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Hi,just wanted to find out what everone else thinks about weight gain. When I first found out that I had a hyper thyroid I weighed 120 lbs. NOW after about a year I can't seem to loose any weight. I am up to 150 and I am sick of gaining more even though I work out like crazy. Doesn't seem fair and I need some advice please!
71 Responses
Hi, in answer to the holistic question, I am 55 and was diagnosed hyperthyroid a year ago. I was already and overweight which may have been due to being hyperthryoid condition without knowing it. Was also having menopausal symptoms which is what I assumed were mostly the cause of my issues. I had severe heart palps/increased heart rate, tremors, insomnia, heat insensitivity, diahrria. One day, was fighting fainting as blood felt choked from getting to my head so I took myself to ER where I waited two hours. By then the symptoms were settling. They did an EKG which was normal but in any case an endocrinologist was called in and he believed me that even though the EKG looked fine, that I was truly in distress so he ordered full blood work which confirmed it all. I've since adopted him. My TSH was 0.01 and other numbers were also not good. Clearly HYPERthryoid. I was put on Tapazole which wasn't controlling the heart rate so changed to polythiouricinal or whatever the heck it is. Initially taking 2 50mg 3x/day or 6/day in total. I am not one to take medication so I researched and fortunately have an endrocrinologist who is willing to work with me if other reasonable and holistic options available. I found a holistic product by mailorder for hyperthryoid. While there are gazillions of formulas for hypothyroid, there are very few for hyperthryoid. Anyway, I checked with the holistic provider whether I could take it along with the medication and they said yes. I also checked with my naturopath and the endorcrinologist and all agreed it should be okay. I went from 6 polythi.... whatever per day to 2 per day while taking the holistic formula. My symptoms have lessened to a great degree, some days/nights are worse than others, but overall I feel 75% better and less than a year later my TSH is up to 1.99 which is actually heading into hypothyroid territory so may have to tweak things a bit. As far as weight gain goes, I did gain 20 lbs which isn't huge compared to some entries here but still at my age and on top of my already overweight, it was not appreciated. I have taken a milk thistle supplement (avail at most any health food store) to support my liver because these thyroid meds are absolutely terrible to the liver. I would NEVER do radioactive iodine or surgery. This is everyone's choice to make for themselves for their own circumstances but for me its not a choice. I would suggest anyone with hyperthryoidism eat a healthy well balanced diet, avoid white foods including sugar as they are only going to feed the illness. Stop using chemical laden products whether it is shampoo to hand wash to cosmetics. REDUCE the toxic load on your body. Thats where to start. Hope this helps someone.
I have Grave's disease. I had the radioactive iodine treatment to kill my thryroid. I only weighed about 140 lbs. before, but now I weight 183 lbs. The doctor told me the most I would gain is 5 to 10 pounds. The doctor told me there is something else wrong and told me to see a family practioner, so I did. They performed all kinds of tests, but nothing is wrong. Doctors think it's because I am going through menopause. I get hot and cold at nights. The doctors put me on Metformin, but i've only been on it for a week. I bloat out like I am eight or nine months pregnant. This is really embarrassing. If I would have know this about letting them kill my thyroid, I would have never let them give me that pill. What do you think?
Yeah, I have also seen this news in some websites but last week, I had checked and Read about Hyperthyroidism and Treatment is done and Maybe this method will work.
I know this is an old thread but just seeing that i am not alone with this weight gain issue is slightly comforting, however also, very depressing because it seems as though no one has figured out a good coarse to alleviate it. I have Graves disease. On top of that I am a type 1 diabetic. I have had diabetes since i was 9 years old. I have had the Graves since 2006 so 8 years. When I was first diagnosed i was losing weight. I had been working out and being more active so I assumed that was the reason behind the weight loss. I quickly found out after being diagnosed that it was the disease. I was put on Tapazole and gained 20lbs immediately! I have been on nd off the Tapazole because my endocrinologist tests me often. I went from 140 to 192. I am disgusted with myself! I exercise, I went Gluten free (which; by the way; is something the doctor said was good because most patients with autoimmune issue eventually gain a gluten intolerance). I am beyond frustrated. I didn't even weigh this much when I had my 2 children. There has to be an answer!! If anyone out there has figured anything out, please share....I can't continue living like this!
Levothyroxine is for treatment of HYPO thyroidism not HYPER thyroidism.
It is really a problem when you gain weight and suffer from hyperthyroidism. We tend to be health conscious and can't enjoy eating.
I would like an endocrinologist to answer this question, please: Why does every single article on Hyperthyroidism say that a symptom is weight loss when so many people claim to have weight gain with this problem? I am talking prior to medication of course.
And is there a dietary course one can take?
