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When Apple unveiled the iPad in late January, many observers speculated that Steve Jobs may be on the verge of delivering a device capable of saving newspapers from an inexorable decline. It is difficult to visit an Apple Store to test the iPad without being impressed by the elegance of the device and the possibilities that exist for delivery of news. The form factor of the iPad makes the experience vastly superior to reading news on a traditional computer.
Whether the iPad is superior to traditional print newspapers is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Even for those who still prefer print, the fact that the iPad travels with the reader is certain to attract frequent travelers and those who have multiple residences. Early risers who dislike waiting for carrier delivery may be persuaded to switch as well.
The main obstacle for mass adoption of the iPad is the very high price of the device, but competition will inevitably drive the price down. Earlier this week, both Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com cut the price of their e-book readers to below the $200 price point. This is clearly a response to the competitive pressure of the iPad which is a much more advanced device. We may see entry level $99 e-readers on the market by the Christmas shopping season.
Advertising vs. Subscription Fees
The chart below published by The Economist illustrates a dilemma facing the newspaper industry in the United States. In 2008, 87 percent of revenues for the American newspaper industry came from advertisements. Newspaper industries in the other countries cited by the OECD survey all had less dependence on advertising due to a greater share of revenues coming from subscriber fees.
The iPad will allow newspapers to deliver advertisements, but Apple is imposing tight control over advertising opportunities through applications specifically designed for the iPad. Newspapers with a clear competitive advantage such as The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times will be able to charge subscription fees, but it is doubtful that smaller regional papers will be able to replace lost print subscription fees with online revenue from subscribers. At the same time, paid local classified ads are in a terminal decline due to free services such as Craigslist.
For more information on this topic, please read an interesting article from last week's Economist regarding the future of newspapers throughout the world.
Disclosures: None.


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Dear Friends,
We are happy to announce that the museum La Piscine in Roubaix reopens on June 9.
The exhibition 'Marcel Gromaire, L'Élégance de la Force' is now open to the public.
Through this video, we give you an overview and wish you a very nice visit!
Françoise and Florence Chibret-Plaussu
This exhibition is rescheduled from June 9 to September 20.
To go further and discover some key works, we recommend 'Gromaire chez vous' (Gromaire at home), a 14 videos series created by the museum La Piscine:
Other post about this exhibition
Marcel Gromaire, l'élégance de la force
Biography and works
To learn more about Marcel Gromaire and see a selection of works currently available, follow us!

subset: commoncrawl


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BY KAREN YOUNG Sherman Oaks resident Kathleen Laccinole has always joked that "in my next life I'll be a perfumer." As she explains, "I have an extremely 'emotional' nose and love, love, love scent." In reality, Laccinole spent many … [Read more...]
Gwendolyn-Mary Candles and Perfumes: From Sherman Oaks to France and BackPrint This Post
Food News: Les Macarons Duverger for a Perfect Taste of ParisPrint This Post
BY KAREN YOUNG I've loved macarons since I first tasted the delicate almond meringue confection in Paris over two decades ago. Pronounced mack-ah-rohn, it is not to be confused with the coconut mound cookie (maca-roon). The … [Read more...]
THIS WEEKEND: Spend it San Fernando Valley-CentricPrint This Post
BY KAREN YOUNG (PLACE THE CURSOR ON THE PHOTO AND SCROLL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT) Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend: Harrisons in Tarzana has absolutely beautiful diamond necklaces (see above photo) in stock for … [Read more...]
Tasty Tidbits: New Restaurants, Sushi Party Platters, Henry's Tacos, Loteria Grill and Gift Card DealsPrint This Post
BY KAREN YOUNG Sushi Don in North Hollywood (a fast casual offshoot of Sasabune in West L.A.) has one amazing daily deal on party platters through December 31. Mix and match any four party platters for $100. There are two kinds of platters: … [Read more...]
Holiday Gift Guide: Shop Local Small Businesses in the San Fernando ValleyPrint This Post
BY KAREN YOUNG Stay away from the madness of the malls and shop local, independently owned businesses. Despite the holiday rush, it's guaranteed you'll receive personal service and beautiful gift wrap. Here's a list of some of my … [Read more...]
THIS WEEKEND: Winter Celebrations, Unique LA Shopping, Giving Back, Auto Fun and Theater for the HolidaysPrint This Post
BY KAREN YOUNG TONIGHT! FRIDAY Downtown Burbank Holiday Cheer: Downtown Burbank kicks off a month-long celebration filled with free seasonal events from December 1 through January 1, 2013. It all begins with the Mayor's Tree Lighting … [Read more...]
THIS WEEKEND: Small Biz Saturday, Shopping Deals, American Idol's Phillip Phillips and More What To DoPrint This Post
BY KAREN YOUNG MY DAILY FIND FAVES OFFERING SPECIAL SALES FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY AND THANKSGIVING WEEKEND Sy Devore: This legendary Studio City store named after the man who was the "tailor to the stars" … [Read more...]
Fashion & Beauty: The Scarf—The Ultimate Fashion AccessoryPrint This Post
BY ALLISON RAE MARSH A scarf is one of my new favorite fashion finds of the season. It is a versatile fashion accessory that offers many ways to change your look. From casual boho chic to sleek and sophisticated, the possibilities are … [Read more...]
Unique Vintage and Antique Market Premieres in the San Fernando ValleyPrint This Post
BY KAREN YOUNG If you're one to drive out to the Rose Bowl, Long Beach or Santa Monica for authentic vintage finds, you'll be happy to know that there's finally a monthly vintage and antique show close to home in Woodland … [Read more...]
New Shop: Hide & Seek Offers Choice Vintage Home Furnishing FindsPrint This Post
BY KAREN YOUNG Los Angeles is full of vintage shops, but most are so full that you can't decipher the junk from the finds. Hide & Seek Vintage Home Boutique, which took over the space left vacant by Paula's Pure Sense on Studio City's … [Read more...]


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We inspire people to fulfill their potential, and to work together to overcome challenges and achieve success for themselves and help develop powerful competitive advantages for their organisation.
Challenge 'what we do'
We help companies understand and adapt to the changes taking place in the work force and society today.
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We enhance strategic decision making and ensure that the right people are placed in the right positions at the right time in an engaged manner. And deliver actionable insights to set you on the Path of Excellence.


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If ever there was a case for proclaiming Chris Mitchell as the head of Conservative campaign strategy, numerous articles in today's Australian must surely support that argument.
That the loss-making Murdoch-owned outlet is engaged in a campaign of political regime change is beyond doubt. That Murdoch outlets in general are aiding and abetting is equally clear and present. Which Murdoch outlets have 'blogs' authored by Government members? None that I'm aware of.
