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Clickfunnels Review 2019 Linking Clickfunnels And Zoom
Imagine if I told you there was a tool which you may use to conduct your entire online company in the event that you wanted to? Linking Clickfunnels And Zoom
It is and it's called ClickFunnels.
You Can Click Here to Get Clickfunnels 100% FREE
The matter is, if you are like me you are most likely ready to throw up together with the quantity of over-the-top, hyped-up marketing tactics used to advertise items such as that and ClickFunnels is no exclusion.
In fact their advertisements makes it hard to learn if it is really worth the investment or whether it's only all smoke and mirrors.
The simple fact of the matter isthat everything you will discover is that it is really a fairly fantastic tool could be helpful for every online business owner, whatever the market.
You just need to understand the best way to utilize it.
During this ClickFunnels review, I'll be breaking everything down to you in an easy to comprehend way so it is possible to observe just how ClickFunnels works and start applying it immediately to get results in your company.
In addition, I know that you are reading this ClickFunnels review because you know your company takes a solution much like this and you are just not certain this is the perfect fit.
Whether you choose to go for this particular tool or another one, my aim for this review would be to provide the criteria to follow when selecting the best one for you.
Let's dive in.
First, Just What Are Funnels? How Do They Function?
Before continuing with this ClickFunnels Review, let us explain what a marketing funnel is. In advertising, it's a process that takes individuals who don't understand you and turns them to customers, aka a advertising funnel. In e-commerce, a sales funnel is a set of steps developed to direct a web site visitor into the checkout page.
There is a less boring method of considering it. Step 1: Imagine a funnel. Measure 2: Imagine this funnel is actually a metaphor, and instead of real ingredients to pour down the funnel, you've got metaphorical ingredients that you phone traffic or website traffic. Your site visitors are looking around, checking things out. Your website is beautifully built, and your content is topnotch!
Unfortunately, that still does not turn a great deal of your customers into customers. In a physical store, that is like people walking into your shop but not knowing where the cash register is, so they leave the shop without purchasing anything. In a physical store, you can speak your clients into buying something. Within a digital shop, you could be a bit more distant from the consumers. That's where your funnel comes in–it was made to attract your clients' through fundamentals of psychology. The funnel functions incremental, draw traffic in closer and nearer until people end up in a page.
Should you feel that seems cool, you're right –it has become a massive deal for online advertising. Russell Brunson didn't become wealthy by promoting ClickFunnels technologies, but by using it also.
So, What is ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels started back in 2014, but in just 3 years it has been, in the words of Forbes,"silently revolutionizing the internet advertising industry." Here's the gist of ClickFunnels: This makes it a lot easier for companies and entrepreneurs to market things online using otherwise complex advertising technologies, called revenue funnels (more about those in a minute ).
The creator of ClickFunnels, Russell Brunson, is as famous as his invention, and for good reason. He has made a fortune, but not only from ClickFunnels, but other advertisements encounters. He performed with email advertising for some time, and eventually started to master sales funnels. Linking Clickfunnels And Zoom
Russell Brunson is the bestselling author of DotCom Secrets and Expert Secrets, two novels that his fans rave about and that direct people through his advertising and marketing strategies. You are able to pick up Dotcom Secrets free on his site here. Get Expert Secrets out of here free on his site.
ClickFunnels started out as a way to help Brunson and his team create funnels more quickly for different ventures, as creating funnels would normally take months. But they soon realized their creation would be helpful to other people and had great potential as a commodity.
Things I Love About ClickFunnels
With its pre-set funnels, layout templates, and drag-and-drop functionality, ClickFunnels is targeted towards entrepreneurs with little if any internet advertisement (and design/programming) experience.
In terms of design — the overall look and feel of your articles — ClickFunnels treats you to some fantastic selection of templates that are beautiful. Not only can these spare tons of work and time, but you also have the assurance that these templates are tested and are demonstrated to convert. Again, Brunson began the instrument to empower his own salespeople and entrepreneurs sell more goods.
ClickFunnels requires no programming or design expertise with its drag-and-drop interface. You may add elements such as buttons, countdowns, search-engine and a great deal more.
Here are a few of ClickFunnels' extra features: Linking Clickfunnels And Zoom
- You finally have the capacity to set up funnel pages and make funnel workflows quickly.
- The support is very scalable and flexible enabling hassle-free editing and modifications.
- There's an extensive collection of professionally-designed templates.
- You are able to perform A/B testing for each and every page contained on your funnels.
- You're able to leverage multiple domains together with the support.
- Email advertising services such as ActiveCampaign and MailChimp may be readily integrated. Additionally, it has autoresponder functions that you might use for collecting leads via email.
- Clickfunnels might also be incorporated with different payment options like Stripe and PayPal — which usually means you are ready to accept payments for your products, services, or membership websites.
- Analytics to examine campaigns, funnel performance, conversions, revenue, and A/B testing outcomes are also offered.
- It is likely to create membership sites. Following your prospects enroll, they could receive access to exclusive subscription places.
- ClickFunnels carries a seven-year free trial and two bundle offering.
- Great support — weekly webinars and free education are being supplied to customers.
New features are constantly being added to the ceremony.
A Few Things I Don't Care For With Clickfunnels
- It is more software You Are Going to Need to spend time researching
- Could be confusing if You are a newcomer web marketer
- If ClickFunnels goes down, so does your landing pages
- Support is top notch, but can take a couple of hours to react
- URLS could be amazing if you Aren't using a custom domain
As you can see, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Some of the cons are rather nitpicky, such as the URLs being cluttered, but this is more of a personal taste than anything. I am aware that there are many other landing page builders which we'll use, such as Thrive Architect from Thrive Themes. For me , I have discovered the funnel measure integration to be a few of the easiest funnel applications to design however.
Using TA, you are going to want to design the webpage, then link to the subsequent pages in the sequence and it's done inside WordPress. While I love Thrive and their subjects, I truly do think ClickFunnels is inherently simpler to use than TA, but it comes at a monthly price.
What types of funnels can be found in ClickFunnels?
Like I alluded to, there is a whole lot of methods to prepare a perfect funnel. Firms are distinct, therefore it is not surprising ClickFunnels provides a few choices in building your perfect funnel.
Lead Capture Funnel: This kind of sales funnel permits you to capture email addresses of your website's visitors. The funnel's chief objective is to aid in boosting your mailing list. Afterward, this listing may be used as a constant customer touchpoint as well as a path where you can promote your services and products to prospective clients via email. This type of funnel works for any organization!
Revenue Page Funnel: This funnel permits you to advertise more goods or services by implementing upsells, downsells, or perhaps 1 time provides to your clients. The intent of using this sort of sales funnel is to draw more earnings from the existing pool of consumers.
Webinar Funnel: Webinars are a excellent way to provide more value and engage prospective customers. This very valuable sales funnel boosts your own webinars or internet events. Lots of bloggers come to Growth Marketing Guru to learn best practices for webinars — they're popular sales tools today.
Bridge Funnel: This sort of sales funnel empowers you to join two distinct services or products to make purchases easier for the clients.
Survey Funnel: This funnel has two big functions. The very first one is going to be to enable you to engage your prospects by having them answer survey questions. Secondly, you get more insight of who your prospects are via surveys. All these, then, allow you to understand your potential clients and make content or pages that are more conducive to your intended audience.
Together with ClickFunnels, making your sales funnel is simple. Simply select from a lot of pre-made funnels, then select the template design you'd like, and Clickfunnels will create all of the webpages to you.
Clickfunnels Pricing
$97/mo – Clickfunnels basic plan which provides you intelligent funnel construction capacities. Most people choose this.
$297/mo – The Etison Suite. You receive infinite funnels and quantity of webpages together with Actionetics, Backpack Affiliate Managment and EVERY other instrument they provide.
$997/Annual – Here really is the very best deal on Clickfunnels. You receive the Etison Suite for 6 weeks free. Linking Clickfunnels And Zoom
The Perfect Way to Get 14 Days FREE Trial
Try out ClickFunnels and Actionetics now at no cost, and you'll start considering how you lived without them!
And if for any reason you left your mind up to not be a part, then you are going to have the ability to cancel your account with no penalties or fees.
You Can Click Here to Get Clickfunnels 100% FREE
ClickFunnels Review Conclusion
ClickFunnels is absolutely among the most effective online marketing tools and there are not lots of programs out there which can fit it in terms of scope and abilities.
As it is possible to utilize ClickFunnels to perform a lot of things like marketing automation and membership websites, their effectiveness is the core revenue funnel builder that I think is the best in the business.
Finally it boils down to if ClickFunnels is excellent for you or not and it depends entirely on your particular requirements. If you are searching to construct only a couple landing pages to build your email list, you most likely do not want ClickFunnels.
However if you're trying to construct a sales funnel to market any service or product, ClickFunnels is definitely a tool which you want to consider utilizing. There's no greater method of constructing your funnels if you're one of those sales-focused entrepreneurs.