I've been dealing with the same situation. I'm 14 years old and I've always been tall and very skinny 2 months ago I was 5"11 and 120 lbs I looked like a model and I owned it but threw February and March I started to get lots of symptoms including: migraines, puking, hot flashes, not being able to sleep, and irregular weight gain. I was 120 lbs and it seemed as if over night I gained a lot of weight. It was not gradual it was all the sudden my weight hit a whopping 153 lbs. Over night, I felt like I became this monster who would just eat and eat now my apatite is so big and I look bigger to me and my family but my friends haven't noticed. I'm still skinny but not like I was I don't feel like myself. I was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism when I went to my peditrian and she noticed that I couldn't sit still and I was shaking for no apparent reason and I had been like that for some time bit I didn't think much of it. This all happened about 1-2 weeks ago and just yesterday I was diagnosed with Graves Diese. I habe only been taking beta heart blockers and methamozoil (sorry for spelling) and they have kept my weight steady. I'm very curious to why I gained all this weight because with hyper thyroid I'm supposed to be losing weight. Please help me I want to get to the bottom of this. Also I'm a very active girl im always excercing I don't eat the healthiest but lately I have been eating much healthier and I just want to get back to my normal weight oh and I was jut diagnosed so I haven't been able to exercise for 2 weeks no so my heart rate slows down and becomes steady
The hyper condition uses up your cortisol (glucocorticoid) too fast which would help your metabolism. I've been hyper for over 20years-African-American-may as well be living in a 3rd world country. So if they are trying to help let them cause i am still trying to get help.
I am having the same problem. I was diagnosed with Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia about 5 years ago. My resting HR was about 140. I went on beta blockers and went back off about a year after I was diagnosed. The problem has not been as bad so I asked to come off the med. I was gaining weight and could NOT lose it.
Fast forward to this year. I gave up a ton of food for Lent, reduced calories, at healthy but still allowed myself about 1,300-1,400 calories. Nothing worked. Finally I picked up a book about metabolism and it really blew me away. It said if you have problems losing weight no matter what you try, you could have an endocrine problem. I have an appointment in a few weeks but here is what I found researching this on my own:
Hyperthyroid, even though your heart rate is fast, can make you gain weight. If you think about it, your cortisol levels are high. Your body is stressed to the max, you are anxious and guess what? You gain weight with excess cortisol. I don't know why I did not think about this before.
By the way, I rented a book called The Complete Thyroid Book and it had something very interesting in it. I learned that thyrotoxicosis is a precursor to hyperthyroid and the symptoms often are misdiagnosed as being a cardiology issue. Anyway I thought that was interesting since that's what happened to me.
I hope that I can figure out how to lose weight because I have tried everything. It's not fair that we are responsible, healthy individuals trying to take care of our bodies and we cannot lose weight. I am like 30 pounds overweight and I cannot even lose 10. It's incredibly frustrating to be in my 30's and feel like I have let myself down.
I was diagnosed with hyperthroidism about a year and a half ago, after I noticed that I had hand tremors and a rapid heart beat. I had also lost about 15 pounds. Went on methimazole for about a year but kept gaining more and more weight. Stopped taking meds about 5 months ago and have continued to put on more and more weight. Very discouraging.
I was diagnosed with Graves disease in April, and have always been a bit overweight. I exercise regularly, and although i was always hungry, I have always watched what I eat. Since my diagnosis, I've been on a gradually reducing dose of carbimazole from 20mg down to 5mg per day. My latest blood tests results show my T4 levels have more than halved (from 24.5 to 11!!). My weight has jumped up from 170 to 198 lbs in six months, with no change in lifestyle or diet. I imagine this is due to my metabolism slowing down and body responding to the meds.
To try and combat the weight gain, I have introduced even more exercise into my daily routines (walking EVERYWHERE and more swimming each week), and I am watching my calories/diet like a hawk. I am now eating between a 400-600 calorie deficit every day (for the past 6 weeks), and my weight is not going down, but it now seems to be staying the same. It is extremely hard, and unfortunately there's not much else to be done at the moment, but I am going to monitor it until my next appointment, as the psychological effects are proving just as difficult to deal with as the physical ones!
So you can have a thyroid storm while taking medicines? I am new to the severe hyperthyroidism & even though I am on medicine my heart feels like it is trying to go crazy & I can't tell if it's my lungs or heart (I'm an allergic asthmatic also) so I do get confused. Anyway because of my uptake looking like I was on thyroid medicine, (I was not) I am now on methimizole but a very low dose because of & the Beta blocker is pantoprozolol I think is how it's spelled. But I some days have a ton of energy but can't go because I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack but also now gaining weight! How frustrating! I go back to my endocrinologist on Tuesday to see what's next but I will bring up my heart lung whatever issue. I've just wondered if I could be in a storm on medicine. Thank's, Bobbie
I have problems with weight gain as well. It is baffling even though I've read that it occurs as the result of one of two things:(1) heart failure, or (2) the TSI antibodies blocking the receptors on the thyroid gland instead of stimulating them, which can make the symptoms and signs look confusing. When heart failure occurs it tends to do so in older people who have Graves' disease.
This disease baffles me also because I have systemic lupus, and some of the symptoms overlap. I'm trying to learn what sets them off. I think the diseases often act up at the same time. I also believe that the Graves' disease tends to be active when I am stressed out, especially physically. So I think heavily exercise may bring it out. I do know that sunlight causes my kidneys to swell and bleed. That seems strange even to me, even though I know that it is true. Also, I have been told that my thyroid gland is burning out. The endo told me that she expects for me to just be hypothyroid at some point, but I wonder, because my cousin also had lupus and Graves' disease and her Graves' disease never burned out. She died in September after falling into another lupus induced coma.
