text:
How the sweet potato crossed the Pacific
Another PNAS paper looks at how the sweet potato made its way from South America to Oceania prior to the arrival of the Europeans. Another interesting story of contact from the Southeast Asian periphery!
How The Sweet Potato Crossed The Pacific Before Columbus
NPR, 23 January 2013
Historical collections reveal patterns of diffusion of sweet potato in Oceania obscured by modern plant movements and recombination
PNAS 22 January 2013
doi: 10.1073/pnas.1211049110
Read More


text:
Is It a Good Time to Buy Holding Co. Stock?
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- For months now, shrieks of warning that the ad market has been infected by the economic malaise have become routine: Analysts have slashed spending forecasts. Marketers such as General Motors and Procter & Gamble have warned of a new austerity. And media companies have seen their shares take a big hit alongside news of a softening ad market.
But even as ad cutbacks roil TV networks and newspaper publishers, the recession has yet to make a serious dent in the performance of the multinational conglomerates responsible for creating and placing the lion's share of advertising.
While agency groups such as Omnicom, WPP, Interpublic and Publicis would seem to be heavily exposed to an economy that's gone south, they've all managed to keep cool this earnings season. None at this point are close to what you'd call Wall Street darlings, but they are not reaching for a rip cord as the bottom falls out of the ad business. Credit the performance to the companies' success in diversifying into marketing disciplines that aren't dependent on the selling of ad time -- such as digital, customer-relationship management and public relations -- and to heavy investment in international markets that remain fast-growing even in tough times.
Things may be falling apart in a macroeconomic sense, but, somewhat surprisingly, the agency holding companies might be better positioned than their media-selling brethren that are slipping down into the gyre swallowing many ad-supported businesses.
Recession resistance
Not bad when you consider how the holding-company model has been blamed for sucking the creativity and freedom out of the ad business in a quest for margins at all costs while not often enough displaying the advantages of being part of a group. One distinct advantage is shining through in the economic gloom: a sense of recession resistance.
Since the Ad Age/Bloomberg AdMarket 50 hit its all-time high in October, the index has fallen 16.7%. Of the 10 worst performers since that peak, seven were media companies, and the other three were troubled marketers: GM, Sprint Nextel and Ford. So far this year, media stocks have sucked wind, but agencies have done a little better.
Yet Wall Street hasn't battered holding-company stocks as much as media ones, though it also hasn't much endorsed them, something it might reconsider.
In recent earnings calls, the analysts that cover these companies have been trying to sniff out whether the agency owners are seeing big changes in client spending. put it best when he said: "We're not a proxy for broadcast media. So there can be a shift, as we've seen in the quarter, between very measurable marketing services, which are the largest part of our company, vs. what is spent in broadcast or some of the other media areas. So we have seen shifts. We haven't seen reductions to our revenue base."
But it wasn't just the head of the largest holding company that expressed a coolness during troubled times. Even Interpublic, which has been struggling to claw its way out of a host of operational and financial difficulties in recent years, has of late shown improved organic growth and profitability. And its CEO, Michael Roth, told a story similar to Mr. Wren's, saying that some traditional ad spending has been redirected into other marketing services. (Publicis ended up slightly ahead of expectations in terms of organic growth, and WPP will announce its first-half results later this month.)
Limited pullbacks
Perhaps most important, those chiefs said they've yet to see large-scale client pullbacks, and while they're cautious about forecasting future growth, they're not expressing as much worry as you might expect, with the exception of anxiety around two particularly sputtering categories: automotive and financial services. This could all change as the recession deepens, but for right now there's no apparent reason for a panic.
Compare that with the scene set last week by the heavily ad-reliant CBS, which saw TV ad revenue decline 6% because of cuts in auto advertising despite the political advertising dollars pouring in. Viacom, on the other hand, saw ad sales grow slower than expected, 1% domestically and 2% internationally, courtesy of automotive, retail and consumer-goods businesses taking money out of the market. That fell short of predictions of 3% to 4% growth, but, happily for CEO Philippe Dauman, Viacom beat expectations because it has its own sort of diversification. Turns out that sales have been good for things such as video game "Rock Band" and tickets for "Iron Man." You know, content people actually pay to get.
~ ~ ~
Contributing: Bradley Johnson

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Athens: Greece and Macedonia have reached a historic agreement to end a 27-year name dispute that had kept the smaller, younger country out of international institutions such as NATO.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev said the former Yugoslav republic's new name for both domestic and international purposes would be Republic of North Macedonia.
Macedonia will also amend its constitution to reflect the change.
The nationality of the country's citizens will be listed on official documents in English as "Macedonian/citizen of the Republic of North Macedonia", Greek officials said.
NATO and European Union officials welcomed the breakthrough, which NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said would help consolidate regional peace and stability.
Greece had long demanded its northern neighbour change or modify its name to avoid any claim to the territory and ancient heritage of the Macedonia region in northern Greece - birthplace of ancient warrior king Alexander the Great.
But the attempts to end the dispute have faced dissent in both countries.
Large protests by opponents of a compromise have threatened to split Greece's governing coalition and provoked a rift between Macedonia's Prime Minister and President.
Main opposition parties in both countries have rejected the agreement.
Zaev said the deal would be signed this weekend and a voter referendum held later this year.
Tsipras said the 140 countries which had recognised the Balkan state simply as Macedonia would now recognise it as Republic of North Macedonia.
On the timeline of the deal, he said it would be first signed by the two countries' foreign ministers and then ratified by the Macedonian Parliament.
Greece will then back invitations for Macedonia to join NATO and start negotiations on joining the EU.


text:
- Home
- China Tours +
- Create My Trip
- Destinations +
- Travel Guide +
- China Visa
- Beijing
- The Great Wall of China
- China's Top 10 Attractions
- Giant Pandas
- The Terracotta Army
- Best of China
- Culture +
- Trains
- Asia Tours
- Day Tours
China doesn't yet have a national flower, but Chinese have favored flowers. Here is a list of the top seven flowers and where you can go see them at the right month.
Among the main contenders for the national flower are the peony, plum flower (found on 50 cent coins, winter), chrysanthemum (autumn), and orchid (spring).
Other highly favored flowers among many Chinese are: azaleas, peach flower (found on 1 cent coins), lilacs, and tulips.
The large national garden has an annual indoor orchid festival every January. In large greenhouses, you can see thousands of orchids of about 300 different kinds, and many other flowers and plants of thousands of varieties can be seen too.
Beijing is very cold in January, but you can enjoy the 136 acre garden.
About 35,000 plum trees can be seen on Purple Mountain in eastern Nanjing where there is a big 101 hectare or 250-acre plum tree garden and dozens of kinds of plum trees.
While there, you can also visit the nearby Ming Tombs, Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum, and the Red Chamber Artistic and Cultural Garden. See the beauty of the plum trees of Nanjing and learn something about the history and literature of China on the same tour.
The southern city of Guilin is known for its Li River cruises and rock formations. About 70 miles to the north in the ethnic Yao region, the large peach orchards bloom, and along with the peach trees you can watch the ethnic minority customs and enjoy the ethnic foods.
It never freezes in Guilin, and you can enjoy the cool spring weather on a cruise and in the mountains.
Tulips are a favorite spring flower around the world. In Beijing, literally millions of them are on display in April at the Tulip Cultural Festival in Shunyi. Along with them, there are hundreds of thousands of lilies, and cultural exhibitions.
Another favorite spring flower is the azalea. Dozens of varieties grow naturally and are cultivated over a large area in ethnic areas. They use it for herbal medicine.
Guizhou Province is an interesting mountainous and forested southwestern province less visited by tourists.
Peonies are a favorite flower often seen in Chinese gardens. Luoyang is one of the 7 ancient imperial capitals, and it was known as the "Home of Peonies." The Peony Festival begins about the middle of April and ends in early May.
The Qing Dynasty named the peony its national flower in 1903.
Every June, there is an annual lilac and tulip festival in Xining in the the high mountainous province of Qinghai.
Chrysanthemums flower in the fall, and they are a favorite of Chinese. It is brewed for a popular herbal tea.
They are popularly used for decoration and drunk especially during the Double 9 Festival.


text:
Sex is one of those topics which seems to be a taboo among many people. Along with food appetite, sleep appetite, thirst appetite, etc., we all have a sexual appetite regardless of whether it is discussed or acted upon. Age is no barrier to any appetite, regardless of old wives' tales and myths. Unfortunately, the sexual appetites of individuals with dementia are not addressed regardless of where he/she resides.
Sexual activity in any facility or institution has been and continues to be problematic for many patients and administrators alike. Long term health facilities such as state hospitals, facilities for the developmentally disabled, prison, jails and nursing homes are all places where sexual activity abounds but people either don't think about it or don't want to think about it.
I came across this article today which is very timely and something we cannot ignore. I'm glad this is being addressed. I highly suspect this will continue to surface as our population continues to live longer.
Here is the link: Residents' sexual needs an issue for nursing homes
Filed under: Caregivers for Individuals with Dementia, Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia | Tagged: Nursing home, sexual needs in nursing homes | 2 Comments »


text:
Modi govt misleading public on black money issue: Congress
New Delhi: Accusing the NDA government of misleading the public on the issue of black money, Congress on Saturday rejected Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's charge that a treaty signed with Germany by the Congress government in 1995 has kept its hands tied on the issue.
Countering the accusation, AICC Communication Department Chairman Ajay Maken said 14 DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement), having the same confidentiality clause, were signed during the earlier NDA regime of which three were amendments, but there was no effort made to revisit the issue.
"Why did you keep the confidentiality clause when you signed the agreements and now you are blaming the UPA for it? Why did the BJP government not think of removing confidentiality clause then?" Maken asked while casting doubts upon Jaitley's claim that DTAA between India and Germany was signed on June 19, 1995 when Congress party was in power.
Showing a purported snapshot of Finance department's website, he said that it shows that the said agreement was signed and notified in September and November, 1996 respectively when Congress was not in power.
He, however, parried reporters' question on whether he meant to say that Jaitley was telling a lie.
"Maybe he has some other documents…But that is not the main thing. The main thing is that why did the BJP not think of removing that confidentiality clause when they signed so many agreements during their tenure rather than blaming the UPA." he said.
The Narendra Modi government, which had promised to bring back black money stashed by Indians in foreign banks, toed the line of UPA regime by informing the Supreme Court yesterday that it cannot disclose such details given by countries with which India has DTAA.
Later, Jaitley had blamed the Congress saying that it had entered into an agreement with Germany in 1995 which was a constraining factor in disclosing details of black money.
Dismissing the charge, Maken slammed the BJP over the issue and cited a number of statements made by its senior leaders, who are now ministers including Modi, about bringing back black money and handing it over to people soon.
"Modi had said that each citizen will have Rs 15 lakh if black money is brought back. Rajnath Singh had said that black money stashed in foreign banks will be brought back within 100 days. I am demanding my 15 lakh rupees. I want that 15 lakh rupees to reach to my pocket, to your pockets.
"None of these promises were fulfilled. People want to know why did the BJP leaders misled them. Never before the issue of black money was used politically as it was done in the last five years by BJP and its affiliates including Yoga Guru Ramdev," Maken said.