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DukeSys focuses on helping our customers create a safe work environment. This includes both limiting access to your facility from the outside and protecting restricted areas from people on the inside. We offer customized access control and security solutions for your site. Using technology from a leader in the access control industry, DukeSys will help you develop an ideal solution for your facility.
Installation of access control system
Stand-alone access control
Fingerprint access control
Physical access control hardware and software
Biometric readers
Card readers (swipe or scan)
UBand Entry
Single and double mag locks
Access system accessories
Access control products from DukeSys provide you with comprehensive tools to manage your facility. With many key features available, the security of your facility can easily be managed just by lifting your finger.
Remote Connectivity: With the mobile app, users can connect to and monitor their systems no matter where they are. Lock and unlock doors, respond to and clear alarms, add new cardholders, view surveillance video and more all from your iPhone® or Android™ device.
Maximum door control: There are many different settings available for door control, depending on your needs. Some available options include if a door is propped open after entry, the scheduling of lock and unlock times, and alarm mapping.
Detailed data: Software can gather a great deal of data while monitoring your facility including how often a door is opened, the last time a cardholder accessed a door, and much more.
Cardholder Management: Save time by creating access groups instead of assigning access to each individual. Users can create different access groups with different levels of access, and then simply assign individuals to the appropriate group.
Last access granted: View the last door that a particular cardholder accessed, along with the date and time of the access.
Contact us today at 281.350.6800 or email@example.com for more information on our access control solutions!

subset: commoncrawl


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Chamberlain College of Nursing
Welcome to Chamberlain College of Nursing
Advance Your Education with Chamberlain
Our commitment is to deliver a high value education that prepares students to thrive as a healthcare professional. We call this commitment Chamberlain Care® – our dedication to providing students with the tools and resources to be successful while being immersed in a community of care exemplified by faculty and student support that helps foster academic success.
Our Mission
Chamberlain provides a superior education experience distinguished by academic excellence, innovation, integrity and world-class service.
We are committed to graduating compassionate, ethical and knowledgeable leaders who are empowered to transform healthcare.
Student-Focused Learning Environment
Whether you are pursuing your Bachelor of Science in Nursing at one of our 20 campuses nationwide, our RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Option, or one of our graduate degree and certificate programs, Chamberlain provides a personal, student-focused learning environment that offers convenient and accessible resources.
Highly Qualified Faculty
Faculty can make all the difference in a program – especially an online program. Our faculty are not only highly qualified – they are highly qualified to teach at Chamberlain. Our faculty members are focused on helping you reach your educational goals. They are right there in the courses with you, respond to your questions within 24 hours and are available by email, phone and the online course platform. All have set office hours for your convenience. Each member of Chamberlain's faculty holds a master's or doctorate degree and has undergone comprehensive training to help prepare them to teach online courses.
Programs of Interest Offered:
- 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- BSN to MSN Online Option
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- LPRN to RN Bridge Option
- Nursing
- RN to BSN Online Option
*Programs may vary from campus to campus.
*Financial Aid is available for those who qualify and apply.
Chamberlain is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program (including the RN to BSN degree completion option), the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program (including the RN-BSN to MSN option, the FNP track and all specialty tracks) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
For consumer and disclosure information, Click Here
For information about educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students, Click Here


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I know you've probably seen all of your favorite bloggers put out their holiday gift guides. And I'm sure at this point you're probably a bit worn out. So with that being said, here's my holiday gift guide 2019 edition. You're not surprised, right? I mean did you expect anything less from me? I am…
Easy Brunch Platter
Christmas Day in my family has always been full of lots of life and laughter. There's always people popping in and out of our family home during the day. One thing my grandmother always did was have a few different platters of finger food out so everyone could just help themselves throughout the day.
DIY Coffee Scrub
I've always loved putting together DIY gifts for my family and friends during the holidays. This year, I decided to stay away from edible gifts and do something a little more healthy. This DIY coffee scrub has been one of my favorite things this year. It's the perfect mix of indulgent and healthy for your…
Spiced Hot Chocolate
The Holidays won't be the same without hot chocolate filled nights by the Christmas tree. You will find everyone loves their hot chocolate a different way. But, this universally comforting and decadent drink is always a hit from the kids to the adults.
Grandma Toulia's Corn Pudding
Whether it is thanksgiving or Christmas, I always request my Grandma Toulia's corn pudding. Corn pudding is definitely one of those dishes that just brings me back to my childhood. It's comforting, decadent and so easy it's fool-proof.
Spiced Sweetened Coconut Condensed Milk
Have you ever tried Vietnamese coffee? Well if you haven't, it's essentially brewed coffee with sweetened condensed milk. It's very simple yet incredibly delicious. Definitely not a very forgiving drink (especially if you're watching the old waistline). But never the less, it is delicious. So I thought maybe I should give this drink a healthier…
Holiday Brussels Sprouts Salad
Have you started planning your Christmas Eve dinner/Christmas day brunch yet? Or maybe you're looking for the perfect side dish to take over to your parent's house. Well, I am going to hook you up! This Holiday Brussels sprouts salad is not only delicious, but it's also hearty, easy to make, and the more it…
Holiday Gift Guide 2018!
If there is anything I know, it's that it can be very difficult to find a gift for everyone on your list during the holidays. That is why I love doing this gift guide every year! I not only love gathering all of my favorite things and goodies I've found for my family and friends…
Spicy Holiday Cranberry Sauce
With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I know you are prepping and planning your menu. Of course, you can't have Thanksgiving dinner without the cranberry sauce, right? My spicy holiday cranberry sauce is right up your alley. It's sweet and delicious with a little tang and kick.
Herb Cornish Hens w/ Root Vegetables
It's so crazy to realize that Thanksgiving is right around the corner! But, it's almost here and we have to get use to it. I'm ok with it because it only means Christmas is almost here! If you are thinking about changing things up for your holiday menu, my herb cornish hens with root vegetables…


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Established in 2011, Wayne Ki Awaaz is Wayne State's premier, award winning, South Asian fusion A Cappella team. Located in Detroit, MI, our family of Warriors has an intense passion for music and having the most fun possible.
Wayne Ki Awaaz translates to "The Voice of Wayne," a name that our group has lived up to over the years. From performing for campus fundraisers for non-profit groups to competing at national competitions held by the Network of Desi A Cappella, Wayne Ki Awaaz has truly become the voice of Wayne State University.
Since its formation, Wayne Ki Awaaz has won third place at Sahana, third place at Anahat, won best male soloist at Sangeet Saagar, outstanding male soloist at Sahana, and competed at Gathe Raho.
Wayne Ki Awaaz looks to create a fusion of both Eastern and Western music without instruments. We pay homage to our mother tongue with classical songs from the heart of the Indian subcontinent, while joining these with pieces we've grown up with in the States. Our goal is to create music that will inspire others by creating mixes from various genres to create a diverse musical outreach.


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Every day we use clothes with different colours and shades. In our wardrobes we can find garments with brilliant colours or delicate tones, clothes entirely whites or mixed white and colours or clothes with a huge range of shades. At the time of the laundry we have to decide how to proceed. We have two different options:
1. Split coloured garments and white garments and wash them separately
2. Wash all garments together, whites and colours.
Surely the first option is the best, even to maintain white garments always candid and avoid greying.
However, for a matter of time and wash optimization, we can decide to mix white and coloured garments and wash them all together. This wash hides an insidious problem: colour transfer, so the well known problem of bleached garments.
In this article we are going to talk about this particular mixed wash and how to prevent the colour transfer problem.
THE DAILY LAUNDRY of WHITE AND COLOURED GARMENTS
The dyes for garments are organic or synthetic particular molecules which absorb a specific wavelength (so a colour) and reflect the ones which determine colour felt by our eye (complementary colour).
The first old dyes used to dye were substances of natural or animal origin. Among the dyes used in the past we can number: Saffron for yellow, cochineal for red, Chlorophyll for green, or Coffee for brown. To this day, in addition to natural dyes, many synthetic compounds, which have very complex structures, are used to give very brilliant colours or with particular shades.
The big problem of most dyes is the kinship with fibres and dyeing process. A garment with a non-well fixed colour or with an excess of dyeing can release dye during wash, which could dye, in an undesirable way and semi-permanent, another garment.
To avoid this problem during wash it is possible to use 2 different kinds of products:
• "Solid" products: such as the colour catcher sheets, which can cause filters' clogs if they enter into the linings
• Liquid products: Complete detergents specially formulated to wash white and coloured garments
Inside liquid products/detergents it is necessary to have two important groups of substances to avoid colour transfer:
• Special Polymers which can block colour transfer. These polymers act as sequestrants of the dissolved colour in the wash bath, so they avoid the redeposition on fibres. Moreover they have also the function of eliminate the colour surplus of very dyed garments.
• Innovative Enzymes that not only act in synergy against dirtiness and the most difficult stains, but liven up the original colour of garments making them brilliant as new.
Moreover, liquid products, have complete formulas so that with a single wash and a single product you can wash, degrease, hygienize, eliminate stains, avoid colour transfer and perfume. A colour catcher sheet hardly would do all these things.
The Dr. Conedera advise…
For a perfect laundry and without colour transfer problems use Hygienfresh® Salvacolor or Hygienfresh® Note di pulito, which contain both polymers and enzymes to avoid colour transfer.
Hygienfresh® Salvacolor + Hygienfresh® Note di Pulito
Set a temperature between 30 and 40 °C and then dry normally (natural at room temperature or with dryers).
Anyway avoid to wash new never washed garments with very brilliant colours along with white garments.
At the beginning never washed coloured garments could loose too much colour, so it should be better to dose more product in comparison with the usual dosage, in order to ensure the right dosage of polymers and enzymes to avoid colour transfer.
To obtain an extra brilliant effect add the Oxon additive to the wash. It bleaches, hygienizes, revives colours and increases candour garments (it is compatible with all HygienFresh Detergents).
If you don't have used the right or recommended products or if you have used an intense wash programme, and at the end of the wash you have found bleached garments, we have a solution.
In next article we are going to talk about how to solve this problem.
Do not miss next article! We will talk about Spotting: how to eliminate the most stubborn stains or how to solve small wash mistakes!