I have to admit that I am angry and depressed about it all. I was a certified personal trainer. I'm 55. There isn't a lot of time left for me to learn a new trick. I threw everything into that basket.
Has anyone had there reverse T3 levels checked?
I know that this is an old comment, but I am hoping that you are still receiving notifications. I had my RAI the first week of April 2017 and have since gained 34lbs. I feel horrible and at such a loss. The only change in my eating habits has been that this last month I stopped drinking Pepsi. (Yes, I am a Pepsi-holic and seriously drank a lot everyday) Of course you'd think that if I cut out the crazy probably 1000 cal. per day in Pepsi that I would at least not GAIN weight. Soo not the case.
I'm hoping that you have some ideas or can tell me when/if this levels out. Thanks in advance.
I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease and Hyperthyroidism one year ago. This past year has not been easy, and we all through it. I am 26 years old, and my heart was beating fast so this was a concern. I saw my primary care doctor and she told me that I have hyperthyroidism. I was scheduled months later to see an endocrinologist. In the meantime I noticed my eyes were popping out (horrible for your self esteem). I was losing weight. I was 135 and dropped to 119. My endocrinologist put my on methimozole, a beta blocker, vitamin D, and selenium for my bulging eyes. From medication, I went from 119, to 150 and I was feeling like a slug. I decided to stop my medication cold turkey (which is not good) and I lost over 20 pounds, so YES your medication will make you gain weight. I did so much research about what other people did, and YOU CAN BE CURED. Doctors are just popping us with pills, but they are not getting down to the root cause of why we got this disease and how we can revert it. I am currently seeing a holistic nurse, who had the same thing as me and cured herself. Key word there "HAD". She studied western medicine, so she gave me some herbs and also does acupuncture. I did so much research that I learned all about herbs that will help this disease. And ways to eat that will help, because what we put in our bodies will help us significantly. Trust your instinct. I did, and I will be cured in a a year completely. Do as much research as you can. Best of luck everyone!
Check your cortisol, also, go on a diet, exercise won't help much itself. Change regular milk to plant based milk also, all mayonaise and other dairy sauces to plant based sauces, it would make a huge difference if you don't want to go on a crash diet. And overall cut calories, use cronometer, write there everything how much and what you eat, sometimes people underestimate how much they eat.You need to eat 300-500 calories less than you burn to lose weight.https://cronometer.com/
Hope it helps.
I too am in this predicament. Diagnosed with
Advanced hyperthyroidism, graves, heterogeneous
Goiter on the right side of the thyroid and
a 2.05 cm nodule on the lower left lobe, july 2016. And it has been extremely difficult for me. My endo told me once I got off Methimazole I'd start to
Lose weight. Best I can remember before I got on the
Methimazole I weighed 129 ish. I was on Methimazole for 1 year
And blew up to 166. I waited 4 months & went to all
Different doctors. Gastro, Endos, GYNs, GPs, Cardiologists
Anyone for a stomach that looked like I was 9 Months
Pregnant who could help. Finally One Doc told me go on
A fast. See if it starts your metabolism. Well I went on a
Major fast. 600 calories for 2&1/2 months and before that
850 but only for a little under a month. I started working
Out like crazy as well.. burning a Defacit of 800-1000
Calories 6 days a week. I'm down to 131 and so grateful
But I'm afraid of what's to come. I tried to add more food
Back but started to see I was gaining 3-4 pounds so I
Went back to 600 and some days 450-500. I am
Positive this medicine stops your metabolism
Permanently. It's been 7 months now since I am off it
And I can't eat normal or not exercise or it will come back
And quick. I am a vegetarian & eat little to no carbs.
I only say all of this to say if you were desperate like
Me the only solution seems like starve yourself and work
Out for several hours a day. Any feedback from people
Who know this struggle would be helpful. The Doc said
Once I got the metabolism working again I could eat normal
But I am seeing now that is untrue. And I fear I will need
To be at 600 calories a day with insane work outs always now
Hi everyone, I have been diagnosed with graves disease last Monday. I never had any symptoms I would never know if I didn't tell my OB/GYN that we want to start trying for a baby. I've been on 10mg methimazone twice a day and propranolol 3 times a day for few days now. I'm 158lb have been for few years now I used to have no problem losing the weight but if I did lose it I gained double. I'm really scared gaining more weight cuz I feel like I'm already big. I was thinking about radioactive iodine but im not sure if I gain or lose weight. I'm hoping someone has since answers.
I have been recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and have gained a total of 11 lbs in just 2 months. It's difficult as I get hungry all the time and can't seem to get satisfied when eating. I am getting depressed as my clothes don't fit me anymore. I hope somebody can give any advice that worked for them.
You say you've been diagnosed with Graves disease AND Hyperthyroidism. You DO realize that Graves Disease is just one type of hyperthyroidism, not 2 separate diseases? I keep reading and keep coming across this more than once so thought I'd ask.
Hi, just wondering what holistic approaches/herbs are you using? And where's did you find your holistic nurse?
Just wondering what herbs did you use and where did yo I find the holistic nurse?