Of course, the counter argument being that the Murdoch media is only preaching to the converted, however it is crystal clear that the converted consist of a cadre in Australian society who are politically naive, disconnected and all too willing to be frightened by the sloganeering and sound-biting of the coalition parties. We are still, after 15 months, yet to see cogent policy announcements from the coalition on:
- Asylum Seekers/Immigration;
- address of Climate Change in any relevant detail;
- infrastructure issues in support of Resource Industries;
- rational proposals for wealth accumulation from the mining boom;
- relevant reform to the taxation regime for workers as well as corporates; and the BIG one thus far unaddressed
- Industrial Relations
As the supposed alternative government, we, the voters, have not been shown anything even remotely associated with alternative policy from the coalition parties. Continual opposition of government policy on every level, without pronouncement of alternatives, is simply opposition for the sake of opposition. It is also clear that without the assistance of the 70% Murdoch-owned media conglomerate in this country, coalition parties would not be getting the oxygen needed while on policy life-support. Further, we see no critical analysis of coalition policy failings, especially in regard to the $70b budgeting black hole revealed by Treasury in relation to the meager economic proposals produced by the coalition parties. All we ever see is faint praise via the avenue of government criticism.
It must be said, in all fairness, that government has allowed itself to be spooked by all of this conservative collaboration between the Fourth Estate and Her Majesty's opposition, instead of simply getting on with the job as required by the people. Who gives a damn about where Asylum Seekers – whether they come by boat, plane or Shanks' Pony – are 'processed' and why this 'processing' needs to be conducted off-shore? Who cares what known climate denialists think, do or say when it comes to addressing the most pressing ecological dilemma to have faced humanity since as a species, we stood upright & left Eastern Africa? Who cares what Alan Jones and a bunch of gullible dumb-fucks in trucks want, when they are nothing more than a rowdy, ill-mannered and disrespectful minority, sulkily wanting things their way because at last election, things didn't go their way. For fuck sake government….get on with it!!!
As to all the speculation about Kevin Rudd and another blood-letting, he's already categorically ruled out challenging for the leadership. The man is no dummy, he knows the party despises him and always has done. The only reason he led Labor to an election victory was his 2007 populism among the great unwashed. It's reasonable well known in Labor circles that the party would tolerate him only as long as he remained popular. He's only popular now in relation to an extremely unpopular usurper. I personally don't believe he has the vibe Labor needs to restore its fortune and carry another election in 2 years time. I also don't believe he, as an individual, is stupid enough to challenge for a leadership he was clearly denied in Caucus 15 months ago. A week in politics might be a long time, but 15 months in Rudd's case is not long enough. The vindictive streak in the man will undoubtedly see him deny any entreaties that might exist for a comeback, simply so that those who deposed him can be effectively disposed of through an election loss. I don't doubt for a moment that he will return to the party leadership, but not as Prime Minister and not before 2013.
There's a long row to hoe in this political tale, and it will unfold in good time as it is democratically intended to, with or without the efforts of Chris Mitchell, et al. What conservatism and its apologists can't accept is that it has no solid core, only a brittle outer shell that looks shiny at the moment. Like a Faberge egg, there is nothing under the glitter and finding out how much nothing will be an expensive exercise.


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For those who were on Bali when the incursion occurred it was impossible to escape the horror of what was happening. The oldest most lethal, adaptable and resolute virus had invaded paradise and was hell bent on testing an equally ancient adaptable and resolute relationship.
It was a truly terrifying time. Seemingly overnight a bite from your compound dog went from a painful inconvenience to a probable death sentence. Panic, rumours and propaganda muddied the waters for those trying to disseminate logical information.
The primary reservoir for the rabies virus was the local dog, Anjing Bali. At the time local rumour would have you believe that it was only the Anjing Bali that could give you rabies. Propaganda that was reinforced by the government culling teams who moved around the island on sweeping missions to eliminate the local dog population.
Balinese people in small villages and large regions had existed with their dogs since the beginning of time. On a very small Island, human and canine had lived free from any internal threat and had survived all outside incursions. For the vast majority of Balinese, the Rabies virus was an unknown invader. Gila anjing, crazy dog, was to become their way of seeing and understanding what was happening to their ancient indigenous canine. A very familiar and reliable part of their lives was turning on them. The fear was palpable and very real.
It's no wonder that the ancient Bali Dog | Bali People relationship was pushed to breaking point and there were many who wondered if it would even survive the incursion at all.
It has been ten years since that time and it is interesting to sit back and take stock of what impact the rabies incursion has had upon the dog / human relationship.
At the height of the incursion a decree was issued by the Governor of Bali to cage or chain your dog. Free roaming dogs were (and still are) the victims of elimination from the government culling teams. It is in the urban areas of Bali that the impact of this decree has been integrated into daily life. In those areas there are noticeably fewer dogs, and definitely less free roaming dogs. However, in rural areas, this decree seems to have had no impact. Out beyond the reach of the tourist strips multiple Bali dogs accompany their human companions as they meander through daily village life.
Some studies have shown that Balinese people are now keeping fewer dogs. Again this seems to be true for urban areas, but in rural locations it appears that the number of dogs living in a compound is dictated only by the amount of resources available to feed them, as has always been the case.
The most obvious impact that is apparent island wide, because of its visual nature, is the collar, colloquially referred to as the necklace. Prior to 2008, when rabies first appeared, you would never have seen a collar on a Bali dog. But, rabies made the collar an essential item for people who wanted their dog to stay alive. The collar signified a rabies vaccinated dog, meaning that the dog was safe (did not have rabies) and owned. Over the years the colour of the collar has changed from the initial red, to orange, yellow and at the present time the clumsily tied purple collar adorns recently vaccinated dogs.
Government elimination teams still sweep the Island from time to time, and there should be no doubt that the suffering caused by these teams is not limited to the dogs who receive the poison darts, their human companions do grieve their loss.
People's knowledge of the rabies virus appears to be sketchy at best, and rumours are still plentiful. Whilst the need to attend a clinic after a dog bite now seems to be ingrained in local knowledge, the causes of the virus, the need to be pre-vaccinated and the types of mammals that can transmit rabies, are areas about which people have wrong information.
Ultimately, despite some new relationship rules, it appears that the relationship between people and dog has survived the incursion. Bali people are still sharing their lives, compounds and Banjars with multiple Bali Dogs, just as they always have and likely always will.
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Shitou – known as Sekito Kisen in Japanese – was an 8th century Chinese monk, a student of Huineng and Huineng's successor, Qingyuan Xingsi (Seigen Gyoshi). He is credited with writing two of the most famous Zen poems in China – the Sandokai and this, the Song of the Grass Roof Hermitage. The beauty of this poem lies in its humanity and its emphasis on the simplicity of practice – the grass roof hermitage is not a grand temple building inhabited by clergy, but a small, modest dwelling that could be constructed by anyone, and meditation itself is a matter of turning the light around to shine within and just returning.
Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage
I've built a grass hut where there's nothing of value.