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An update on Cirque des Cercles, will tackle a very large circle next:
I keep on getting ideas for new projects, but really need to finish existing ones or will never get another finish! Witches Stitches' Elemental Cosmos is very intriguing, though I might use the navy blue aida I have already in stash rather than use black aida for it. Rachel Anderson's Queen of Hearts is also very pretty, though I would probably only do the Quick Stitch version, stitching a whole lot of background is not very appealing.
Also got the latest issue of Cross Stitcher (UK) today, another one filled with Christmas designs. Not very interested in those at all, still have several of the projects in previous issues already kitted up. Speaking of which I never did decide what to do with the daffodil one I finished a few months ago. They also had an Art Deco lady I finished except for the beading, should pick it back up just to finish it as the lady was quite pretty.


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We've had lots of people enter our 500,000 blog hits competition to give a reader a Self Service goody bag stuffed full of our brands, including – Wildfox, Junk Food Clothing, Disney Couture, LnA and SpiritHoods!
This prize is money can't buy as it includes items that aren't available in the stores yet, including Summer 2011 Wildfox!
And the winner is …
It's so hard to choose between Wildfox and Junk Food but i'm gonna go with the latter. Junk Food tees have not only brightened up my wardrobe and my life but they are the coolest, comfortable tees around. Worth every penny! X
Congratulations Sunny! We hope you like your goody bag (we're pretty sure you will!) Please email your details to email@example.com.
Thanks to everyone that entered and please keep reading our blog 🙂


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Peel is always looking for great people to join our team in O'Fallon, Edwardsville and our newest location in Clayton, MO. Fill out an application below or print an application out and drop it off at our Edwardsville or O'Fallon locations.
Download Application
Brew Pub Hours - Currently ClosedMonday - Thursday: 11:00AM - 11:00PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00AM - 12:00AM


text: Dig into our top selections for Android apps, Android games, iPhone apps, iPad apps, iOS games, Windows Phone apps, Kindle books, console games, and the very best for your Mac and PC. Even if you already own an iPhone — in which case many iPad apps will automatically sync over for you during setup — you'll find that getting apps for your iPad is an easy process. Pop open the app store and you'll find thousands, but the "top apps" list is filled with as much junk as it is gold. Fear not, we've collected our favorite below — from great writing to great drawing to great music-making, the myth that the iPad isn't great for "productivity" is officially dead.


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My Angel with Paws Site Visit
My Angel with Paws is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to train dogs to help remove barriers for people with disabilities. During this service site visit, we will learn about the history of My Angel with Paws, and volunteer with the agency, as well as reflect on the experience. We will be meeting at the CCE (behind the Hollis Center pool) at 1:30 p.m. to carpool to the service site.
**Cultural Credit is offered for this event**
You will need to register for this event at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesjXL10o3l4_2IVEQugY9WpvueTW2gmXvSY1yT3h_TmDWaSQ/viewform?c=0&w=1
Please show up 30 minutes before the start time to check-in.


