIRM CONTINUING SUCCESS IN HELPING COLLISION REPAIRERS KEEP 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Contact Us Employment Policies Ad and Cookie Policy I-CAR Course Cancellation and Refund Policy E-Code Expiration Gold Class Policy Hands-On Skills Development Pilot Class Credit Policy Privacy Policy RTS Subscription Cancellation Policy Terms and Conditions Third Party Training Manager Welding Training & Certification Event Home / About Us / Policies / I-CAR Course Cancellation and Refund Policy I-CAR Course Cancellation and Refund Policy If you need to cancel, reschedule, or substitute a course, please contact I-CAR Customer Care by calling 800.422.7872. Live and Virtual Course Refunds Please contact I-CAR to reschedule your course at least one business day prior to the course date. If you do not know which course of equal credit hours you would like to schedule in place of the one you are cancelling, you will receive a credit on your training record and will have six months to either reschedule a replacement course or request a refund. Refunds for live or virtual courses will be available for six months. After six months, I-CAR will issue e-codes for the equivalent value of the cancelled course. If you call to reschedule the day of the course or after the course is over, you will have 45 days from the original course date to choose another course by calling Customer Care. Non-attendance refunds for live or virtual courses will not be available. Online Course Refunds Students may request a refund or transfer registration to a different online course, of equivalent value, up to 90 days from original registration date. Refunds will not be available for online courses after one 90 days. Special Event Course Refunds Periodically, I-CAR offers live courses during special events such as trade shows. Registration for these I-CAR courses are completed through a third party event provider, not by I-CAR. Refunds or course transfers will not be available for courses registered through a third party provider. All sales are final. Cancellation by I-CAR In the event that I-CAR cancels a course, you will be contacted by telephone and e-mail prior to the course. I-CAR will make every attempt to contact you as you soon as possible once a cancellation is determined. It is important that you provide I-CAR Customer Care with up-to-date contact information or through your myI-CAR account so I-CAR can reach you. In the event of a course cancellation, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. Automatic Course Cancellation/Low Registration I-CAR reserves the right to cancel a class due to low registration; of less than three students per course. All attempts will be made to contact all parties and the class will be removed from the I-CAR website. Private Event Rescheduling and Cancellation If a Private Event is requested to be rescheduled, I-CAR must be notified at least four business days before the event. The previously paid $500 Private Event fee will be applied to the rescheduled event. There is no guarantee of instructor availability for the rescheduled Private Events. The optional $500 long distance travel fee may be charged or refunded if there is a change in the assigned instructor for the rescheduled Private Event. If the shop is unable to reschedule, a refund of the $500 Private Event fee and, if applicable, the $500 long distance travel fee will be made. Private Events cancelled within fewer than four business days notification before the event will result in forfeiture of the $500 Private Event fee and, if applicable, the $500 long distance travel fee.


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The Barback Daddies
In March of 2018, 6 actor/songwriters, assembled by casting director Catherine Miller, gathered together to create an original story, learn the mechanics of writing and composing for musical theatre, and build a new show from scratch under director/former composer Olivia Lilley's guidance.
Three months later, after exploring multiple stories from different angles and writing many bits and pieces of songs, "The Barback Daddies" was born. The story was selected through unanimous vote and collectively developed through discussions, exercises, and dedicated collaborative writing time.
At the end of the Workshop period, "The Barback Daddies" had five performances followed by talkbacks over a two weekend period. There were two rehearsals in the middle of the run in order to provide space and time for re-writes and additions. By applying the standard "preview period" schedule to this workshop, the team was able to respond to feedback quicker and experience reactions to new material right away.
"The Barback Daddies" is the first of our custom built Incubator Series.
"The Barback Daddies"
An Original Musical
When the guitarist of Logan Square Riot Grrrl band, "The Barback Daddies", is unwantingly outed as trans by his partner and the band's Social Media Guy, Chris, "The Barback Daddies" is forced to confront what they've become and discover how to evolve together as friends, collaborators, and humans. A story of feminism becoming Intersectional. A story of transformation, identity, and music.
Story by Raymond Cleveland, Alec Phan, Alexandros Xourias, Electra Tremulis, Maggie Ward, Mary Kate Young, and Olivia Lilley
Original Score by Raymond Cleveland, Alec Phan, Alexandros Xourias, Electra Tremulis, Maggie Ward, and Mary Kate Young
Assistant Directed by Morgan Massero
Libretto & Direction by Olivia Lilley
The Cast:
Ghost, the guitarist... Alec Phan
Keel, the singer... Electra Tremulis
Jules, the keyboardist... Maggie Ward
Donna, the new drummer... Mary Kate Young
Chris, Ghost's partner/the band's Social
Media guy... Raymond Cleveland
Mar, a solo artist, Alexandros Xourias


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CIRDAP call for holistic approach to ensure development of rural poor
Dhaka, Jan 28(ANI): The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) member countries on Thursday echoed their voice for a holistic approach to ensure sustainable livelihood for rural poor through decentralized governance.
In a joint declaration signed in Dhaka, by the 14 participating countries including India, the organization has underscored the significant contribution of CIRDAP to promote Integrated Rural Development (IRD) in its member countries over the last three decades.
The declaration was also for the implementation of the 'Peasants Charter' that resulted from the World Conference on agrarian Reforms and Rural Development (WACARRDD) in 1979.