After eating, I relax and enjoy a nap.
When it was completed, fresh weeds appeared.
Now it's been lived in – covered by weeds.
The person in the hut lives here calmly,
Not stuck to inside, outside, or in between.
Places worldly people live, he doesn't live.
Realms worldly people love, he doesn't love.
Though the hut is small, it includes the entire world.
In ten square feet, an old man illumines forms and their nature.
A Great Vehicle bodhisattva trusts without doubt.
The middling or lowly can't help wondering;
Will this hut perish or not?
Perishable or not, the original master is present,
not dwelling south or north, east or west.
Firmly based on steadiness, it can't be surpassed.
A shining window below the green pines —
Jade palaces or vermilion towers can't compare with it.
Just sitting with head covered, all things are at rest.
Thus, this mountain monk doesn't understand at all.
Living here he no longer works to get free.
Who would proudly arrange seats, trying to entice guests?
Turn around the light to shine within, then just return.
The vast inconceivable source can't be faced or turned away from.
Meet the ancestral teachers, be familiar with their instruction,
Bind grasses to build a hut, and don't give up.
Let go of hundreds of years and relax completely.
Open your hands and walk, innocent.
Thousands of words, myriad interpretations,
Are only to free you from obstructions.
If you want to know the undying person in the hut,
Don't separate from this skin bag here and now.
Shitou Xiqian (700-790) translated by Dan Leighton and Kaz Tanahashi
From Inside the Grass Hut: Living Shitou's Classic Zen Poem


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"Two Irishmen and a nun entered a bar…." What's the punchline? There isn't one because this is no joke, but rather a new Catholic outreach effort of the Philadelphia Archdiocese that has taken firm root in a former bar in a tough section of the city.
The two Irishmen happen to be Father Joseph Devlin, former pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Philadelphia and Father William Murphy, former pastor of Assumption B.V.M. in West Grove, and the nun is Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Ann Raymond Welte, former director of Temple University's Newman Center.
The one-time bar at Allegheny Avenue and G Street in Kensington — within the "K&A" (Kensington and Allegheny Avenues) neighborhood — is now Mother of Mercy House which opened last July as a place of worship and social ministry. It's a haven of hope in a neighborhood where hope has been in short supply for years, although there are slight hints of a comeback.
(See a photo gallery here.)
It all started when nearby once-huge Ascension of Our Lord Parish closed in 2012, and Archbishop Charles Chaput asked his priests for ideas on what could be done to keep a Catholic presence in Kensington, and Fathers Devlin and Murphy both independently volunteered to be missioned there.
(Watch a video on Mother of Mercy House:)
'Wow, the church is back.'
"It has met expectations," said Father Devlin, after a small community Mass in late January. "I'm more and more convinced an obvious presence of the church is needed in the neighborhood and the people are very happy and receptive. They say, 'Wow, the church is back.'
"They know they can come and receive help. We offer Mass and prayer to people who have not the ability to go to Mass and they can seek spiritual help from a priest."
Although Mass is celebrated most weekdays for a small knot of people, Mother of Mercy is not a parish, and both priests have weekend ministry in suburban parishes – Father Murphy at St. Andrew in Newtown and Father Devlin at St. Anastasia in Newtown Square.
By doing this, they are not taking parishioners away from local parishes and they have the opportunity to increase awareness and involve others in their inner city spiritual and social ministry.
"We are at the heart of the neighborhood and we are working with the neighbors," Father Murphy said. "It is very exciting."
His former parish, Assumption in West Grove, had a coat drive that enabled him to distribute 200 coats to people in Kensington. Also, Mother of Mercy distributes donated foods to people who come often before or after Mass.
Because substance abuse is endemic in the neighborhood, an Alcoholics Anonymous program is up and running with a Narcotics Anonymous program ready to start.
"We welcome anyone who is addicted to come to the meetings that are held right here," Father Murphy said, adding they also work to get people with addictions into available treatment programs.
An evening prayer group has already been started, but another outreach, the offering of Masses in private homes, had to be dropped because in the psychology of the neighborhood people are unwilling to welcome others they do not know well into their homes.
Priests, religious and lay people working together
Sister Ann Raymond, who knew both Father Devlin and Father Murphy well, was invited to join the team, which she did with the hearty approval of her congregation.
For her the first theme is to help the people spiritually because they have a spiritual hunger and secondly to assist them with their other needs.
As a woman, she feels she complements what Fathers Devlin and Murphy can do.
"God made me a female, he wouldn't make me a female if he didn't have a reason," she said. "I think each (male and female) has its own presence and personality. I think the male presence is necessary and the female presence is necessary too, it brings something different."
Mother of Mercy isn't a ministry exclusively for religious, and the founders are working to involve lay Catholics in the work.
Dr. Frank McNesby, a pediatrician at St. Christopher's Hospital who attended the Mass and is an active member of the Philadelphia Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, said the CMA is actively exploring ways to engage in some form of outreach in Kensington.
"The goal is to treat the body to get to the soul," he said. "Our first mission is the corporal works of mercy, and we hope to engage the needy population to bring them in and then we can embrace whatever their faith needs are."
McNesby was proud to mention a summer boot camp on Catholic bioethics the CMA runs at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary for medical students, but med student Geoff Gusoff, also attending the recent Mass at Mother of Mercy House, doesn't need a boot camp on Catholic principles — he is already committed.
"I heard about this at the Catholic Worker House," said Gusoff, a third-year medical student at the University of Pennsylvania. "I don't know how, but I want to connect, to help the community, to meet the neighbors."
Families amidst drugs and violence
Some of those neighbors are also interested in Mother of Mercy House.
George, who was relaxing on a nearby stoop, said, "They are not bad neighbors, I go to St. Francis Inn too."
Benny, another neighbor, said, "They gave me clothes for myself and my kids too. Drugs are out of hand here and I love these people for what they teach."
Father Devlin is in agreement that there is indeed a great deal of drugs and violence in the neighborhood, but in spite of that, "there are friendly people here with a strong sense of community. There are wonderful families who work hard, try to take care of their children and try to take care of each other."
With the help of Mother of Mercy House and similar outreach programs in Kensington, that task is made so much easier for people faced daily with almost insurmountable challenges.
Learn more at the website of Mother of Mercy House.
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Your sump pump system is your main line of defense against indoor flooding, but only if it is working! If you have a finished basement, or if you are storing valuables in an unfinished basement, you should take regular steps to ensure that your sump pump system is working.
To be well protected against the devastating financial losses associated with indoor flooding, you need to do the following:
- Test your sump pump now, before the torrential rains and power outages do it for you, AND
- Invest in a Battery Back Up Sump Pump if you don't already have one.
How do I know if my Sump Pump is Working?