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Conservative MP Michelle Donelan diagnosed with Lyme disease after conversation with constituent
A Conservative MP received an early diagnosis for Lyme disease after talking with a constituent about the infectious illness.
Michelle Donelan, MP for Chippenham, believes she was bitten by a tick a week ago.
The 32-year-old said she ignored the resulting rash until she researched the symptoms after discussing the level of care for Lyme disease.
Ms Donelan told the Gazette Herald: "I knew that I wasn't well, I had the rash for a week and it was getting worse but I thought nothing of it.
"On Friday I held my surgery and had a chap come in and he wanted to talk about level of care and Lyme disease.
"I did a bit of research on it and saw the symptoms and that's how my rash looked."
She posted on Facebook, she has been receiving treatment at Bath's Royal United Hospital, joking that it "appears MP surgeries can help the MP too".
UK news in pictures
8 July 2016
To mark exactly one month until Olympic Games and celebrate Usain Bolt's 9.58 second 100m world record, Virgin Media has created an ambitious installation which transformed the River Thames into a 100m-long video screen, while the Eye itself became a giant stopwatch counting down Bolt's time. Viewers within the London Eye were able to witness Bolt's record-breaking speed, thanks to a 100m-long, floating screen stationed on the river beneath
7 July 2016
Home Secretary Theresa May makes a statement outside the Palace of Westminste, after she won 199 votes for the Conservative leadership
6 July 2016
Relatives of military personnel killed during the Iraq War talk at a news conference after listening to Sir John Chilcot present The Iraq Inquiry Report at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster
6 July 2016
Protesters dressed as former British prime minister Tony Blair hold a demonstration outside the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre as they wait for the release of the Chilcot Inquiry in London
6 July 2016
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair responds to the Chilcot report
Getty Images
5 July 2016
Participants march in London as teachers across England stage a 24-hour strike in a long-running dispute with the Government over the "underfunding" of schools
4 July 2016
A remarkable twelve metre sand sculpture has been unveiled on the coast of Cornwall's Porthminster Beach to celebrate the 10th annual Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project globally. In a bid to inspire the nation to keep Britain's beaches 'barefoot friendly', the spectacular artwork has been created as part of the first ever World Beach Rescue Day (WBRD), a global initiative launching on 9 July pioneered by champions of cleaner beaches, Barefoot Wine
3 July 2016
British Conservative party leadership candidate Andrea Leadsom arrives at the BBC television centre in London to appear on "The Andrew Marr Show" in London
AFP/Getty Images
2 July 2016
Tens of thousands of people march through central London in a 'March For Europe Event'. The march is in protest at the result of the EU referendum
Getty Images
1 July 2016
Demonstrators chant as they wave underwear and placards with the words "Liar Liar Pants On Fire" written on them outside the home of former London Mayor Boris Johnson
Getty Images
30 June 2016
Justice Secretary and leading Brexit campaigner Michael Gove leaves his home in Kensington before announcing his intention to run to be the next Conservative Party leader and UK prime minister
Getty Images
29 June 2016
Spectators with umbrellas struggle against strong wind as stormy weather delays play at Wimbledon
28 June 2016
A couple kiss outside the Houses of Parliament during a protest aimed at showing London's solidarity with the European Union following the recent EU referendum
28 June 2016
Queen Elizabeth II Prince Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh attend the unveiling of the Robert Quigg VC memorial statue in Bushmills village, Northern Ireland
Getty Images
27 June 2016
Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves after addressing a gathering of supporters demonstrating in Parliament Square, in central London
26 June 2016
A man dressed as Boris Johnson and Donald Trump prepare to take part in a tomato fight at the Glastonbury Festival 2016 at Worthy Farm
Getty Images
26 June 2016
People walk over Westminster Bridge wrapped in Union flags in central London. Britain's opposition Labour party plunged into turmoil and the prospect of Scottish independence drew closer, ahead of a showdown with EU leaders over the country's seismic vote to leave the bloc
AFP/Getty Images
25 June 2016
People pay tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting as they take part in the annual Pride London Parade which highlights issues of the gay, lesbian and transgender community, in London
25 June 2016
Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon, addresses the media after holding an emergency Cabinet meeting at Bute House in Edinburgh, following the pro-Brexit result of the UK's EU referendum vote
AFP/Getty Images
24 June 2016
A man carries a EU flag, after Britain voted to leave the European Union, outside Downing Street in London
23 June 2016
AFP/Getty Images
22 June 2016
British Prime Minister David Cameron poses for a photograph after addressing pro-EU "Vote Remain" supporters at rally in Bristol, whilst campaigning to avoid a Brexit, ahead of the 23 June EU referendum
AFP/Getty Images
21 June 2016
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson (left) and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speak during the EU debate at Wembley Arena in London
Getty Images
20 June 2016
A full moon rises behind Glastonbury Tor as people gather to celebrate the summer solstice in Somerse
Getty Images
19 June 2016
Hot air balloons took to the air as part of the annual Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta, a charity event in aid of the Lord Mayor's Fund, in London
Getty Images
19 June 2016
Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron (C) poses with supporters after arriving in the Liberal Democrat Vote Remain campaign bus, campaigning to avoid a Brexit in the EU referendum, during a launch event in east London
AFP/Getty Images
18 June 2016
A man lights a flare among pro-refugee activists rallying outside the French Embassy in central London, during a protest after most of an aid convoy of vehicles organised by campaign groups heading to northern France were turned back at the French frontier at the port of Dover
AFP/Getty Images
17 June 2016
Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn arrive to pay their respects at the scene where Jo Cox was shot in Birstall
Getty Images
16 June 2016
Floral tributes and candles are placed by a picture of slain Labour MP Jo Cox at a vigil in Parliament square in London. Cox died after a shock daylight street attack, throwing campaigning for the referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union into disarray just a week before the crucial vote
15 June 2016
Boats from the 'Fishing for Leave' campaign group join a flotilla along the Thames River in London. The flotilla organised by members of the Fishing for Leave group, who are campaigning to leave the European Union ahead of the referendum on the 23 of June, was countered by boats representing the 'In' campaign
Getty Images
Lyme disease is contracted when infected ticks attach themselves to people, biting them and transferring a bacterial infection – Lyme disease – into the blood stream.
The illness causes flu-like symptoms, neurological damage and fatigue. It can also cause muscle and joint pain.
She added: "I had a bullseye mark half the size of my arm and that's when I knew what it was.
"I was quite lucky, as if you don't get it really early it can damage your nerves and can eventually lead to death."
Health news in pictures
Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts
The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide
'Universal cancer vaccine' breakthrough claimed by experts
Scientists have taken a "very positive step" towards creating a universal vaccine against cancer that makes the body's immune system attack tumours as if they were a virus, experts have said. Writing in Nature, an international team of researchers described how they had taken pieces of cancer's genetic RNA code, put them into tiny nanoparticles of fat and then injected the mixture into the bloodstreams of three patients in the advanced stages of the disease. The patients' immune systems responded by producing "killer" T-cells designed to attack cancer. The vaccine was also found to be effective in fighting "aggressively growing" tumours in mice, according to researchers, who were led by Professor Ugur Sahin from Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany
Rex Features
Green tea could be used to treat brain issues caused by Down's Syndrome
A compound found in green tea could improve the cognitive abilities of those with Down's syndrome, a team of scientists has discovered. Researchers found epigallocatechin gallate – which is especially present in green tea but can also be found in white and black teas – combined with cognitive stimulation, improved visual memory and led to more adaptive behaviour. Dr Rafael de la Torre, who led the year-long clinical trial along with Dr Mara Dierrssen, said: "The results suggest that individuals who received treatment with the green tea compound, together with the cognitive stimulation protocol, had better scores in their cognitive capacities"
New online test predicts skin cancer risk
Health experts have created a new online tool which can predict a person's risk of developing a common form of skin cancer. The tool uses the results of a 10-question-quiz to estimate the chance of a person aged 40 or over of having non-melanoma skin cancers within three years. Factors including the age, gender, smoking status, skin colour, tanning ability, freckling tendency, and other aspects of medical history are covered by the quiz
Multiple Sclerosis stem cell treatment 'helps patients walk again'
A new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) has enabled some patients to walk again by "rebooting" their immune systems. As part of a clinical trial at Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital involving around 20 patients, scientists used stem cells to carry out a bone marrow transplant. The method known as an autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) works by using chemotherapy to destroy the area of the immune system which causes MS
Rex Features
Dementia patients left without painkillers and handcuffed to bed
Dementia patients experience a 'shocking' variation in the quality of hospital care they receive across England, a charity has warned. Staff using excessive force and not giving dementia patients the correct pain medication were among the findings outlined in a new report by The Alzheimer's Society, to coincide with the launch of Fix Dementia Care campaign
Rex Features
Cancer risk 'increased' by drinking more than one glass of wine or pint of beer per day
Drinking more than one glass of wine or pint of beer a day increases the risk of developing cancer, according to medical experts. New guidelines for alcohol consumption by the UK published by chief medical officers warn that drinking any level of alcohol has been linked to a range of different cancers. The evidence from the Committee on Carcinogenicity (COC) overturns the oft-held view that a glass of red wine can have significant medical benefits for both men and women
Vaping 'no better' than smoking regular cigarettes
Vaping could be "no better" than smoking regular cigarettes and may be linked to cancer, scientists have found. The study which showed that vapour from e-cigarettes can damage or kill human cells was publsihed as the devices are to be rolled out by UK public health officials as an aid to quit smoking from 2016. An estimated 2.6 million people in the UK currently use e-cigarettes
Rat-bite fever
A teenager was hospitalised and left unable to move after she developed the rare rat-bite fever disease from her pet rodents which lived in her bedroom. The teenager, who has not been named, was taken to hospital after she complained of a pain in her right hip and lower back which later made her immobile, according to the online medical journal BMJ Case Reports. She suffered for two weeks with an intermittent fever, nausea and vomiting and had a pink rash on her hands and feet. The teenager, who had numerous pets including a dog, cat, horse and three pet rats, has since made a full recovery after undergoing a course of antibiotics. Blood tests showed that she was infected with for streptobacillus moniliformis – the most common cause of rat-bite fever. One of her three pet rats lay dead in her room for three weeks before her symptoms showed
Taking antidepressants in pregnancy 'could double the risk of autism in toddlers'
Taking antidepressants during pregnancy could almost double the risk of a child being diagnosed with autism in the first years of life, a major study of nearly 150,000 pregnancies has suggested. Researchers have found a link between women in the later stages of pregnancy who were prescribed one of the most common types of antidepressant drugs, and autism diagnosed in children under seven years of age
Warning over Calpol
Parents have been warned that giving children paracetamol-based medicines such as Calpol and Disprol too often could lead to serious health issues later in life. Leading paediatrician and professor of general paediatrics at University College London, Alastair Sutcliffe, said parents were overusing paracetamol to treat mild fevers. As a result, the risk of developing asthma, as well as kidney, heart and liver damage is heightened
Fat loss from pancreas 'can reverse' effects of type-2 diabetes
Less than half a teaspoon of fat is all that it takes to turn someone into a type-2 diabetic according to a study that could overturn conventional wisdom on a disease affecting nearly 3 million people in Britain. Researchers have found it is not so much the overall body fat that is important in determining the onset of type-2 diabetes but the small amount of fat deposited in the pancreas, the endocrine organ responsible for insulin production
Potatoes reduce risk of stomach cancer
Scientists have found people who eat large amounts of white vegetables were a third less likely to contract stomach cancer. The study, undertaken by Chinese scientists at Zhejiang University, found eating cauliflower, potatoes and onions reduces the chance of contracting stomach cancer but that beer, spirits, salt and preserved foods increased a person's risk of the cancer
Connections between brain cells destroyed in early stages of Alzheimer's disease
Scientists have pinpointed how connections in the brain are destroyed in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, in a study which it is hoped will help in the development of treatments for the debilitating condition. At the early stages of the development of Alzheimer's disease the synapses – which connect the neurons in the brain – are destroyed, according to researchers at the University of New South Wales, Australia. The synapses are vital for brain function, particularly learning and forming memories
Sugar tax
The Government should introduce a sugar tax to prevent an "obesity crisis" from crippling the NHS, a senior Conservative MP and former health minister has said. Dr Dan Poulter believes that the case for increased taxes on unhealthy sugary products was "increasingly compelling"
Cancer breakthrough offers new hope for survivors rendered infertile by chemotherapy
A potentially "phenomenal" scientific breakthrough has offered fresh hope to cancer patients rendered infertile by chemotherapy. For the first time, researchers managed to restore ovaries in mice affected by chemotherapy so that they were able to have offspring. The scientists now plan to begin clinical trials to see if the technique, which involves the use of stem cells, will also work in humans by using umbilical cord material and possibly stem cells taken from human embryos, if regulators agree
Take this NHS test to find out if you have a cancerous mole
An interactive test could help flag up whether you should seek advice from a health professional for one of the most common types of cancer. The test is available on the NHS Choices website and reveals whether you are at risk from the disease and recommends if you should seek help. The mole self-assessment factors in elements such as complexion, the number of times you have been severely sunburnt and whether skin cancer runs in your family. It also quizzes you on the number of moles you have and whether there have been any changes in appearance regarding size, shape and colour
Health apps approved by NHS 'may put users at risk of identity theft'
Experts have warned that some apps do not adequately protect personal information
A watchdog has said that care visits must last longer
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) said home help visits of less than 30 minutes were not acceptable unless part of a wider package of support
Pendle in Lancashire tops list of five most anxious places to live in the UK
Pendle in Lancashire has been named the most anxious place to live in the UK, while people living in Fermanagh and Omagh in Northern Ireland have been found to be the happiest
Ketamine could be used as anti-depressant
Researchers at the University of Auckland said monitoring the effects of the drug on the brain has revealed neural pathways that could aid the development of fast-acting medications.
Ketamine is a synthetic compound used as an off anaesthetic and analgesic drug, but is commonly used illegally as a hallucinogenic party drug.
Dr Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, a senior researcher at the university and a member of the institution's Centre for Brain Research, used the latest technology in brain imaging to investigate what mechanisms ketamine uses to be active in the human brain
A prosthetic hand that lets people actually feel through
The technology lets paralysed people feel actual sensations when touching objects — including light taps on the mechanical finger — and could be a huge breakthrough for prosthetics, according to its makers. The tool was used to let a 28-year-old man who has been paralysed for more than a decade. While prosthetics have previously been able to be controlled directly from the brain, it is the first time that signals have been successfully sent the other way
The biggest cause of early death in the world is what you eat
Unhealthy eating has been named as the most common cause of premature death around the globe, new data has revealed. A poor diet – which involves eating too few vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains and too much red meat, salt and sugar – was shown to be a bigger killer than smoking and alcohol
Scientists develop blood test that estimates how quickly people age
Scientists believe it could be used to predict a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease as well as the "youthfulness" of donated organs for transplant operations. The test measures the vitality of certain genes which the researchers believe is an accurate indication of a person's "biological age", which may be younger or older than their actual chronological age
Aspirin could help boost therapies that fight cancer
The latest therapies that fight cancer could work better when combined with aspirin, research has suggested. Scientists from the Francis Crick Institute in London say the anti-inflammatory pain killer suppresses a cancer molecule that allows tumours to evade the body's immune defences.
Laboratory tests have shown that skin, breast and bowel cancer cells often generate large amounts of this molecule, called prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).
But Aspirin is one of a family of drugs that sends messages to the brain to block production of PGE2 and this means cancer cells can be attacked by the body's natural defences
According to Public Health England, there are around 3,000 new cases of Lyme Disease each year in the UK.
The number of diagnosed cases have quadrupled over the last 12 years.
Ms Donelan said of her current condition:"I feel absolutely terrible, i'm suffering from severe tiredness and feeling sick, it's not just the rash but hopefully the antibiotics will kick in.
"It's lucky I had the rash though otherwise I wouldn't have realised that I had been bitten. I'm going to carry on working although I feel like I have been run over by a bus."
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MERA PEAK - 20 days
Standing proudly erect at an altitude of 6654m, Mera Peak is the most popular trekking destination and is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. This fairly challenging trek has been designed to cater to trekkers' adventure needs to explore Mera peak from length to breadth. On scaling the summit of Mera Peak, we can have the most spectacular view of entire Himalayan ranges.
This program allows sufficient time for any reasonably physically fit person to make a comfortable ascent of this most spectacular of the Nepalese trekking peaks. Best time for this trip would be from September to December and March to June.
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Flying to Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is in itself an exciting and memorable experience as exotic panoramic view of snow-capped Annapurna mountain range peaks sprawls before you. The Nepali support team will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Day 2 Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu, being a historical and cultural heart of Nepal, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers and adventure seekers. The city presents a wonderful mixture of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities which bear immense historical, cultural and religious significance. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous & biggest Hindu shrine PASUPATHINATH, the largest Buddhist stupa in town BOUDHANATH, the 15th century palace of 55 windows and SOYAMBHUNATH. In the evening, a trip orientation meeting will be organized.
Day 3 Flight to Lukla [2850m]
We take an early morning flight to Lukla. During the flight, we can bask in the mesmerizing views of giant snow-capped mountain peaks. We will be camping for the night outside one of the many lodges.
Day 4 Trek to Chutanga [3050m]
On arriving at Lukla, we meet the trekking crew. We then head eastwards from Lukla. The trail crisscrosses through pristine hamlets and thick forest along Kalo Himal Ridge. We must stay aligned with our specific route. Otherwise, we may deviate from the target destination. At the time of winter, snow makes us transverse steep terrain. But during favorable climatic condition, the trail is usually straightforward. After 3-4 hours of trekking, we enter Chutanga.
Day 5 At Chutanga
We spend two memorable nights at Chutanga. This gives us sufficient time for acclimatization prior to confronting Zatrwa La. We can indulge in leisurely trek to a small 4000m peak below the Zatrwa Teng Pass. Excellent views unveil as we glimpse over the valley of the Dudh Kosi and the picturesque trail zigzagging towards Zatrwa La. After exploring, we descend back to our camp at Chutanga and succumb to complete relaxation.
Day 6 Trek to Tuli kharka [4300m]
The trail crosses the Kalo Himal Ridge which separates the Khumbu from the Hinku Valley. Further ahead, we transverse a comfortable path showcasing a cairned notch on the ridge with a collection of prayer flags at an elevation of 4450m. En route we may encounter yak herders. The views across the Dudh Kosi towards Karyolung and the Lumding Himal are very impressive and so is the view across the rolling foothills east of the Hinku Valley. Half an hour below the pass is a huge boulder which marks our campsite, Tuli Kharka. 6 to 7 hours of trekking finally take us to Tuli Kharka.
NOTE: If conditions are particularly bad, we do have the option of crossing a lower pass to the south of the Zatrwa La, an alternative which involves 2 additional days of trekking.
Day 7 Trek to Mosum kharka [3700m]
The trail descends the rock-strewn path leading to a fine vantage point of the Hinku valley where mesmerizing views of the south face of Mera Peak become visible. The trail zigzags through forested areas and then descends steeply into the Hinku valley. Enchanting panorama of Peak 43 and Kusum Kangguru unfolds as we bask in the splendor of nature surrounding us from the Hinku Valley. We experience the most exotic and delightful feelings as we walk past forests of pine and rhododendron. Soon after reaching Mosum Kharka, we set a campsite by the banks of Hinku Drangka [river].
Day 8 Trek to Tangnag [4350m]
As we head to the west bank of the Hinku Khola northwards, forest blurs in and valley zooms out. We spot meadows being used as grazing areas for goats, sheep and yaks in the Upper Hinku. After several ascents for 4-6 hours, we approach summer settlement of Tangnag as we cross a single-plank bridge at Gondishung. We halt for lunch at this spot. Lying in its vicinity is 200 year-old gompa resting beneath a massive boulder and a number of crude mani walls. The trail offers an outstanding view of Peak 43.
Day 9 At Tangnag
We utilize two days getting completely acclimatized. After proper rest, we can explore other adventure possibilities like strolling by Sabal Tsho, beautiful moraine-dammed lake which is hidden behind the Sabal Glacier and climbing a peak up to an altitude of nearly 5000m. We can also explore Hinku Nup Glacier which leads north toward Kangtaiga. The upper Hinku valley turns to the east at Tangnag, crossing the moraine of the Dig Glaciers.
Day 10 Trek to Khare [5000m]
As we walk away from Tangnag, the trail ascends to a wide grassy basin, popularly called Dig Kharka. We continue walking for hours. After a while, we arrive at Khare. There are many campsites at Khare and the most popular one is at the upper end of Khare lying beneath a group of boulders. We choose this site for camping. This campsite offers splendid vistas of huge north face of Mera, Hinku Shar Glacier and Mera La.
Day 11 Khare upper end [5500m]
We use this day for acclimatization. After proper rest, we take a walk up to a small peak on the west side of the Hinku Nup Glacier, where we can reach a height of around 5500m. At this point, we get to capture stunning views of Mera La and Mera Peak.
Day 12 Trek up to campsite by lower part of Hinku Nup glacier
We follow the trail leading to Mera La. We continue transversing as far as the lowest part of the Hinku Nup Glacier. At this point, we get captivated by the exotic beauty of snow-slope and the panorama of Himalayan peaks.
Day 13 Rest day
This day has been specially set aside for giving us time to acclimatize completely and to have good rest. After relaxation, we get a further boost to lift up our adventure spirit.
Day 14 The ascent [6476m]
Early in the morning at around 2am after breakfast, we advance towards the summit. By sunrise we can reach up to 6000m. With Incessant attempts, we finally scale the summit. From the summit, we can embrace the most spectacular view of at least five of the world's fourteen 8000m peaks. Most of this spectacular panorama can be seen from the site of the high camp and all of it is visible from 6000m. After the climb, we descend to the campsite on the Hongu side of the pass.
Day 15 - 18 Return back to Lukla
Day 19 Flight to Kathmandu
From Lukla, we take an early morning flight to Kathmandu.
Day 20 Depart Kathmandu
Our The Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc).
Trekking Peak Equipment List
Equator will provide the technical climbing equipment, including: harness, axes, helmets, crampons, carrabinas, ropes and base camp camping and cooking equipment.
You will need to supply the following personal equipment. If you do not have the following equipment you can rent it when you arrive in Kathmandu. Our office staff will take you to one of several quality trekking rental stores.
Waterproof trousers
Gloves (liner/layer/shell)
Plastic boots
Thermal bottoms / top
Day sack
Sleep mat (4 wk course)
Check your gear works before setting out, hire gear fits, etc. Your mountaineering equipment will be packed into a separate bag provided. Equator will transport this separately to base camp. You will NOT have access to this bag until base camp. You only need to carry what you need for trekking, not climbing. Equator can arrange a porter to Dzongla for you if you would like to trek with just a day pack.
Personal Equipment List
►Day Pack (if using porter support)
►Trekking Boots/ shoes
►Socks x 3
►Sleeping Bag (4 season)
►Down Jacket (can be rented in KTM / Pokhara or Namche Bazaar)
►Shorts x 2
►Fleece Pant / Jacket
►Flashlight (extra batteries)
►Shirt/T-Shirt x 1
►Thermal Underwear Top 2 / Bottoms 2
►Trekking polls (optional)
►Sun Hat / Visor
►Sun Screen
►Sunglasses (UV protected. Imperative to have quality eye wear)
►Waterproof Jacket
►Wool- fleece / Hat with ear protection
►Water Treatment
►Permit / Money
►Camera / film
►Small First Aid
*If you have something you are particularly prone to, ear infections or sinus problems, bring what you need with you.
If you have something you are particularly prone to, ear infections, foot rot, or sinus problems, bring what you need with you. You will definitely want to be carrying some for common illnesses like diarrhea, staff infection and upset stomachs. You will need a complete set of inoculations for Asia, ask your doctor for advise.
Trekking Peak Equipment List
Please bring any of your own food: power bars, granola bars, dried fruit, chocolate, always nice to have.
Pre-departure information and trekking tips
Travel: We will be more than happy to organize all your internal travel arrangements in the Kingdom of Nepal. We have a wide variety of services and budget options to suit your needs including, airport pick-ups, sightseeing excursions, airline reconfirmation, hotel reservations and much more. Contact our friendly and experienced staff for a personal itinerary.
Cost: The cost of the trip includes all specialized climbing equipment (see personal equipment list) meals and accommodation during the trip, permits, porters, local transport and internal flights to and from Kathmandu. It does not include personal expenses, alcohol, candy, soft drinks, meals or accommodation when staying in Kathmandu or Pokhara
Your pre-departure meeting will take place in Kathmandu two evenings prior to the beginning of the course.
Age: Age is an attitude and not a problem, but we do require that group members be at least 18 years old.
Insurance: expedition members are responsible for having their own travel insurance including helicopter evacuation.
Vaccinations: Nepal has no official vaccination requirements for entry. However we recommend that you visit a doctor for the latest recommendations and protect yourself accordingly.
Visa: Visa can be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival. You will need 2 passport size photograph.
Currency: The best currency to have is US Dollars in travelers cheques, cash and/or credit cards. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted in Nepal.