text:
A 3.5-km drive from McPhillips Station Casino, this straightforward hotel is 8 km from Downtown Winnipeg and 8 km from The Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
The casual rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and work desks, as well as minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Kids' themed rooms include under-the-sea wall murals, bunk-beds and Xbox game systems. Suites have up to 2 bedrooms and add fireplaces, pull-out sofas and kitchenettes. Kids 17 and under stay free with an adult.
Amenities include a home-style buffet restaurant and a sports bar, plus an indoor pool with a water slide, 8 meeting rooms, a gaming lounge and a kids' club.
Website: http://www.canadinns.com
Contact No.: (204) 633-0024
Address: 2100 McPhillips St, Winnipeg, MB R2V 3T9
Business Hours: N/A


text:
CSIs mission is to use our multi-faceted IT experience to deliver tangible business results enabling our clients in industry and government to profit from the advanced use of technology. We strive to build long-term client relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
Message from CEO
At Catalyst we are proud of what we do and of what we have accomplished in the past five years.
Our company begins with technology. We seek to discover and make available new and innovative solutions for our clients. At CSI we are a leader in Relationship Management. Whether its relationship Management with our clients or employees, we strive to build innovative solutions/strategies that drive value for our clients and our employees.
We have made great progress since 2005 when we launched our Recruitment Innovation. This has been our road map for building a company that can meet our goal to deliver high performance for the long term. Today, our company is pursuing a broad array of exciting growth opportunities. The strength and diversity we built under the early years of the Recruitment Innovation enabled us to partner with some of the largest financial institutions as well as pharmaceutical companies in their pursuit of talented and dedicated resources.
Our company can now do more for the clients and employees who depend on us. Meanwhile, we stay resolutely committed to a culture of integrity, to doing what is right for the business, and to driving high performance for the long term. Our vision remains constant: To earn trust, every day thru business innovation. Our most important reason we are confident about this company's future is our people. The colleagues who drive Catalyst are the reason for our progress to date. And they will be the reason for our success in the future.
Piya Paulus
CSI's world headquarters is located in Princeton,NJ, a stone's throw from the prestigious Princeton University and Princeton downtown. While not all offices are equally well-stocked, these are some of the essential elements that define a CSI workspace:
Hallway Fit and Fun- Bicycles, treadmills, total gym and large ping pong table are the focal points in a CSI office.
CSI Officers- Officers of the company believe in an open door office and everyone does everything in the company. All employees wear several hats at various situations. Spot awards and recognition awards along with an extra day off on your birthday are regular practices at CSI.
Recreation- Friday lunches, movies, cruise lunches and dinners,fishing as well as outdoor team building activities make CSI a fun company to work with.
Snack Rooms- Bins packed with various cereals, gummi bears, M&Ms, toffee, licorice, cashew nuts, yogurt, carrots, fresh fruit and other snacks. Dozens of different drinks including fresh juice, soda and beer on fridays.
Annual Parties- Holiday parties as well as summer parties are an annual affair for employees from all around the globe to come and know their colleagues. Gifts / prizes / fun for kids as well as good music are some of the highlights.
Company Leadership
The experience behind our capabilities
At the core of our success are experienced business leaders with an in-depth
understanding and knowledge of our industry. In the fast-paced world of technology,
their strategic vision and innovative abilities have enabled us to deliver on one solitary
goal — total client satisfaction that makes Catalyst the source for IT and Staffing
Catalyst integrates the right mix of technology, people, skills, and industry knowledge into customized solutions for companies seeking to become world-class competitors. CSI's objective is to expedite client's IT growth through Staff Augmentation and Rapid Application Development.
To acquire strategic skills in a timely and cost-effective manner, many companies turn to Catalyst for quality IT Resource Management solutions.
CSI offers companies the ability to quickly respond to technology initiatives by strategically acquiring skills and cost-effectively managing available resources.
Our broad portfolio of services enables us to meet your specific project as well as staffing requirements across all divisions and departments, from office to marketing, finance to engineering plus law, science, information technology, education and many others.
Practice Areas
Catalyst has a well-defined and time tested application development process which comprises the complete SDLC from business case analysis to warranty support of the application.
Industry Focus
Customer centricity has become the cornerstone for financial institutions globally. Increasing customer sophistication is catalyzing business innovation, which in turn drives top line and bottom line growth.
Staffing Services
Contract staffing is increasingly becoming popular among the corporate houses because of the cost efficiency and effectiveness of the practice. There are certainly some significant benefits
Career Development
Performance Based Pay – We link a part of the pay to performance, so that everyone has a chance to maximize their compensation and a reason to contribute their best.
What our clients Say about Us
"Always Best Care was lucky to have Catalyst people on our team for Care Giver Central Connect. They met a demanding schedule and added new functionality to the CGC Connect. It was a pleasure to work with them, and I look forward to continue working with them." – Kush Balyan, VP Always Best Care, NJ.
"Catalyst is growing and has recently added new members to their Project Management team and this is making a very big positive impact. They have some of the best consulting staff on the East Coast and have solid capabilities from outsourcing to higher level consulting / advisory services. " – Ryan Mc Cornik, Innovative Minds, New Hope PA.
"Catalyst not only gets the right people and on time—they've implemented a process that works for their clients' point of view, which saves us time and money They have outperformed every expectations we had. I was really impressed by the quality of the consultant, and by the professional attitude of the salesperson that I dealt with." – Cindey Moeller , New Light Media


text:
Tanner Crawford
A small dash of color to a nano planted tank or larger
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a peaceful schooling fish from the White Cloud Mountains of China. They are an excellent beginner fish based off of their ability to adapt to most water conditions. They are an egg-scattering fish, so they prefer to be in densely planted aquariums. They accept most foods, but be sure to give them smaller foods that they can easily eat.
Compatibility: Peaceful
Water Parameters: 64-74 degrees F, 6.5-7.5 pH
Max Size: 2"
Diet: Omnivorous
Breeding: Egg-scattering, separate parents from eggs for best results
Recommended Products:
1. NL1012- Small Fish Formula 0.5 mm Sinking Pellets
2. AL8504- Aqualife Aquarium Salt
3. VI140- Worm Feeder Glass
4. SC100- Tidal 55 Aquarium Power Filter


text:
U.S. Morning Call: Boeing earnings beat forecasts
Jan 30 - Boeing's earnings per share for the fourth quarter came in above estimates, but revenues just missed forecasts at $22.3 billion.
Morning call home Wednesday Boeing on the earnings runaway but it did fly high let's take a look at the result Boeing said -- saw record -- orders. Earnings per share and a dollar 46 above the 119 estimate and -- Boeing is trading up slightly in the premarket. Analysts and investors are likely to -- chief executive Jim McNerney about the cost of fixing at 787. Though -- still trying why dreamliner some month. A one month delayed deliveries could cost one point two billion dollars in revenue this year says opera time and -- socked again he has they sell rating on the stock. Investors get results after the close they all wanna talk graph sir -- bill wanna hear mobile ad revenue. Analysts expect movement in that area. Thomson Reuters our minds Smart estimate has earnings per share coming at fifteen cents in line with consensus that a predicted surprise over 3%. Revenue seen coming at just over one half billion dollars. Yesterday Credit Suisse raised its sales forecast for the fourth quarter also its price target than ninety brokerage -- here to -- so. That's what the mean price target up over two bucks to 393. Since January 1. Shared the premarket are up over one and a half percent to 3129. The moment of truth or rim today it's new Blackberry ten launches amid a ton of skepticism. We -- looking to retain its base of business users with features including Blackberry balance. Keep corporate and personal data separate. So far reviewers are can't its browser speed and the intuitive keyboard on its new touch screen. Will be enough to still -- market share from big guns apple and Samsung that would be a long road. As Samsung alone currently claims nearly a third of global Smartphone market share. Rim shares have climbed nearly 34% since the start 2013. But sold off this week at a launch the stock up -- and -- half percent to 1635. In the premarket. Moving on to markets US stock futures point to a mixed open today investors will be focusing on the first read -- fourth quarter GDP. IFR predicts this will be the second weakest quarter of the recovery with the advanced headline figure a paltry plus point 8%. I have RC consumption holding up reasonably well but exports is significant drag. Big government expenditures -- fine and if -- defense blurred -- -- probably weigh on growth as well. Also on the macro front we've got the ADP private payrolls report. Economists expect that 165000. Jobs were created in January 1 is 2151000. In December. This number is of course key ahead of Friday's jobs report. Also on the economic front the FOMC. Concludes its two day policy meeting the central -- bank is unlikely to put any new moves in place. But we will get a new split a bullet -- president's the balance of power within the board of governors we'll still remains -- with the Doug's. Now for some stocks to watch shares of Amazon this morning 39%. In premarket. And number brokerages also raising their price target on the stock including JPMorgan. From 245. Bucks to 333 after Amazon quarterly results. Wall Street impressed by the incredibly strong gross margins which rose 24% in the fourth quarter. Higher margin businesses such as cloud computing service is video contents sales and aggressive expansion in. Taking -- -- at least not stopped this morning it's up 16% in premarket holding on yesterday's gains. After CEO Aubrey McClendon said he will step down as chief executive on April 1. He will receive a cool 47 million dollars in compensation. Chesapeake has had a tumultuous year after a series of Reuters investigations triggered civil and criminal probes into the natural gas company. Where did breaking news and in an interesting note -- murky corporate governance the Clinton's exit now raises red flags for other energy bad boys. And at least and Regis Tom Ward and has to John. That's your morning copper Wednesday remembered follow us on Twitter at lakers insider and get more -- city Atlantic dot com slash TV. I'm Lisa Bernhard this is way.