Sump pumps get a real workout during the rainy season, and they can stop working at any time. But sitting idle without regular use can also cause them to fail. You should test your sump pump frequently by taking these easy steps:
Step 1: Test the Pump
Fill the pump pit with water and watch to see if the pump activates. If it doesn't, and you know you have power to the outlet, then the pump needs to be replaced.
Step 2: Watch the Drain
Watch the pump drain water out of its basin. Make sure there are no leaks in the discharge pipe. Go outside to ensure that water is terminating where it is supposed to.
Step 3: Test the Shut-off
Stay until the pump turns off, so you know its shut-off feature is working properly. A pump that won't shut off will eventually overheat and may stop functioning altogether. If the pump does not shut off automatically, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
If my Sump Pump is Working, Do I Still Need an Additional Battery Backup Sump Pump?
In order to fully defend against indoor flood damage, you need a battery backup sump pump in addition to your regular sump pump. Sump pumps can fail at any time, and they do not warn you ahead of time when this has happened, so a backup pump will provide just that – a second chance at stopping the flood if the primary pump fails. Also, battery backup sump pumps work whether or not the electricity has been lost due to storm activity, and in the Midwest electrical outages are common during the stormy seasons.
A battery backup sump pump will also pump along with your primary pump when there is more water than your primary pump can handle. A backup pump will typically handle 1000 to 2200 gallons per hour. It also has a maintenance alarm to notify you when service is needed.
How Do I Test My Backup Sump Pump?
A battery backup sump pump should be tested in the same way as your regular pump. With the primary sump pump unplugged, run through steps 2 and 3 from above and make sure the pump drains the water and shuts off.
During the testing process, keep an eye on the battery indicator light. If it remains green, it is a good indication that your battery is strong. Fortunately, battery backup sump pumps have alarms that alert homeowners when the battery is nearing the end of its life.
Does the Battery in my Backup Sump Pump require Maintenance?
Some do. Maintenance-free batteries are aptly named, and shouldn't need maintenance as long as they are being charged. Some backup sump pump batteries are not maintenance-free however; these batteries need to have the water levels checked in their cells every 6 months. If your battery has removable caps on the top of its cells then you will need to keep the water level up. The batteries used for this application are special standby batteries and not car batteries or deep cycle marine batteries. Standby batteries last approximately 5 years.
How Often Should I Replace My Sump Pump?
The average sump pump lasts for about 7 to 9 years. You should replace or repair the pump if it fails any of the tests above.
Here some warning signs that your sump pump might be failing:
- Makes strange noises
- Vibrates excessively
- Infrequent pump usage
- Runs all the time
- Irregular cycling
- Visible rust
- Seven years or older
- Motor sometimes gets stuck
- Motor failure
- Installed by the builder
- Frequent power outages
Call Anthony Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
A qualified plumbing professional can best make the assessment of whether a sump pump system needs to be repaired or replaced and when, and our plumbers are trained to do just that. Anthony stocks both sump pumps and battery backup sump pumps on all trucks to be available whenever you need them. So don't hesitate to contact us at A-N-T-H-O-N-Y 268-4669 (913) or (816) or click here to schedule a visit.
Check your homeowners insurance as well – not all insurance adequately covers damaged valuables or the costly repairs necessary to undo water damage and the mold growth that occurs afterward. When it comes to indoor flood prevention, one cannot be too careful.
Past related blogs:


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Back Yard, Backyard, or Back-Yard?
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Use figures of speech: Similes. Of the figures of speech, similes are among the most common. A simile is a …Read More
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The Summer 2004 Anime Preview Guideby Rachael Carothers & Ronald J. Duncan,
Here's your Summer 2004 Anime Preview Guide, brought to you by Ronald and Rachael. Please remember that these opinions are solely based on the first episode of each series. While it's possible they may improve (or get worse) as the series progresses, we're not time travelers and can't see that far into the future. If you'll please return your trays and seatbacks to their upright positions, we can now begin our descent into the new anime season. Thank you for reading, and we hope you'll fly with us again.
Synopsis: Alice is an 11 year old girl. She's an elementary student who is sick of her ordinary life and thinks about how nice it would be to be able to use magic. One day, she wandered into a magical world she'd only seen in her dreams. There, Alice met two apprentice witches named Eva and Sheila. It was decided that she would learn magic with them. Now, what adventures await Alice in this world of magic?
His Opinion: Although the premise of a girl traveling to another world and gaining the ability to do magic isn't exactly an original concept, there is something inherently different about this series. The story, combined with the highly unusual art style is more than enough to draw you in. As it unfolds, it takes you into a world filled with magic, and we are immediately introduced to a young girl named Alice who has just arrived from the human world.
Considering the short length of the episode, I found this to be well paced. It offers the perfect balance in giving you just enough to keep you interested, without giving so much away that you really can decide if you like it or not. As far as the artwork goes, I couldn't decide at first if it was ugly or beautiful. In the end, I had to go with the latter. It carries a mix of something almost nostalgic and something modern at the same time. I found Alice to be a fun character and from what I've seen so far, a strong supporting cast as well. With a story involving apprentice witches, and a mischievous human girl who is out of place being given the opportunity to become one, it can lead to all sorts interesting situations.
Her Opinion: Alice wants nothing more than for her boring life to change into a magical one. Assuming, of course, that magic automatically means fun and happiness. There hasn't been anything truly magical happenings yet, but I have high hopes. Since the series seems to take place in a witches' school, I imagine that there will be a ton of spells on the way.
I quickly fell in love with Tweeny Witches. It has extremely beautiful animation, which is most apparent during the broom-flying scenes. The background music fits in so well that it's almost unnoticeable. Even the voices fit the characters to a T. With 10 minute episodes, this is one you most definitely should not pass up.
Synposis: Kenzou Tenma, a Japanese brain surgeon in Germany, had it all: incredible skill at his work, a rich and beautiful fiancée, and a promising career at his hospital. However, after becoming disenchanted by hospital politics, he chose to save the life of a young boy who got shot in the head over the life of the mayor. As a result he lost the support of the hospital director, as well as his position in the hospital and his fiancée. A short time later, the hospital director and the doctors that replaced him were murdered, and once again he was catapulted back onto the top. But as the chief suspect of the murders, Tenma did not get an easy life. As a matter of fact, it seems that the boy he saved was much more than he had appeared to be... Now to clear his name and to correct his past mistake, Tenma must get to the bottom of these and other murders, and investigate the truth of the Monster who is behind all of this.
His Opinion: You know it's going to be a bright and cheerful story when they open with a (slightly revised) quote from the book of Revelation. The first piece of music, "Grain" is also fantastic, and also helps set the perfect tone for the series.
I love the use of the hospital politics, especially Dr. Tenma's reaction when he realizes he could have saved a patient who died because he didn't get the proper treatment. His fiancée is no better, when she so nonchalantly speaks of lives not being equal. Later, when Dr. Tenma winds up in a similar situation, I love the contrast in his decision to go against the hospital director, and I await to see how it affects his bright future. It's even possible that public opinion will play into the politics given who the boy was that he did operate on. I have my doubts about this however, given the small preview for the second episode and the foreboding atmosphere of the story.