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James Milner has joked that he doesn't want to 'do a Kevin Keegan' ahead of Manchester City's crunch derby away at Old Trafford, with any slip-up for City letting his Liverpool side back into the title race.
The Reds have just three games left of their Premier League season, while City sit two points further back with a game in hand – their Wednesday night game against United, to be precise.
The #PL title run-in...@LFC:— Premier League (@premierleague) April 22, 2019
Huddersfield (H), Newcastle (A), Wolves (H) @ManCity:
Man Utd (A), Burnley (A), Leicester (H), Brighton (A) pic.twitter.com/KmJ0UVCUMf
Although the game could hand his side the initiative in the title race, Milner admitted that while he will be a United fan 'for the first time in his life', he prefers not to watch City's games – telling The Telegraph: "I don't watch them, to be honest. It's a bit of a waste of energy, isn't it? Willing the ball into the goal and things like that. I can't do anything about it.
"Maybe I'll put my phone away for a couple of hours and check it after. Maybe I'll go and grab some food or whatever. There are three games left. United will be a challenge, but it's the old cliché – any game is tough in the Premier League no matter who you play.
"To try and win a league title is not easy. Trust me, I know. Remember QPR (in 2012)? To beat anyone is tough when it is all on the line. We've still got some tough games ourselves, and we have to win those and keep the pressure up."
Brisbane Roar Football Club is delighted to announce football legend @Robbie9Fowler has been appointed as the Club's new @ALeague Head Coach.— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) April 23, 2019
Full story: https://t.co/REsigML7gr#RoarAsOne pic.twitter.com/zltjvxC8RJ
He added: "I think for a long time we have had our head round the fact that we just need to win all of our games. And if we do that and it's not good enough, you have to hold your hands up and say 'well done City'."