The CIRDAP declaration has laid emphasis on ensuring pro-poor policy and resources to achieve the goal of reducing hunger and poverty at least by half by 2015.
It has also stressed the need to strengthen the voices of all stake holders including hard core poor, the disadvantaged women, and various marginal groups to accommodate their concerns in public spending on development.
The Dhaka declaration has highlighted the need to have intensive efforts, so that rural poor can get access to resources (land, water, ICT and finance) by suitable policy reforms within the national legal provisions.
Besides the implementation of the existing legislations for ensuring access to land and improved land records, priority support to the decentralized good governance with transparency and accountability in the system to ensure people's participation in the rural developmental activities have been identified as core areas.
It has also underlined the need to strengthen the capacity of national RD institutions to become the centre of excellence in order to provide professional services and academic inputs into the process of rural development and applying practices of good governance in making CIRDAP an effective regional platform for providing timely interventions and appropriate issues in RD and PA policies has also been made in the joint declaration.
To attain these objectives and for all technical support to regional level rural development organizations, including CIRDAP to play greater role in agrarian reform and rural development the FAO, IFAD, Commonwealth and other organizations of CIRDAP and all countries of Asia and Pacific have been invited.
The members also made a call to organizations like AARDO, ASEAN, BIMSTECH, ECO, SAARC to join hand for professional inputs and services in disseminating their knowledge, experience and innovative practices in the areas of rural development and poverty alleviation. (ANI)


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European Coordinating Committee for Artificial Intelligence
The European Coordinating Committee for Artificial Intelligence (ECCAI) is the representative body for the European Artificial Intelligence community. Its aim is to promote study, research, and applications of AI in Europe. It was established in 1982.Activities Every even-numbered year, ECCAI, jointly with one of the member associations of ECCAI, holds the European Conference on Artificial Intelligence (ECAI). The conference has become the leading conference for this field in Europe. The list of ECAI proceedings is available here. [edit]Fellowship The ECCAI Fellows[1] program has been started in 1999 to recognize individuals who have made significant, sustained contributions to the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe. Fellows' accomplishments range from pioneering advances in the theory of AI, to unusual accomplishments in AI technology and applications. Usually only individuals who have made contributions to AI for a decade or more after receiving their Ph.D. (or are at an equivalent career stage) will be selected. Leadership in ECCAI or ECCAI member societies, support of forums for the exchange of ideas, and extended service for the international AI community also play a role in the selection process. Evidence of technical contribution will often be in the form of publications, but other evidence will also be considered, such as patent awards or statements of longstanding contribution to an industrial group effort. The ECCAI Fellows Program honors only a very small percentage of the total membership of all ECCAI member societies (up to a maximum of 3%). The policies governing the operation of the Fellows Committee are under the review of the ECCAI Board. [edit]Dissertation Award The Artificial Intelligence Dissertation Award sponsored by ECCAI, the European Coordinating Committee for Artificial Intelligence is awarded since 1998. [edit]Member Societies There is a collection of member societies which are national AI societies in European countries.Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the intelligence of machines and robots and the branch of com uter science that aims to create it. AI textbooks define the field as "the study and design of intelligent agents"[1] where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chances of success.[2] John McCarthy, who coined the term in 1955,[3] defines it as "the science and engineering of making intelligent machines."[4] AI research is highly technical and specialised, deeply divided into subfields that often fail to communicate with each other.[5] Some of the division is due to social and cultural factors: subfields have grown up around particular institutions and the work of individual researchers. AI research is also divided by several technical issues. There are subfields which are focused on the solution of specific problems, on one of several possible approaches, on the use of widely differing tools and towards the accomplishment of particular applications. The central problems of AI include such traits as reasoning, knowledge, planning, learning, communication, perception and the ability to move and manipulate objects.[6] General intelligence (or "strong AI") is still among the field's long term goals.[7] Currently popular approaches include statistical methods, computational intelligence and traditional symbolic AI. There are an enormous number of tools used in AI, including versions of search and mathematical optimization, logic, methods based on probability and economics, and many others. The field was founded on the claim that a central property of humans, intelligence (the sapience of Homo sapiens) can be so precisely described that it can be emulated by a machine.[8] This raises philosophical issues about the nature of the mind and the ethics of creating artificial beings, issues which have been addressed by myth, fiction and philosophy since antiquity.[9] Artificial intelligence has been the subject of optimism,[10] but has also suffered setbacks[11] Today, it has become an essential part of the technology industry, providing the heavy lifting for many of the most difficult problems in computer science.


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crystal Clear Aesthetics
Crystal Clear Aesthetics has joined Daren + Co., offering facials, waxing, foot treatments, body treatments and spa packages, and is owned and operated by Hahna Lee, an experienced aesthetician you can trust. Come visit us in our new Crossroads location.
Are you new to Crystal Clear Aesthetics? All new patients receive a complimentary skin care consultation. Hahna will meet with you to discuss your skin care needs and goals and recommend the best products and services.


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Laughs, Camera, Action with Samantha Gutstadt
Happy #MomBossMonday! Today I'm excited to talk with Samantha Gutstadt, talented mama of Ryder and Asher (5 ½ & 3 ½)—who somehow manages to, along with mom'ing, create hilarious content, act, produce, write and give back to her community.
Not only does she make it look easy, she makes us laugh…out loud, while doing it.
An actress since she was five, Samantha's path took a slight turn once she had a baby.