In the end, with the way the story has started, the somber background music, and how well written the story and characters are, topped off by outstanding animation done by Madhouse, I think this is easily one of the best series of the new season.
Her Opinion: Politics versus morality. It almost always makes for a good plot. The animation is fairly ugly but I believe that it was intended to bring you back to the rawness of Dr. Tenma's internal conflicts. While I don't find anything in the show aesthetically pleasing, I completely understand why it was done that way. In my opinion, the animators didn't want people focusing on the prettiness of the characters. If you take out "The Pretty," all you are left with is the plot. Hopefully the plot comes through despite such a heavy burden on its shoulders.
In the beginning, his life is ideal. He has a well-paying job that uses his natural talents, a seemingly loving fiancée and the backing of his superiors. However, he quickly finds out that he is being used by his superiors to perform on the wealthier patients and that his fiancée is a lot more self-centered than he had known. When he finds out how unfair hospital politics can be, he tears himself apart trying to decide if he wants to keep living this way or if he wants to follow his heart and help the people who need him, not just the people who can pay. I'm intrigued by the possibility of where the show could go but if it doesn't add more than just the regular hospital politics, it could get boring very quickly.
Synopsis: In a city where anyone can carry any types of firearms, violent crimes run rampant. Stuck in the middle of this world is Kyohei, a young man with dreams of becoming a pastry technician. His first goal is to save enough money so he can study abroad. A friend tells him about a well-paying job offer for a personal chef. Unbeknownst to him, the employers are a group of vigilante women. Will he be able to get enough money to study abroad before something kills him?
His Opinion: Bakuretsu Tenshi really only has two things going for it. The visuals are superb, but this is unsurprising, considering Gonzo's talents. I also enjoyed the background music. It completed the feel for the urban setting, and truly gave the action sequences a thrilling effect.
Everything else is fairly mediocre. First we have a cook who doesn't even appear in the OP animation sequence. Considering the amount of screen time he has in the first episode, it's hard to make out what his role is supposed to be. If he's not going to be a major player, then they spent far too much time developing him. Worse yet, if they were using him for an excuse to have us meet the girls, then they took too long to introduce the true main characters, and we really have no reason to be interested in them. To top it off, the girls are sterotypical. We have our "mother figure", the hot-tempered redhead, the blue haired "no personality" and our lolicon hacker. Is there even a point in trying to make all the girls look sexy, especially Amy who looks like she's been hit with an ugly stick? The costumes come off as equally unimaginitive and stereotypical as the cast.
In the end, although the visuals are impressive, the writing is lacking, the characters are stereotypical, and the scenarios are overdone. I just can't recommend this one, even for the fanservice. It's reaching to be something, but it has no idea what it wants to be, or where it wants to go.
Her Opinion: From the opening sequence, you can tell that this is a Gonzo production. Their gorgeous animation style is hard to miss. Even in the opening scene, the background alone is just amazing. When you add in the characters and the action-packed background music, everything fits together perfectly.
The biggest problem lies with the characterizations. There's the stereotypical mean girl, violent girl, cute girl, responsible girl and the boy that doesn't know what to make of any of them. From the viewer's standpoint, I can completely understand why Kyohei doesn't understand the girls. The plot tells you absolutely nothing about them except that Jo likes to shoot stuff. There are hints that something deeper lies beneath but even those hints point to the Bubblegum Crisis plotline. I'm interested to see where this is heading. However, if some explanations don't start coming, I can't see how this show will go very far.
Synopsis: Takemoto Takeru, an ordinary high schooler, encounters a strange light during a bike delivery for his part time job. When he stops and searches the surrounding, he observes in the forest a cute girl named Hikari climbing out of a sparkling cocoon. Takeru instantly falls for her at first sight, but suddenly a monster appears at the same spot and attacks the girl. This describes the exciting days of the mysterious girl Hikari and Akari, Takeru's childhood friend Nishino Mari and his classmates, who all come onto the scene. Actually these are just ordinary days, but in Hikari's point of view, they are wonderful.
His Opinion: When a series starts at the beginning talking about extinction, you know it's going to come from a more serious point of view. For the first time in awhile, Gainax has decided to revive the imperfect hero. I found Takeru likable though, simply because if you understand his introspection, it's not that he's lazy, but instead he's only interested in doing things HE can do that will make a difference. He's just not sure what that is.
After going through the motions to lead us to his meeting with Hikari, he finally finds his purpose. It becomes a matter of protecting her. The transformation sequence he has is one of the more interesting ones in awhile as well. I was surprised by the pure joy he had in delving out the raw violence he had as he was putting down the monster that had attacked them. What was frightening however was the brief glimpse at Hikari's dual natured personality. Seeing the sadistic look on her face and the eye color change is intriguing and leaves you wanting to know more. To add to this, little is explained why Ryo's sketch early on in the episode looked like Hikari. The first episode leaves you with more questions than answers and definetly draws you in.
While Mahoromatic and Abenobashi suffered from pointless fanservice, this one appears to have lightened up a bit. This time around, it looks to take a more balanced approach and keeps it regulated to where it seems appropriate. The background music and OP theme song are top notch, and the series is well animated. The story has yet to really unfold, but it has taken strides in going back to the days when Gainax produced better work. This is easily the best work Gainax has done in the past few years. The only nitpicks I have as well. The ED theme is too cutesy for the rest of the series. The other is that Hikari's character is too similiar to Mahoro in that they are both of questionable origin, so using Ayako Kawasumi for both characters may have not been the best idea. Based on the credits for the rest of the characters as well, a change in the voice cast would have been in order.
Her Opinion: A GAINAX show with a weird beginning. Who would have thought? In the introduction scene, they talk about extinction but it doesn't really go anywhere in the first episode. Nevertheless, the animation is decent. While I didn't notice any flaws with it, there wasn't anything to make it stand out either. Looking back on some of the music, the opening and ending songs seem a little too peppy for such a depressing first episode.
The worst part is the annoying characters. Takeru doesn't want to do anything because he feels that he has something more important to do. He just doesn't know what that is and when he finds it, he doesn't want do to that either. Ryou is way too trusting of people. All of the girls complain all the time. Takeru's uncle is seemingly an alcoholic and his aunt seems to think that's just fine. Then they add in the alien girl, Hikari, who spends her part of the episode either nearly naked or entirely naked. And, of course, there's the monster that attacks them. I found myself thinking of Blue Seed and Devilman for a majority of the last half of the episode. GAINAX has a reputation for putting out decent series, which is the only reason I'm even thinking about watching more of this. Hopefully, it'll get better over the next few episodes.