text:
Missing Barnstable Inmate Found
A Barnstable County jail inmate who walked away from a work detail last week was found over the weekend hiding in the basement of his sister's house.
Sheriff's deputies picked up 60-year-old David Nickerson shortly after 6 a.m. Saturday, hiding in the Harwich home.
Sheriff James Cummings tells the Cape Cod Times deputies were checking relatives homes and the sister's husband told them where to find Nickerson.
The Brewster man was nine months into a two-year sentence for his third offense of drunken driving and was eligible for parole in February.
Cummings says Nickerson will now have to serve his entire sentence and will no longer be allowed on work details. He also faces escape charges.
His sister and brother-in-law may also be charged.
[Associated Press]


text:
Sliding Doors
No matter what the context or purpose may be, sliding doors are gauranteed to suit. Our platform offer caters for all types of Mackay projects, from renovations to standard design homes to unique, high end homes or commercial applications.
Essential Sliding Doors
'Essential' sliding doors are our standard sliding door product. Designed with aesthetic, lifestyle and performance features firmly in mind, they're a practical way to maximise views and natural light in your home.
Signature Sliding Doors
Our 'Signature' sliding doors carefully tread the balance between
practicality and style. With standard, oversize options and innovative corner and cavity configurations for indoor/outdoor living, you're sure to find a door that suits your home.
Commercial Sliding Doors
Our 'Commercial' collection features heavy-duty, easy-clean, stylish
sliding doors available in a range of sizes. Includes oversize doors towering up to 3.1 metres in height, and our highest wind and acoustic ratings.
If you can't find the perfect sliding door for your needs and context, let us help you out.
Sliding Doors Features and Benefits
+ Lifestyle & Comfort
• Curtain-friendly design with rounded and capped sections to protect your window furnishings from sharp edges
• Easy cleaning design thanks to wide door tracks that comfortably fit most vacuum heads
• Conveniently located key cylinders allow for easy operation
• Optional: Easy access for wheelchairs, prams and other wheeled and foot traffic when you choose the low profile sille
• Architectural symmetry with other Bradnam's windows and doors
• Concealed fixings create a sleek and modern finish
• Optional: Security and insect screens for protection against bugs and human intruders are easily installed
• Mortice locks fitted in stylish handles for superior security
• Superior protection from the elements thanks to Santoprene seals
• Strong multi-hollow meeting stiles allow doors to be installed in high wind load areas
• Durable stainless steel fixings for superior strength and longevity
• Effortless operation with our high performance rollers
Premium Features
+ Signature & Commercial Only
• Innovative corner and cavity configurations allow for the creation of luxury indoor/outdoor spaces
• Single and double glazing options provide thermal and acoustic insulation
+ Commercial Only
• Doors up to 3.1 metres in height remove the need for high lites in most
contexts, and maximise views and natural light
• Heavy duty wheel carriages (double and triple bogey) ensure a smooth sliding action


text:
Dimplex Brayford Log Stove
£139.99 (Inc. VAT)
Cute and stylish electric stove.
- 2kW fan heater
- Remote
- Optiflame effect
- Log effect fuel bed
- Power Cord - IEC (Kettle type) Plug 1.5-1.7m Black
|Key Features
|Steel / Plastic / MDF - Black
|Heat Selection
|Off / 1.0kW / 2.0kW
|Heat Settings
|Heat source
|Fan Heater
|Plug in and go
|Location of Heat Output
|Under Stove
|Remote Control/RC
|Wall Mounted or Free standing
|Warranty / Guarantee
|1 year guarantee
|Depth (mm)
|Height (mm)
|Weight (kg)
|Width (mm)
|Additional Features
|Bulb Type
|Cable Length (m)
|13 amp plug
|Flame effect only option
|Flame Effect Type
|Fuel Beds Available
|Log Effect
|Suitable for which room/s
|Living room, Lounge, Dining Room, Bedroom, Study, Conservatory etc
- Nearly 70 years of continuous innovation
- The world's largest electric heating appliance manufacturer
- More than 45 million heaters sold via the trade in the UK alone
- Award-winning customer service
- Numerous BEAB-approved products
- Influential member of ECA, EDA, BEAMA, HWA and HEVAC.
The benefits of electric fires
Get the effect of a real fire with all the benefits of electric and none of the fuss and cost of installing and maintaining an open or gas fire…
Easy to install
Incredibly easy to install in a matter of minutes; just plug in a Dimplex electric fire into a 13 amp socket and switch on!
Because Dimplex electric fires do not require a chimney, flue, pipe-work, or even a fireplace, you can choose where to place it wherever you like in your home.
Add a choice of suites and ready-to-fit surrounds and Dimplex has a fire to suit your décor and create a centrepiece in any room.
Easy to operate
Heat and flames are instantly available at the flick of a switch, but many Dimplex electric fires also offer a handy remote control, so you can adjust both heating and 'flame' effects from the comfort of your sofa.
And when you set a room to a comfortable temperature, fires with Dimplex's room-sensing thermostat technology will constantly measure the ambient temperature and adjust the heating to eliminate inefficient and uncomfortable 'room temperature swing'.
So minimum effort, and with no unnecessary heat produced, which also helps save you money.
Energy efficient
All Dimplex Optiflame® and Opti-mystTM fires are 100% efficient at point of use, so no heat is wasted helping to reduce your carbon emissions.
And because they work independently of the heating, you can enjoy the relaxing effect of the 'flames' all year round, adding ambience without overheating the room on mild evenings or when the central heating is on.
With LED bulbs throughout the Optiflame® range of fires the cost of running a fire in 'flames' only setting can be as little as £2 per year. The predicted life of these LED bulbs is 100,000 hours or almost 55 years of use. *
*Average 2008 rates p/kWh, assuming 5 hours/7 days per week usage.
Safe and reliable
Only Dimplex brings you the internationally recognised BEAB approval on all electric fires* giving you the extra guarantee of safety.
Because Dimplex electric fires do not burn fuel internally to generate heat there are none of the associated safety risks, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
And you do not have to worry about regular servicing either – saving time and money.
Learn more about the Safety [Link]
* All Dimplex electric fires are approved by BEAB or awaiting BEAB approval.
Dimplex Brayford Log Stove Video
Technical Drawings
Dimplex Brayford Log Stove
£139.99 (Inc. VAT)


text:
Saturday November 22, 2003
Click on the thumbnails below to open larger versions. Please give us feedback using the form at the bottom of the page!
We're constantly trying to improve our services and would love to hear about what you liked, as well as your constructive criticizm! You may also use this form to let us know if something doesn't work or there is anything else we might be able to help you with.


text:
So as it's super hot at the moment we've been having salads for the last few nights with cold pasta (I could eat this every day!) and I found some beetroot in the cupboard. When I was placing it on the plate, oh so decoratively, might I add and getting my fingers all purple, I had the random idea of putting a few drops of the juice into the pasta and seeing if it would dye that too.
Low and behold, my obsession with pink pasta was born. I later Googled it and this is a big thing.
Once the pasta is cooked and cooled just add a couple of tablespoons of the juice from the jar and add to produce your desired effect. I like it when a bit of the pasta is still the original colour so I just add such a small amount and then swirl it round, but this is up to you. I've seen pictures of full on bright neon looking pasta out there.
I adore onions and we have a batch of red onions in at the moment so I threw almost a full one in, added a tiny bit of chilli salad dressing and some black pepper.