Samantha's focus had shifted. Her everyday life of being a mom started to inspire new (and incredible) content. "I wanted to write about my experiences, and share and celebrate motherhood and all the struggles and joy it brings."
Samantha embraced this change—and ran with it. Her two brands SamSoMuch and Don'tCallMeMommy provide moms (of all ages and stages) with informative, energetic and FUNNY content. Samantha recently sold a show to Mom.me with her partner Haely White, who was also the incredible host of our 2018 Happy Mom Conference! These brilliant women also have two new episodes in the works! Plus, they just launched Sam+Haely, a brand that creates content for other brands.
And to top it all off, Samantha was just featured in Forbes. Amazing!
I asked Samantha how she balances work and life, and her response is so real and relatable. She finds it a constant balancing act. "Some days are better than others. I try to go with the flow and take deep breaths on the harder days. I also really try to practice self-care."
Speaking of self-care… Samantha treats herself to a guilt-free manicure or massage at the end of each week. She also has a nightly ritual of a warm bath and essential oils. She makes sure to pamper herself daily. Samantha works out too, which makes her feel incredible.
Samantha's response made my heart melt.
And on the flip side, Samantha could do without the tantrums, discipline and the sleepless nights. How we all can relate!
I asked Samantha to share some of the steps she took on her journey to finding herself after the birth of her children.
"I took time, when I could, to do the things that made me ME! Like working, hiking, reading, meeting girlfriends for a glass of wine. Just finding moments to still have my identity."
Also, the best advice Samantha received was to get a babysitter on Saturday nights. She and her husband spend this time connecting and hanging out like they did pre-kiddos.
Even with Samantha's 24/7 schedule, she finds time to give back to her community. Samantha volunteers with Alliance of Moms, The OPCC and more. She also mentors up-and-coming school graduates who strive to work in the entertainment industry. Plus, she hopes to one day gift her services to brands that make a difference in the world.
To help get through those sleepless nights and not-so-amazing new mom moments, Samantha repeated these powerful phrases to herself.
You do. And it is.
Did any mantras get you through tough times? Share with other mamas by commenting below.
Follow Samantha and @dontcallmemommy for seriously hilarious content for moms!
Don't want to miss out on any of the fun here? Get the latest #MomBossMonday features, promotions and more by signing up for the Happy Mail newsletter!


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Iceland 101: A Beginners Guide to Iceland | Iceland Elopement Photographer
The Best Beginners Guide to Iceland | Iceland Elopement Photographer
Anyone who knows me knows I am kind of obsessed with Iceland. And by kind of, I mean completely. I live in Iceland and it is my muse. I am an Iceland elopement photographer with an Icelandic Wedding photography company, and I am co-hosting a wedding photography and filmmaking workshop October 30th - November 1st in Iceland (we have 3 spots left, shameless plug! Message me to claim yours!). So, naturally, I get a whole lot of people asking me questions about their upcoming travel to Iceland so I figured I will just compile everything here into this Iceland 101: Beginners Guide to Iceland to make everyone's lives easier and for my workshop attendees to have a WHOLE lot of info for their trip to Iceland with us.
Fair warning: This is quite possibly the longest introduction to Iceland blog ever created- but it is all of the things you need to know. Some of this might seem like I am being a spoil sport, but some things are a serious matter and I don't want to read in the news about any other tourists getting hurt or seeing people do some really stupid shit that could get them hurt. I want everyone to come to Iceland, enjoy it, come home safe, and leave without harming the nature.
Here is a beginners guide to Iceland from an Iceland Wedding Photographer.
First and foremost, this will be a little long, but let's talk about your safety and the safety of Icelandic nature. The Do's and Don'ts. The things that should be a 'duh' moment. But hey, just to be safe, let's talk about it.
Alright, I am going to start this out by posting this Icelandic Pledge. Read it, check it out, sign it. Iceland nature is GORGEOUS. It is magnificent. It is like being on another planet. It's more than likely the reason you are about to travel to Iceland. However, it is still nature and we are mere humans. Nature always wins. Please, when checking out places, be smart. Don't hang off of a giant waterfall to get a cool photo, it's not worth it. Plus, when you do silly things and need to be rescued out of it, you are putting the lives of your rescuers of ICE-SAR at risk, too. And that is not nice. So please, don't stand on ice chunks at Jökulsárlón, don't climb cliffs you are unprepared for, don't go fishing in spots you are unfamiliar with, don't go on hikes you aren't prepared for (especially at night!). You get the idea.
If you see a sign that says not to cross or walk on, or a rope closing off something: RESPECT THAT. It is closed for a reason and all reasons involve safety of you or the nature. Some areas might seem safe for YOU, but it is closed because the flora needs to be protected. Foot traffic ruins the delicate flora and will need to be closed off to give it a chance to heal. Iceland is wet and cold most of the year, so that is prime conditions to make everything that grows here very delicate and the ground to be soft. So, everyone, even if you want that specific shot you saw on Instagram (like walking over the ropes at Fjaðrárgljúfur: I SEE YOU.)- just don't do it. There also will be closings due to muddy conditions that make it easy for you to slide down a cliff. Or the stairs are completely iced over. Or the ledge is icy. You know, things you shouldn't be on.
If you see a sign on a road that says it is impassible, it is in fact, impassible. It could be too icy. It could be closed because a flood took out part of the road. It could be closed for a few reasons, and all of them mean you can't pass through it. So, don't. Always check out this website before you take off onto an adventure.