Synopsis: High school delinquent Seiji Sawamura is desperate to have a girlfriend, especially after being rejected by 20 girls as of late. He's afraid that he will end his life with his right hand as his only companion. Apparently, that doesn't change when one day when he wakes up and discovers that his right hand has become a girl named Midori Kasugano, who confesses that she has had a crush on him for the last three years.
His Opinion: When I first heard about this concept, my brain snapped. I wanted to know where the stash of drugs were being kept. As I watched the episode though, I was able to laugh pretty hard. Seiji has one of the funniest imaginations I've ever seen.
Seiji loses his "devil's right hand" and has it replaced with a miniaturized version of a girl who confesses her love for him. Considering he's been unlucky in love, this doesn't exactly balance things out. Instead, this brings new meaning to his right hand being his only lover. I can't help but enjoy where this can go.
If nothing else though, it earns points for originality. The story is driven more on scenarios rather than developing the characters, but comedies are like that. Having had the opportunity to read some of the manga ahead of time, I already had expectations for this show. It's almost strange and bizarre enough to work. I'm also pleased that it didn't take unnecessary trips down ecchi lane. Let's hope the anime follows suit. It's a good solid comedy this season, if you can go for somewhat mindless fun.
Her Opinion: What in the WORLD did I just watch? The lead male character, Seiji, is a guy with the reputation for fighting. When he can't find a girl to date him, he wishes for ANY girlfriend and somehow the girl that actually DOES like him, Midori, turns into his right hand. Now he is left trying to find a way to fix this while not letting any one else find out about it.
This is very disturbing. Midori doesn't find a single thing wrong with being Seiji's hand. After all, she gets to be with the guy she likes. I'm thinking that this is going to turn into one of those "WTF" shows. Since the plotline revolves around the girl-hand situation, I can't see how this is going to get any better than the first episode. Though I suppose it would be good for those times when you just need a laugh.
Synopsis: Kippei Katakura is a high school playboy who would flirt with any girl he sees. His life was turn upside down when one day, his 5-year old cousin Yuzuyu shows up at his house after her mother abandoned her. And now, Kippei has been handed the task of taking care of Yuzuyu for the time being, and he must learn how to become the "mother" that Yuzuyu needs.
His Opinion: We start of with Kippei who seems to be a popular guy, and plenty of girls want him. And of course, like any happy-go-lucky high school guy, he likes to play around and be irresponsible. Of course, following the traditions of such guys, there is always the one girl (Kokoro) who seems to see right through him. This in turn causes him to wonder about her. It also probably doesn't hurt that the rest of the girls at school seem like airheads who will fall for any line. Given the opening animation, I suspect it will be up to Super Preschooler Yuzu! to help bring them together. Although I saw some predictability to the series, it doesn't make it bad at all. Because he's now in this situation of having to take care of a five-year-old girl, it will obviously cause him to mature, and in turn, Kokoro's going to take a second look.
I only found a couple of problems with this series. With all the other adults around who can take care of Yuzu, they give it up to somebody in high school? Are the rest of the adults that incompetent? Sure, wise choice. I'll give Kippei points for this, he says it's like a soap opera, and he's right on the mark. There was one area in there that instead of coming off as amusing, really just came off as being wrong. Why was his older sister implying he shouldn't have things turn into a lolicon situation? Was that really necessary? Because of this, in the ending scene, when Yuzu sleeps in his bed, I found that to be completely inappropriate. I also wasn't a big fan of the animation as I found it to be inconsistent at times.
For fans who are seeking something realistic, I really must suggest this one. Here, there are situations that are more likely to happen than in your standard soap opera fare. I've had some similar things happen within my extended family as well, so I can relate to this series on a completely different level. If you are the type enjoy a decently written story, and something that tugs at the heart, I'd recommend checking this out instead.
Her Opinion: This show is just so cute! Like many other series, this will probably turn into a "bad guy goes good" plotline but so far, they have taken the right approach to it. You have Kippei, who likes trying to kiss just about every woman who bats an eyelash at him, being forced to take care of the adorable Yuzu. (Really, I didn't see the other family members as viable options as her caretaker. They didn't seem all that concerned about Yuzu's well-being over their own personal inconvenience.)
Everything about the show is so cute... but cute in the good way, not the "I'm gonna go puke now" way. The animation flows well and the all the music fits with it. Some of the adults have their 'ugly' moments but that can be quickly overlooked when you see how cute Yuzu is. I hope that the writers are able to accurately portray how a small child can change your life completely. This is definitely a show I'll keep watching.
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Financial decisions are crucial for anyone leaving the workforce behind to begin their golden years, when traveling, attending Little League games and doting on grandchildren become more top-of-mind than ever.
But those things are not always an option for retirees. Maybe a disability has rendered a loved one homebound, or maybe living on a lower monthly income has become more difficult — and with higher costs — than planned. Perhaps retirees become low on cash, potentially struggling to pay for basic needs like food and medicine. Senior citizens are often bombarded with ideas and plans to stretch their money to help pay for necessities. One of the solutions suggested to seniors by financial planners and lenders is a reverse mortgage, a loan administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that allows homeowners age 62 and older convert their home equity into cash. It becomes due when the borrower moves, sells, passes away or fails to pay property taxes or homeowners insurance or maintain the property.
Reverse mortgages were once considered taboo by financial advisors, especially when mortgages and lenders were not as closely regulated as they are today. But there are instances in which a reverse mortgage may be a benefit, says Stephanie Yates, Ph.D., the Regions Institute for Financial Education Endowed Professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Collat School of Business. Homeowners who have a significant amount of equity and find themselves in cash-strapped situations can consider exploring a reverse mortgage to help ease their financial burden.
"If you are equity rich and cash poor, and plan to live in your current house for a long time, a reverse mortgage is certainly something to consider," Yates said. "It's a way to turn the value of your home into an income stream without having to sell the property or repay a loan every month. In the right situation, it can increase a retiree's financial profile and positively affect their quality of life."
The Federal Housing Administration's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage — a reverse mortgage commonly referred to as HECM — was first introduced in 1990. The loan reached its peak in popularity in 2009 with more than 114,600 reverse mortgages executed. The number of reverse mortgages declined to 48,902 in fiscal year 2016, according to HUD.
To best understand how reverse mortgages work, think of it as a mirror image of a regular mortgage. A person or couple 62 or older who qualifies for a reverse mortgage can borrow against the value of their home; but instead of paying the bank, the bank pays them. And at the end of the deal, it is the bank — not the couple or the heirs — that owns the home if the money borrowed is not repaid either through refinancing to a traditional mortgage, selling the home to repay the loan, or paying what is owed in a lump sum.
"That is the No. 1 reason anyone considering a reverse mortgage should consult with their children or heirs as part of the decision-making process," Yates said. "A lot of children might be banking on getting that house when their parents die. If the parents make a decision to do a reverse mortgage, the children may get the house after they die; but there is little or no equity in it."
