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Do you know a quick way to check if a number is a multiple of two? How about three, four or six?
Can you find a reliable strategy for choosing coordinates that will locate the treasure in the minimum number of guesses?
A game in which players take it in turns to choose a number. Can you block your opponent?
There is nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats...
Gabriel multiplied together some numbers and then erased them. Can you figure out where each number was?
Who said that adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing couldn't be fun?
Can you explain the strategy for winning this game with any target?
Four friends must cross a bridge. How can they all cross it in just 17 minutes?
Collect as many diamonds as you can by drawing three straight lines.
Players take it in turns to choose a dot on the grid. The winner is the first to have four dots that can be joined to form a square.
In this game the winner is the first to complete a row of three. Are some squares easier to land on than others?
The clues for this Sudoku are the product of the numbers in adjacent squares.
Can you do a little mathematical detective work to figure out which number has been wiped out?
Here's a neat trick you can do with an 11 by 11 square...
How have "Warmsnug" arrived at the prices shown on their windows? Which window has been given an incorrect price?
Can you create a Latin Square from multiples of a six digit number?


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It might seem an odd thing to say of the world's oldest car-maker, but this is new ground for Mercedes-Benz.
Not that the company hasn't built front-drive, compact hatchbacks before, but the first models to use the A-Class tag missed their targets by a fair bit.
And even though it had its moments as a hatchback, those early A-Classes never really did manage to feel or drive like a proper Mercedes-Benz should.
Which is where the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class comes in.
Not only does it need to appeal to a hatchback buyer, it must also appeal to a potential Benz buyer. Combine those two agendas and you can see why this is new turf.
But the A-Class has the job in hand right from the start, purely because it looks terrific. The proportions are still those of a five-door hatchback but the upright peasantry of the previous model is gone.
The interior is neat and classy (although there's plenty of plastic on the dashboard) and the dials and switches are all generic Benz which, in this case, is no bad thing.
The front seats look very sporty and inviting even in the standard cloth of our test cars. Speaking of which, this time we've sampled the entry-level Mercedes-Benz A180 and the model tipped to be the volume seller, the Mercedes-Benz A200.
Both versions tend to sit you pretty low (although there's height adjustment) and the head-rest that angles back towards your head is good for whiplash protection, but might irritate somebody with a big enough "do" (or a hat).
There's also a sense that the seat/pedal/wheel relationship isn't quite spot on with the brake pedal, in particular, feeling as though it's too close to you.
The more expensive A200 gets a much nicer leather tiller and leather touch-surfaces as well as classier dials (not that the A180's are low-rent).
The rear seat is a bit tight for bigger folk although the sculpted backing of the front seats helps, but there's no getting around the fact that the luggage space is not only smaller than some, it's also accessed through a pretty small portal.
Power for the $35,600 (plus on-road and dealer costs) A180 comes from a1.6-litre four-cylinder with a turbocharger and 90kW of power and 200Nm of torque.
The $ 40,900 A200, meanwhile, also reflects the global downsizing of engines with the same 1.6 litres, but more turbo-boost for 125kW and 250Nm.
The A180 rides on 17-inch alloys while the A200 gets 18-inch items. For all that, there's not a lot of difference in ride quality because the run-flat tyres that both use dictate the ride quality, rather than the tyres' diameter or sidewall depth.
These run-flats are definitely better than previous generations with lots more grip, but they're still very noisy and can send the odd jolt through the seats.
The suspension, too, while offering great balance and feel can also generate its own noise, mainly a thump now and then from the rear when crossing squared-edged bumps.
The A200's engine definitely has more urge on display, but the base-model is not exactly slow, and both seem capable of about 8.5 litres per 100km in urban running with a sympathetic driver.
There's a little exhaust boom that finds its way inside at particular engine speeds, but the four-cylinder is smooth and refined for the most part.
The biggest driveability issue involves the transmission.
Not that the seven-speed clutchless manual unit is a harsh shifter, rather that both the A180 and the A200 seem slow to lift their skirts form a standstill.
You could argue that this is a long-term Benz trait – and it is – but the combination of a long-travel throttle pedal and the lazy step-off of the gearbox means that either A-Class can feel a bit lethargic in traffic.
The brawnier engine in the top-shelf Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport – at least until the flagship Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG muscles in - masks this trait, but that car is a $49,900 proposition.
The solution, meanwhile, is to stamp on the gas hard from as the light turns green; a tactic that will be familiar to hatchback buyers, but might not sit so well with Benz buyers. Again, a consumer profile that really does represent new ground.
Mercedes-Benz A180
Price: $35,600 (plus on-road and dealer costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cyl
Power: 90kW
Torque: 200Nm
Fuel consumption: 5.8 litres per 100km
Transmission: 7-speed DSG
Mercedes-Benz A200
Price: $40,900 (plus on-road and dealer costs)
Engine: 1.6 litre turbocharged 4-cyl
Power: 125kW
Torque: 250Nm
Fuel consumption: 6.1 litres per 100km
Transmission: 7-speed DSG
Visit the Mercedes-Benz showroom.
- Interested in buying Mercedes-Benz A180? Visit our Mercedes-Benz showroom for more information.
- Interested in buying Mercedes-Benz A200? Visit our Mercedes-Benz showroom for more information.

subset: commoncrawl


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What do our managers read?
As far as Grumble knows the only journal our managers read is the Health Services Journal. Dr Grumble cannot read this rag. It is not something he subscribes to. But the little snippets he reads from their blog make it seem like the Daily Mail. It seems to be one of those 'journals' that reinforces the mistaken models of the world that some people stubbornly carry in their heads. It might even be responsible for creating these falsehoods.
There are general themes which run through the HSJ output. Doctors are bad is one. GPs are idle money-grubbers is another. And the canard that markets are always good persists despite all the recent overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Doctors are just out for themselves and not interested in the welfare of their patients is another brutal allegation that really hurts. Dr Grumble has decided that he can no longer stand by and ignore the garbage that forms the output from the HSJ. Managers and doctors need to work together. Managers need to support doctors. How can we expect this when the HSJ publishes such falsehoods about us?
Doctors more than management want good care for patients. It's our raison d'etre. It's the overarching focus of our daily work. We, unlike managers, see the consequences of poor care. We more than managers have to communicate the consequences of poor care to our patients or their relatives. How can these people have the effrontery to educate us that patient care is paramount and accuse us of just being out for ourselves? They are the ones who sometimes fail to grasp the primacy of patient care. Not doctors. Unbeknown to our managers concern about patient care is a cardinal reason for the divide between us. We want to provide good care regardless of the cost. Managers always want to keep the lid on spending. That is a constant cause of friction. Doctors are bound to lobby for their patients to see that they get what they need. We are always battling for our patients. But we do live in the real world. We do see that costs must be contained. But what chance is there of our working together when we are constantly being undermined by HSJ blather?
It's a strange irony that it is managers who seem intent on trying to turn us from public servants with a genuine interest in patient care into the money grubbing people the HSJ likes to portray us as. Managers were the ones who essentially forced new contracts onto consultants resulting in our being paid for the very first time (on paper anyway) for all the work that we do. Doctors who were reluctant to move from a professional and vocational contract are now being paid more. Did our masters expect us to be paid less? Perhaps they really did. Perhaps managers just cannot grasp that doctors do whatever is necessary to meet the vital needs of our patients whether we are paid or not. And the same people made similar mistakes with GPs. For it was managers who forced GPs to jump through ever more hoops to be paid - which they promptly did. The BMA dutifully told the government that it would result in their being paid more. But the BMA was not believed. Yet the HSJ continues to distrust them.
The problem is that the HSJ has repeatedly fed a very wrong model of the world into our masters' minds. It has come from a number of inaccurate sources. Sometimes these have been blatant perversions of the truth. Below is just one small example of how the HSJ twists the truth. It is a quote from the editor's blog from a post entitled Public services failing to satisfy customers:
Figures from the UK Customer Satisfaction Index revealed that national public services, including the NHS, achieved the second lowest score among the 13 sectors measured.
The picture was repeated for local public services such as GP surgeries, which were also in the bottom half of the customer satisfaction service league table.
Now from that you would get the impression that GPs are a pretty bad lot, wouldn't you? Like the
- Your local Ambulance Service — 81.6
- GP surgery / health centre — 77.5
They were not only in the top ten. They were second! And, if you want to compare them with other categories, they scored more than Starbucks, VW and Virgin Media. But the HSJ won't tell you that. Now why do you think that could be?
The Jobbing Doctor describes another unwarranted attack on doctors in the HSJ. And like a sheep a manager weighs in and puts his misguided boot in only to have to back down when the redoubtable Clive Peedell puts him right. Read JD's post and put your blood pressure up.