Pulling over on the side of the road: basically, don't do it. Iceland roads don't actually have a shoulder to pull over on. If you see something you want to take a photo of, find an area with space enough to pull over (like the beginning part of a driveway) that has enough space between your car and the road. I see ALL THE TIME people just pulling over leaving parts of their cars STILL on the road. Don't do that. When you have safely pulled over, don't just walk out of the car near the road or on the road to take photos. People die doing this, please don't die. Be safe.
The beaches in Iceland can be super, super dangerous. Especially the popular beach, Reynisfjara along the South Coast. The waves and ocean are very unpredictable. There is a wave called a 'sneaker wave' or a '10th wave' that comes out WAY further than the waves before it and will grab people after taking away the footing. Be very careful at the beaches. My rule of thumb is just do not let the water touch you (I mean, it's fricken freezing year round anyways so why would you) and never turn your back to the ocean.
Geothermal areas: they are awesome. They smell like sulphur (you'll get used to it. I actually like the smell now. And your hot water in the sink and shower will most likely smell like it too, just learn to love it.). These geothermal areas are so colorful and honestly are some of the coolest environments in Iceland that I will always love to see. But, SURPRISE! They are dangerous. (Are you getting the theme yet?). The ground around the geysir or hot spring is fragile and hot, you can actually create a new outlet for the steam by stepping on the ground, which, will burn your leg skin off. So, that is no fun. Also, the mud surrounding the areas is just as hot as the steam / boiling water a lot of the time. (If you want to use the geothermal steam to your advantage, check out these two places for some Earth Cooking!)
Off road driving: NEVER OK. If you see tracks already, don't follow them. There are high-fines for this and it can take DECADES for the nature to heal. Off-road driving is a big ol' NOPE. Even if it just looks like sand, it is still not allowed or legal. The moss is also incredibly delicate so driving on it (or even uprooting it from walking on it / picking it) is a big no-no. (So don't do things like carve 'send nudes' in it.)
Other people's property: respect it. All of Iceland is owned by someone. It is either private property (aka someone's farm / house / land) or it is government owned. It might seem like Iceland is this vast dream world, but Iceland is actually an established country with humans who have been occupying it since 874 AD. That is a lot of years ago and yes, Iceland is civilized. Yes, they have the internet and yes they have all of the things civilizations have. Except a McDonald's, which is great. So, PRETTY PLEASE respect their home and know that you might be trespassing. Don't shit on the property, there are restrooms not far from each other either at popular stops or gas stations, so use them. If you can't make it because hey, maybe that lunch you had is hitting you hard, then take the plastic bag AND toilet paper with you to throw away and don't leave it. (If you think that's gross then too bad, it's your poop.)
The livestock is also someone's property. The farm animals in Iceland are free range but that does not mean they are not owned by a farmer, because they are. So, don't slaughter sheep for you to eat. The horses, probably the most popular animal in Iceland, are also owned by farmers and riders. If you want to get a photo of them, then awesome. But please, don't feed or pet the horses. There are some farms who are OK with this, which a quick google search will bring them up, so go there and buy the proper feed for them that they can digest, pet them, purchase a guided horse riding excursion, and have fun. (Also, don't call them ponies haha).
You can not camp anywhere, in a tent or a van. Here are some useful articles for anything you want to know about camping in Iceland: here and here. And while we are on camping and safety: make sure you are properly prepared for the weather when camping. The weather can change dramatically at an instant, and depending where you are that can mean anything from sand storms, to floods, to snow and ice to rain. Prepare accordingly.
To wrap up my do's and don'ts section, I will just ramble off a few last things to not do: don't throw coins into the hot springs or water as it will ruin the ecosystem around it, don't make your own cairns out of rocks (the rock stacks), and don't buy the bottled water and bring your own bottle to fill up.
AND FINALLY: some DO'S! Do have fun and soak up all of the nature you can, do buy some food at restaurants instead of trying to save money because it is worth it, DO EAT THE LICORICE!, do talk to the locals and tell them how much you love Iceland, and do make your own adventure and take all of the photos- just safely.
Alright, hopefully I have given you a decent amount of Do's and Don'ts in this Iceland 101: A Beginners to Iceland to either keep you from looking like 'that guy' or even killing you. The next major topic I get asked a lot about is car rentals and driving in Iceland.
Do you even need to rent a car? The short answer is yes. I highly suggest renting a car for your visit for a few reasons, the main reason being the freedom it allows you. My absolute favorite part about Iceland is being able to adventure through nature and find hidden gems Mother Nature has created and to be away from civilization. I also really enjoy not being around other people and being able to do as I wish without having a time constraint. Also, in the long run, the car is less expensive than taking tours every day. To rent a small car with the insurances for an entire week, it usually runs me about $400-600 USD depending on the season. To fill up my tank fully in those little suckers is about $70-$80 USD and I can drive for about 8hrs or so on a full tank. If you did a full day tour, they can cost you $100-200+ a day per person, so that adds up. HOWEVER, they are not a bad idea to do a few. It is nice to have a guide teach you awesome things about Iceland and some things, such as glacier walking and cave hiking, you need a trained professional for. But, I still suggest renting a car for the other days so you can make your own adventure. If you don't rent a car, you will need to buy a Flybus ticket into Reykjavík or hire a taxi, which is really expensive, since the airport is actually in Keflavík about 45min drive from Reykjavík.