Hi. I just started on this website. I am experiencing the same issues. I was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. TSH less than .01, T3 & T4 through the roof. I don't have the numbers in front of me - I also tested positive for the Graves antibodies. The whole thing actually started because my eyelid was drooping out of no where so they began testing me for everything under the sun. So while I'm happy they figured that out, I am on the methazimazole (sp?) and like everyone here I have been steadily gaining weight. I had gained weight over the winter and that was my fault - just sitting around eating junk and less exercise. But now that I'm truly watching calories, using myfitness pal to log everything, exercising, I just can't get it to budge. I lost 30 pounds the year before and was so happy and back to my pre-baby size (my boys are in highschool now) but now I've actually gained ALL of it back and I am right now where I started. I'm getting really nervous. Have you found anything that worked? My doctor yesterday just moved my meds from 30mg a day, up to 40mg a day because the T3 lowered very slightly over the first month on and she didn't feel it was a big enough drop out of the danger zone. She wanted to double it, but I asked her to give me one more month to see if it works at just 40mg. I'm scared of what this medicine is doing to me.
my patient has normal T3 &T4 but TSH =8.49 while it ranges from 0,27 -4.2
what should we do to reduce TSH.
I dont know whether you guys still on this or not, but I still register here just to express my situation.
I was treated hyperthyroid about 2 years, now my number is stable, im still on carbimazol 10mg per day.
In my 2 years I gain 30lbs, it was frustrating.
I'm even more stressed with my body than my hyperthyroid.
The last time im on diet I lost 6lbs and cannot lose anyweight since then.
I read on internet that they said we can take other drug to reduce our set point on weight, any body have idea on that? please advice cos im really stressed out with my body.
I dont know whether you guys still on this or not, but I still register here just to express my situation.
I was treated hyperthyroid about 2 years, now my number is stable, im still on carbimazol 10mg per day.
In my 2 years I gain 30lbs, it was frustrating.
I'm even more stressed with my body than my hyperthyroid.
The last time im on diet I lost 6lbs and cannot lose anyweight since then.
I read on internet that they said we can take other drug to reduce our set point on weight, any body have idea on that? please advice cos im really stressed out with my body.
So I was diagnosed with Graves' disease end of feb. I have been taking 15mg of methimazole twice a day. I just received my blood work and I became hypo. So me endo prescribe me 100mcg of synthroid and he did not adjust my methimazole. Is that common? Should I be taking both?
I have just read every comment on this forum and I am depressed, I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroid during a thyroid storm that cause an unknown brain aneurysm to rupture, lucky to be alive, was in a coma for ten days and in the hospital for a month. I left there on 20mg 2X a day of Methimazole, that was three and a half years ago, I am still on methimazole and now I have high blood pressure and take Atenilol and Lisinopril,I have gained 80 lbs even though I have become vegan a year ago. I crave sugar, I am also Methadone dependant (not because of elicit drug addiction). It hurts to exercise, my muscles hurt, I am exhausted all the time. I need to lose weight, thinking of just going off my Methimazole but then the guy earlier said it did not help him. Crazy, I hate this. Of everything being fat is the worse. Anyone out there want to chat please write back and I will keep checking. Love to all...Kim


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I've been in my sick boy bed for the last 10 days so I've been looking for ways to keep myself entertained. Now I do love gaming and my favourite platform and the most convenient is my iPhone. One because it's just there, and two, iOS games are great just to pick up, play and put down when the mood takes you.
I only have one problem. Bloody in-app purchases! Now I remember a time when you could just buy games or at least get a trial and then unlock the full version if you fancied. But nowadays developers treat us like lab rats dropping us treats to keep us addicted with the ultimate goal of making us put our hands in our pockets. But that's the point! We are happy to send you some funds your way for a great app and just pay and play. But no, what you want to do is to give us the game for free and if we want to do anything useful you either have to shell out or wait and age for something to happen.
For example, last night I downloaded an app called 'Raid HQ', it's a nice enough little game. You have a bunch of soldiers and you go around shooting the crap out of enemies and their bases. Fair enough.
Like many games it starts off with a little bit of a tutorial so you can get to grips with it and allows you to see how the game progresses and it was actually quite fun. It told me how to build up my team and how to defend my own base. After a few levels I was hooked and like many apps they make the first few levels stupidly easy to you keep with it. But once this was all over in comes a full screen ad to buy gold to get extra options, and surprise, surprise they levels then become markedly more difficult and can only be enjoyed with aforementioned paid upgrade.
There was only one thing to do at that point. Delete it. I knew that this would not be the last time they would try and tap me for cash.
Now what if I could buy this game for a couple of quid and actually be allowed to use my skill to progress through the stages? Surely that is the way to go. Now not all games are like this and there are some that I have purchased outright and I have enjoyed them greatly, I don't even mind games that make their money from ads in between rounds as they still allow you to at least play the game. But these in-app purchases are driving me insane and especially if you look at how much some of these upgrades can most you, you could end up spending the same amount as a console game.
So come on developers. You're all talented people and you're all putting out some pretty good stuff. Now I know you need to make a living, we all do and I am happy to assist you with this and would happy hand over some coinage for a game that I can actually play but please do not try to hamper or trick me into a sale because I'm not going to bite.
This has to stop!
So do in-app purchases drive you mad? If so please hit us in the comments below and if there is an app that you have found pretty egregious please let us know.
Paul Wright
Exactly I don't download anything unless the only in app purchase is to unlock the full version.