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I am not able to see the image, text is there that say's attached image no funny pic box or anything. Checked my browser settings and everything looks good there too. On other boards the image placeholder is there or the image shows up but not on this board.
Seems to have happened in the last week or two. Thanks for trying to help out. Firewall maybe????


text: Beef & Black Bean Tostizzas By Kelly Miller • June23,2011 • Updated April 10, 2018 • Leave a Comment33411 I originally came across this recipe a few years ago on the Pillsbury website. The first time around I made it according to the recipe and then after adapting to our tastes, finally ended up with this version which is obviously our favorite. Beef & Black Bean Tostizzas 1.25 – 1.5 lb ground beef packet taco seasoning 15oz can black beans 1 cup salsa 2 cans Pillsbury Grands rolls (you can use 1 can, and then have leftover filling for tortilla dip) shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese Directions: Brown the ground beef and drain off fat. Return to pan and add taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Cook over medium heat until liquid is absorbed. Cool slightly. Add salsa and drained black beans, mix well. On ungreased cookie sheets (I used foil though for easy cleanup) press out each Grands roll to an approx. 4.5 inch circle. I only have two cookie sheets, so this was my first batch. Top each Grands roll with two heaping tablespoonfuls of the beef filling leaving 1/4 in. edge around. Top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes or until rolls are brown on the edges and cheese is melted. Place on wire racks to cool completely while you assemble 2nd batch of tostizzas and bake. Once cool, wrap each individually in foil and place 4 at a time in a freezer bag. Don't forget to label the bag with the date! These are soooo yummy with sour cream to dip them in. My 2 year old affectionately calls these "Taco Cookies." Enjoy! Linking up to: This Chick Cooks The Grocery Cart Challenge 33411


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Vintage PFISTERER y gold plated satin (PLAQUE) Style bracelet, 22 mm x 160 mm , NOS condition, vintage high grade and genuine german made, manufactured in the 70s from the well known german Bracelet manufacturer Pfisterer,
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Grouse Mountain has put out a call for committed snow hounds to register for ski and snowboarding camps and clinics for adults and children alike, giving those who secure a spot by Nov. 30 an early-bird discount of 20 per cent.
• Zone camps, designed for children aged 7 to 12, teach confidence and skills on the slopes to kids of all levels of ability. Zone Camps for Juniors aged 5 and 6 are offered as four five-half day sessions, as do Youth Ski Zone and Youth Board Zone for teens aged 13 to 17
• Single day camps offer special all-day lessons for young boarders and skiers in either full or half-day formats on professional development days and B.C. Family Day.
To sign up for these programs, call Grouse Mountain Guest Services at 604 980-9311, or register online here.


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Marc Élysée, DMA
Director of Orchestral Studies
Dr. Marc Élysée is Assistant Professor at Southwestern Adventist University. As Director of Orchestral Studies, he conducts the Southwestern Symphony Orchestra, teaches applied violin lessons and coaches chamber music. As music professor, his has been teaching Instrumental Conducting & Literature, Musical Form & Analysis, Music Composition, Orchestration & Arranging, and String Methods & Pedagogy, as well as Ear Training & Sight Singing.
Marc started violin lessons at age seven in Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, where his parents were serving as missionaries. In 1992 he won first prize for contestants in violin under age 14 in Radio France's National Competition, Les tournois du royaume de la musique.
Following completion of a music degree at the Marc Bloch University in Strasbourg, where he studied musicology, and study on violin at the conservatories in Strasbourg and Nantes, France, Élysée moved to Montreal, Canada, in 1999, where he studied violin under Richard Roberts, concertmaster of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. He was a finalist in the concerto competition at the university in 2003, playing the second violin concerto by Dmitri Shostakovich. He graduated from McGill University that year with a B.Mus. in violin, cited for outstanding achievement in violin performance.
While in Montreal he was a member of a professional string quartet that was very active in promoting appreciation for music to children and teenagers in public schools and concert venues. Having given over 150 performances in the Eastern and Northern provinces of Canada, the group was nominated for the Opus Prize by the Arts Council of Quebec as having the best outreach program in 2003 and 2004 and was compensated by Jeunesses Musicales International for its work.
During his time at McGill, he also pursued conducting studies under Viennese maestro Alexis Hauser and then in 2005 studied at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestral Musicians. In 2007 he completed an M.Mus. in Instrumental Conducting at Andrews University, where he studied with Venezuelan conductor Claudio Gonzalez, taught violin and viola for the pre-college string program, and served as assistant conductor of the AU orchestra during the 2006-2007 school year.
Upon graduating from AU, Élysée accepted a position at Shenandoah Valley Academy, where in the next five years he developed a successful string and orchestra program that grew to include a sixty-piece symphony orchestra whose membership included only SVA students and faculty. They played major orchestral and choral works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and other classical music composers as well as lighter works.
While teaching at SVA, he also served as assistant orchestra conductor at James Madison University, completing a D.M.A. in Orchestral Conducting, Music Pedagogy and Literature in July 2010. He was also invited to join Pi Kappa Lambda, national music honor society, at the time of his graduation. Following completion of his degree he was hired to teach instrumental conducting at JMU and direct its opera and musical theater orchestra in staged productions of Carmen, Don Giovanni, Die Fledermaus and Sweeney Todd among other works.
A passionate music educator and dynamic conductor, Mr. Élysée is regularly invited to give clinics in high school music festivals, to direct orchestras and adjudicate music competitions. Recent engagements gave him the opportunity to work with students from the D.C. area, Maryland and Virginia, as well as Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.


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Guys, I gave Andrew the idea to do a pledge drive amoung the membership to save Finheaven. I started with an opening pledge of $129. The new total is $1371! We're going to do this until Monday 11/11 02. Hopefully we'll hit our total earlier. All checks are being sent out 11/12/02. Remember the total now is $1371, when you make your pledge subtract the total from the amount needed and give us the new target figure. Hey, we have alot of fun on this site so if the membership is asked to help a little how can we not. O.K. I got the ball rolling we're at $1371. Who's next? Use this thread to make your pledge and let's see the target total reached fast. I'm going to do everything I can to help. Let's Rock!!!!


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AG says Windham officers justified in non-fatal shooting of Pelham man who drove at officers
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) � New Hampshire's attorney general says Windham police were justified in shooting a Pelham man who had led police on a high-speed chase and attempted to run down officers with his car.
Attorney General Michael Delaney said Thursday that the non-fatal shooting of 21-year-old Grant Hebert in October was reasonable and necessary to protect the officers and the public.
Delaney says Hebert led a Pelham officer on a high-speed chase into Windham, where he rammed into the police cruiser in an effort to get away.
When Windham officers attempted to apprehend him in a driveway, Hebert crashed through a gate and drove at the officers.
Two Windham officers fired at the car, which stopped Hebert.
Hebert was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.