Where do I rent cars from? I typically rent cars from Lotus Car Rental and Blue Car Rental, because they are reasonably priced AND they give you a petrol discount. I have also rented with Sixt and Europcar and had a great experience. All car rentals are at the Airport within a quick 5-10min walk or you can wait on the airport shuttle bus that takes you to all rental car companies. You can also rent a camper van if you want to tour the country that way. Do your research, not all of them have continuous heating all night (which SURPRISE! Iceland gets cold at night), they also can be very cramped, and you won't have a bathroom / shower. If you are into that kind of adventure, then I suggest renting the kinds that are not a box on wheels, as the wind can push you off the road, and figure out what campsites to park in that does have water, bathrooms, and showers.
Do you really need to add on the insurances offered from the rental company? Y-E-S. Yes. Absolutely. Iceland has a lot of natural dangers like sand storms, volcano ash getting into the cars ventilation system, the wind! (I have seen it knock out windows of parked cars before), the little rocks all over the place that will scratch the paint and crack windshields, the bigger rocks on the gravel roads, and the most dangerous thing in Iceland- tourists driving on the road. Get the insurance, it will save you a whole lot of money if something happens. If you have a credit card company that covers some, I still suggest getting the Iceland specific ones. Also, no insurance covers the doors of the car, the underbelly of the car, or water damage from crossing rivers and streams. So make sure when you enter and exit the car you keep your hand on the doors so the wind doesn't take it off, be extra careful when driving on gravel, and no matter what do not cross any rivers / streams in the rental car.
What kind of car should you rent? That depends on what you want to do. You do not need a 4x4 car if you are planning on driving on the normal roads, even in the winter. Most rental companies (double check with yours) put on winter tires during the snowy months so you can still get around. You will need a 4x4 if you want to drive on any of the F-Roads and into the Highlands.
What are the differences between the roads in Iceland? As mentioned above, the normal roads (the Ring Road, the other major roads inside Reykjavik, roads leading to all of the major 'must see' areas.) you can get around with a regular car. There are also gravel roads that are NOT F-Roads, which a rental / normal car CAN drive over. Not all roads in Iceland are paved. The roads that start with the letter 'F' you need a 4x4 with. They are rough, lots of holes and rocks, may cross rivers, etc. You can NOT cross rivers in a regular car. You actually shouldn't cross rivers if you are inexperienced, anyways. The roads to the Highlands actually close during the winter time. Here is a great guide for safe Highland driving and information.
How are the road conditions year round? The conditions are generally manageable, and if they aren't they will be shut down / closed. It will almost always rain, in the colder months it snows a bunch, not all roads are plowed regularly or at all (except inside the city, but still the snow can pile up). The plows also don't scrape the ice completely like some people might be used to in the U.S. If you are not comfortable driving in harsh conditions, I suggest not renting a car for your winter visit. You should always check this site before heading out, as even in the summer some roads could be closed due to flooding or other problems.
How often should you fill your tank? In all honesty, you don't need to fill the tank every time you see a gas station / petrol pumps. There are petrol stations fairly close to one another. I would not attempt to drive over a mountain pass on 1/8 of a tank left, but, for the most part you will have access to petrol every hour-ish at least. Most little towns have petrol stations that double as cafe's and coffee stops (Iceland loves their coffee, I love Iceland.) and you will also see free standing pumps without a shop / store in many places. Those take cards only, so make sure you either have a gas card or a credit / debit card that has a PIN on it. (Some pumps take a security deposit from your card when you hit 'fill tank' that may take a few days to drop off your card, so if you want to avoid that you can buy a pre-paid gas card from within the gas stations to have on you.)
And finally, some general things to know: The speed limit on most roads outside of towns is 90kph, so please go 90kph. If you feel like you need to go slower, help the cars behind you pass so you don't cause a traffic jam and / or have cars attempting to pass you unsafely. If you feel like you need to go much faster- just don't. The speed limit is not very high because of the way the roads are built, there are no central medians so head on collisions are possible, and the wind can just take your car all the way across the road. Stay safe. The speed limit on gravel roads is 80kph (or slower). Inside the city, the speed limit varies so check the signs. Another reason to not speed, besides safety, is the speeding tickets are VERY expensive. I am guilty of getting one, that was about $400, and I will never do that again. There are cameras set up along the roads and in the tunnels that will issue you a ticket. I also see police speed patrolling in popular areas. Just go the speed limit, let people pass safely, and enjoy yourselves. Some last random facts- Your headlights need to be on 24/7, no matter the weather outside. If you are driving the roundabouts, the INSIDE LANE HAS THE RIGHT AWAY. Use your turn signals, yield to the inside lane exiting, and if you need to go around more than one exit, stay on the inside and use your turn signal to exit. There are no turns on red, ever. U-Turns are allowed unless there is a sign specifying otherwise.
Next up in this Beginners Guide to Iceland is the most common questions I get about a first visit to Iceland.