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Sunday Salon: Reading, Read, To Read #16
So much to say...but is anyone awake to read about it? I have always found the Sunday afternoon after the Readathon to be a somber, melancholy, lonesome time. Maybe it's because most bloggers are sleeping, or maybe they're awake but too tired to be online, or maybe there is just no satisfaction after the extreme high of the day before. You know, when every post was getting comments.
Finding a Balance. I'm trying to find the perfect balance between what I want to be, and what I realistically can be. Yes, I like going for the Impossible Dream. The Quest of reading and reviewing anything and everything and then some on my blog. But remember, most people think Don Quixote was out-and-out crazy. So I don't want to model him *too* closely. You can read more of my thoughts on blogging on my post, Why Keep Blogging. More important than the post itself, I've got some very insightful and wise commenters! I knew I had the best readers, but I didn't quite know how very wise they were :) So do take a look if you're interested. I'm considering writing a follow-up of sorts on blogging. I'm either going to write an open letter to new bloggers OR write a post exploring what it means to be a blogger with integrity. Or maybe neither. I haven't thought it through fully yet.
Speaking of letters, here is the letter yahoo won't be receiving from my hands:
Dear Yahoo:
Thank you SO MUCH for taking my complaints seriously regarding regarding error five. I really appreciate how you responded--first by a generic message with tacky exclamation points in all the wrong places and then with a "human" repeating the same "advice" back at me after I took the time to clearly write out the details of the problems I've been experiencing. It takes a lot of effort on your part to not listen to your customers. To assume we can't count how many tabs/windows we might have open that are logged into yahoo. But here's the thing, yahoo, no matter how many times I tell you that I only have ONE yahoo tab open in ONE browser, I have the feeling that you're just going to cut and paste the same old answer back in your reply to me. And for the record, I don't even own a mobile device. So there is NO WAY that is my problem. If you'd read my email, you'd have known that was a non-issue. Though I do realize that yahoo mail is a free service and it's your right to ignore us. After all, what's one person in the scheme of things? Why should you care that I've been using your email services for twelve years? Why should you care that your service has steadily been declining for months? That 80% of my time I can't even access my inbox because of your lovely "error five." Still, I realize this is all my fault. I've thought that you would want to resolve this problem. I've thought that you were doing everything possible to work out the bugs in this "new and improved" yahoo.
The end.
Not that I'm bitter. Okay, I am bitter. But if you're going to take the trouble to respond at all to people who actually follow through with the "report a bug" feedback email, give them some credit and don't respond with insincere apologies and tacky exclamation points. Make me FEEL you actually care that I am a REAL person and not a number. Perhaps they need a new speech writer who can spin the situation and make me believe in promises they have no intention of keeping :)
And I'm even willing to entertain that the problem isn't necessarily all yahoo's fault. It very well could be my browser, flock, not playing nice with yahoo mail. It could equally be a browser problem.
What I read in a previous week, but reviewed this week:
Jessica's Guide to Dating On the Dark Side. Beth Fantaskey. 2009. Harcourt. 354 pages.
City of Glass. Cassandra Clare. 2009. Simon & Schuster. 541 pages.
Someone Like You. Sarah Dessen. 1998. Penguin. 281.
Jumped. Rita Williams-Garcia. 2009. HarperCollins. 168.
What I read this past week and reviewed:
Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon. 2009. Sourcebooks. 90 pages.
Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy by Francesca Simon. 2009. Sourcebooks. 90 pages.
Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine by Francesca Simon. 2009. Sourcebooks. 88 pages.
Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb by Francesca Simon. 2009. Sourcebooks. 78 pages.
Bird. Rita Murphy. 2008. Random House. 150.
The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum. 2009. Shadow Mountain. 416 pages.
SLOB by Ellen Potter. 2009. Penguin. 208 pages.
Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner. 2009. Random House. 247 pages.
To A God Unknown by John Steinbeck.
What I read this past week and haven't reviewed yet:
Emil and Karl by Yankev Glatshteyn. 2006 (translation). 194 pages.
What I've read and really really need to review:
Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So Fabulous Life. Rachel Renee Russell. Aladdin. 276 pages.
What I'm currently reading:
The Bone Doll's Twin. Lynn Flewelling. 2001. 463/524
No Woman So Fair by Gilbert Morris. 2003. 137/351
King's Fool: A Notorious King, His Six Wives, and the One Man Who Knew Their Secrets. Margaret Campbell Barnes. 1959/2009. 218/290.
Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen. 1999. 45/228.
The Warden by Anthony Trollope. 1855. 112/284
What I'm just fooling around that I'm reading:
The Secret Holocaust Diaries. Nonna Bannister. 2009. 120/299
What I've abandoned:
None this week.
© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
If you're reading this post on another site, or another feed, the content has been stolen.


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The insurance industry is growing and has a high need for talented professionals with a variety of training and skills. Recruiters are asking job seekers "where do you fit in?" In this series, Cincinnati Insurance associates describe their own career journeys. In March 2014, Amanda Rendell described how her journey brought a criminal justice major into the insurance industry. This is an update.
It's safe to say that working at an insurance agency and working at an insurance company are two very different careers.
After five years of agency experience, I was extremely confident about what I could contribute to the Cincinnati Customer Care Center, our group dedicated to serving our agents' small business policyholders. When I joined the Customer Care Center in 2013, I had plenty of experience providing high-quality service to the clients at my agency. I knew I would be a great asset as the Care Center supports our agents as we interact with policyholders.
Then I had my first day.
I quickly found out that as a part of the Care Center, a wider skill set is needed. We would have to wear two hats as both agents and underwriters. Previous agency employees like me had to learn the art of underwriting, effectively assessing and managing risk. Previous underwriters had to tackle the art of customer service, negotiation and explaining complicated insurance verbiage directly to policyholders in layman's terms. The agent "buffer" is gone, and what's left is a completely new way of doing business for everyone involved.
I needed to learn so much about insurance from the carrier perspective. Luckily, my weaknesses were others' strong points, so we helped each other to consistently provide expertise for our insureds. It was very uncomfortable not being totally sure of myself each day when I came into work. I tried to be a sponge and take in as much as possible, but there was so much to learn!
The reality is that underwriting is just like everything else: it takes experience, knowledge and lots of practice.
I'm coming up on my third anniversary, and I can confidently say that all of that has changed. I'm now extremely comfortable wearing both my agent and underwriting hats. The people I work with and the knowledge they possess amaze me each and every day. I feel extremely lucky to be a part of the Cincinnati Customer Care Center. We're a fantastic group of underwriter-agent hybrids who strive to provide the best customer service day in and day out.
It's a great feeling to know that by taking the time to work with our policyholders, I am helping them learn and ensuring that they are adequately covered while they continue to grow their businesses.
For more information about a variety of insurance careers, please visit the Insurancecareers.org website or Facebook page sponsored by Ohio's insurance industry. Cincinnati Insurance posts open positions on our website and on our LinkedIn page.


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Human Rights Champion,
China Expert,
& Community Builder.
Meet Kim
At the age of 13 Kim Manning experienced a crisis when her childhood home was destroyed by a storm leaving her family homeless and destitute.
As her family rebuilt, Kim worked hard to get ahead. She poured herself into her studies and her community.
Hers is a journey that spans from Victoria to Beijing to Montreal.
This is Kim's story.
I'm fighting for
A Liveable Planet
Pierrefonds-Dollard is on the front lines of our Climate Crisis. It's time to take action.
Human Rights
Children should be able to dream of becoming a judge or a teacher—no matter their religion.
Flood Preparedness
I know what it's like to lose a home. We need to protect our community from flooding.


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Monk, A.
Co Author Listing * Multimedia Over Coax Alliance, The
Monk, J.
Co Author Listing * Evaluation of Four Supervised Learning Methods for Benthic Habitat Mapping Using Backscatter from Multi-Beam Sonar
* Habitat Classification of Temperate Marine Macroalgal Communities Using Bathymetric LiDAR
Includes: Monk, J. Monk, J.[Jacquomo]
Monkaresi, H.
Co Author Listing * Automated Detection of Engagement Using Video-Based Estimation of Facial Expressions and Heart Rate
Monkin, A.
Co Author Listing * Approach to 3D Analysis of Gravity Ptosis
Monkin, S.
Co Author Listing * Approach to 3D Analysis of Gravity Ptosis
Monks, T.P.
Co Author Listing * Improved stripe matching for colour encoded structured light
Index for "m"