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Getting to Norway
There is a good range of inexpensive flights to Norway from London, though from the UK's regional airports the choice is poorer. Oslo Gardermoen airport is the main point of arrival. Flights are almost invariably much less expensive than the long and arduous journey from the UK to Norway by train or car. There are currently no ferry services direct from the UK to Norway, but this situation may change and it's worth checking out if you're considering taking your car.
Continue reading to find out more about...
- Flights from the UK
- Flights from Ireland
- Flights from the US and Canada
- Flights from Australia and New Zealand
- Flights from South Africa
- By train from the UK
- Driving from the UK
- By ferry from the UK
- By train, bus and ferry from the rest of Scandinavia and Russia
- Tours and organized holidays
- Tour and holiday operators
From Ireland, there is much less choice, but there are regular flights to Oslo Gardermoen airport. For travellers arriving from North America, the main decision is whether to fly direct to Oslo – though the options are limited – or via another European city, probably London. Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans have to fly via another country – there are no nonstop, direct flights. Finally, getting to Norway from the rest of Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden and Finland) is quick, easy and relatively inexpensive, whether you travel by plane, bus or train.
Flights from the UK
From the UK, there's a good choice of direct, nonstop flights from London to Oslo as well as a scattering of flights there from the UK's regional airports. Norway's main international airport is Oslo Gardermoen, 45km north of the city, but several budget airlines use the deceptively named Oslo (Torp) airport, which is actually just outside Sandefjord, 110km from Oslo, and Oslo (Rygge) airport, 60km south of the city near the little town of Moss. There are also a handful of nonstop, direct flights from the UK to other Norwegian cities, including Stavanger, Ålesund, Bergen and Trondheim, but for the likes of Tromsø you'll have to change planes. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and its subsidiary Widerøe has the largest number of routes.
Prices vary enormously, but Norwegian Airlines often offers the least expensive tickets with a return from London Gatwick or Manchester to Oslo costing from as little as £140. Flying times are insignificant: Aberdeen to Stavanger takes just one hour, London to Oslo a little over two.
Flights from Ireland
Flying from Ireland to Norway, there's not much choice, but Ryanair ( w ryanair.com) has flights from Dublin to Oslo (Rygge) and Norwegian Airlines (wnorwegian.com) flies between Dublin and Oslo Gardermoen. As sample fares, Norwegian charges anywhere between €70 and €160 for the flight from Dublin to Oslo with a flying time of just over two hours.
Flights from the US and Canada
From the US, you can fly direct/nonstop to Oslo Gardermoen from New York City with United Airlines (wunited.com) but otherwise you'll have to change at a hub airport with London being an obvious choice. Return fares from major cities in the US to London start at around US$800, but otherwise reckon on spending around US$1500–2000 return for a nonstop New York–Oslo return flight with Continental. There are no direct flights to Norway from the west coast, but plenty of carriers will get you to Oslo with one stop, for as little as US$1500 return.
From Canada, the best deals are usually offered by Air Canada (waircanada.com), which flies nonstop to London Heathrow, with onward connections to Norway. From Toronto to Oslo, expect to pay around Can$2000 in high season and Can$1500 in low season, while typical fares from Vancouver are around Can$2200 in high season and, likewise, Can$1500 in low season.
The flying time on a direct, nonstop flight from the east coast of North America to Norway is just over seven hours.
Flights from Australia and New Zealand
There are no direct/nonstop flights from Australia or New Zealand to Norway. Most itineraries will involve two changes, one in the Far East – Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur – and then another in the gateway city of the airline you're flying with – most commonly Copenhagen, Amsterdam or London. You can get tickets to Oslo from Sydney, Melbourne or Perth for Aus$1500–2500, NZ$2000–3000 from Auckland.
Flights from South Africa
There are no direct/nonstop flights from South Africa to Norway, but several airlines will get you to Oslo with one stop via a European hub city. For example, KLM (wklm.com) fly from Cape Town to Amsterdam with onward connections to Oslo for a return fare of between ZAR9500 and ZAR12,500.
By train from the UK
Eurostar ( w eurostar.com) services running through the Channel Tunnel to Brussels put Norway within reasonable striking distance of the UK by train, but the whole journey from London to Oslo, which is usually routed via Brussels and Copenhagen, still takes about 22 hours and costs about £300 one-way (£350 return), though special deals and concessionary rates can reduce these fares considerably.
Rail passes
If you're visiting Norway as part of a longer European trip, it may be worth considering a pan-European rail pass. There are lots to choose from and Rail Europe (wraileurope.com and wraileurope.co.uk), the umbrella company for all national and international passes, operates a comprehensive website detailing all the options with prices. Note in particular that some passes have to be bought before leaving home, others can only be bought in specific countries. Note also that Inter-Rail Pass (winterrailnet.com) and Eurail Pass (weurail.com) holders get discounts on some internal ferry and bus journeys within Norway.
Driving from the UK
To reach Norway by car or motorbike from the UK, the best bet is to use Eurotunnel's (weurotunnel.com) shuttle train through the Channel Tunnel. Note that Eurotunnel only carries cars (including occupants) and motorbikes, not cyclists and foot passengers. From the Eurotunnel exit in Calais, it's a somewhat epic journey of around 1400km or so to Oslo.
By ferry from the UK
There are currently no car ferries from the UK to Norway; the nearest you'll get is Esbjerg in Denmark, about 900km (around 10hr) by road from Oslo, with DFDS Seaways (wdfdsseaways.co.uk) from Harwich. Tariffs vary enormously, depending on when you leave, how long you stay, what size your vehicle is and how many passengers are in it; on overnight sailings, there is also the cost of a cabin to consider. As a sample fare, a seven-day, peak season return fare for two adults in an ordinary car costs around £250. Reservations are strongly recommended. There are three or four Harwich-to-Esbjerg sailings every week and the journey time is about eighteen hours.
By train, bus and ferry from the rest of Scandinavia and Russia
By train you can reach Oslo from both Stockholm (2–3 daily; 6hr) and Copenhagen (2 daily; 8hr). There are also regular services from Stockholm to Narvik (1–2 daily; 21hr), operated by the Swedish company SJ (t00 46 771 75 75 75, wsj.se). For online tickets, go to wraileurope.com.
Several bus companies provide services into Norway from other parts of Scandinavia. These include Eurolines (weurolines.co.uk) buses from London to Oslo, which pass through several Danish and Swedish towns, notably Copenhagen, Malmö and Gothenburg; the Swedish company GoByBus (wgobybus.se), which has services to Oslo from Stockholm, Copenhagen, Malmö and Gothenburg among others; and Swebuss (wswebus.se), which operates an express bus from Stockholm to Oslo. In the far north, Eskelisen Lapin Linjat (weskelisen-lapinlinjat.com) runs a number of bus services from Finland to Norwegian destinations, including Tromsø, Kirkenes and Nordkapp.
A number of car ferries shuttle across the Skagerrak from Denmark to Norway.
As for border crossings, there is (usually) little formality at either the Norway–Sweden or Norway–Finland borders, but the northern border with Russia is a different story. Border patrols (on either side) won't be overjoyed at the prospect of you nosing around. If you have a genuine wish to visit Russia from Norway, it's best to sort out the paperwork – visas and so forth – before you leave home. Kirkenes is the main starting point for tours into Russia from Norway.
Tours and organized holidays
Tourism in Norway is a multi-million-dollar industry that has spawned a small army of tour operators. Some provide generic bus tours of parts of the country, but there are many more specialist companies too, featuring everything from skiing and walking through to whale-watching and cycling. Most of the better companies offer a choice of escorted and independent tours. Additional, domestic tour operators are detailed throughout the Guide.
Tour and holiday operators
Anglers' World Holidays
UK t 01246 221 717, w anglers-world.co.uk. Sea- and river-fishing holidays in Norway.
Brekke Tours & Travel
US t 1 800 437 5302, w brekketours.com. A well-established company offering a host of sightseeing and cultural tours of Scandinavia in general and Norway in particular.
Discover the World
UK t 01737 214 251, w discover-the-world.co.uk. Specialist adventure tours including whale-watching in Norway, wildlife in Spitsbergen and dog-sledging in Lapland. Independent, tailor-made tours too.
UK t 0845 508 4197, w exodus.co.uk. Large, activity-holiday specialist offering cross-country skiing and all sorts of other winter sports plus whale-watching, hiking and Spitsbergen excursions.
UK t 0845 564 7148, w headwater.com. Limited but well-chosen selection of winter fun holidays in Geilo and Venabu, where punters choose anything from skiing to reindeer safaris.
High & Wild
UK t 0845 004 7801, w highandwild.co.uk. Adventure holiday specialist through whose services you can join a Sámi reindeer migration.
Hurtigruten Norway
t 00 47 81 00 30 30, w hurtigruten.com. The Hurtigruten coastal voyage is Norway's most celebrated sea cruise (see Hurtigruten sailing schedule).
UK t 01653 617 001, w inntravel.co.uk. Outdoor holidays in Norway including skiing, walking, dog-sledging, fjord cruises, and whale- and reindeer-watching.
North South Travel
UK t 01245 608 291, w northsouthtravel.co.uk. Friendly, competitive travel agency, offering discounted fares worldwide. Profits are used to support projects in the developing world, especially the promotion of sustainable tourism.
Saddle Skedaddle
UK t 0191 265 1110, skedaddle.co.uk. Highly recommended company organizing a couple of cycling tours of Norway each year, usually one to the Lofoten islands and another round the western fjords.
Scandinavian America World Tours
US t 1 800 545 2204, w scandinaviantravel.com. Scandinavian specialist offering an extensive programme of group and individual tours and cruises within Norway.
US t 1 727 415 5088, w scandamerica.com. A wide variety of packages – everything from dog-sledging to garden tours – throughout Scandinavia. Florida based.
US t 1 800 223 7226 w scantours.com. Huge range of packages and tailor-made holidays to every Scandinavian nook and cranny.
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Calendula is a flowering plant that thrives in abundance in the United States, and in a number of countries across the globe as well. Calendula is also quite popularly referred to as marigold, which loosely translates into "sunbride."
With its distinct burst of deep orange and yellow petals, calendula flowers are readily edible that raw petals are oftentimes mixed into salads. Calendula petals are also often brewed into herbal tea which serves a wide variety of medicinal purposes.
Calendula petals are known to make for much of the plant's medicinal properties. Often, bright orange calendula petals contain the highest concentration of active medicinal compounds. These, among others, include decent amounts of carotene and essential oils.
When fixing yourself a cup of calendula tea, it is best that a handful of calendula petals are brewed immediately. The active medicinal compounds of the flower are known to break down not long after the flowers are picked.
Calendula Tea Bags and Health Benefits
Calendula tea bags offers many health benefits and has traditionally been used in the treatment and management of several skin conditions including eczema, sunburns, warts, and minor wounds, etch. Calendula has also a long history of being used as curative against cramps, coughs, and even snake bites.
More recently calendula extract and various calendula derivatives have proven to relatively effective in dealing with fever, cramps, stomachaches, flu and colds. Regular consumption of calendula tea has also proven to help detoxify the body, improve circulation, and even help regulate menstrual cycle in women. As such, you might where to buy organic calendula tea for menstrual cramps relief.
Much of calendula's medicinal value has to do with the natural high content of flavonoids. These are naturally existing antioxidants in the body. Anti-oxidants are naturally existing chemical that protect cells from detrimental free-radical damage that often results fromoxidation. Without enough supply of antioxidants, free radicals tend to dominate and suppress immune function of the body.
How To Make Healthy Calendula Tea Recipe
As much as there are a number of benefits in consuming calendula regularly, there are also are many ways to fix yourself a cup of calendula tea.
Here's how to make a healthy calendula tea recipe. To start with, we can always make use of boiling water with dried calendula flowers. To do this, we just place a spoonful of dried calendula flowers in a teacup full of near-boiling water. Cover with a saucer. And just let steep for a good 20 minutes.
We can also prepare the tea using boiling water still, but now with fresh calendula flowers. We just place fresh flowers in a jarful of boiling water over, cap, and let infuse until the tea cools enough to a safe drinking temperature.
It is best to strain your drink after your calendula tea has finished infusing. It is also a good idea to prepare small batches at a time and refrigerate the left over tea immediately. Calendula infusions are not exactly known to last for a particularly long time, so you may want to discard the remainder tea after a day or two.
Related Topics on Calendula Tea:
- http://www.calendulatea.net/ How to Make Healthy Calendula Tea Recipe
- http://www.calendulatea.net/menstrual-cramps/ Calendula Tea for Menstrual Cramps
- http://www.calendulatea.net/health-benefits/ Calendula Tea Bags Health Benefits
Video on Calendula Tea Health Benefits
The post Calendula: Edible Medicinal Petals appeared first on Calendula Tea.