What to wear? Short answer- everything? The weather in Iceland, even in the summer months, is not exactly what most people call warm. There might be a few days in July that Icelanders will say is warm, but that is still Spring temperatures for Northern America. The weather is also super unpredictable, I have had days where in one location in front of me was sunny, yet I was being hailed on, in the summer. It also will rain during your visit, if not daily at some point. And I promise you, it will be windy. So, bring layers! Bring layers for thermal (even summer nights may need this), bring layers for the wind, bring a wind breaker jacket, bring a rain jacket that is water proof, bring gloves for months outside of June-August, bring a beanie, bring waterproof boots, bring regular shoes for walking around Reykjavík unless it's snowing, bring a parka for the snow that has a hood on it for the months of October-May, bring woolen socks. Bring things that will prepare you for all of the weather, because you will most likely experience all of the weather. (Oh, Iceland.)
What to pack that isn't clothing? If you are coming from non-European countries or the UK, you will need to bring a power adapter for your electronics. You will need to purchase a 2-prong power adapter for their plugs. You will need to pack your passport (duh, I know.) and you will need to make sure that it does not expire within 90 days of your trip if you are coming from America. (For other countries, check this out to see what your visa requirements are). You can also pack your own food if you would like (up to 3kg of food, but no raw eggs, raw meat, or milk.). Some people do this to save money, I usually don't because I would rather use that space in my luggage for other things and I just go to the grocery stores when I am in Iceland, or treat myself to restaurants. Anything else is at your discretion to pack, clothing and power adapters are really the most important, anything else follows the usual TSA guidelines and you can buy anything you forgot once you get into Iceland. Stop at Duty Free on your way out at baggage claim and get some alcohol if you fancy some, it will save you a lot of money.
What is the weather like? I touched on this above in the 'what to wear' question. To expand a little bit, the weather is wild. It is harsh a lot of the times, it is usually cloudy. It will rain. It will snow. It hails. The months of September-May you can (and prob will) get snow, rain, ice, wind, sun. The months of June-August you will probably get all of that except for snow. Usually. Check out this website to see what the weather is like and keep in mind it can change at any moment, anyways. It usually starts snowing mid September in areas and stops in June. Usually. June-ish.
What about these budget airlines and what is the best airline? First off, I say get whatever ticket you feel fits your journey. I personally always fly budget airlines like Icelandair and Wow Air. I prefer Icelandair as their accommodations, luggage policies, and seats are much better. I use Wow Air in a pinch because sometimes the flights are just so cheap, but, you will get charged for literally everything and can only bring one 'personal bag' that fits under the seat for free. I personally have not had any bad experiences with Wow Air (though I basically NEVER check a bag), but I have read many horror stories of luggage being lost and their customer service literally not caring about you if something were to go wrong with the flight / your luggage. But, sometimes the price is worth the risk. Sometimes. Many credit cards have rewards points with certain airlines, LOTS of airlines fly into KEF, so pick the one that will benefit you the best.
What should my budget be? I get asked this question all-of-the-time, and honestly, I don't think I can answer that. Just like anywhere else you go, it all depends on what experience you want to have and what you put priority on. Yes, Iceland is on average more expensive to buy things than most other countries, but that also depends where you are coming from. I think the prices are in-line with NYC prices for meals out and buying a lager, groceries, and pharmacy products. The amount of money you will spend depends on what you are doing when here. Here is a slight run down of the average spend in USD on some common purchases to give you an idea:
--> Car rental: $400-600 / week for a non-4x4 car. Could be $45-$100/day for a 4x4.
--> Petrol: $70-80 / fill up
--> Groceries: $50-100/ wk (depends what you eat.)
--> Beer and cocktails: $10-20 at a restaurant. (Buy some at Duty Free on your way out of the airport.)
--> Meals at a restaurant: $17- $$$$ depending how fancy you want
--> Petrol station snacks: $5-10
--> If you want to buy things here like clothing and gifts for people, expect to pay $10-$200.
Do I need to have cash on me? Nope. Everywhere in Iceland takes cards. The only reason I keep a little bit of cash on me (which I get out of an ATM at one of the banks and not the airport exchange) is in case I have an emergency when my card doesn't work for some reason. If you use only credit cards, make sure you also have a debit card or a card with a PIN on it because gas pumps require a PIN to be used. (Or you can go inside and have them open the pump for you OR get a gas card if need be.) I also like to keep a little bit on me to throw some into the donation boxes for restrooms and at popular areas that will help keep the nature preserved. But, I also think the money here (called Krona) is super cute with the people they put on their notes, so getting some out for a keepsake is also a thing. But I also collect currency and am weird.
BUT STEPH, WHAT ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS! WHERE CAN I SEE THEM? WHAT BUTTON DO I HAVE TO PUSH TO TURN THEM ON?????? WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE THEM??? OK, the Northern Lights. The Aurora. The magic in the sky. They are one of my most favorite things, besides the fact that they are breathtaking to see each and every time, but they are kind of mysterious and do their own thing. Which I respect and relate to. There is in fact not ONE spot you can see them, they will show up if the skies are clear enough from clouds and if the solar winds are strong enough. The sky has to be dark (therefore no, you can not see them in the summer months because the sun doesn't fully set) and you should go away from light pollution. THOUGH, I have seen them right in middle of Reykjavík on many occasions so if they are strong enough you can still see them. Check the weather, check the solar winds, check the cloud coverage, and then go to a spot where the weather map shows the sky will be clear. Then, you wait. You will see them start and then nothing will form, or you will see them glow and bounce around your head like a beautiful green (and sometimes purple and pink!) river above your head. Since you need the sky as dark as possible, I usually see them between 11pm-2am.