text:
Amanda McCavour creates delicate and intricate thread illustration-sculptures by sewing into a fabric that dissolves in water. This method allows her to build a threaded structure that stays in place once the fabric dissolves. The result is embroidery that appears fragile, on the verge of unraveling. She recreates domestic scenery, like that of chairs, side tables, electric sockets, in addition to other figures such as hands, a garden, and a steam pump. The effect of this work is ephemeral and whimsical.
From her artist statement, "I am interested in the vulnerability of thread, its ability to unravel, and its strength when it is sewn together. I am interested in the connections between process and materials and the way that they relate to images and spaces. Tracing actions and environments through a process of repetition, translation and dissolving, I hope to trace absence. My work is a process of making as a way of tracing and preserving things that are gone, or slowly falling apart." (via slow art day)


text:
Father Michael O'Donoghue celebrated his Silver Jubilee as a Priest in 1995. A Parish celebration and Mass of Thanksgiving was held on Friday 2nd June 1995. A variety of contributors have offered their perspective on his life as a priest
Pleased to meet you, Father Michael!
Michael O'Donoghue was born in 1946, the youngest of three children, into a devout and close-knit family outside Killarney in the south west of Ireland.
Throughout his life he has retained his deep love for Irish culture and music in spite of having dedicated almost 40 years of his life to service as a priest in the diocese of Nottingham.
His old friend and fellow Kerryman (and our own much loved parish priest for many years) Father Tim O'Sullivan tells us that Michael's early years were "happy and carefree… in a home which exuded happiness and spirituality"
Such immeasurable advantages combined with a full appreciation of Nature and the fellowship provided by farm work and sport were a wonderful preparation for a life dedicated to community. Young Michael knew he wished to be a priest.
Six years at All Hallows Seminary in Dublin ended in September 1970 with ordination, an unexpected golfing holiday and a one-way ticket to East Midlands airport. At the airport the young curate was met by the parish priest of St Joseph and St Edith's Church in the sedate market town of Oakham which at that time served the entire Catholic community of Rutland. Father Michael Lynch, now long retired, quickly took to his new assistant priest and they have remained great friends ever since.
After four years in Rutland Father Michael was transferred to St Alban's parish in Chaddesden near Derby and then in 1980 he was asked to go to "The Briars" where his eleven year Directorship oversaw massive extensions to the facilities and its development into a leading centre of spirituality within our diocese. Education and close working with schools has always been a key aspect of Father Michael's work wherever he has served.
September 1991 saw a transfer to St Thomas More's at Knighton in Leicester where together with his parishioners he celebrated his Silver Jubilee in 1995. The new millennium took Father Michael to the newly-built church of St Peter and St Paul's in Lincoln where his reputation as an outstanding parish priest echoed down the Fosse Way. We shall know the truth of the old saying "Their loss is our gain". PT
Through the mists of Time from Killarney to Newark
- a reflection in his own words
In early May 1964, Fr John Moynihan RIP, President of St Brendan's College knocked on our classroom door, looked at me and beckoned me to follow him to the corridor. He leant against one of the column pillars, looked steadily at me and asked "Well Boss, what are you going to do with your life?" Without hesitation I replied 'I think Father I would like to be a Priest'. "Well Boss, would you like to stay in the Kerry Diocese or go on the Missions." I would like to go on the Missions, I replied, thinking in terms of going to China where some Killarney Priests had been with the Columban Fathers and had experienced great cruelty in recent persecutions of Christians. Fr John said "There are lots of Kerry Priests in Sacramento in California or Nottingham in England; which do you prefer?" I was stumped: I knew very little of either and said 'I do not know'. "Well Boss, you go home and tell your parents what you have just told me and come back tomorrow to let me know your decision".
On telling my parents, my mother just turned away and my father went silent. Fr John Moynihan was a formidable man and I needed to make a decision. So, later that evening I tossed a coin calling heads for Nottingham as my near neighbour Fr Tim O'Sullivan had been ordained for the Diocese of Nottingham three years previously.
On hearing my decision, Fr Moynihan recommended that I should go to All Hallows College in Dublin to commence my studies. He completed whatever forms were necessary and as the Leaving Certificate results were released on August 16th, so also a memorandum arrived from All Hallows detailing the arrival time on September 6th with a briefing on bed linen, socks, shirts (their number and kind). I was to arrive at the College wearing a black hat, black overcoat, black suit, white shirt and black necktie.
Three other former pupils of St Brendan's College were at the Railway Station for the 10.30am train to Dublin and two others similarly attired were already on the train as it pulled into the station from Tralee. Six Kerrymen were on their way to The Missionary College of All Hallows. I stood by a window looking at my parents as the train pulled out of the station. The indescribable lump in my throat was a throwback to what I was leaving behind and a wondering about what lay ahead. All six black clad young men eventually sat in the same carriage. Somebody produced a deck of cards and we passed the four and a half hours playing 110 (A favourite Kerry Card Game).
The College was full to overflowing, so full that the attic had been recently converted into 21 bedrooms to accommodate the missionary zeal of Ireland in the early sixties. There were 66 First Year Students and 264 students in the College in total. The college was run on monastic lines based on the French system akin to the Council of Trent with minor amendments here and there but well ordered by the Vincentian Fathers. Putting three Kerrymen in the attic rooms was not the best of organization. The 'Summum Silentium' or Solemn Silence and lights out after night prayer at 10.00pm until the end of breakfast at 8.30am were regularly broken. Students were not supposed to congregate in each others rooms but that seemed unrealistic to those who were not used to being away from home.
The soft soled noise of the Dean doing his nightly check on lights out brought its own fear and by November my copy of Twenty Years a Growing, detailing life on the Blasket Islands, was confiscated. So too the carefree attitude to study gradually changed and the concepts of Philosophers and Theologians had to live side by side with the art of Gaelic Football with a passing nod to Hurling, Soccer and Rugby. Handball was a game favoured by some but the Tennis Courts were almost deserted.
The College was divided into Junior House and Senior House for the philosophy and theology students respectively. Lectures in a broad variety of subjects were given between 9.30am – 1.00pm. Leisure time between 2.00pm & 4.00pm attracted most to the playing fields where leagues were organized in both Hurling and Football. Woodwork and Art workshops were available for those thus inclined. Everything necessary for survival on the road to priesthood was provided within the stout walls of the college perimeter. Students went home on holidays for Christmas, after Easter Sunday and for summer. Each was expected to wear the clerical garb and report to the local clergy.
Killarney parish was a great source of vocations to the priesthood; the numbers of aspiring students at morning Mass, particularly in the Franciscan Friary at holiday time was a sight to behold – no need for much promotion; there in person was living proof of able bodied, intelligent young men offering themselves freely for the sake of the Kingdom of God and at the same time helping their local football clubs in the East Kerry Championship before the new academic year began.
Easter 1967 is a landmark for two reasons. Firstly the 1966 East Kerry League Final was delayed and the Final date was set for Easter Sunday 1967. No one, not even County Players were allowed out of College for football matches. Our Club, Spa Killarney had reformed with limited resources in 1966 and we had been victorious in the Championship in August of that year. It was important to have 15 fit players and at least five substitutes. Our Club Chairman and trainer prevailed on me to seek permission to play; with temerity I approached the Dean who claimed he had to speak to the President and as Holy Week passed I had not heard yes or no.
These were difficult times for all students; the student revolts in France were beginning to have an influence on Seminary Life also. The once all sacred Professors were now being questioned and representatives of student councils were able to talk freely with the College authorities at appointed times. On Holy Saturday permission was granted. I could go to Killarney on Easter Sunday Morning as long as I was back for night prayer that evening. With great relief and excitement, I rang Tadgh, the Chairman who agreed to pick me up at Mallow Railway Station and bring me to the Fitzjerald Stadium for the big game.
Easter Sunday was bright and cold with a biting wind bringing sleet and snow showers as we trundled along through the plains of Kildare. I was hoping that weather conditions would ease as we travelled south. The wind seemed to get stronger as the match got underway; I was selected at left half back and every ball from the opposition seemed to come my way and nest nicely in my hands. Catch and kick was the order of the day and I was disgusted with myself as many of my efforts were caught by the wind and swept over the sideline only to be kicked back again in my direction. We went on to beat our neighbours by a small margin and Gerald McCarthy, Chairman of Gneeveguilla obliged by driving me back to Mallow station while his friend Tadgh O'Sullivan and the victorious Spa Team celebrated in Jimmy O'Brien's Bar. I duly reported to the Dean before night prayer and returned home for an eight day post Easter Holiday on Tuesday.
Even more amazing things happened during the Easter holiday of that year. The College staff had a general meeting and had changed the whole college structure in response to the decrees of the Second Vatican Council, student conversations' and the demands of pastoral ministry worldwide. It was explained that from now on, the College gates were open. Students could come and go as they pleased during leisure time and study time. We were advised to act responsibly, study diligently and use our freedom in the City of Dublin wisely.
It was an exciting time to be in College. Cardinals and other church dignitaries often came to stay on their way to or from Rome; they gave us unexpected talks on new thinking in the church and we were proud that All Hallows College was at the cutting edge of renewal.
In June 1969 I was ordained Deacon along with 39 others in the College Chapel and was assigned to Sutton in Ashfield with Fr Paddy Snee for five weeks pastoral experience before the final year of Theological studies. I arrived on a Thursday morning at Nottingham Railway Station carrying my brief case with sufficient clothing for a Month. I walked to the Cathedral, was greeted by Fr Jim O'Hanlon who led me to the dining room where he was enjoying his cornflakes. Fr John Joe Maloney brought me on to Aspley later in the day and he got me to lead Benediction for the Loreto Nuns before dropping me off to St Joseph's in his posh Volkswagen Beetle.
By Friday morning I was on the first Tee at Sherwood Forest with Fr Snee and Fr Tom McMahon, the parish priest of Shirebrook. I was terrified, playing in such eminent company and promptly hit the ball off the first tee into a gorse bush never to be seen again. It was my first game of golf as a Deacon in England and it was enough to whet my appetite for the future.