Indeed, once a reverse mortgage is signed, the homeowner can draw down their home equity without repaying it as long as they live in their home. The money can be loaned up front or paid out monthly; but the interest is deferred until the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or no longer lives in the home as a principal residence — for instance, if they have to move to an assisted-living facility.
But as soon as the homeowner no longer permanently lives in the home, the loan is to be repaid in full, with interest.
"That's when the homeowner, if they are still alive, or the heirs have to make the decision to either sell the home if it's viable based on what is owed and how much the home is worth, refinance to pay back the loan and keep the home, or make a lump sum payment to keep the home," Yates said. "That's why homeowners considering a reverse mortgage should talk with their heirs. It could be that the discussion is 'how important is the home to the family' versus 'what are our current needs in our golden years, and is a reverse mortgage the best solution for those needs for everyone in the family.'"
Reverse mortgage fine print
Among the uses for a reverse mortgage are:
Paying off an existing mortgage (required as part of the loan)
Reducing credit card debt
Paying everyday bills
Affording medical expenses or in-home care
Repairing the home
Setting it aside for potential emergencies
There are instances in which a reverse mortgage is not the best option.
If one cannot maintain the costs associated with the home — even without a monthly mortgage payment — a reverse mortgage is probably not best, Yates says. Spending the equity on your home diminishes the value of the estate, leaving even less to pass along to heirs. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are other things to consider as well:
There are fees and other costs: Higher than average closing costs, determined by the value of the home, also are typical for reverse mortgages. These include origination fees, appraisal fees and upfront mortgage insurance. The interest rate paid on the loan is also generally higher than that of a traditional mortgage.
"Because of high upfront costs, a reverse mortgage is usually not a great option if you're borrowing a small amount," Yates said. "You might pay far less by taking out a home-equity line of credit, or you could generate more income by selling and moving to a less expensive place, if that is feasible."
You owe more over time: As you receive your payments, interest is added onto the balance you owe each month. Therefore, the amount you owe grows as the interest on your loan adds up.
Interest rates may change over time: Most reverse mortgages have variable rates, which are tied to a financial index and change with the market. HECMs, however, offer fixed rates and are what Yates strongly recommends. HECMs tend to require you to take your loan as a lump sum at closing.
Interest is not tax-deductible each year: Interest on reverse mortgages is not deductible on income tax returns — until the loan is paid off, either partially or in full.
You pay other costs related to your home: You keep the title to your home when you have a reverse mortgage, which means you are responsible for property taxes, insurance, utilities, fuel, maintenance and other expenses.
What happens to your spouse? With HECM loans, if you signed the loan paperwork and your spouse did not, in certain situations, your spouse may continue to live in the home even after you die if he or she pays taxes and insurance, and continues to maintain the property. But your spouse will stop getting money from the HECM, since he or she was not part of the loan agreement.
What can you leave to your heirs? Reverse mortgages can use up the equity in your home, which means fewer assets for you and your heirs. Most reverse mortgages have something called a "non-recourse" clause. This means that you, or your estate, cannot owe more than the value of your home when the loan becomes due and the home is sold. With a HECM, generally, if you or your heirs want to pay off the loan and keep the home rather than sell it, you would not have to pay more than the appraised value of the home.
The federal government requires those who are interested in a reverse mortgage to meet with a financial counselor before the loan is approved.
"Reverse mortgages are complicated, but they are beneficial in some cases," Yates said. "It's important that seniors considering this communicate — talk with their heirs and meet with a financial planner. Discuss in detail your financial situation, what you see as your roadblocks or hardships, and determine the best course of action."
More information on HECMs for seniors is available at hud.gov, including the Office of Housing Counseling. For a rigorous analysis of determining whether you are better off with a reverse mortgage or a less-expensive home, find a fee-only financial planner at napfa.org.


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Nina Dobrev Is Flying Solo Again
This comes straight from E! News, which spoke to a source that revealed Stowell and Dobrev decided this just aren't working out. "It started to get hard with both of their schedules," the source said, adding: "They remain on good terms."
A number of reports claim that the breakup took place sometime between late January and early February, which explains why neither of the two posted any of those aww-inducing photos we're used to on the social media recently.
Let's face it – the clues were all there. Nina showed up at the Super Bowl 50 without her stronger half, while there was a lack of any Valentine's Day photos, posts, or statuses from the couple. In any case, when both sides of a relationship decide it's time to call it quits, it's probably for the best.


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Mouse Gazing Upon a Butterfly
Commemorate your 2017 with this cute little Charming Tail! This is our You are So Beautiful to Me Charming Tail! This little guy is seen crouching in front of a red spotted mushroom while trying to gaze upon a beautiful butterfly!
Material: Resin
Size 3.25″


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For Health Professionals
Health care professionals specializing in gastroenterology, surgery, allergies, otolaryngology and pulmonology are encouraged to take advantage of Houston Methodist's extensive diagnostic capabilities in the field of gastroenterology. You will find our services to be among the most comprehensive in the field when it comes to digestive disorders and conditions. Our treatment options include the most current diagnostic testing capabilities and expert testing interpretation. Our gastroenterologists are prepared to work with you and your patient to determine the best approach to developing a plan of treatment.
Order a Test for Your Patient
Our facilities are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology and diagnostic tools available today. Physicians who want to order gastroenterology diagnostic testing for their patients should complete the test order form.
Our physicians are active in some of the nation's most progressive studies and clinical trials concerning the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders. View Houston Methodist's active and enrolling current clinical trials on digestive diseases.
Learning Opportunities
Houston Methodist offers two fellowships each year for digestive disorders, a minimally invasive surgery fellowship, and continuing education and hands-on training opportunities for physicians around the world at the Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation & Education (MITIE).


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Texarkana Regional Airport
aka: Texarkana Air Force Station
The Texarkana Regional Airport is located three miles northeast of Texarkana (Miller County). The airport is a mixed-used facility with the primary focus being general aviation; it also offers limited commercial aviation. In 2015, the total economic impact to the Texarkana area included 420 jobs and more than $32.5 million to the local economy. In 2015, there were sixty-eight aircraft based at the airport, and the airport conducted just under of 48,500 flight operations.
The early history of the airport dates back to 1928 when the City of Texarkana acquired 190 acres of land from two local families, the Lathrop and Wheeler families. The following year, the first runways were constructed. Both were made of sod, with one measuring 3,500 feet and one at 3,000 feet.
American Airlines began commercial service in Texarkana with a Ford Tri-Motor. The initial flight was on June 15, 1931. Two years later, American Airlines pulled out of Texarkana and would not return until 1948. The Great Depression affected the airport, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was engaged to construct a terminal building at the field. This original building later began housing the administration for the airport.
In 1942, improvements to the runways included paving them and installing lights for night operations.