I think clearly signed in app purchases are fine if they're for a "pro" feature in an otherwise free app (e.g Bear Writer) but these in game currency purchases would turn me right off.

subset: commoncrawl


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Self-fulfilling prophecy
Without commitment, any change initiative is doomed to failure. The cause is often the so-called self-fulfilling prophecy: The fact that employees and executives believe that the initiative will fail ultimately leads to failure.
There is no change dynamic in the Company, In order to create these, a sense of urgency must first be created. The support of the management is not enough. The best change initiative will fail if not everyone joins in!
Basic urgency
Urgency is the basis for sensible changes in the company. The urgency may vary for each person.
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For all, however, whoever does not feel an urgency does not react to it either. This is also the main reason why projects in a company often have to be put on hold.
Empty promises against realistic expectations
In order to bring about change initiatives, executives often promise unrealistic results. The fact is that the project does not even yield the promised results after months or years of hard work.
Through these empty promises, employees lose confidence. If such a thing grows, a culture of suspicion is systematically generated. Once lost, confidence is very difficult to restore. However, it is always worthwhile to work on it - by putting realistic expectations, communicating progress and clearly showing that the expected results are very likely to be achieved.
With the CORE approach in 6 steps to success
Any change initiative will only be successful if the people in the organization are willing to trust this solution permanently.
The so-called CORE (Cycle of Results) approach has been developed by ProChain Solutions, in order to build up and maintain this trust. When the CORE approach is combined with the best solution components, this leads to a successful and long-lasting implementation. This way, you can avoid basic causes of failure:
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- emergencies: To avoid lack of urgency, it is important to find or develop common urgency through learning and analyzing.
- Lack of readiness: By defining and communicating realistic expectations through a common vision, a lack of willingness can be avoided.
- Engagement: The involvement of key persons during the planning process creates commitment to the initiative.
- Inadequate solutions: Implementation creates added value and solves problems such as poorly defined results, an inappropriate implementation plan, insufficient resources, or insufficient involvement of key personnel.
- Added value: By evaluating and measuring the added value, the inability to communicate it is stopped.
- Stamina: The CORE cycle must be continued continuously to ensure long-term changes.
Minimize changes to the essentials
Unfortunately there is no patent solution for changes in the business environment. It is an inevitable consequence of the business activity. However, there are a few important implications: On the one hand, the management should carefully handle additional changes in the midst of a change initiative in order to be able to control them.
Second, no new change initiatives should be started before the old ones have been assimilated. Finally, no key people should be transferred within the organization without considering the impact on the initiatives. Basically, it is better to have fewer changes and these are reasonable.
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A list of my favorite branding agencies
Branding is not an easy task. There are so many variables that a company has to consider in order to market itself properly to the intended audiences. However, there are a few branding agencies that are superb in this area. I would like to share this list with you. Cause+Effect – A Vancouver based brand, … Continue reading


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HUSAYBAH, Iraq — News travels slowly to American troops deployed in the desert plains of Iraq. Days after the bombing of a Shiite shrine convulsed the country in religious violence, word hadn't reached U.S. Marines some 160 miles away.
"We don't know what's going on in Iraq, except for what's going on here," said Cpl. Matt Waldman of Somerset, N.J., of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Regiment. "We're so far away that we don't hear anything."
In these border cities about 200 miles west of Baghdad, little information flows in except for intelligence about the neighborhoods the troops are trying to stabilize.
"Gay cowboys?" asked Navy Corpsman Brandon Bonner incredulously after learning that the film "Brokeback Mountain" was a leading Oscar contender. Brandon said he gets most of his news in packages from home that include old newspapers.
For the Marines here, reports about suspicious cars or tips on weapons caches carry more urgency than news about Vice President Dick Cheney wounding a fellow hunter or the furor over Arab management of six U.S. ports.
"They don't tell us anything, other than I have to be on post at 1800 hours," said Lance Cpl. Philip Tootle of Reidsville, Ga., after he learned of the bombing of a Shiite shrine in Samarra.
'Need to know' basis in military
All this is nothing new in the military — a culture where information is often parceled out on a "need to know" basis. Combat soldiers in World War II often didn't know — and didn't care — what was happening a few miles away. Veterans joked that most infantrymen assumed they had lost every battle.
That doesn't mean U.S. commanders here were oblivious to the bombing and reprisal attacks sweeping Baghdad and other Iraqi cities. Battalion headquarters alerted commanders and senior noncommissioned officers to be on the lookout for religiously motivated attacks and threats against tribal or religious leaders.
But the sectarian violence didn't reach here. The area is almost exclusively Sunni, and most of the Shiites — the sect that carried out reprisal attacks after the shrine bombing — are Iraqi soldiers.
As a result, the word from battalion headquarters didn't seep down to U.S. troops.
More than 36 hours after shrine's golden dome was destroyed by a bomb Feb. 22, one squad on patrol in Rommana hadn't heard the news. Many Marines in a platoon in Husaybah still hadn't learned about the precarious state of Sunni-Shiite relations more than five days after the bombing.
Military newspaper delivered
That wasn't the case elsewhere within the 136,000-strong U.S. military force. U.S. soldiers in Baghdad, a center of the unrest, increased security patrols. And American troops in most parts of Iraq have regular access to the Internet, television, and the military newspaper "Stars and Stripes."