Living in the Mansfield conurbation was interesting and Fr Pat Snee and his housekeeper were exemplary in their care. The inner workings of parish life, the involvement with parishioners, the camaraderie of local clergy and the sense of the family of the Diocese made a lasting impression. The 40 Deacons had a review of their pastoral placements back in College and by the Summer of 1970 I felt able to say on the 14th June 'ready and willing' to the ordaining prelate who was a College past man and the Bishop of Bunbury in Australia. On that day, I felt equal to any parish priest or bishop and ready for a life of service in the Nottingham Diocese.
- And to the present
I have been in Newark since September 13th 2008. It was difficult leaving Lincoln. The Bishop's invitation seemed a little premature but his proposal made sense. My brief from the bishop w
as to be involved with the governors of All Saints' School in Mansfield as well as caring for the parish of Holy Trinity.
It has been another learning curve; the politics of parish and school life need careful attention. Listening is a great skill, particularly in parish life where people have dedicated themselves through the years. In my ministry I have always given due honour to those who have preceded me and in time done a little tweaking when improvement was deemed necessary.
The educational mantra of Home, School and Parish rings very true for me. I love the involvement of parents in sacramental programmes. The cooperation of schools and parish catechists in supporting parents with 'Handing on the Faith' is a wonderful system; Holy Trinity Primary School and All Saints' Comprehensive are very good examples of such schools. It is very much like St Thomas More and St Paul's, Leicester and St Hugh's and St Peter and St Paul in Lincoln.
All three Primary Schools have had 'Outstanding Ofsted Reports' and the post primary schools are all described as caring schools with excellent spiritual values. As in many parishes, Catechists with Children's Liturgy, First Holy Communion and Confirmation Programmes add fresh life to Holy Trinity Parish. Our Journey in Faith Group is a reminder to all of our need for renewal.
Tuesday is my regular 'Day Off'. It is often reduced to middle of the day 'off' but the golf day has been an important element in my relaxation. Somewhere along the way, I learned that it was essential to have a regular break from duty. I ventured to Notts Golf Club, known as Hollinwell in 1971 with Fr Con Moynihan. We shared travelling as he was in Melton Mowbray and I was in Oakham. Bishop Ellis and the Parish Priests played on Monday. Curates played on Tuesday. The young men of yesteryear have continued with Tuesday Golf. It is a mixture of merriment, pastoral care and exercise. It is refreshing for the soul and a few pastoral strategies are often refined over the meal or coffee.
One of the attractive features of my present appointment is that it is only 35 minutes away from Hollinwell, the Holy Well where the Monks from Newstead Abbey used to baptize people long ago. The Well is between the 7th and 8th Holes and refreshing water bubbles from underneath the pencil like rock; it is visited each week and empty water bottles are replenished for the remaining 11 holes. All Saints' School, Mansfield is even nearer to Hollinwell.
The clergy compete for a number of trophies annually. The last competition of the year is The Feeney Trophy to commemorate Leo Feeney RIP, the former professional of Chapel en le Frith Golf Club who was tragically killed in a road traffic accident in Ireland in 1977. A few trophies adorn my house but pride of place goes to The Feeney Scratch Cup. The photograph shows Leo's grandson presenting the trophy along with Fr J J Maloney (The Feeney Nett Prize Winner) and Nick Whitehouse, Leo's son in law. The aforementioned is only a sketch of a very full life in an exciting ministry but you must read between the lines. Wait for the book and don't hold your breath.
Fr Michael O'Donoghue
Reflections on a ministry from others
"They will be watching from another vantage point" by Fr Tim O'Sullivan, St Mary's, Derby
1946 was a difficult year in Kerry. It marked the 100th Anniversary of the Famine even though there was nobody around who remembered it. It turned out to be a bad year for farmers and those who lived off the land, but Kerry's win in the All Ireland Football Final in September provided consolation and hope as did the arrival of a son to Michael and Nora O'Donoghue of Tiernaboul, a small townland outside Killarney. They named him Michael after his maternal grandfather and he was baptised at St Mary's Cathedral in Killarney with little
fuss by a young priest called Sean Quinlan who later became Professor of New Testament Studies at Maynooth. Michael was the third child in the family and brother Seamus and sister Margaret had to give way to a child, who in the opinion of the neighbours was everybody's favourite.
In his fourth year he began his formal education in the local Primary School and at thirteen he was given a bike and sent for the next five years to St Brendan's College in the town. There he joined boys from all over the Diocese of Kerry in the trials and joys of growing up and in being prepared to face life in the heady times of the 1960's. The childhood and teenage years were happy and carefree. He had a home life that was comfortable and secure. His parents doted on their children and even though their material comforts and luxuries were at a premium their home exuded happiness and a spirituality that came so easy that it might be taken for granted. The surrounding countryside where he grew up is as beautiful as any place in the world and he took full advantage of what nature was offering. He went to school barefoot in the Summertime, swam and fished in the streams and lakes, walked the hills with his young friends and as he grew older played his part in the work of the farms like all his immediate neighbours. In doing so, Michael experienced what "community" was about before he knew what the word meant or before Vatican 2 made such a fuss about it.
Football, the Gaelic version, was the game played by boys in the locality and the younger of the O'Donoghue brothers showed early promise and great interest. A promise that was fulfilled by some great displays for the SPA GAA Club during the 1960's and early'70's which was the most successful period in their history. He was strong and courageous and noted for his tenacity and loyalty. His great sense of fun and his infectious laugh which was to contribute so much to the Spirit of the Briars at Crich later, is well remembered by those team mates who never raised an eyebrow when he decided to become a priest and go to work in the Nottingham Diocese except to ask "Where in the name of God is Nottingham?". It speaks volumes about Michael and his Priesthood that 25 Years on they all still see him and treat him the same and will say "He is still the same person unaffected by the years and the Office and the Responsibilities of his Vocation".
The Six years he spent at All Hallows College in Dublin were important in his preparation for his life and work as a priest but the crucial formation was being done for years beforehand and he himself would be the first to acknowledge it. Every summer he goes home to recharge the batteries. While those who know him would say he is always a happy, cheerful person: they should really meet him in Killarney during the summer holiday when his exuberance knows no bounds. Then even a bad day on the golf course doesn't dampen his spirits.
His parents have gone to their Reward and the fact they will not be joining in the celebrations to mark his 25 years of Priesthood will be the only regret Michael and those who knew them will have. But they will be watching from another vantage point, with approval, and his Father's likely comment: "He's not doing too badly, down there" would be a typical O'Donoghue understatement.
"Killarney Priest Arrives in Rutland" - so the newspaper said in September 1970.
In the summer of 1970, writes Father Michael Lynch, I was informed by Bishop Ellis about my new appointment to the parish of Oakham. While on holiday in Longford during August, I was contacted by newly ordained priest, Father Michael O'Donoghue from Killarney, saying that he received a telegram from Monsignor Atkinson asking him to report to me at St. Helens, Oldcotes.
I assured him that there was no need to report to Oldcotes as I was leaving there and the parish would not warrant an assistant priest, but I did tell him that he should make plans to come to Oakham in September. Thus he gained a few more weeks of holiday to enjoy himself on the golf course in Killarney and in the meantime I took up my appointment in Oakham and awaited his arrival.
On a fine day in September I proceeded to East Midlands Airport to collect and meet for the first time the man from Tiernaboul. From the balcony I saw this young, handsome priest with his golf clubs approaching the terminal building. When he had collected his gear, I noticed that he already had in his possession a large umbrella, so I said to him "Are you expecting rain in Rutland or was it raining when you left Killarney?"
After introductions, which included Maureen who had prepared his room and a welcome to the presbytery for the new priest, we headed back to Oakham, the principal town of the old County of Rutland. The journey was a good opportunity of getting to know the young man and after many probing questions I thought to myself, "we're alright here!"
The County of Rutland was still a statutory authority at that time and had its own county council, education authority, constabulary etc. It was a unique and quite idyllic place with its lovely rural villages. The Catholic Parish covered the whole County of Rutland. Previously there had been two parishes in the county, one, St. Thomas of Canterbury at Exton, the other, St. Joseph & St. Edith at Oakham. Our job was to amalgamate the two parishes. Fr. Ainsworth was the Parish Priest at Oakham and Canon Adams the Parish Priest at Exton. Fr. Ainsworth had moved on to Bamford in Derbyshire and Canon Adams retired but continued to live in Exton. We were very much aware of his presence among us. Canon Adams was a convert and very traditional. He continued to take a great interest in the parish activities.
It was quite an extraordinary experience for two Irishmen to find themselves in the Heart of Old England and I must say, a very rewarding one. The Post Vatican II changes were beginning to come into being and I looked forward to the enlightenment provided by the young priest fresh from the seminary.
We were given the task of building a new church in Oakham and that gave us great motivation for the work ahead. In our journeys around the county, through picturesque villages discovering our flock, we received a great welcome and warm hospitality. Indeed Rutland Water now covers many of the lanes and roads that we travelled.
Fr. Michael's endearing smile won the hearts of all. Catholics and other denominations as well. He made an immense contribution towards the development of the parish. He visited the parishioners, brought a new life to the liturgies, and was socially orientated. He was a very loyal colleague and became very much part of my life during those years, and I am very happy to say has remained a great friend ever since. We linked up with many people through various social activities in the parish. One visit that had a sequel was a visit to a post-baptism party in Oldcotes for the child of Sean and Ann McCarthy. That visit paid dividends 23 years later when a horse called Fissure Seal won at Cheltenham, the price being 14-1. Sean and Ann now live in Ireland.
Fr Michael left Oakham just before the new church was completed and went to St. Albans, Chaddesden, Derby and from there to the Briars and later to St. Thomas More, Leicester. The rest is history and so now 25 years on I thank him for his friendship and support and offer him my heartiest congratulations on this milestone in his priestly life.
There are many other things not recorded in this article but we hope written in the Book of Life.
During Father Michael's six years as Assistant Priest at St. Alban's he soon became very popular with parishioners of all ages according to Derek & Loretta Hay.
A whole meeting of the Parish in February 1975 became the starting point for many developments in the Parish that included the laity in many leadership roles. For the young he ran a thriving youth club, and for the altar servers he organised and participated in football matches. He introduced "new style Masses" making the 9.30 Sunday Folk Mass a sharp contrast to the traditional 11 o'clock sung Mass.