The Cold War came to southwestern Arkansas with the arrival of the 703rd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron at the airport in 1955; at this time, the airport was rechristened the Texarkana Air Force Station. The 703rd was a mobile radar unit that provided coverage for the Strategic Air Command base near Bossier City, Louisiana, at Barksdale Air Force Base. The thirty-person unit guided inceptor aircraft toward unidentified intruders. As the Cold War eased, the demands for the Air Force Station diminished, and it was inactivated on September 8, 1968. For a time, the air force also provided Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control duties.
During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were undertaken at the airport. A new passenger terminal building was completed in 1960, and a new FAA control tower was finished. In 1970, the Instrument Landing System was installed, and the U.S. Air Force used the airport to pick up cargo from the Lone Star Ammunition Plant in neighboring Texas.
The year 1985 saw the introduction of Jetstream-31 aircraft flying for American Eagle with non-stop service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Texas. There were four flights a day.
Further renovations to the passenger terminal, expanded in 1980, were completed in 1992. A second commercial passenger gate, handicapped-accessible restrooms, and a luggage carousel were introduced.
The current airport hosts two runways: 4/22 at 6,601 feet, and 13/31 at 5,200 feet. Both are made of asphalt, with 4/22 as the primary runway. The airport covers an overall area of 964 acres. From mid-May 2016 until the end of June 2016, runway 4/22 was closed for maintenance related to resurfacing. Preventative maintenance had also been done in the 1990s.
The airport has seen budget issues in recent years. Despite airlines turning a profit on their operations, a decline in other sources of income has seen Texarkana Regional Airport struggle to remain profitable. In April 2021, it was announced that the airport would be breaking ground on a new terminal later that year.
For additional information:
Campbell-Miller, Sarah. "Texarkana to Break Ground on New Terminal in June." Arkansas Business, April 26–May 2, 2021, p. 9.
Texarkana Regional Airport. http://txkairport.com (accessed September 10, 2020)
"Texarkana Regional Airport—Webb Field." AirNav.com. http://www.airnav.com/airport/KTXK (accessed September 10, 2020).
Robert Sherwood
Georgia Military College
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How Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Can Help You Through Pregnancy and Labor
Could drinking tea (for two) help you mitigate the last stages of pregnancy and labor? Red raspberry leaf tea benefits are often associated with "womb wellness" and its therapeutic uses have been recorded as far back as the sixth century. Yet, the verdict on whether it really works as a pregnancy facilitator—particularly for its uterus toning benefits and as a labor catalyst—is still out. Midwives, ob-gyns and plenty of women have all sorts of opinions on whether drinking red raspberry leaf tea benefits the pregnancy. Some are tea cheerleaders (may strengthen the uterus), while others caution about red raspberry leaf tea side-effects (intense Braxton Hicks contractions). We did some research and here is what you need to know before you sit down for a cup of red raspberry leaf tea while pregnant.
Red raspberry leaf is exactly what you would think it is—the leaf from the red raspberry bush. (Not to be confused with red raspberry tea: This is black tea with raspberry flavoring.) The leaves are harvested in the spring time, before the plant blooms, then dried and grinded to make a tisane, or an herbal tea. "It tastes nothing like raspberries, and doesn't resemble a berry flavor at all," says Cindy Collins, certified herbalist and founder of Euphoric Herbals . Some describe it as a variation on black tea, so you might want to add sugar or honey to balance out the flavor. "It pairs well with spearmint, hibiscus and lemon balm leaf," Collins says. You can serve it hot or iced, or as an herbal infusion, if you let it steep at room temperature for one to four hours.
One of the reasons red raspberry leaf is considered helpful is because it's rich in immune-boosting nutrients. "It provides B vitamins, iron, niacin, manganese, magnesium, selenium, vitamin A and astringent alkaloids that nourish and contribute to the healing process," says Eden Fromberg, MD, board-certified ob-gyn and medical director at Holistic Gynecology in New York City.
While there are no official recommendations on the books, midwives may recommend starting with a cup a day around 32 weeks, then gradually increasing to three cups as you approach your due date. Potential benefits of regular consumption may range from preventing pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and preterm labor to postpartum hemorrhage. Plus, it's been said to start preparing your body for labor.
"Women through the centuries have believed in red raspberry leaf tea as a softening agent in helping prepare the cervix and the uterus," says Ginger Breedlove, CNM, principal consultant at Grow Midwives in Kansas City, Mo.
Keep in mind: While there are no official recommendations regarding the dose or the ideal trimester to start sipping, many experts recommend women should only start drinking red raspberry leaf tea after 32 weeks, as it may increase chances of miscarriage earlier on. If you're curious and want to try the tea, definitely discuss it with your healthcare provider first.
While scientific research is extremely limited regarding the ability of red raspberry leaf tea to induce labor, one study reflects on why some midwives and herbalists recommend this uterine tonic. Research published in the 2001 Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health demonstrated that when healthy women ingested raspberry leaf (in tablet form) at 32 weeks gestation through labor, there were no negative effects on mom or baby. What's more, they found that the second stage of labor was shortened by about 10 minutes, and and there was a lower rate of forceps deliveries between the treatment group and the control group (19.3 percent versus 30.4 percent).
If you're getting antsy and want to meet your baby, however, put down the teapot. Downing cups of red raspberry leaf tea to induce labor should not be your go-to strategy.
"There are many different complex biological processes happening in concert that help labor start," says Margaret Buxton CNM, a Nashville-based regional clinical director at Baby+Co birth centers. "While drinking red raspberry leaf may be relaxing, it has not been proven to induce labor. We encourage hydrating in labor with water and other beverages that replace electrolytes and restore energy to the body. Once in labor, the body's powerful birth hormones control the pace of the labor."
Even though the American Pregnancy Association states that red raspberry leaf tea is "likely safe" during pregnancy, you should sip with caution since tea manufacturers don't have to get Food and Drug Administration approval. Here are some possible red raspberry leaf tea side effects, especially if consumed in large amounts:
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Onset of Braxton Hicks contractions
• Decreased insulin response. "It is not recommended if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes," Buxton says.
If any condition classifies your pregnancy as high-risk, Breedlove says red raspberry leaf tea is not for you. This can include a previous preterm labor or birth, vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy, multiples, a repeat c-section, or any medical complications with your current pregnancy.
Should you choose to drink red raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy, you're in luck, as it's readily available online , in health food stores and most grocery stores. You'll also have plenty to choose from: Traditional Medicinals , Yogi Teas and The Republic of Tea all have red raspberry leaf options. Even better news: "There is no current proof that one brand is better than another," Buxton says.
Remember, before you buy and make yourself a cup, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider first.
Published March 2018
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.


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Mmm the smell of fresh cooked waffles is probably more addicting than any other baked good for me. That, coupled … Continue Reading →
Homemade Granola with Honey and Maple Syrup
Every week when I'm at the grocery store, I peruse the cereal aisle looking for a new cereal to try. … Continue Reading →