But in Battle Post Beirut in Husaybah, dozens of Marines were lucky to have an unreliable satellite dish and a few television channels.
"That's the thing about us — we are on our own out here," said Pfc. Robert Eunice of Columbus, Ohio. "We don't have a phone, we don't have Internet, and the only outside contact we have is when we get resupplied by our buddies."
There are times, the Marines said, that ignorance is bliss.
"Sometimes it's better that they don't tell us anything," Tootle said. "If, say, six Marines get killed, who wants to hear that?"
© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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The responsibility and specific actions are needed today for Ukraine in order to support growth and enhance consolidation. This statement was made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during a speech at the 15th annual meeting of Yalta European Strategy (YES).
"What is the future about? The future is today plus our vision what we would like to see in the future. However, the future is clearly linked with the responsibility. This is what a modern Ukraine is missing. The responsibility. Not just high quality speeches, but very specific real cases", the Prime Minister said,
The Head of Government recalled that a year ago - during the 14th meeting - he announced the implementation of five key reforms - in education, medicine, and pension systems. And they are all being under way at different stages of implementation.
"During this year we managed to ensure stability and start implementing reforms. Today, it is important to say that we are complying with our obligations. But let's talk about the future. Has it become easier? No. We are facing challenges, it's security and our internal challenges. We are entering the process of new elections. We have a new choice, where we should go and what is our goal. Of course, our goal is the modern European family. But we need to make steps to meet this goal", Volodymyr Groysman added.
"The fundamentals of our security are strong Ukrainian armed forces, strong national economy which has a very serious potential, for sure we have to consolidate the democracy in our country and to develop the democratic institutions. And future elections would be the best test for the democracy, the right of the choice and the rule of law", the Prime Minister assured.
According to him, the economy is already demonstrating positive dynamics. The growth for the second quarter is 3.6%. And then - serious work on improving the business climate, attracting investment, including through privatization, reduction of inflation and continuation of structural reforms.
"The reforms require leadership. I think it would be great, if Ukrainian politicians have the ability to unite around realistic tasks to be implemented by our country. It is not about political ratings, it is a matter of the future of our country. It is time to make responsible decisions", Volodymyr Groysman underscored.


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Square Payroll
We review products independently, but we may earn affiliate commissions from buying links on this page. Terms of use.
- Contractor-only pricing option.
- Unlimited payrolls.
- Automated payroll option.
- Good integration with other Square apps.
- New mobile apps.
- Limited earnings types.
- Some navigation awkward.
- Lacks preformatted reports.
- Rudimentary setup tool.
- Only supports PTO or sick pay.
Bottom LineSquare Payroll checks most of the boxes for paying your staff and sports a simple user experience. It integrates well with other Square apps, but lacks the depth and customizability of its competitors.
Best known for its payment-processing tools, Square has been offering an online payroll service since 2015. It's added some major features since we last reviewed it, including standalone mobile apps and comprehensive state payroll tax coverage. Square Payroll is easy enough to use, and every major element of payroll administration is supported, from setup to pay runs to taxes to reports. However, this young service lacks the depth and customizability of its competition. Its reports are on the skimpy side, and it comes with only a handful of earnings types. Square Payroll has a long way to go to compete with our Editor's Choice, Gusto.
Pricing and Plans
The base price for paying W-2 employees and contractors with Square is $29 per month, with a $5 per worker charge per month, which makes it one of the more economical options. Only Patriot Software's Basic offering ($10 per month plus $4 per employee per month) is less expensive, and that requires you to submit your own payroll taxes. You can pay as much as $80 per month plus $4 per employee per month if you choose Quickbooks Payroll 's Full Service plan.
Square Payroll is unique in that offers a contractor-only option that costs $5 per contractor per month. No subscription fee is due for months in which you don't pay anyone, which has become a fairly standard practice. It could be a good service for startups that don't have—or plan to have—very many employees, and who want to use Square's other integrated apps, like Appointments, Payments, and Point of Sale–or the new Invoices product.
A New Entrance
Many other small business applications—even financial ones—don't require you to designate options for absolutely every setting before you start actually getting some work done. For example, you can start sending invoices with accounting software before you enter your entire customer database. You can add your customers on the fly.
Payroll websites aren't like that. Though you can certainly add employees as you hire them and benefits as you take them on board, you can't do your first run until you've completed comprehensive employee records and added all information required about the benefits you offer your staff.
Square Payroll's setup tools have been truncated since the last time I reviewed the service. It previously had a comprehensive wizard that walked you through all the steps required in setting up for a first payroll run. That helpful feature is gone, replaced with a brief four-step process that asks for contact details and the size of your staff. Once you've completed that, the site's main user interface opens, using a left-hand vertical pane for navigation. You'll complete your setup tasks from there.
An Onerous Task
First up: Creating employee records, which in Square Payroll includes providing information about benefits within each worker record. This is a labor- and time-intensive job. You can save a lot of time, though, by inviting employees to enter a good deal of their own information, such as contact details, date of birth, Social Security number, filing status, and number of allowances designated on the W-4 form. Competitors like also allow this type of limited employee access.