In making arrangements for bands to come over from Ireland to perform for members of St. Alban's Social Club, he shared his enthusiasm and love for Irish music and culture. These "ceilidhs" became known as "Father Michael's dances" and attracted crowds of people. Father Michael made a lasting impact on parishioners of St. Alban's with his charm and friendly manner, and notably his smile of acknowledgement from the altar. This was reciprocated by a warm affection for him by the people, which coupled with the fatherly guidance of Monsignor McLean, must have prepared him well for his subsequent responsibilities and achievements.
"The importance of the apostrophe" by Maurice Cracknell
What a change of scene for Father Michael when he was moved in 1980 from being assistant priest in the city parish of St. Alban's, Chaddesden, Derby (population 3,000-odd) to be Director of The Briars at Crich (actual population half-a-dozen staff, floating population in the thousands). The latter were from schools and organisations throughout (and outside) the diocese anxious to enjoy the spiritual atmosphere created at the diocesan Residential Centre by Father Michael's predecessors, and which he set out to make available to a wider circle.
Everyone fortunate enough to have stayed at, or visited The Briars - "The Friendly Place" - has some anecdote or other to tell, some awakening to treasure some incident to laugh about.
Father Michael was to be responsible for activities for 11 happy years during which he saw three extensions come to fruition thanks to his ability to wheedle money out of local authorities, organisations and individuals.
Father Michael's laid-back attitude was deceptive for there were many times when he had to get a move on if an organised programme was to be carried out. All youngsters who have been passengers in The Briars' ageing minibus with Father at the wheel along the country lanes, which he got to know so well, will confirm this. On one such outing he came across two girls whose mini had broken down. His head was soon bowed down over the lifeless engine and his mechanical expertise enabled them to continue on their way. They could have had no inkling that the T-shirted man doing the RAC or AA out of a job was, in fact, a Catholic priest.
Perhaps he was slightly less adept at leading school parties on midnight hikes in the great outdoors, which are now enshrined in the television series Peak Practice. So far as is known, even though a few things went bump in the night, every member of the intrepid party returned safely to the haven of the Briars. As previously indicated, Father Michael's influence at The Briars was widely felt. Indeed, on golf courses up and down the land, there are probably young players intent on lowering their handicap who learned the rudiments of their game from a priest who packed his clubs with his vestments. His instructions on preparation for the priesthood might well begin with tips on how to address the ball - and a demonstration on a bit of greensward adjoining the historic Wingfield Manor, one of the stately homes where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned.
Introductions by and to newcomers to The Briars usually included a dissertation on the importance of the apostrophe in the surname O'Donoghue, and the spelling could be checked on a family coat of arms on the staircase leading to Father's flat.
Mention of how television has helped to put Crich more firmly on the map is a reminder that the same medium made Father Michael much more than a local or diocesan figure. A Central TV Sunday religious programme took viewers behind the scenes at The Briars. It included the emotionally charged farewell ceremonies as a stay by young people came to an end. Prayers by candlelight were punctuated by the sound of sobbing as young people said goodbye to the host of friends they had made at the Friendly Place.
Those of us who would love to be able to make sense of architect's drawings could do worse, even now, than have a word with Father Michael who had to interpret plans for extensions and alterations to The Briars at the same time as he was appealing for financing. Just as you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs, some chaos is inevitable when big booted builders invade your tranquillity. However, Father Michael and his dedicated team (some of them former students at The Briars) triumphed over the inconveniences, which is of great benefit to today's visitors. The Princess Royal opened the extensions, an occasion which provided more media coverage for Father Michael.
He is beloved in the minds of irreverent youth in another way - of which he is probably unaware, because there was much amusement when he strolled about The Briars in conversation with another priest from our diocese.
Father Michael would be the first to admit that he his hardly the tallest priest in the diocese. That distinction must go to Father Brendan O'Sullivan, now parish priest at Boston and at one time chaplain to catechetical camps held at the Briars by the Catholic Women's League, and who is about 6ft. 5in. Young people in their care dubbed the pair as the Little and Large show!
"Arrival in Knighton" by Sister Ethna McGrath OSC
By 18th September 1991 an air of gloom had settled over St. Thomas More's. The impending exodus i.e. the departure of Canon Shaw, Fr. Mark Casey and Nora Hill had proved too much. However, at exactly 9.06 on the evening of that same day a joyful sound was heard on Knighton Road as honking horns announced the arrival of the new Parish Priest. A mini convoy was heading for the car park and Fr. Michael's radiant smile as he took a right turn into Southernhay Road put a bit of cheer into my sad heart. Naturally those who had known him over a long period of time were delighted to see him.
Not all the luggage had arrived at 9.00pm - the next delivery was at 12.15am! This time, alerted by Neighbourhood Watch, some members of our ever-ready police force found the welcoming party. No less than six police vans sped towards no. 75. Puzzled by all the activity and convinced that burglars were making the most of an opportune time to seize some valuable items they surrounded the building. Fr. Gregory Tobin became suspect no.1 as he reversed the Briars minibus into the yard.
Needless to say some explanation had to be given. The not guilty plea was accepted and so our new pastor could avail himself of accommodation in the Presbytery rather than in Welford Road.
Fr. Michael came to Leicester with what could be described as a Franciscan aim - to build the Church - not with bricks and mortar but with people. All along the Parish Community has been his main concern, parish visiting started the day after his arrival. Since then he has continued to serve with great zeal and self sacrifice bringing his own special charism to enrich peoples' lives.
"Indeed we are alright" by The Reverend Deacon John Tear
Really further comment is superfluous, the previous paragraph sums it up very nicely. From his very first day Father Michael has worked long and hard in his role as our Parish Priest. Extremely conscientious in his care for all, from the very young to the oldest, never sparing himself in visiting, always ready to make time to talk to anyone who needs his counsel. He never fails to consult parishioners about ideas he has for the parish, as is evidenced by the setting up of the Parish Ministerial Team to deal with every aspect of Parish life. It is a tribute to him that the enthusiasm and dedication which he showed in his first appointment at Oakham twenty five years ago is just as fresh and undiminished now, indeed it is even greater. We can do no more than echo Father Lynch's comments when he first met him - "we're alright here!" Indeed we are alright, it is a privilege to work with Father Michael here at the St. Thomas More Parish.
"The Knighton Nineties" by Helena Baron
Disbelief, despondency, and despair rocked St Thomas More's Parish in July 2000 when news broke of FR Michael's impending departure to Lincoln. Plans quickly began, however, to mark Fr Michael's nine years in the parish, culminating in a Goodbye Mass celebrated on Sep 30th. This liturgy and subsequent party underlined the vibrant spirituality and active caring of the people nurtured and developed by Fr Michael.
From September 1991 Fr Michael quickly endeared himself to the people of Knighton thanks to his personal charm, charisma, and dedication. Care for the individual, from the youngest to the oldest, was a hallmark of his ministry. Three parish missions in Nine years strengthened the sacramental life of the parish. Children in the school, enjoying the interest that he took in their individual stories, eagerly anticipated his visits across the road Parishioners looked forward to the weekly sports report preceding the six o'clock mass on Saturday. Visitors to the presbytery could not fail to notice the ever increasing silverware highlighting Fr Michael's success at and love of golf. Through the youth group meeting on a Sunday evening Fr Michael extended his influence upon and his concern for young people. An important feature of the 11o'clock mass was the development of the children's liturgy. The 'Drop-Ins' on a Thursday morning delighted in Fr Michael's rapport with them, enjoying his warm smile from the altar and his stories at coffee.
The stardust sprinkled by the children, as a sign of prophecy at the Goodbye Mass remains firmly embedded in the carpet, resisting all attempts by vacuum cleaners to remove it. The Parish Mission is equally firmly embedded. Inspired by Fr Michael we continue to try in our small way 'to achieve great things for God'. Fr Michael shared in our lives listening to and holding our personal stories. He became a friend and counsellor to many people supporting us in time of sorrow and sharing in our joy. Fr Michael's energy, commitment, and smile have left a lasting mark in Leicester. No doubt the leadership of this deeply spiritual priest will similarly inspire the people of Lincoln.
"And – which is more – you'll be the Parish Priest of Ss Peter and Paul's..." By S Gilluly
It seems appropriate to say a little about Fr Michael's arrival in the parish of Ss Peter and Paul, Lincoln. On reading the previous account concerning the farewell Mass at St Thomas More's and remembering that Fr Michael's first sight of his new parish church was a church covered in dust from the long delayed work on the entrance to the Church, the famous poem by Rudyard Kipling came to mind:
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same
Fr Michael arrived in the parish on Friday, 13th October 2000 and will be welcomed as our 'new' Parish Priest on 2nd May 2001. Since arriving, he has seen the Church transformed from a place of worship masquerading as a building site to a place of worship of which the parish can be proud. A totally ramped front entrance now leads to a welcoming red carpet that softens the décor and lightens the spirit. But of more importance to our new parish priest is the community of which he has now become part for as long as there is work to be done. Small changes that are visibly noticeable are the involvement of the young footsteps children around the altar at the 11am Sunday morning masses and the change from a small Parish Council to a Parish Ministerial Team, a change of name that reflects how it is hoped the group will come to function. All changes and developments take time. The parish of Ss Peter and Paul is one of the largest in the diocese and the ministry of the parish priest must reach to all sections of the community, from the richest to the poorest, those who come to worship at the church to those who have not been for a while (or possibly not at all), to the pupils and their families of the primary and secondary schools in the parish, and those women currently being held at HMP Morton Hall. Sometimes, then, I wonder if these lines from the poem are also applicable:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the will which says to them 'hold on'.
Fr Michael Lynch (also referred to in previous accounts) has retired to the parish and helps with some of the Masses and Fr Michael is still playing golf on Tuesdays (so things can't be that bad!). Over the years the parish has developed many groups of lay people working together to bring the Word of God alive to those around them (see the Parish Organisation page). With the help of these groups, the parish will continue to grow and develop as a community founded on the love and compassion of God – as for our new parish priest, one line from the poem that needs no 'If' is:
All…… count with you, but none too much
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run –
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And – which is more – you'll be the parish priest of Ss Peter and Paul's my son!