What is the sunrise / sunset like since it changes throughout the year? The sun is another favorite of mine in Iceland, it is different than the sun patterns in North America that I am used to. Not only does it change on how long it is or isn't up, it also changes course in the sky so as a photographer, I really love playing with the different shadows it gives me. The sun will be up all day in the summer months (June-Aug) and only sort-of-set briefly around 2am, but never go completely dark, more like a dusk. Winter months it might only be up for a few hours a day, max. Here is a great website to check the sun patterns for the month you are planning on visiting.
Do you need to add on wifi or a SatNav in your car? That is totally up to you. Google Maps will work even if your phone is in airplane mode / doesn't have service (you just can't get a new route once you leave wifi). You can also download all of Iceland as an off-line map. BUT. Google Maps is also not very accurate a lot of the times in Iceland so you might go on some small adventures. Also, make sure you are checking where it is taking you. A lot of roads have the same names in Iceland so don't be like this guy. The SatNav in the cars are more accurate for Iceland. Also, you don't need the wifi if you are paying for an international add on to your own phone, mine is $10 a day with Verizon. You can also get an Icelandic SIM to put into your phone. Or, you can do like I did for the first 2yrs of coming here, and just go off-grid and have fun. EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE PHONE SERVICE, YOU CAN STILL PUT YOUR PHONE ON ROAMING AND CALL THEIR EMERGENCY NUMBER IF YOU GET INTO TROUBLE. EMERGENCY NUMBER IS 112. BOOKMARK IT.
Now that all of that is sorted, time to get to some of the 'what to do in Iceland'. Keep in mind, these are only my recommendations and there is so much more to do and restaurants to try.
"What is there to do other than the Golden Circle?": Disclaimer, the Golden Circle area is really pretty, it is just super busy. Some other areas I love are driving the South Coast as far as you want. Seeing East Iceland is WAY worth the drive, it is possibly my favorite area in Iceland. Heck, you should drive the entire Ring Road (route 1) if you have the time. It will take you about 3-4 days so you can stop and see things or eat or sleep. It could also take longer, if you want. My other favorites are the Snæfellsnes Peninsula - which you could easily spend multiple days there alone and is only about a 2.5hr drive from Reykjavík, hanging out in Reykjanes for the day (where the airport is located!), hiking Þórsmörk, hiking (all or parts of) the Laugavegur Hiking Trail, hiking Mount Esja right outside of Reykjavík, driving North and staying the night in the second largest city in Iceland, Akureyri, and visiting the BJÓRBÖÐIN BEER SPA. YES I SAID BEER SPA. Honestly just drive any direction and see what you discover along the way.
Will you give me your secret locations you like to go to and photograph your clients in? I get asked this A WHOLE BUNCH, and a lot from other photographers, and I just don't like to share this info. Not to be a jerk, but Iceland is special and I have spent so much adventure time and money finding cool areas that I like to keep special for my clients. BUT! I URGE YOU TO FIND YOUR OWN, SPECIAL SPOTS. Iceland will speak to you, as she speaks to everyone, and you will find spots that make you feel good. They will make you feel calm, give you clarity, and make you feel at ease. I suggest everyone to go on an adventure without any expectations and see where the island leads you.
LET'S TALK ABOUT BEER. Within the recent years, Iceland's craft beer scene has really taken off. There are quite a few spots I like to visit to get my fill. Some local spots in Reykjavík are: Skúli Craft Bar, Micro Bar, Skál, Bryggjan Brugghús, KEX hostel, Mikkeller & Friends, Dillon Whiskey Bar, and you can also find craft beer at a most of the restaurants. I suggest trying anything from Borg Brugghús, they are my favorite and in my opinion make the most unique beers in Iceland. There are also new breweries & restaurants you can stop in popping up in Hveragerði, by Selfoss, and in Vík to name a few. There are also some craft distilleries you should check out. Word to the wise: you can not get alcohol in grocery stores or gas stations. You have to go to the alcohol stores that are not open all day or get it at restaurants. Also before you leave Iceland, you should take a shot of Brennivín, also known as 'Black Death'. Sorry in advance.
Some places to eat in Reykjavík: This is only some suggestions and places I like. There is SO MUCH to eat here, you must explore for yourself. Anyone who knows me personally knows I often go to the Lebowski Bar for a veggie burger and a beer (their White Russians are also AMAZING), Gló for a vegetarian meal, Íslenski Barinn, Dill which is the first restaurant in Iceland to be awarded a Michelin star, Svarta Kaffid for some homemade soup served in a bread bowl, Cafe Babalú, and soooooo manyyyyyy moreeeeee. I will be here all day suggesting places so you should just pick a spot, walk in, and eat.
COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE. Time to talk some coffee. Iceland might not be 'well known' for their coffee scene, but the coffee is pretty delicious. It also is a part of their culture, you can find coffee in just about anywhere. Also, having a chat over a cup of coffee is just a way of life here. Some coffee shops I like to go to within Reykjavík are: Reykjavík Roasters, Sandholt (and also eat their food and pastries and chocolates and YUM), Kaffi Vínyl, Kaffitár (they usually have a few different origins on drip for you to choose from), and Kruðerí Kaffitárs for their baked goods. You also can find LOTS of bakeries around and always a bakery and coffee shop in most towns you pass through. As with everything in Iceland, just stop in and go on your own pastry adventure.