You the proprietor still have to supply a lot of information in employee records, including whether the employee is hourly or salaried, what his or her pay rate is, whether a paper paycheck or direct deposit has been requested, and so on. If you're using Square Point of Sale and plan to import Timecards from there, you have to assign a passcode to the employee.
If you're a young company or you're just starting to offer benefits, you have two options. You can take advantage of the partnerships that Square Payroll has with third-party benefits administrators for things like health insurance and retirement plans. Or you can bring your own and enter these deductions on the site so that they're incorporated into the payroll process.
To add a benefit such as health insurance, you'd open an employee record and click Add Benefit, and then Create New. Enter the name you'd like to appear on paystubs, like Health Insurance or 401(k), then select the benefit type from the drop-down list. You can choose to have a percentage of a worker's pay or a flat amount deducted. If there's an annual limit, you enter that. Company contributions are handled similarly. The new benefit then appears as an option in every employee's records. Square Payroll offers the most common deduction types, but it's not as flexible as OnPay ($36.00 at OnPay) , for example.
Will your staff members be able to earn Paid Time Off (PTO) or sick leave? As of this writing, Square Payroll supports only one or the other. It does help you create policies to track this and does the ongoing calculations in the background. You have to specify how many hours employees need to work before they're eligible. The site also supports garnishments and other post-tax deductions.
More Steps
Before you can run a payroll, you'll need to enter payroll tax information for your state (all 50 are now supported, and the site provides current tax tables). This includes state withholding and UI account numbers, and state UI tax rates. You'll have to do a few more housekeeping tasks, such as linking Square Payroll to your bank account so it can withdraw funds for taxes and direct deposit. This process can take a few days, because Square has to make two very small deposits in your account to verify the connection. You can, however, use Plaid—a service that can instantly authenticate accounts and that integrates with Square. This lets you run a payroll the same day you sign up. Same-day payroll is an excellent feature, which some competitors have also added.
If you've already been paying employees or contractors, you'll need to enter your payroll history—quite a burdensome task. Like its competitors, Square has onboarding specialists at your disposal who can help with this and other setup chores.
The Square Payroll User Experience
Square Payroll displays all employee data fields on one long screen that requires a lot of scrolling. Competitors like SurePayroll separate related information and display it on individual screens that are accessible by clicking tabs. This eases the initial creation of the records, as well as subsequent retrieval and edits.
That's not the site's only quirk. When you sign in, you see a Dashboard that incorporates links to other Square products and services. You have to click the Payroll icon to get to Square Payroll's Dashboard, which is not nearly as comprehensive as OnPay's, for example. It displays a three-month line graph illustrating total labor costs and links to recent payrolls. An alert about the upcoming payroll is in the upper right, along with a Pay My Team link, which you click at payroll time.
Overall, the site is very sparse, with few navigation links; in fact, there simply isn't much navigation at all, except for Continue buttons during payroll runs. The main menu contains links to the site's sections: Overview (Dashboard), History (past payrolls), Team (employee list and records), Benefits (like third parties who can help set up health insurance plans), Tax Forms (filed payroll tax forms), and Settings. The last doesn't include much, owing to the simplicity of the site. You'll use the main menu almost exclusively for navigation, though when you're on an internal working screen, you'll sometimes have to click an X in the upper-left corner to close it and return to the main menu.
Running Payroll, Getting Help
Once you've completed the setup process and verified your bank account, you're ready to pay people. On the home screen, you click Pay My Team, which launches a wizard. You're given three options: run a regular payroll, run an off-cycle payment, or pay a contractor. The next screen displays all employees in a table, along with their pay rates. Here you enter the number of hours worked in the correct columns: Regular, Overtime (1.5x Regular), Double (2x Regular), Additional, Paycheck Tips, and Cash Tips. The Additional option is for commissions, bonuses, and so on, but the label just says Additional, and you can't edit it to be more specific.
You can also enter PTO or sick pay hours. Click the three dots at the end of each row to add notes, such as an explanation for the Additional column. The site calculates each worker's Gross Pay and deposits it in the final column. Clicking Continue takes you to the Adjustments page, where you'll again see the table of staff members. Columns here display withholding amounts for taxes, deductions and company contributions, reimbursements, and, finally, Net Pay.
The next screen, Confirm Withdrawal, is sufficient, considering the site's feature set. It summarizes the run you're about to approve. Totals for all pay types, employer taxes, and company contributions appear at the top-left side of the page. The Withdrawal Summary to the right breaks payroll down into scheduled debits and payments you'll need to handle. You can also see a preview of individual paystubs by clicking a link.
Click Confirm Withdrawal, and your run is complete (though you can cancel it up until 7 p.m. Pacific Time the day before payday). Links on the following page let you print checks, download paystubs, and export the run to CSV format. If you have trouble running your payroll (or completing any other tasks), you can contact Square support by phone, email, or Twitter; alternatively you can browse online help and the user community. The site's online help is not nearly as comprehensive as that of some competitors, including SurePayroll, and more context-sensitive help would be welcome.
Reports and Mobile
If you're looking for a service that offers lots of preformatted reports, you'll find sites like Gusto ($25 Per Month at Gusto) far more accommodating than Square Payroll, which offers only a custom report option. You can export Paycheck Details, Employee Totals, Paystubs, or Company Totals in CSV format. Square also integrates with QuickBooks Online, and as you might expect, it's well-integrated with other Square services.