text:
J.T.& S. Idealease Leasing and Rentals
Nutmeg Truck Centers offer full-service leasing, contract maintenance, and daily commercial rentals through JT&S Idealease. We have been leasing and renting trucks since May 1983. We have four of our own locations near RI as well as a nationwide network of Idealease affiliates to better serve our customers. We are able to offer you the truck that you want instead of pushing you into a cookie cutter configuration that may not be right for your application.
Complete with dedicated technicians and service bays, leasing agreements can include full-service maintenance, licensing, fuel tax reporting and washing. This is a great way to budget your transportation expense for the foreseeable future. Give Brad Smith a call with any questions at 860-249-8635 Ext. 134, or complete the CONTACT US form online.
1-800-IDLEASE gives drivers instant access, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to Idealnet, the Idealease emergency breakdown assistance hotline. Our Service Coordinators direct vehicles to the nearest Idealease location, or one of thousands of service providers in the Idealnet service network. Through Idealnet, our network members will give your repair top priority. If necessary, roadside service can be arranged. For more information, CONTACT US and we will guide you in the right direction.


text:
The Ins and Outs of Effective Mold Removal
While many people clean their own carpets utilizing standard cleansing options- carpet cleansing chemicals and vacuums- they might not recognize how their cleaning methods are failing. Studies taken of house owners reveal that most house owners think their carpet cleansing techniques suffice to get rid of the dirt, irritants and other particles in their carpets, however an actual analysis of the typical carpet shows a much various story.
When professional carpet cleaning companies like mold testing in Greenville SC examine carpets that have been conventionally cleaned, they often find deep-seated dirt and other particles inside the carpet. These are particles that are buried in the carpet fibers or trapped down in the most affordable parts of the carpet. Traditional cleaners can not get them out since they are attached too firmly. Mold, pollen and other allergens are even harder to get out, as they can start to grow and spread through the carpet, even leaving inactive cells after a rigorous cleansing.
Only expert carpet cleaning services are able to eliminate these damaging particles. Conventional cleaners are not strong enough to kill mold entirely and vacuums the typical individual usages are not strong enough to get rid of all their particles in the carpet.
When those are not removed, they develop friction in the carpet with every action. This causes unnecessary wear and tear on the carpet and ensures that the carpet breaks faster. Individuals who don't have experts clean their carpets for them find that they need to change their carpet regularly.
The ideal period for cleaning up carpets expert has to do with every 6 months for the majority of property owners. Those who just have light traffic throughout the year and no pets or kids may have the ability to securely wait a year to have their carpets expertly cleaned up, however those businesses who have carpet out in an area where their consumers are strolling will have to have their carpet cleaned up a lot more often.
How typically the carpet needs expert cleansing is figured out by the kind of carpet, the carpet's age, the quantity of traffic it gets and environmental aspects. If the carpet isn't cleaned as typically as it needs to be, it won't last as long or look as good as it could.
The Real Man Gaming Station
Getting the right gaming chair is as important as getting the right console to play on. From the outside it might not seem like a big deal but for any serious gamer it really is. Games are immersive and consuming now and you'll generally be sat down for more than a few hours to complete it.
You'll want your gaming chair to be able to support your body as you play. If you don't get the proper support for your back, legs and rear you can find yourself with aches and pains that just won't go away. This can even turn into long term chronic pain when you're older.
Big name brands have started producing some pretty stylish and effective gaming chairs for those who love to play. Unfortunately for anyone who is on the bigger or taller end of the spectrum the chairs just aren't quite doing it. Thankfully a few companies have begun specialised chairs for the larger user.
Gaming Chairs for Real Men
Let's face it, us big and tall guys aren't often catered for fully in most markets. For clothes, transport and everyday life we tend to get the raw end of the deal and have to make do. It isn't really fair and in some cases it can cause some long term issues for the bigger man.
Getting the right gaming chair is important to get the support you want to and need while putting those hours in. For bigger guys we're already more prone to back pain and long term back issues so we need that support more than ever.
Thankfully the gaming industry is ahead of the curve on this one and there are a number of companies producing specialised gaming chairs for 'big guys'.
The Best Gaming Chairs for Big Guys
When we talk about bigger guys that doesn't always refer to weight. Taller people or those who are naturally more broad have different requirements for their gaming setup and this includes the chair they use.
There are a number of companies that have released gaming chairs specifically for the big guy. These brands include Finsac, Kinsal and TopSky. These chairs are designed slightly differently but still keep the same kind of style and utility that you'd look for in a gaming chair.
Generally these chairs are built to accommodate taller individuals. This is done by created a much larger back which can still give support the entire way up. The chair can also be raised so that there is space for the legs to rest comfortably on the ground. Generally these gaming chairs will work for anyone up to 6 ft 5" but there are a few specially designed options for the even taller individual.
The seats of these chairs have also been altered for a larger user. A broader, wider seat is used and extra cushioning is put under the fabric. This allows it to support a larger frame and heavier weights.
In these specialised gaming chairs there is also extra cushioning and added lumbar support. This ensures that the bigger user is getting the full support they need and the comfort they'd expect from these gaming chairs.
If you're a bigger gamer then don't settle for less, check out the full list of big and tall gaming chairs
Can You Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are very frustrating and can have a real impact on how you look. This in turn can impact your self esteem and leave you searching for answers. Stretch marks affect the majority of women, and increasingly more people generally as our lifestyles mean more obesity and weight issues. In children stretch marks are common due to growth spurts.
Stretch marks are caused when your skin undergoes strain. This strain is normally caused as your body grows or changes rapidly and your skin isn't able to adapt. It stretches, damaging the proteins and blood vessels, which are then visible through the layers. The most common causes are rapid weight gain, pregnancy or growth spurts but different hormone levels can give stretch marks.
With stretch marks affecting so many people there are thousands looking for a cure, this in turn has led to a lot of "treatments" becoming available for stretch marks. We've identified some of the more genuine treatments available that can have a real impact.
Treatments for Stretch Marks
A lot of the mainstream treatments for stretch marks have not actually been proven, and industries have been developed around inaccurate information. Despite this there are a few stretch mark treatments that can have a big impact:
● Laser Therapy Treatment
Pulse Dye Treatment is one of the best treatments designed to help with stretch marks. Lasers target the blood vessels and help reduce them without damaging the surrounding tissue, this allows for a softening in the reddening.
The laser treatment is only really effective on the marks as they are still red, rather than older white marks. It can be expensive and takes a long time to see a real reduction. It isn't available for everyone as it can have side effects so be sure to check with your dermatologist before treatment.
● Tretinoin
Tretinoin and Vitamin E have been shown to reduce stretch marks. Available in a range of oils and creams you can apply them directly and the skin is able to absorb the retinol, using it to repair and protect the skin. Again this will only stimulate a reduction in the stretch marks, rather than curing them completely.
● Chemical Peels
Chemical peels have been used to improve the skin quality and reduce stretch marks. They have been shown to stimulate collagen production and elastin to reduce the impact of stretch marks. You'll need a good professional to ensure the balances of the chemicals are right, with the most effective being Trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
So Can You Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
The truth is once you have stretch marks it's very difficult to fully get rid of them. While new treatments are being developed every year there is currently no miracle cure that can even out your skin back to before they happened.
Realistically you need to be aware that the most you can hope for in most cases is a reduction in the stretch marks. Have a look around at the different options, but don't get your hopes up too high.
However, the treatments available can reduce stretch marks, often dramatically, and your body will adjust as they fade. For all the most up to date and relevant information contact your skin care professional/ dermatologist as they can recommend the best treatment for you.


text:
THE sex lives of men can seem like an Aesop's fable. As years go by and sexual desire fades, men may stop mating with an enthusiasm akin to rabbits and become more like red foxes, lonely animals who make do with one brief breeding season each year.
The moral: Even if you're a happy rabbit now, don't take your sex life for granted. You could still turn into a fox.
This tale is a warning, not a law of nature. Men can take steps to protect their sexual desires and abilities throughout their lives, says Jim Pfaus, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Concordia University in Montreal who studies the biology of libido. With some regular sex drive maintenance, "Our generation might keep having intercourse until we drop," he says. "I hope so."
There's no biological reason why a man can't carry a strong libido to his retirement party or even to his nursing home, according to David Rowland, sex expert and professor of psychology at Valparaiso University. "It's a myth that sex drive always diminishes as men get older," he says. "A lot of men in their 60s and 70s line up at the pharmacist's office for Viagra."
Still, desire can crumble over the years, often under the weight of physical problems, emotional turmoil and, of course, troubled relationships.
One way to protect yourself: Have lots of good sex now (or when convenient). Not only will you be giving your partner, if you have one, extra incentive to stick around, you'll be building a buffer around your libido. Frequent, stimulating sex primes the brain to want and expect more sex later in life, Pfaus says.
Research by the late Julian Davidson of Stanford University suggests that a properly primed libido can even withstand a shutdown of testosterone, the male hormone that helps fuel sex drive. He found that about one-third of men with extremely low testosterone levels (often due to testicular disease) still had frequent, satisfying sex. He surmised that these men had become so accustomed to sex that they could be aroused without help from hormones.
Regular, heart-pounding exercise is another good way to keep your sex drive humming. "When you increase your blood flow, you'll have a much easier time getting aroused," Pfaus says. You don't have to jump straight from the treadmill to the bed, either. The high will remain for a few hours afterward.
In the long-run, regular exercise will help strengthen your lungs and heart, two of your most important sexual organs. Exercise can also help prevent obesity, a condition that could potentially mess with hormones -- and your sex drive. As Rowland explains it, fat cells in men tend to secrete estrogen, the female sex hormone. The consequences of extra estrogen in men aren't clear, but the hormone could conceivably dampen a man's sex drive as well as his ability to perform, he says.
When a man starts to lose desire, the problem may be emotional, not physical. An unsatisfying job, financial troubles, a death in the family and other upheavals can definitely steal a man's mojo. "Stress is the antithesis of sex," Pfaus says. Anything that can help relieve stress, whether it's relaxation exercises or a trip to the gym, can help put a man's mind back on more pleasant subjects.
For people who are married or in a relationship, sex drive also reflects the health of partnerships, for better or for worse. Resentment or power struggles can kill desire. And, after a few years or decades together, men and their partners tend to fall into ruts that drain the excitement out of sex.
Some men try to compensate through affairs. But in most cases, they need a change in routine -- not a change in partners, Pfaus says. ("Many men end up just doing the same boring stuff with their new partner," he says.) Men can kick-start their sex drives without straying from their partners by having sex at different times and in different places -- unexpected venues, motels, the kitchen -- or by just holding hands or giving each other massages. The famed sex researchers Masters and Johnson found that a week of nonsexual touching exercises put a charge into tired relationships. "By day seven, the couples were acting like they were 16, even though they were 60," Pfaus says.
Men often lose interest in sex with their partners because they spend too much time on solo projects, Rowland says. Men who masturbate frequently (many do it every day) may even lose their ability to reach orgasm through intercourse. Often, they can regain their desire -- and orgasms with their partner -- by simply taking a break from masturbation, he says.
While you're busy enhancing your libido, you should also work to protect your ability to achieve and maintain erections. In other words: Don't smoke, don't drink too much, and do what you can to avoid clogged arteries and diabetes.
After all, a healthy sex drive won't do you much good if you can't use it.
THE sex lives of men can seem like an Aesop's fable. As years go by and sexual desire fades, men may stop mating with an enthusiasm akin to rabbits and become more like red foxes, lonely animals who make do with one brief breeding season each year.