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575 tes Sejak 2007
454 kai kita telah menerima rekomendasi tertinggi
Cuts are the result of external influences e.g bad road conditions, protruding bodywork parts or sharp, foreign objects such as stones or glass. You should avoid driving aggresively on unpaved roads. If you discover a cut damage on the tire surface, you should visit your local tire dealer and get your tires checked by an expert immediately.
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Students interested in pursuing this degree must meet all prerequisite requirements before entering this degree program. TCC offers a comprehensive plan of study that leads to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, as detailed in the course catalog under Curriculum for Doctor of Chiropractic Degree.
Admission Requirements for Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Program
All applicants to the Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Program must furnish references and provide complete, official academic transcripts from any higher education institution they have attended, regardless of acceptability toward the degree program. Failure to comply may result in dismissal from TCC or loss of academic credit.
A student entering Texas Chiropractic College must have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours (120 quarter hours) at a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale of those 90 hours. The 90 hours must include a minimum of 24 hours of life and physical sciences courses, of which half of the courses must have a substantive laboratory component.
Students not meeting the above science requirements may be eligible for admission through an alternative admission track plan. Please contact your admission counselor for more information. However, no student shall be admitted to Texas Chiropractic College with fewer than 90 semester hours or less than a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for those 90 hours.
Students should contact the licensing board(s) in the state(s) where they plan to practice in order to check for any pre-chiropractic college licensure requirements, such as a Bachelor's degree, that exceed the above requirements (www.FCLB.org).