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Online Pokies (Slots Online): The Best Sites to Play Pokies Online in New Zealand
Online casino players in New Zealand are fond of playing online pokies. In fact, online pokies are the most played games at NZ online casinos. Playing online pokies at top-rated NZ online casinos is a treat as they feature amazing graphics, sound effects, and animations.
If you have never played online pokies before, it is high time you start. Before that, we recommend reading the following guide on playing online pokies for fun and/or real money in New Zealand. Find out how to make the most of your online pokies gaming experience in New Zealand.
How We Choose Pokies Casinos for NZ Players
We take special care while choosing pokies casinos for NZ players. We want our NZ players to enjoy the best pokies in a safe, secure, licensed, and well-regulated online gambling environment. So we spend several days researching each online slots casino. We add an online casino to our list only if it meets the following criteria:
- Software Providers– While we have nothing against online casinos that offer games from only one provider, we prefer online casinos that offer thousands of exciting pokies from multiple game vendors such as Playtech, Microgaming, NetEnt, Betsoft, PlayNGo, Playson, NextGen Gaming, and others.
We list only multi-vendor online casinos offering hundreds and thousands of classic slots, multi-line video slots, branded slots, and progressive slots from several game providers.
- Fun vs. Real Money– You don't have to make a deposit right away at any of our recommended online casinos. You can sign up and play the games in the free, fun, demo, or practice modes. Sign up is not even necessary at some of our listed and ranked NZ online casinos for pokies players.
- Download vs. Instant Play– The download casino has almost gone out of fashion, but a number of reputed online casinos still allow players to download and install their software client. Most of our recommended casinos, however, are instant play. They allow you to play in-browser without having to download any native app or software client.
- Mobile Pokies– With a rising number of NZ online casino players preferring to play on the move, online casinos that are not optimized for mobile play are not worth looking at. For this reason, we recommend only mobile friendly online casinos.
- Slots Bonus Offers– You will find plenty of slots promotions and slots-specific bonus offers, free spins packages, and cashback offers at the online casinos in our list.
- Online Pokies Tournaments– Another exciting feature of the NZ online casinos we recommend are the online pokies tournament. You can buy-in with cash or slots comps.
Many online pokies tournaments are absolutely free to enter, but offer exciting prizes in the form of bonus cash, free spins, and loyalty points.
Top Software Providers – Best Pokies Developers
The online slots gaming market is flooded with game providers who roll out new pokies incessantly. The best online casinos are those that partner with as many of these providers as possible so that you can enjoy the best slots in the market on a single gaming platform.
Each NZ online casino game provider stands in a class of its own. For example, Betsoft is famous for its selection of 3D online slots, which deliver a cinematic gaming experience; Microgaming is home to the world's biggest network of progressive online casino games; and NetEnt is known for its small, but high-quality game portfolio of original and branded slots.
We have, therefore, chosen NZ online casinos that offer games from multiple vendors. Thanks to multi-provider online casinos, you don't have to sign up at multiple online casinos just to play games from a certain provider. You can play games from multiple providers at one online casino.
You will find the best online pokies from the following vendors at top-rated NZ online casinos:
- Evolution Gaming
- Bally Technologies
- NetEnt
- Microgaming
- Real Time Gaming (RTG)
- Playtech
- PlayNGo
- Williams Interactive
- Yggdrasil
- Aristocrat
- Quickspin
Types of Pokies
The following is a brief overview of slots or pokies you will find at our recommended NZ online pokies casinos:
- Classic Slots– These are simple slots with limited features, three reels, and one payline. Since they have limited bonus features, they deliver the simple slots gaming experience of the past.
- 5 Reel Slots– Rich in graphics and audio effects, these are visually appealing slots with multiple paylines, lucrative features, and generous payouts.
- Multi-line Slots– As the name suggests, these are slots that offer multiple ways to win. At our recommended online pokies sites for NZ players, you can choose slots with 15, 20, 40, 100, and even 243, 1024, or more ways to win. Although the fixed payouts are smaller, players can win a lot of money in special features such as free spins, bonus rounds, and others.
- Progressive Slots– These are slots associated with progressive jackpots. Since the value of a progressive jackpot keeps rising with every bet placed on the game, you can become very rich indeed if you win a progressive jackpot slot.
Special Features of Online Pokies
Online pokies enjoy a great deal of popularity because they have the following special features. Usually, you have to activate a special feature by spinning a particular symbol combination. If you do so, you get the opportunity win more prizes.
- Wild Symbols– Almost all online pokies have a wild symbol that is capable of substituting for the other symbols on the reels and helping to create winning combinations. Sometimes the wild symbol doubles, triples, or even quadruples the payout of the winning combination it helped to create. Some slots offer extra wild symbols during the free spins round.
- Scatter Symbols– You will win cash prizes if you land combinations of scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. You don't have to line them along a payline to win prizes. Combinations of scatter symbols are capable of unlocking other lucrative features such as bonus rounds and free spins.
- Stacked Symbols– In some online pokies, certain symbols appear stacked, covering an entire reel. This increases the slot's winning potential. If the stacked symbol is a wild, it can boost your winnings in no time. Some online pokies offer stacked symbols only in the free spins round.
- Free Spins– If you unlock this feature, you get a bunch of free spins with special features such as multipliers, increasing multipliers, extra wild symbols, and extra scatter symbols. Some online pokies, such as Microgaming's Thunderstruck II, offer multi-level free spins rounds.
Most online pokies allow you to re-activate the free spins round during a free spin. Simply land some more scatters along the reels and get another bunch of free spins.
- Bonus Rounds– Some online pokies have exciting mini-games incorporated into them. While some of these games are lucky wheels, some are mini slots, some are pick-and-choose games, and some are arcade games.
- Gamble Feature– The gamble feature gets activated at the end of every paid spin that results in payout. However, it is optional. If you win the gamble game, your winnings will be doubled or quadrupled. If you lose, you will lose all your winnings.
- Progressive Jackpots– Progressive jackpots are the most exciting features of online pokies at NZ online casinos. These are jackpots that rise in value with every bet placed on the game. When they are finally won, they are reset to their seed value. Some of the most popular progressive jackpot games are Microgaming's Mega Moolah and NetEnt's Divine Fortune.
Online Slots FAQs
Q1: Do I have to download any software to play online pokies?
A: You don't have to download any software to play pokies as you can play them right in your browser. All the online casinos we recommend offer excellent instant play gaming platforms. You just have to sign up to get started.
Q2: Are online pokies fair and random?
A: All the online pokies at our recommended NZ online casinos are fair and random. They have their games and software tested by independent, third-party auditors such as eCOGRA, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), and Technical Systems Testing (TST). You can view the test reports whenever you please on the online casino websites.
Q3: Are there any good strategies to win at slots?
A: Not really. No strategy on earth can help you win at slots simply because they are games of pure chance. You just have to be lucky to hit the jackpot.
Q4: Why do most slots have symbols of fruits, sevens, bars, and high-value cards?
A: It is just part of a 100-year-old tradition. Online slots have always had symbols of playing cards, fruits, sevens, and bars.
Q5: Which is the biggest prize won on a slot?
A: Online slots have transformed players into multi-millionaires in just a few spins. For example, in October 2015, a UK soldier won £13,209,300 on Microgaming's Mega Moolah slot. And on Jan 20, 2013, a Finnish player won £17,861,800 on Mega Fortune at Paf Casino.
Online Pokies Glossary
If you want to play slots at a NZ online casino, you should know certain slots terms. We have put together some of the most common slots terms for your benefit.
- Autoplay – A slots feature that enables players to set the game to play on its own for a specific number of spins or till a particular amount has been won or lost.
- Max Bet – The maximum amount that players can bet per spin on a particular slot.
- Cascading Reels or Tumbling Reels – A feature that makes the symbols in a winning combination vanish so that fresh symbols can fall (cascade or tumble) into the spaces thus created, leading to more wins and more cascades.
- Expanding Wild – A wild symbol that is capable of expanding all over the reels and increasing your chances of winning.
- Nudge – A feature that permits users to nudge paylines so that they can create a winning combination.
- Payout Percentage – The percentage of players' bet amounts returned to them as winnings.
- Pay Table – A table that informs players the exact amount they can win for specific winning combinations.
- Variance – The level of risk associated with a pokie. While low variance pokies yield plenty of smaller wins, high variance pokies yield fewer big wins.
Getting Started with Online Pokies in New Zealand – Tips to Win
If you are eager to get started with online pokies in New Zealand, you should first sign up at a high-quality online pokies site. Just choose one of the slots casinos in our list, create an account, and make a deposit to claim a generous slots bonus. You can now start playing pokies online for fun or real money.
As we have previously mentioned, pokies are games of pure chance. You simply cannot use any strategies to improve your odds of winning. You will win only if Lady Luck smiles on you.
However, you can use the following tips to control your online casino bankroll and get the most of your online pokie gaming experience:
- Play slots with higher payout percentages or return to player (RTP). The best NZ online casinos publish payout percentages on their website. So you won't find it difficult to find a slot's payout percentage. Slots with higher payout percentages yield more wins.
- Play low variance slots. While you won't win big jackpots, you will surely win plenty of smaller prizes.
- Don't stick to slots that are heavily promoted. Instead, do your research and find lesser known slots that are just as good as or even better than the most-played slots.
- Bet max as it qualifies you to win the top fixed jackpot or progressive jackpot.
- Grab as many free spins and slots bonuses as you can for risk-free opportunities to win real money.
- Manage your bankroll well and know exactly when to end your gaming session.


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For 6 weeks from Mon 31 Jul 2017, Mad Mex Waurn Ponds are giving you the opportunity to WIN weekly prizes!
All you need to do is look out for the Mad Mex competition post on the WaurnPondsSC Facebook page and follow the steps to enter.
Winners will be announced each week!
Winners so far are:
- Leanne Shanks
- Peter Moore
- Lucy Banks
- Tania Marshall
- Kim Brian
Terms & conditions for each week's competition can be viewed here.