You must swim, swimming is a way of life in Iceland. Seriously. If you don't go swimming at least once on your trip to Iceland, you might have done Iceland wrong. There are all sorts of different things to swim in. But before you do, please read this great article on hot spring and geothermal pool etiquette! Some geothermal pools I like are: (the busy but pretty) Blue Lagoon, Gamla Laugin (The Secret Lagoon), and the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa & Wellness center to name a few. There are also natural hotsprings such as Reykjadalur hot river, Seljavallalaug along the South, Mývatn in the North, Hrunalaug in the South, and a few more you might stumble on. BUT PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE- IF YOU GO TO ANY OF THESE NATURAL HOTSPRINGS, PLEASE DONATE IF THERE ARE BOXES, PLEASE TAKE ALL OF YOUR TRASH WITH YOU, PLEASE DON'T RUIN IT FOR EVERYONE. You will also find in every town are the city pools which are heated and amazing and I suggest going to those also. Before you go, check this out on what to do before you get into the pool. Also check this out, because it's fun.
AND HERE IS A LITTLE BONUS!! Since you made it THIS FAR on this information overload (sorry not sorry), here are some location suggestions and a TWO PART South Coast self drive tour!
Iceland South Coast Driving Tour: If you give yourself a full day drive to adventure or even two days, here is a custom itinerary for you along the South Coast: CLICK THIS FOR THE FIRST LEG! Then CLICK THIS FOR THE 2ND LEG! For the second part, I have you going into the Skaftafell National Park because it is super pretty, you can decide to do some hikes in there if you would like, or just pull in and have a coffee and lunch at the visitor center that overlooks Vatnajökull.
Things to see past the driving tour if you wanted even more awesomeness: Some spots close by are: Svartifoss and the hike back to her, Fjallsárlón iceberg lagoon, drive to the East Fjords!, take hikes within Skaftafell National Park, hike to Hengifoss , and just adventure along Vatnajökull as she is the largest glacier in Europe and covers an entire 8% of the entire country. On a clear day you will be able to see Hvannadalshnúkur, which is the highest peak in all of Iceland situated on Öræfajökull in Vatnajökull National Park.
Did you make it? Did you survive all of that info without your brain exploding?
I hope so. I hope this was helpful, it took many many hours to write so I hope you put it to good use. Please, if you have friends going to Iceland- give them this blog. Share the love, share the knowledge. If you are going to be in Iceland, send me a message and we can grab a drink! If you are eloping in Iceland, having a honeymoon in Iceland, proposing to your boo in Iceland- have me document your love (**wink**). But really, I hope this was helpful and I hope I catch you on the small rock in middle of the Atlantic one day.
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What is ISO 45001?
The ISO 45001 is an occupational health and safety management system (OHSAS) which has been designed to help businesses develop health and safety objectives and implement practices. The system provides a structured and methodical approach for identifying risks and then eliminating them.
The standard is compatible with EMS and other international management systems.
The Process
We review your existing management systems in relation to requirements of the relevant standards for certification.
Stage 1 Audit
A review of your management system(s) documentation is undertaken as the first step in the certification process.
Certification Audit
The Certification Audit is conducted on site to verify that you have implemented the management system across your organisation.
Years 2 & 3: Certification Maintenance
We will conduct an annual Surveillance Audit to check the ongoing implementation of management systems across your organisation.
The Benefits
With the ISO 45001 standard, you can
Maintain a safer and healthier work environment: Implementing ISO 45001 standard will help reduce accidents and injuries at your workplace, contributing to safer and healthier environment.
Decrease downtime: Ill and injured employees decrease productivity levels. The ISO 45001 is aimed at safety, ensuring that all of your employees will work in a safe environment.
Decrease costs: Implementing this standard can protect your business from legal actions and limit/eliminate fines. Additionally, may allow you to get lower insurance premiums.
Boost employee morale: With the implementation of this standard, it has been consistently proven that workforce delivers a better performance.
Demonstrate your commitment: Implementing an ISO 45001 shows that you are committed to the safety of your employees.
Earn credibility: The ISO 45001 builds your credibility by ascertaining that your business follows a standardised occupational health and safety management system.


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26 Apr 2016
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Based on the popularity of the international version of Wikileaks, a South African version has also sprung up, calling itself 'eWikileaks'. Founder, Julius Assangeni, said, "This is not to be associated in any way with that crap TV channel. Our aim, similarly to our international counterpart, is to expose the deep dark secrets of our country like the controversial Arms deal and where Patricia De Lille gets her ridiculous outfits from."
The first set of leaks from eWikileaks, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Indians arriving in South Africa, pertained to South Africa's Indian community. The first leak confirmed the long held belief that the indentured laborers were in fact fooled into believing that they were leaving their beloved India for greener pastures. The leak reads "The 1860 settlers actually believed they were moving up to Joburg to make more money and get to away from their nosy and overbearing families."
Some of the leaks threaten to cause an uproar amongst the Indian community. One of these leaks details that Mahatma Gandhi, the renowned activist, didn't in fact live in Phoenix as previously believed but in fact lived in the luxurious suburb of Umhlanga. This has prompted some of the betrayed Phoenix community members to call for the name of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital to be changed to Naidoo's Tuckshop Memorial Hospital.
The most damning and shocking leak however, was of a more recent Indian South African celebrity. The leak read, "Minority Front leader, Amichand Rajbansi's hair is real!"
Waseem -Allegedly- Dawood


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