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Do you like to interact with people? Does your voice project well? Do you have some flexibility in your workday? Would you like to join a group of tour volunteers?
Volunteers would be called upon to lead up to one-hour tours of Green Library throughout the year for librarians, university administrators, and others from various countries or U.S. institutions. Tours typically are scheduled between 10am – 5pm. All volunteers will be given training and resources.
Join part of a team that will be trained this summer in time for the academic year. If interested, contact Felicia Smith at firstname.lastname@example.com
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Tutwane distances himself from BNF presidency
In less than ten months, the Botswana National Front (BNF) will be heading for its crucial elective congress. The year 2016 is overloaded in the BNF calendar as the party's Youth League will also hold its elective congress. This might be the last elective congress for the party ahead of the decisive 2019 general elections. According to the party constitution, an elective congress is held after three years.
Responding to a series of questions from WeekendPost, Dr. Letshwiti Tutwane vehemently denied the reports linking him to the BNF presidency. According to highly placed sources within the party, Dr. Tutwane is one of the top contenders for the party presidency.
However, Tutwane was quick to point out that he is not an impetuous person adding that every office bearer in the party should be given a chance to serve until their time expires. He also maintained that respect and courtesy are very important.
"The elective congress will be held next year and when the time gets nearer, say April next year, I will state my position. I will give consideration to any position that comrades think I may best serve the party occupying. It is not really about me but about the interest of the party as a collective" explained Tutwane.
Contrary to reports that he was against the Umbrella model, Tutwane praised the BNF for being part of what he termed a potent formula.
"The Umbrella model has delivered the desired results and it is getting more and more popular by the day" noted Tutwane who is also a lecturer in media studies at the University of Botswana. He went on to explain that as politics is very eventful, it is what will happen between now and the next general elections that will determine whether the upward mobility of 'moono' continues. Tutwane added that performance of the party in parliament is also an important consideration.
Tutwane indicated that he is always striving for most of the things to get better within the party. He also made it loud and clear that he was in good terms with party president Duma Boko.
"Boko and I get along well and we do not have any tiff. I spent my entire youth advancing the interest of the BNF both covertly and overtly but when the aroma of power wafts about, people make all sorts of allegations to endear themselves to the leader in charge" he expounded. Tutwane also rubbished the reports that he had embarked on an underground mission with one, Khumoekae Richard which posed a great threat to the party.
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Botswana's development agenda in jeopardy
Stanbic Bank Botswana Quarterly Economic Review indicates that Botswana will fail to meet some of its Vision 2036 targets, particularly unemployment reduction and reaching high-income status.
The report says this is mainly due to the slow economic growth that the country is currently experiencing. This Quarterly Economic Review focuses on the 2020 Budget Speech.
The first paper reviews the entire budget with its key observations being that this budget is prepared as prescribed by the Public Finance Management Act; the priorities it seeks to address are drawn from Vision 2036 and the eleventh
The 2020 budget Speech, which was the maiden speech by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Thapelo Matsheka, and the first after the 2019 general elections, was delivered to Parliament on the 4th of February 2020.
It has been well received by the labour unions, business community, and the public at large as well as international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
It mainly derived its support from key facets including, emphasis on changing the business-as-usual approach to development; outlining the transformation agenda; fiscal reform that minimizes the negative impact on economic development and human welfare, competiveness and the decision to implement the 2019 negotiated and agreed public sector.
The budget's progress review shows that economic growth was consistent with the NDP 11 projections, with growth of around 4 percent. At this growth rate, the country would neither ascend to a high-income status nor reduce unemployment towards the Vision 2036 target of a single digit.
Simple calculations of this review confirm that the economy will need to grow the Vision 2036's target of 6 percent over the next 16 years for per capita income to increase from around USD 8,000.00 to above USD 12,000.00 in current prices.
Further, the population is anticipated to grow by only 2 percent per annum.
For this reason, the focal areas for the forthcoming FY's budget include measures to increase economic growth towards an average of 6 percent per annum.
Economic diversification is reportedly progressing fairly well. The report says, the share of the non-mining private sector in value added has risen to 66 percent in 2018 from to 63 percent in 2015.
The sectoral pattern of growth showed that the performance of services sector (particularly transport & communications, trade, hotels & restaurants, and finance & business services) has been the silver lining and that of mining sector was subdued whilst the utility sector disappointed.
The drive towards the service sector of the economy, especially to low-productivity activities (tourism, public administration, wholesaling and retailing) does not bode well for the country's development aspirations.
In the previous versions of this Quarterly Review, it was noted that there is need for the rethinking of economic diversification. Since the country's domestic market is small, it is inevitable that economic diversification not only focus on broadening the product mix, but also the composition of exports and markets.
This understanding of economic diversification has not been embraced by this year's budget. Consequently, Botswana's exports are still overwhelmingly diamonds, which means that the rest of economic sectors are still highly dependent on foreign-exchange earnings from diamonds. Thus, "the transformation programme requires a review of the country's entire ecosystem".
The budget review of the economic context also depicts that an economy with positive medium-term prospects, with growth expected to recover to 4.4 percent in 2020 from the expected growth of 36 percent in 2019 largely due to faster growth of services sectors and, thereafter, to slow-down to 4 percent in 2021.
These projected growth rates are comparable to those of the IMF staff's baseline scenario of 4.2 percent in 2020 and 4 percent in 2021. Thus, the business-as-usual scenario produces growth rates that are still too low to achieve Botswana's development objectives and create enough jobs to absorb the new entrants into the labour market.
Trade tensions between the two major markets for diamond exports, viz., the United States of America and China, is one of the factors that are cited as contributing to, indeed, undermining not only the domestic growth, but also the fiscal position.
Another notable downside risk to both global and domestic growth is outbreak of the coronavirus in China around January 2020. This has been declared as a global health emergency. In an attempt to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, the Chinese authorities have ordered city lockdowns and extended holidays, of course, at the expense of near- term economic growth, according to the new Stanbic Bank Botswana report.
According to Nomura Holdings Inc., fewer migrant workers returned for work than in previous years and business activities have been slow to pick up. The havoc wreaked by the virus on the world's second largest economy is likely to spill over to the global economy. In fact, it has resulted in a glut in crude oil and, thereby placed oil markets into a contango, i.e., a market structure where near-term prices trade at a discount to future contracts.
It also presents significant risks one of Botswana's main drivers of economic growth, diversification and foreign exchange earnings. According to the Financial Times (February 13, 2020), Chinese tourists spent $130 billion overseas in 2018. Regardless of whether the growth materializes, the projected domestic growth rate would not transform the economy to a high-income one.
Progress towards reduction of unemployment, to a target of single digit, and poverty and achieving inclusive growth has also been relatively slow, the Stanbic Bank Botswana Review says.
OP leases Orapa House
Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration (MOPAGPA) has through the Office of the President (OP) proposed to avail Orapa House for use by private training institutions as well as research institutions involved in the area of technology development.
For a very long time the monumental building located in the heart of the city has been a white elephant, despite government purchasing it for nearly P80 million from De Beers in 2012.
However, government has now identified a productive use for the iconic building. "The overall vision is for the building to be transformed into a hub for digital technology research and development to be carried-out by institutions, such as; Limkokwing University, BIUST, BITRI and other relevant stakeholders."
The decision was taken as government traverse a new path of transforming the economy from a mineral led economy to a knowledge based economy through the promotion of research and innovation. However, the facility will need major maintenance to be carried-out in order to meet the requirements of the proposed change in use.
"The work will include provision of laboratories, work stations, production areas and seminar rooms; audio visual centre, high speed internet connectivity, exhibition areas and offices," reads the proposal note for the development.
These developments will be done through the refurbishment and maintenance of the main building, workshop, and ablution block, gate house, parking area, grounds, and access control and security service.
"There will be minimal modifications to the structure as it stands. The project is estimated to cost approximately P50, 000, 000," says the report. In this regard, it is said, the initial scope of the OP facility will be modified to accommodate the envisaged digital technology research and development hub.
With funds needed to improve the building, OP has requested that; "the 2020/21 annual budget provision for Orapa House will need to be increased by P37,500,000 from P2,500,000 to P40,000,000 to kick start the maintenance works." Funds will be sourced from the projects that have been delayed due to Covid-19 protocols during the 2020/21 financial year.
The building has been a thorny issue for government for years. Initially, OP was expected to move there but the move never materialised. At one point it was a question of whether the Office of the President and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development were planning to override a decision by Parliament which rejected the proposal to buy Orapa House under the belief that government may be buying its own property. The building was to be bought at a negotiated cost of P79 million.
Again in 2012, Government had wanted to buy Orapa House for a negotiated P79m but the Finance and Estimates Committee of Parliament had rejected the request because of the inconsistencies realised in the supporting documents of the proposed procurement. The valuation of the building was put at P74 million.
The Ministry of Lands and Housing had initially offered De Beers P73, 000,000 as the purchase price. However, De Beers countered with P85, 000,000. On negotiation and converging of the minds, the selling price was finally agreed at P79, 000,000.
Sad state of Brigades: dumped and ignored!
Auditor General, Pulane Letebele, has expressed discontentment at the worrying and deteriorating state of brigades in the country.
In an audit inspection which was carried out at Tshwaragano Brigade in Gabane, a number of observations showed weaknesses and shortcomings in the conduct of the financial affairs of the institution.
According to Letebele's report, former students of the brigade had been engaged to carry out maintenance works on the school premises, comprising of painting, tiling, plumbing and electrical works, which covered the period from July 2017 to June 2018.
Although the agreed maintenance period had elapsed, the works had not been completed because of unavailability of funds and this situation had persisted up till the time of inspection in November 2019.
Auditor General says arrangements should have been made in time for funds to be available to complete these relatively minor works even before the works commenced.
Various contractors had been engaged for clearing the bush and for the supply of concrete stones, pit and river sand and hiring equipment for digging the trench towards the construction of an auto mechanics workshop, the report said.
It stated that the cost of services and supplies provided totalled P117 949.80. However, despite the services and the supplies having been paid for, the construction works had not commenced for a long period afterwards, resulting in the trench filling back in.
The audit inquiries had not elicited satisfactory responses as both the institution and the Ministry had not accepted the responsibility for the project, although orders for the provision for the supplies had been made. For their part, the Ministry had stated that they had sub warranted funds for the purchase of porta cabins.
Letebele indicated that it is therefore confusing that a project which is critical to the functioning of an institution such as this one would commence without a well-defined plan.
Furthermore, the accounting and maintenance of records for the supplies items were not of the standard prescribed by the Supplies Regulations and Procedures in that the supplies ledger cards, the main accounting records for Government assets, were not properly maintained for the recording of receipts and issues.
This had resulted in significant discrepancies between physical and ledger balances, while in other instances the supplies items had not been recorded at all.
The report says 24 of the 91 new computers found in the computer laboratory at Kumakwane ABC campus were not recorded anywhere, as were the other computers in the storeroom which could not be counted due to the disorderly storage conditions.
The institution had entered into a contract agreement with a security company for the provision of security services at Tshwaragano Brigade, ABC and Horticulture campuses at Kumakwane for a 2-year period which ended in June 2018, WeekendPost learnt.
After the contract expired in June 2018, an extension was granted till the 30th September 2018. Since then, there has been no security service coverage for the institution to-date. According to Auditor General, in the face of prevailing crimes, it is of paramount importance that government properties be protected by provision of security services at all times.
At Tlokweng Brigade, it was noted that the kitchen staff were working under difficult conditions as the kitchen facilities and equipment, such as the cold room, tilting pot, food warmers and solar power for hot water were dysfunctional. The kitchen roof was leaking and men's restrooms was not working. All these need to be brought to a reasonable and functional state of repair.
The kitchen staff should use a purpose-designed Rations Ledger for the recording of receipts and issues of foodstuffs to reflect the usage of those items. As far back as 2014 the Department of Buildings and Engineering Services had found that the house occupied by the bursar was uninhabitable on account of structural defects, the report said.
A site visit during the audit had established that the house was indeed unfit for occupation as there were cracks on the walls, power switches were not working and the roof was leaking. On a sadder note, there were a number of finished items of clothing, such as dresses, shirts, and jackets from students' practical exercises from the Fashion Design Textiles Workshop.
Auditor General shared her take on this, saying: "I have not been able to ascertain the policy on the disposal of products from these practicals. A trace of 103 green acid-proof overalls which had been purchased in August 2018 had indicated that there was no record of these items having been recorded or issued, nor were they available in stock. I was not able to obtain any explanation for this situation."
Kgatleng brigade was also audited and inspected by Auditor General who observed that the brigade has 26 institutional houses at Bokaa, both old campus and new campus. Some of these houses are very old and dilapidated, with two declared uninhabitable. The condition of the houses is a clear indication of lack of care and maintenance of these properties.
At the time of the audit, there was no contractor engaged for the provision of security guard services at the new campus, after expiry of the previous one in July 2019. It is hoped that steps would be taken to safeguard the security of the premises and government properties against any acts of hooliganism.
In August 2019, there was a break-in at the electrical and at the plumbing maintenance workshops and a number of high value items, such as drilling machines, bolt cutters, spanners and cables, were stolen. The break-in and theft were reported to the police.
"However, at the time of writing this report I was not aware of the outcome of the police investigation, nor of any loss report submitted in terms of the Supplies Regulations and Procedures," Letebele said.