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Creativity is contagious,
pass it on
~ Albert Einstein
~ Art and craft activities year-round ~
Art Fair - Art Fundraiser - Gallery - Artisans Showcase - Ledges Art Box Parties - Cork & Canvas Paint Parties
Take your pick or try them all! We've got arts and crafts events taking place year-round – Art Aid - our annual fundraising event; the Island Art Fair - a juried event; monthly Gallery - exhibits featuring different artists and art forms; Artisans Showcase - watch the artists in action; Ledges ART BOX Parties - create a different art/craft project each month; Cork & Canvas Paint Parties - paint a picture in a couple of hours.
The Art
"Imagine Expressing Yourself Free of
Any Limitatons" ~ Sara Zimmerman
Explore The Art created and sold by local artisans throughout the year.
Meet The Artists who follow their imaginations and dreams to create some amazing art.
Art Instruction
Painting - Drawing - Alcohol Ink - Clay
Come and create with us - beginners and experienced artists alike!
You'll find kids classes too! No better time than now for them to discover and harness their creative powers.


text: Open Minds UFO Radio: Joe Murgia, aka UFO Joe, is a freelance Director of Photography and Camera Operator. He also runs the website UFOJoe.net, where he posts important UFO news and updates. One thing Joe does that is invaluable to the UFO research community, is that he transcribes important interviews. Recent transcriptions include interviews with George Knapp, Harry Reid, many of the 2004 Nimitz UFO encounter witnesses, and more. In this episode, we get to know Joe and his work. We talk about how Joe got involved with UFOs, and what inspired him to start UFOJoe.net. We also discuss his views on the remarkable ongoing revelations regarding government investigations of UFOs.


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Desire, arousal and pain: psychotherapist Pamela Stephenson Connolly answers the questions most commonly asked by readers of the Sexual Healing column
Where has my sexual desire gone, and how do I get it back?
Sexual desire is normal for most people. The urge itself is a complex combination of intellectual ideas and fantasies. It is usually connected to a physiological response, but one that can theoretically be separated for instance, ones body may become aroused in the presence of someone with whom it would be inappropriate to have sex. The mental wish for sex either a specific enthusiasm to be erotically connected with another being, a desire to masturbate or a more general longing without a particular object can precede, follow or be simultaneous with actual physiological arousal.
Sometimes a person who is able to become physiologically aroused in the normal way develops an inability to feel comfortable with the idea of having sex. Anxiety, stress, depression, overwork, bereavement and anger can curb ones interest, and a traumatic event may lead to an aversion to sex. The treatment for a problem with desire is related to the cause. In simple cases, a couple can work to reduce their stress or anxiety, improve their connection which often requires solving specific problems that may be causing underlying resentment or find quality time to be intimate. More complex cases usually require professional guidance to help a person heal from a specific trauma, treat sexual aversion or tackle phobias that may not be specific to sex, but may strongly influence sexual desire, such as a fear of germs. They can also help when people have what they believe to be an excess of desire that is causing significant life problems.
Why am I having problems getting aroused? I want to have sex!
Arousal is the initial bodily response to sexual desire and the physical events that prepare it for sex. In men, the most obvious sign is erection, while women normally experience vaginal opening and lubrication, but both can also experience flushed skin, changes in breathing patterns and hardening of the nipples. Both men and women can have difficulty becoming physically aroused, even when they desire it. Men can have difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection that is sufficient for their preferred type of sexual activity, and women can experience a lack of vaginal preparedness. The reasons can be largely physiological or largely psychological, but are most often a combination of the two.
Arousal failures can occur naturally and normally and are nothing to be concerned about. However, when they become frequent and cause distress and relationship problems they can usually be treated. Indeed, multimillion-dollar pharmaceutical industries are dedicated to treating arousal problems. However, they have mainly helped men with erectile dysfunction treating female arousal problems pharmacologically is still a work in progress.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a number of medical conditions, such as vascular problems and diabetes. Psychologically, the same life and relationship events that lead to desire problems stress, anxiety, work and money problems, emotional hurt and trauma can also cause arousal difficulties, as can various strong fears pregnancy, disease, punishment, being discarded. Shame, religious orthodoxy, illness and/or body image can also play a part. Finding the causes will lead to the correct treatment.
Why is it over too quickly or does it go on too long?
Orgasm can be elusive for some, while others may experience it more quickly than they, or their partners, wish. Anorgasmic people are often those who did not explore their bodies as children and teenagers and havent yet discovered how they work. They can usually be guided to catch up on this important process, although sometimes they are hampered by religious beliefs or early messages that sex, and touching ones genitals, is dirty.
Some women who reach adulthood without ever experiencing orgasm may decide they are missing out on the When Harry Met Sally experience and seek help to achieve it, while others may consider it a defect and hide their difficulty through sexual avoidance or faking. Womens orgasmic struggles are often based on their, or their partners, lack of understanding that many probably most women do not achieve orgasm through vaginal penetration alone, but require direct clitoral stimulation.
Men who find it difficult to orgasm with a partner or take too long are often misunderstood, too. Since lasting a long time is typically prized, they can be characterised as sexual athletes instead of being recognised as people who never become sufficiently excited to climax. In many cases, they require more vigorous stimulation than can be provided during most forms of bodily penetration. Men who ejaculate too quickly usually seek treatment because of shame or complaints from their partner. Professional help can teach them to recognise their point of ejaculatory inevitability and to control it.
Sex is painful. What should I do?
People experience painful sex for all kinds of reasons, from the simple matter of trapped hair causing irritation to more serious conditions that require professional treatment. The common name for a sexual pain condition, usually referring to sexual pain during penetration, is dyspareunia. The most important thing to remember is that sex should never be painful; if it becomes so, it is not a good idea to continue.
Painful sexual conditions can sometimes be caused by other, medically significant problems that require professional diagnosis and treatment. These include lichen sclerosis (a skin condition that affects mainly the genital area) and problems related to circumcision. Another condition, Peyroniess disease, is caused by the formation of plaque (scar tissue) in the penile arteries and leads to painful erections and, in some cases, curvature of the penis. Dyspareunia can also be caused by a natural reduction in vaginal lubrication a consequence of certain hormonal changes that means the friction of penetration becomes unpleasant or painful. If a woman experiences this, she should stop immediately and ask for (or provide) additional clitoral stimulation that may increase her readiness for penetration, or change to non-penetrative erotic activity. If a woman continues to allow painful sex to occur, she may develop vaginismus, a spasming of the vaginal muscles that makes penetration impossible. This is a fine example of the body protecting itself.
How will my partners medical condition affect our sex life?
Since sexual arousal and orgasm involve physical processes such as blood flow, hormonal interaction and muscular tension, it stands to reason that any conditions affecting such processes or any other relevant physiological systems may affect a persons sexual responses. Certain medications, too either prescribed or over-the-counter can affect sexual responses. But where there is willingness or desire to continue sexual activity despite a temporary or permanent medical condition or disability, there is usually a way. Despite common misconceptions even among medical professionals people often remain sexually interested in the face of severe illness or disability.
However, psychological issues can arise between partners when one, say, becomes a caretaker to the other. Without help and understanding, this can affect their sexual connection. Sometimes there is a simple solution to changes in one partners physical status such as being open to changing their usual pattern and trying new positions or new styles of lovemaking. In many cases, adaption is vital for example, being sexual at times when pain medication is providing optimum relief or using heat pads in appropriate places. It is most important that the person struggling with illness or disability feels their wishes regarding sexuality are being heard, and that those around them try to be accommodating even if they believe there are more important priorities. Sexuality or the lack of it can truly affect a persons quality of life, and the right to give and receive sexual pleasure should be upheld.
Am I too old for sex?
Common mythology suggests that sexual failure of one kind or another is a natural consequence of ageing. This is untrue. Commonly, though, hormonal changes and some illnesses or disabilities that can accompany ageing affect or disrupt the sexual patterns enjoyed in ones youth. Our societys prejudice against sexuality among older people doesnt help, and some people mistakenly accept one erectile failure, for example, as a sure sign of an age-related, downward spiral. As people begin to age, they tend to begin to prefer more direct genital stimulation, so this is a time to request more direct care and attention from a partner, or to provide it for ones self. Mens erections in older age may not be as upright as those of a 20-year-old, but this does not make them less proficient lovers; in fact, their experience, knowledge and better communication skills should make them far better. The arousal mechanism of vaginal lubrication may start to take a little longer, too, so women should ask for more oral sex time, longer caresses or whatever arouses them best. If penetration becomes painful due to insufficient lubrication, this is a sign that more arousal is necessary and perhaps a tube of lubricant.
Some people become less self-conscious about their bodies as they age, but others become even more acutely aware of their looks. This can affect a persons enjoyment of sex at any age. Hopefully, by the time someone reaches the point where they may need to adapt their style to accommodate medical or physical difficulties, their repertoire of sexual pleasures will be considerable. In old age, the unavailability of partners and, indeed, negative societal views about seeking new partners may make it difficult for a person to continue sexual activity in the way to which they are accustomed; however, many people find masturbation comforting and satisfying until the end of their days.
How often should we have sex?
The question of sexual frequency is a tricky one. Take a couple who have different requirements James wants sex twice a day, while Joe wants it once a week. Joe is likely to label James a sex addict, while James may criticise Joe for what he considers a low sex drive. Such differences can be worked out, if not between themselves then with a little expert help. However, when a person is unable to resist the urge to have sex multiple times a day even in inappropriate situations that can cause work, relationship or legal problems or their genitals have become raw and damaged from masturbating twice an hour, or they are getting into trouble because of an uncontrollable fixation on internet porn, then they have a significant problem that requires treatment.
The brain architecture of people who struggle with such problems is usually generally compulsive or obsessive-compulsive, and not necessarily restricted to sexual behaviour, although eroticism may be the focus of expression for their disorder. Treatment by a professional is recommended; in fact, this is usually vital in order to protect the person from collateral life problems. Certain medication can help reduce compulsivity, as can certain forms of psychotherapy and targeted behavioural programmes. The seriousness of this particular sexually focused disorder must not be underestimated it can have particularly grave consequences.
Pamela Stephenson Connolly is a patron of COSRT, the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists. Helpful information on all these topics can be found at cosrt.org.uk
Read more: www.theguardian.com