text:
Comfort Measures in Labor
Comfort measures do not interfere with your labor and can actually enhance it. They promote a sense that you are in control and can cope with your labor. They encourage your body's production of endorphins, which are natural pain killers produced during periods of great physical demand and stress. These measures also may help you postpone the use of pain medication, which can interfere with the progress of labor.
We encourage you to create an environment that will enhance your ability to give birth. Your privacy is assured. The lighting in the room can be adjusted to suit you. We encourage you to bring things from home that we be comforting to you, such as music, your own clothes, your pillow, pictures, and aromatherapy. (See What to Bring to Hospital )
Emotional Support
Partners, family members, our doulas, nurses and OB providers provide emotional support for you in labor. You can decide who you feel will best support you. We encourage you to invite support people to assist you in labor that you can rely on and with whom you are totally comfortable.
Relaxation is key to your labor. Relaxation will allow your uterus to work more efficiently and reduce discomfort. You can learn to detect muscle tension and release it. Relaxation techniques such as touch relaxation, progressive relaxation and neuromuscular dissociation are taught in the childbirth education classes.
Breathing Techniques
Patterned breathing in labor helps to promote relaxation, keep you focused and give you a sense of control over pain. Slow, relaxed breathing and pattern-paced breathing techniques are taught in childbirth education classes.
Rhythmic Activities
Repetitive movement such as rocking, swaying and walking have a soothing affect on labor. Equipment such as the birthing ball or dancing with your partner can help. Rhythm can also refer to the rotation of all the measures you learn. Changing your strategy often will help it retain comfort for you. Your brain will become bored with any technique that is used too long and its ability to provide comfort will diminish. Try to switch between the tub, rocking in a chair, sitting on the birthing ball, taking a walk and then back to the tub.
Labor equipment
A variety of items can be used during labor to relieve discomfort or tension. Items particularly useful applied to the back in rolling motions to relieve back pain include a rolling pin, tennis balls or manual massagers. Hot and cold packs, a birthing ball, a fan and cool washcloths are also helpful during labor.
Imagery, Attention Focusing, Mediation
The use of mental images and concepts can be useful to divert you and bring you strength and comfort.
Alternative methods such as hypnobirthing are used by some of our patients to help them relax and reframe their approach to pain.
For more information contact www.lamaze.org or our Childbirth Education Department.


text:
Nation / World
Sports / Outdoors
Business Directory
Advertising Rates
About Us
Site Search
Advanced Search
Friday, May 24, 2019
Email this article
Print this article
Interracial Dating Within The Hmong Community
By Priscilla Yang
Today in America we have the freedom of marrying whomever we want to marry, but this was not the case years ago. In fact, it was illegal to marry someone from a different race. Miscegenation, also known as "race-mixing" is when two people from different racial backgrounds marry or have relations. The first anti-miscegenation law in America was put into place in Maryland in 1664. They were laws that made it illegal for white and black people to marry each other. In 1780, Pennsylvania repealed its law banning interracial marriages in an effort to abolish slavery. Other states began repealing their laws as well. It wasn't until 1967 that the remaining anti-miscegenation laws were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme court in Loving v. Virginia.
In the Hmong culture, there is one rule that all Hmong people, young and old, are aware of when it comes to dating and marriage - do not date or marry someone from the same clan (a.k.a., a person who has the same last name as you). Essentially, this rule is still in place, but when Hmong people came to America as refugees in the 1970's and lived amongst people from other race and ethnicities, there was something else that began to occur. Hmong children went to school, became friends with people from different backgrounds, and some even dated and fell in love with people who were not Hmong. This was difficult for many parents to accept because of the cultural differences. One of the biggest issues that parents were afraid of was that there would be a loss of culture if their children married outside of the Hmong community. Failed interracial relationships and marriages in the Hmong community became examples that parents would use to try to convince their children that dating someone other than a Hmong person was not promising.
Julie, who has been dating her non-Hmong boyfriend for four years now, said that she comes from a very strict family. Julie is the youngest of six children and all of her siblings married Hmong men and women. She stated that dating and marrying outside of the Hmong community has always been looked down upon in her family. "They will not love you," or "they will treat you bad" were some of the most common lines that Julie said she heard growing up.
Julie explained how it was shameful and that by dating and marrying outside of the Hmong community, you are disrespecting your parents. She went on to explain that her cousin married a man who was not Hmong and she was "disowned" by her parents and sometimes she is afraid that her parents would do the same. Julie's relationship with her boyfriend is a secret. She said no one knows about her boyfriend except about five of her friends. "My boyfriend doesn't like being 'hidden' but he respects my wishes," Julie said. When they go out in public, they have a game plan if they run into anyone she knows - they scatter and go different ways so it appears that they don't know each other. "Once my boyfriend has his life together, you know - has a good job, a house of his own, and money saved up for the bride price, then I will introduce him to my family. If they see that he has a good career and can take care of me financially, I think they will be more open to accepting him," Julie shared.
Bao, on the other hand, said that her parents have always been very open-minded. She shared, "My parents always wanted us to marry for love. They didn't care what race our boyfriends or girlfriends were, as long as they treated us right." Bao was raised in Minnesota and currently lives in California with her daughter, husband, and husband's parents. She says she gets stares when she goes out in public with her family and other Hmong people see her, but it doesn't bother her one bit. Bao's parents visit her two times a year and Bao and her family visit Minnesota two times a year.
In 1980, 6.7% of new marriages were between spouses of a different race or ethnicity from one another. In 2010, that percentage more than doubled to 15%. The Pew Research Center did not have statistics for Hmong interracial marriages, but in 2010, it was recorded that 36% of Asian women and 17% of Asian men married outside of their race. Today, we can see that interracial marriages are increasing and in some cities, it is even possible to hire men to help non-Hmong men perform traditional weddings (which includes negotiations, blessings, and ceremony) to marry Hmong women. Bao put it best when she said, "Parents who do not approve of their children's interracial relationships or marriages will eventually come around and will accept their child's decision as long as they are in a healthy, loving relationship. Love always wins."
St. Paul, MN
HMONG TIMES, All rights reserved
PO Box 192, Prescott, WI 54021
Software © 1998-2019
1up! Software
, All Rights Reserved


text:
Oct. 6, 2007
Santa Barbara, Calif. - Cal State Fullerton snapped its three game losing streak behind 52 combined kills by Brittany Moore and Jennifer Francisco, defeating UC Santa Barbara, 3-2 in a Big West Conference match at the Thunderdome Saturday night.
Fullerton evens its record back up at 8-8 and 3-2 in league action while Santa Barbara dips to 6-11, 1-4.
Moore's effort Saturday night yielded career-best numbers in kills (28) and digs (25), while adding five blocks to help guide the Titans to a 30-21, 27-30, 30-26, 30-25, 15-12 victory over the Gauchos. It was the juniors fourth double-double of the season, and also the fourth time this year she has collected 20 or more kills. She, Francisco and Erin Saddler all finished with double digits in kills.
Francisco also provided offensive spark, slamming home 24 kills of her own. It was the second time this week Francisco surpassed the 20-kill plateau, earning another double- double in the process with 11 digs.
Santa Barbara's Lauren McLaughlin posted 20 kills to lead a trio of Gauchos with 15-or-more kills.
The Titans aerial assault in game one was their most dominant effort on the night, as they out-hit the Gauchos .351 to .022 and led form the first to the last serve. Moore had six of her kills in game one alone, while Alex Wolnisty and Julie Geissert shared two blocks at the net.
Wolnisty led all players with eight blocks on the night as the Titans out-blocked the opponent 12.0-9.0. Moore, Saddler and Geissert combined for 13 block assists behind Wolnisty. Kacey Kipp and Brett Quirarte tallied four blocks apiece for the Gauchos, with three of Quirarte's coming as solo blocks.
Freshman libero Cami Croteau became just the fifth Fullerton player to ever record 30-or-more digs in a match, recording 31 on the evening. She paced ten players (five from each team) that recorded 10-or-more digs on the night in setting her new career-high.
The Titans finish the week and the road trip 1-2 and now come home to face red-hot UC Irvne and UC Riverside on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Both matches begin at 7 p.m. at Titan Gym.
Notes: Brittany Moore ties teammate Jennifer Francisco with the most kills in a game (28) this season and the most since Megan Sabo's 35-kill night on Sept. 16, 2000...The Saturday night win against UC Santa Barbara was the second consecutive victory over the Gauchos. It was also just the second win ever against the Gauchos, whose 52-match, 25-year winning streak was snapped last season...Julie Geissert tied her career-high with 62 assists on Saturday night.