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It is somewhat amusing now to post Bishop Finn's thoughts on Peter Seewald's book-length interview of Pope Benedict XVI. He wrote it last week before heading to the USCCB meeting in Baltimore and then on to the consistory in Rome.
The plan was to put out Bishop Finn's column in conjunction with the release of the book, but a small portion of the book was curiously released early, in a "palpably incompetent manner," with predictable results.
What's amusing is that Bishop Finn evidently read the whole book without being thrown by the passage that now defines its release; he doesn't even mention it. What Bishop Finn does say is that God has given us "holy father, a wise and good shepherd," who "wants people to understand the Church he loves."
Bishop Finn also says of the book, "This is not 'sound bite' theology, and I hope people won't just pick through it – but read it in its entirety for the full picture."
So, get the full picture, "like" the '"Light of the World" facebook page, visit the website and buy the book.
Here's the column:
On the Pope's New Book: Light of the World
Most Rev. Robert W. Finn
Bishop of Kansas City – St. Joseph
Dear friends,
I recently had the opportunity to read an advance copy of a new book by Pope Benedict XVI. Entitled, "Light of the World: The Pope, The Church, and the Signs of the Times," published by Ignatius Press. It is a book length conversation between the Holy Father and the German journalist, Peter Seewald, and it reaches the market this week. I don't want you to think that I get any fee for saying so, but this text is another great gift from "Papa Ratzinger" to the Church.
In this first ever such interview of a sitting Pope, the Holy Father takes on the most direct, challenging and heart wrenching issues and questions of the day, including the response of the Church to the scandal of priest sexual abuse, the tension and promise of dialogue with other Christian and non-Christian denominations; as well as the somewhat neuralgic propositions urging the abandonment of priestly celibacy and the promotion of women's ordination. Pope Benedict receives these and many other questions with warmth and addresses them with reasonableness and candor.
This is the third published interview between the two men, Peter Seewald and now-Pope Joseph Ratzinger. The previous books, "Salt of the Earth," and "God and the World," came out during the latter's tenure as Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This time we hear the successor of St. Peter – and it is a quick and enlightening read.
When I picked up the earlier works some years ago, I was amazed at the ability of Cardinal Ratzinger to synthesize and explain – without notes and previous knowledge of the questions – complex and nuanced topics with apparent calm and kindness. He wants people to understand the Church he loves, and he has extraordinary talents as a teacher. As George Weigel says in the forward to the new book, the Pope speaks in "full paragraphs." Again, the interview was several hours sitting face to face without notes. His answers are well organized and focused. His responses are concise but substantive. This is not "sound bite" theology, and I hope people won't just pick through it – but read it in its entirety for the full picture.
The Pope speaks about his election as Pontiff, his emotions, and ultimate trust in God. He talks about what he does in an evening where he has relaxing time. He tells of how he found himself weeping as victims recounted their narratives of abuse. The Pope chides the inquisitor for recounting all the things he has had to say "no" to over the years, and asks us to recall some more positive initiatives. In the most trying situations he has faced, in the perilous circumstances of planet earth, in the face of serious challenges of peace and unity, the Holy Father offers again and again his conviction of authentic Christian hope. It is very uplifting. We see that God has placed at our head a holy father, a wise and good shepherd.
As this goes to press I am happy to be able to make a rather brief trip to Rome to witness the Consistory and creation of new cardinals on the Sunday of Christ the King. There in particular I plan to congratulate "Cardinal Raymond Burke," former Archbishop of St. Louis and now Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, "chief justice of the Church's Supreme Court," and a good friend; he was the principal consecrator at my episcopal ordination here in May, 2004.
Though I do not anticipate having the opportunity to greet Pope Benedict on this visit, I know I carry with me your affection for him, and our prayerful gratitude for our Holy Father. May our Blessed Mother protect him and keep him close to her Son.


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The Stainless Steel Gas Log Grates is the perfect accessory to your new outdoor entertainment area. Outdoor grates are quickly becoming more popular throughout many weather environments, and custom sizes are available to perfectly accommodate your yard. Made of 304 stainless steel, this heavy duty grate is welded at every joint for additional strength and durability.
- 304 Stainless steel construction
- Sizes ranging from 24" - 36"
- Welded at every joint for durability
- Perfect outdoor accessory
This hefty Stainless Steel Gas Log Grates is the perfect addition to your family gatherings or annual barbecues with friends. Sizes available range from 24" - 36", ready to accommodate your needed size. Protect your fire pit in style with this smooth stainless steel cover.


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Latest Innovations. Subspecialty Care. Strength in Patient Follow-Up
Diarrhea is the passing of unusually loose or watery stool at increased frequency (more than three times per day). It is a common problem that may last a few days and disappear on its own.
Diarrhea may be acute (short-term), usually as a result of minor or passing illness, or chronic (long-term), which is usually related to a functional disorder or intestinal disease.
Causes/risk factors
Diarrhea may be caused b a number of conditions, including the following:
- a bacterial infection;
- a viral infection;
- food intolerances or allergies;
- parasites;
- a reaction to medications;
- an intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease;
- a functional bowel disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome;
- and surgery to the GI tract.
"Traveler's diarrhea" is common and is most often caused by ingesting bacteria to which the person does not have resistance.
Signs & symptoms
The primary symptom of diarrhea is frequent urge and need for bowel movements that produce loose or watery stool. Other symptoms that can accompany this include:
- cramping;
- abdominal pain;
- bloating;
- nausea;
- fever;
- dehydration.
Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, or that has blood in it, is cause to consult a physician, as are severe pain, high fever, or signs of dehydration. Dehydration is one of the more serious side effects of diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration include:
- thirst;
- less-frequent urination;
- dry skin;
- fatigue;
- and light-headedness or fainting.
Diarrhea that lasts more than a few weeks may indicate a serious disease. Identifying the cause of the problem in some cases is difficult.
Physicians generally diagnose diarrhea through the patient's description of the symptoms. If the diarrhea appears to be chronic, your doctor may recommend the following tests:
- stool culture;
- colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy;
- barium, upper-GI x-ray;
- breath test (to detect the bacteria).
Blood tests can be useful in ruling out certain diseases, as fasting tests can in determining if a food intolerance or allergy is the cause.
Treatment for diarrhea usually involves replacing lost fluids, but may include antibiotics when bacterial infections are the cause. Other treatments include:
- absorbents, which are compounds that bind water in the intestines;
- anti-motility drugs that relax the movements of the intestines (permitting them to absorb more of the water content of the stool) and that relieve cramps. These medications should be used only when following precautions and for not more than 72 hours without physician supervision
- bismuth compounds (such as Pepto-Bismol).
If another disease or condition is the cause of the diarrhea, treatment will target that primary problem.


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Press Releases
High-Performance Computing Customers Gain Greater Capabilities to Address Big Data Requirements Through NetApp's Collaboration with OpenSFS and EOFS Communities
Cooperative Efforts with Industry Leaders Underscore NetApp's Commitment to Support Growth and Expansion of Lustre
SUNNYVALE, Calif. -February 28, 2012-Government organizations, universities, and labs worldwidethat rely on high-performance computing (HPC) face increasing challenges in managing and processing growing data volumesto advance scientific research and design next-generation products. These organizations have turned to solutions based on the Lustre file system toimprove the speed and accuracy of scientific discovery and obtain insights faster into areas such as geonomics, bioinformatics, defense, and climate simulation modeling research.
As part of its effort to work closely with leading organizations to drive continued innovation with the Lustre file system, NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) today announced that it has joined the OpenSFS and EOFS(European Open File System)communities. OpenSFS is focused on increasing collaboration, communicating requirements to Lustre developers, and supporting a release of Lustre that addresses key customer needs. EOFS promotesthe establishment and adoption of Lustre as an open source parallel filesystemwith continued support tosustain and enhance its quality, capabilities, and functionality by addressing the specific requirements of European organizations, institutions, and companies.
Supporting Facts
- This expanded collaboration with industry leaders worldwide builds further on NetApp's continued investment in HPC. NetApp recently teamed with Whamcloud to announce the foundation of the Open Benchmark for Lustre initiative to define, standardize, and promote storage system benchmarks using Lustre.
- NetApp brings a proven history of helping customers meet extreme demands in HPC environments to transform their big data into business success. Most recently, the Department of Energy selected NetApp® as the storage foundation for Sequoia, one of the world's most powerful supercomputers.
- NetApp's portfolio of big data solutions allows customers to break through performance barriers to unlock new insights;gain a competitive advantage with better, faster business decisions; and create new business opportunities.
- The NetApp High-Performance Computing Solution for Lustre, announced last fall, efficiently scales bandwidth and density with proven reliability to solve challenging research, modeling, and simulation problems.
Supporting Quotes
- David Dale, director, Industry Standards at
"NetApp big data solutions are foundational to business success and have proven instrumental in enabling customers tounlock insight into the power of growing data volumes,make better decisions, and drive successful business outcomes at the speed of today's business. The Lustrefile system has gained in popularity for its ability to enable success by providing a platform that meets the performance, scalability, and capacity requirements for storage environments that require very high bandwidth. We look forward to collaborating with the OpenSFS and EOFS communities to enable the continued growth and development of Lustre and open standards high-performancefile systems."
- Norman Morse, president at OpenSFS
"OpenSFS is pleased to welcome NetApp to our growing list of participants. With each new participant, our community is strengthened and our ability to provide support and development for the Lustre file system is improved. NetApp has already demonstrated leadership and commitment to the community in many ways, including proposing the Open Lustre Benchmarking working group. We are pleased to have NetApp as an Adopter Participant in OpenSFS and we look forward to working together in the future."
Additional Resources
- Learn more about NetApp HPC solutions: www.netapp.com/lustre
- Learn more about NetApp big data solutions: www.netapp.com/us/company/leadership/big-data
- Follow NetApp on Twitter: www.twitter.com/NetApp
- Get the latest on NetApp culture: www.facebook.com/NetAppCulture
- Join NetApp on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NetApp
- View NetApp videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/NetAppTV
- Connect with NetApp on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=111681
About NetApp
NetApp creates innovative storage and data management solutions that deliver outstanding cost efficiency and accelerate business breakthroughs. Our commitment to living our core values and consistently being recognized as a great place to work around the world are fundamental to our long-term growth and success, as well as the success of our pathway partners and customers. Discover our passion for helping companies around the world go further, faster at www.netapp.com.
Press Contact:
Jessica Johannes
(408) 822-6551
NetApp, the NetApp logo, and Go further, faster are trademarks or registered trademarks of NetApp, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other brands or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and should be treated as such.


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How to Promote Christian Unity
User's Guide to Sunday, Jan. 22.
Sunday, Jan. 22, is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Christian Unity
The week of prayer for Christian unity lasts from Jan. 18 to Jan. 25, the feast of the conversion of St. Paul. To find a great package of materials about the week of prayer for Christian unity, do an Internet search for: Vatican Christian Unity Week.
Conversion of St. Paul
Jan. 25 is a great feast day: the conversion of St. Paul. The Apostleship of Prayer created a nice YouTube presentation about this day during the Jubilee Year of St. Paul. To find it, search for: St. Paul conversion apostleship.
Today, share with your children the extraordinary manifestations of Christ you have either heard about or experienced. For instance, Tom talks about a day he randomly went to a church he doesn't usually go to and sat in a seat that was out of the way — which turned out to be the only vantage point from which anyone could see a consecrated Host as it rolled off the altar and behind a chair. He told the priest and helped retrieve it.
If you don't have that kind of story, you can tell of a visit to a Marian apparition site or a special confession or a beautiful liturgy.
It is important for your children to see you talk about the faith and know that God reaches out to his people today — even their own family.
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 25:4-9; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20
Our Take
God built the virtue of unity into nature in many ways.
When geese fly south for the winter, for instance, they fly in a V formation. This means each flap of each goose's wing helps himself and the goose behind him. When a goose separates from the group, he hits a wall of wind resistance that makes his flight nearly impossible to sustain for the entire journey. Geese also honk continually to remind the others that they aren't alone, and they look after those that fall behind, helping to catch them up with the group.
It's a great message for the week of Christian unity: Together Christians can go far. Separated, we make it impossible to make headway and make our chance of reaching our destination more distant.
We see that all around us. The greatest tragedy in our day is the lack of unity between Christians. The lack of Christian unity has super-sized many of the problems that face the world today.
Our culture has what seems like a "zero-tolerance policy" toward significant moral distinctions. Pope Benedict XVI has called this angry insistence on relativism "the dictatorship of relativism." But the growth of relativism has been greatly aided by the fact that Christians who follow the one true God simultaneously hold to different versions of his one truth.
There is also a militant secularism that has banished God from public institutions. This in a country that was founded by Christians for the sake of religious tolerance! We have come a long way from the days when Thomas Jefferson attended church services in the Capitol Building. This secularist slide has also been greatly aided by the fact that Christians can't agree on what they believe about God to start with.
How do we regain unity that is so far gone? Today's readings give a scriptural path toward Christian unity.
One thing we can all agree on is that we need to speak the truth of the Gospel to our world.
The first reading tells the story of Jonah in Nineveh. Jonah is sent to warn Nineveh that its ways would mean its destruction, and he sees God work a miracle of repentance there.
The second reading shows how St. Paul called the people of his own time to the same repentance, telling Christians in the world to recognize that "the world in its present form is passing away."
In the Gospel, Jesus calls his apostles, telling them that they are to be "fishers of men," meant to gather people to Our Lord.
This outward-focused mode of Christianity is a lot more conducive to unity than the inward gaze many Christians so often fall into. We have seen it in the pro-life movement, where evangelical Protestant Christians and Catholics work side by side, as they do in the March for Life, which is on Jan. 23 this year. Christians in countries threatened by war have also seen the need to band together.
We should pray fervently in this week of prayer for Christian unity that we will soon see this same unity of purpose and witness in the world at large. This will help us complete our pilgrimage together instead of facing the hostile winds of the world all on our own.
Tom and April Hoopes write from Atchison, Kansas,
where Tom is writer in residence at Benedictine College.


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We're all just one big super market now
Australia's banks have found another pie they can sink their teeth into, write Eric Johnston and Michael Evans.
Australia's banks have found another pie they can sink their teeth into, write Eric Johnston and Michael Evans. IT WAS a small graph buried in the middle of a lengthy and otherwise uneventful PowerPoint presentation. But the illustration, detailing the expected growth in Australia's superannuation assets over the next two decades, is significant for Australia's big four banks. It is where they see their next leg of growth to maintain their run of record profits.A slowly rising table, (detailed at right), resembles the path of an aircraft on the runway, slowly gathering speed and height before suddenly rising at a fierce pitch.The table represents the expected growth in Australia's wealth management and superannuation assets from barely a blip in 1996 to less than $1 trillion today to more than $6 trillion by 2030.In today's terms, a figure this size would place Australia's super assets somewhere between the entire economic output of China, the world's second-biggest economy and Japan, the third largest.When Brad Cooper, boss of Westpac's wealth management arm, BT Financial Group, candidly referred to the big banks performing a "land grab" in the wealth management industry he did not mince words about its significance."What mortgage share has been to banks over the past 20 years, we think the growth in wealth will be to banks over the next 20," Cooper said.Just as Australia's property boom generated unprecedented wealth for property owners over the past two decades, it did so too for the banks. But with a generation of younger workers and families unable to see the chance of capital gains on their primary residence that their parents did, many already feel priced out of the market.And combined with the outlook for low credit growth, Australia's banks face a challenge in delivering their run of record profit growth.The big banks need a new trick to keep the growth coming.Cooper detailed to the bank's biggest investors how banks did a poor job in handling the transition of customers from borrowers to investors as they had paid down their mortgage and become high-net-wealth individuals.Now, faced with a lack of new mortgage customers, they are looking at holding onto the wealthy ones they've got, laying the groundwork for holding your business as you move from borrower to lender, till death do you part.For banks, wealth management has long been the Holy Grail as a source of potential earnings power. But they are under more pressure than ever to make it work.Australia's big four lenders made serious inroads into wealth management early last decade, spending up billions on businesses for what top bank executives described at the time as "the best house in the street".Commonwealth Bank made the first serious moves in early 2000 with its $9 billion play on Peter Smedley-managed Colonial Group. This kicked off a flurry of transactions. Just a month later National Australia Bank bought Lend Lease's MLC businesses for more than $4.5 billion.Elsewhere, Westpac collectively paid more than $1.2 billion for BT and Rothschild & Son's Australian funds management business in separate transactions. ANZ, meanwhile, entered into a complicated joint-venture arrangement with ING Asset Management.But, investors soon found, the banks clearly overpaid as they bought these assets at the top of the market. Ever since, the return on their investment has barely covered the cost of the capital for the deals and, in many cases, they've been destroying value.Meanwhile, banks found it difficulty to integrate the newly acquired businesses, with major cultural differences persisting between managing wealth advisers and traditional banking. Banks also found the much promised cross-selling of wealth management products from bank branches difficult."Wealth management acquisitions have fallen short of generating the expected level of returns," says Victor German, an analyst with the investment bank Nomura.In 2009, ANZ moved to full ownership of the ING Australia wealth management business in a $1.8 billion deal, and renamed the business OnePath.But with lending margins under more pressure than ever, banks are persevering with their wealth management plays. Combined with key changes in the way Australia's superannuation system operates, banks have renewed hope on wealth.The key is the staggered increase the compulsory superannuation contribution employers have to pay, from today's 9 per cent to 12 per cent, starting from 2013. Add this to an ageing population with increasing need for financial advice over mortgages, and suddenly the motivation becomes clearer.The increase in superannuation payments alone is expected to see the total wealth management profit pool grow 43 per cent to nearly $10 billion by 2017.The average retirement lump sum is now about $245,000 for men and $170,000 for women, according to Treasury figures. The changes mean that by 2036 those figures are expected to lift to $485,000 for men and $345,000 for women. Unlike traditional banking, the superannuation industry is still highly fragmented. The banks are largely playing in the retail superannuation space, which represents less than a third of the total market. The biggest single component by asset size remains the self-managed superannuation funds, at over a third, while industry and public sector funds together make up the balance.However, several factors are now starting to swing behind the major banks. Increased and costly regulatory oversight and technology are driving industry change. This is helping the major banks take market share from rivals. At the same time, banks have been able to focus on driving more profitable growth."I wouldn't like to be a wealth management business that's not owned by a bank today, and I don't think I'd like to be a bank that doesn't own a wealth management business," said NAB's head of MLC and wealth management, Steve Tucker.The idea of a bank and wealth manager sitting together is a logical combination of businesses, he says."If you really just break it down to what customers need: they've all got superannuation, they've all got bank accounts, they need insurance, they all need credit cards, there is a real need for advice in the Australian community in a complex world," he says.Tucker points out this had always been the original business case when NAB acquired MLC. It continued to be the case when NAB made a $13 billion bid for AXA Asia Pacific, a move that was ultimately blocked by the competition regulator."The idea was clients were ultimately going to want to get most of their financial services met in an integrated fashion both banking and wealth needs. We've been making alot of progress over the past12 years to get to the point where we are doing that for a lot more customers than we ever have before," he says. "There's still challenges, but there the opportunity is as significant, if not more significant, as it has ever been."Westpac's Cooper, for one, acknowledged that his bank had not been good at holding customers as they went from being borrowers to high-net-wealth investors.He said changes to superannuation regulations would see low-cost super become unattractive for providers, with continuing advice to small investors less attractive and not going to be worthwhile "except for high-net-wealth individuals".Bank investors, though, remain sceptical. Few see the businesses as supercharging earnings for the medium term at least."While structurally we believe the outlook for wealth management is sound and attractive for banks, the businesses are not sizeable enough to make a material difference to bank earnings growth over the medium term," says Nomura's German.For all the big four banks, wealth makes up less than 10 per cent of annual earnings. Westpac has said it hopes to take this to as much as 15 per cent over time.Even as growth comes at the business level, it would be hard to make a significant impact on group earnings.But for the banks there is a broader strategic motivation for their wealth management play. Funding is becoming scarce, and running a wealth business is relatively "capital light" that is, banks don't have to set aside as much high-cost capital on their balance sheet to back the business."That pool of superannuation money is going to be a growing source of funding for the banks in terms of both getting deposits and retirement savings, in a way that can be used to help fund the growth of the economy," says NAB's Tucker.He points out that the pool of savings can help the development of the corporate bond market in Australia."Not withstanding the last couple of years have been pretty challenging, the superannuation system is growing, and it's growing quickly," he says.Even with the banks scrapping for market share, AMP remains the market giant in retail funds under management, life insurance and advice.Following last year's acquisition of the Australian arm of AXA Asia Pacific, the merged company has nearly $93 billion of retail funds under management. This eclipses NAB's $79 billion and Commonwealth's $71.4 billion.While AMP runs a modest banking business, Craig Meller, managing director of AMP's flagship financial services, believes there is no compelling reason for banks to be involved in super. "You look at the history of AMP, and indeed the history of AXA pre-merger. Both businesses were growing strongly in the wealth management marketplace, keeping abreast with the overall growth rates of the banks," he says."Frankly, since the merger of the two businesses, nothing has changed in that respect."Others are choosing to invest in that marketplace. We think to be successful in it, you need to be a big player, and we're the biggest player. So we welcome the competition, and we're not surprised by it."In the contested retail funds management industry, the five main wealth players, including AMP, account for about 60 per cent of the life insurance industry and about 75 per cent of the retail funds management industry.While further consolidation is expected in the wealth area, the big-ticket acquisitions are considered to be largely off the agenda after the competition regulator blocked NAB's attempted AXA Asia Pacific play. Meller points out that a branch network is not needed for wealth, given that most of his new customers come to AMP through its dominant corporate super business."Someone who has their corporate super with AMP, if they need any more help or advice, they are more likely to come to AMP as they are to the people who sell them their credit card," he says.While AMP increasingly sells mortgages through its financial planning network, the core of its business is about wealth management, Meller says."It's about providing financial advice, and it's about providing financial advice on the three major needs that people have in their life from a financial perspective. This is owning a home, life insurance and retirement. If you look at our business, at its core it is helping people achieve those three core objectives through helping them provide quality financial advice and then building product solutions."Our dominance in these markets puts us in a stronger position than anyone in the marketplace to grow along with the rest of the wealth management industry," he says.While cashed-up banks are always examining acquisitions to grow their share, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commissioner's decision to block NAB's move on AXA Asia Pacific sent a strong message that it would not tolerate the big banks using buyouts to gain significant share.This has forced them to become more strategic and to look at mid-tier buyouts.Last year Commonwealth Bank paid $373 million for Count Financial, a planning and accounting business that specialised in supporting self-managed super funds.Westpac's Cooper says acquisitions are on BT's agenda, highlighting how 11 large companies control 75 per cent of the market."We think there will be many players looking at their models and looking at their tenure in the industry," he says. "And we will keep a watching brief on where those opportunities might pad out our scale and capability as well."But for NAB's Tucker, who has felt the tangle of competition rules, it is "hard to see" the big banks making major acquisitions.


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Jayne O'Donnell, USA TODAY
December 14, 2012
Men are feeling jollier about the holiday season than women, at least when it comes to buying gifts, new USA TODAY research shows.
"The men may be disappointed: 31% of women plan to spend less than last year," says Jim Shea, vice president of marketing for predictive analytics company First Insight, which queried 5,800 consumers with USA TODAY. By contrast, 19% of men plan to spend less.
The good news for retailers: 75% of both men and women plan to spend more or the same as they did last holiday season, the data show.
The results square with November retail sales out Thursday from the Commerce Department. Sales were up 4.4% compared with November 2011, which National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said showed "The season is off to a pretty good start."
The looming "fiscal cliff" -- the federal government's dispute about how to prevent big tax increases and spending cuts starting Jan. 1 -- is weighing on holiday shoppers' moods, but Kleinhenz says it's not clear if "Washington will be the Grinch for holiday sales." The effect that Superstorm Sandy will have on holiday sales is another unanswered question, he says.
Most estimates for the holiday season suggest retail sales will be up about 4% this year — less of an increase than the past two years, but those holiday periods were compared with pretty dire seasons.
"It's very clear people are getting more worried, but the nice things are that fuel prices have fallen, wages are showing some gains, and employment is relatively good," says Chris Christopher, senior principal economist at IHS Global Insight, which predicts sales will be up 3.9%.
The nearly 6,000 people surveyed were asked what they plan to spend and hope to give and get, and what they would be willing to spend on various products. Shoppers made it clear they planned to focus on deals on everything except hot electronics.
Electronics was the most expensive category evaluated, "and it is clearly price-insensitive," says Shea.
When asked what they would pay for electronics including the iPhone 5, the xBox 360, the Kindle Fire and Wii, shoppers consistently named prices at or above the sticker price. But In most other categories, shoppers wanted to pay less than the retail price.
Consumers are worried, but they will buy something at full price if it's a must-have item, agrees Kurt Kendall, a retail strategist at consulting firm Kurt Salmon.
"They're not only buying on deep, deep discount, but retailers are having to be promotional," says Kendall.
In addition to curbing the urge to splurge, some people are sticking to the basics when it comes to giving. Broderick Bohls of Seattle is getting his girlfriend a microwave oven and fixing her computer. He's asking for a lamp. After a costly car repair and an injury that kept him out of work, "I'm so broke, I can't see straight," he says.
Julie Bishop of Richmond, Va., says she and her husband are planning to spend more this holiday season and are buying each of their two children an iPad mini. That's after "holding back due to the economy" for the last three years, she says. But with salaries that are significantly lower than they were four years ago and concerns about the fiscal cliff and tax increases, "We will most likely not be able to spend much next Christmas," she says.


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