The company has added mobile apps for iOS and Android since I last reviewed it. Both work similarly to the browser-based interface in terms of both setup and operations, with a couple of exceptions. The Overview (Dashboard) is missing the labor costs graph and links to previous payrolls. Also, entries that appear in the left-side navigation menu of the desktop version are divided between a drop-down menu accessible from an icon in the upper left and three navigation icons that run along the bottom: Overview, Team, and History. I was able to access employee and contractor records in the app and run a payroll with no problems.
A Beginner Site
Square Payroll might be a good choice for businesses already using Square Point of Sale, since you can import employee timecards from it into the payroll site. It also distinguishes itself from the competition by offering a contractor-only option, for $5 per contractor per month. This provides an easy upward path for a very small business that is only using independent contractors from the start.
In fact, we'd really only recommend Square Payroll for a very small business with few employees, or one that only employs contractors. The service is fairly easy to use, but a company with any complexity will find needed features missing, such as customizable earnings types and more reports. At this point, it can't compete with Gusto, our Editors' Choice. Gusto combines an exceptional user experience with the features many small businesses would be most likely to use. Square Payroll definitely shows promise, but it has a way to go in terms of reporting, customizability, and the depth of its offering.
While you're in the money mindset, check out our roundups of the best online accounting services and tax software.


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The island of Faial is located in the central group of the Azores archipelago, and is part of the "triangle islands", together with São Jorge and the neighbouring Island of Pico which is separated by the Faial Channel; a narrow sea inlet which is about 8 km wide. The Island covers an area of about 172km2, … Continue reading Basketball Size Hydrangeas on The 'Blue Island' in the Azores
Tag: Azores Forest
The Secret to Creating the Perfect Azores Style Garden
One thing you're sure to discover on your trip to the Azores is the abundance of flowers both native and endemic that blanket these picturesque islands landscape. Each of the 9 islands have their own unique beauty and are filled with a wide variety of unique plants, flowers and trees that make this a nature … Continue reading The Secret to Creating the Perfect Azores Style Garden
Cloud Forest: The Magic of the Laurisilva Forests in the Azores
Trees, which are an essential component to the lifeblood and survival of our fragile ecosystem here on Earth have always had a dominating effect here on the Azores islands, with the landscape covered with dense forests and green pastures as far as the eye can see. Here in the mid-Atlantic ridge where only a few … Continue reading Cloud Forest: The Magic of the Laurisilva Forests in the Azores
Nature Reserve's on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores
Nature Reserve & Recreation Park of Viveiro do Nordeste This is a great garden lovers reserve with its proximity to the historical centre of Nordeste with pleasant picnic areas and traditional wood ovens, make this park an attractive choice for many visitors. Right at the entrance of the Nature Reserve & Recreation Park you will … Continue reading Nature Reserve's on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores
The Magic of the Atlantic Island of Sao Miguel
Most people only recently began hearing about the Azores islands and that is because of the recent tourism boom that has hit the region. The Azores, which composes of 9 islands in the North-Atlantic off the coast of Portugal which was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century. One of the privileges of growing up … Continue reading The Magic of the Atlantic Island of Sao Miguel
An Enchanting Prehistoric Forest in the Azores: Sao Miguel Island
The Azores are lush, green islands situated in an isolated spot of the Atlantic Ocean, where temperatures are mild and change little from season to season. Renowned for their thermal springs, crater lakes, exotic vegetation, and unique grottoes that have resulted from ongoing volcanic activity, these islands hold many special elements of a delicate Eco-system.The … Continue reading An Enchanting Prehistoric Forest in the Azores: Sao Miguel Island
Bird Watching on the Azores Islands
Raising from the Atlantic ocean, 1500 km from mainland Europe are a group of 9 magical islands known as the Azores. The seas surrounding these beautiful islands are home to an amazing variety of marine life, such as dolphins, whales and sea turtles while flocks of birds adorn the coastlines and enchanting forests of these … Continue reading Bird Watching on the Azores Islands
10 Amazing Facts about Portugal
Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe! Portugal has maintained its original borders since 1139, making it the oldest country in Europe. To put that in a bit of perspective, Lisbon has been around four centuries longer than Rome.Portugal's western European coastline with cliffs that dive in the Atlantic ocean is home to some of … Continue reading 10 Amazing Facts about Portugal
Nordeste: An Oasis on Sao Miguel island
The county of Nordeste is in English translated to mean North-East; which is the location of this beautiful little town on the island of Sao Miguel. Here is one of the more quiet parts of the island where large forested areas surrounds that city limits and beyond. It is here that the islands famous sunrise … Continue reading Nordeste: An Oasis on Sao Miguel island
Guide to Fruits, Flowers and Trees Grown in the Azores
Welcome to Paradise! Located a short two-hour flight from mainland Europe these 9 islands are one of the most beautiful island destinations on the planet. Their old world charm, and natural beauty add to the unique character that each one of these islands have. The Azores are famous for their hydrangea lined roads, abundance of … Continue reading Guide to Fruits, Flowers and Trees Grown in the Azores
Meals Cooked Deep in the Volcano in São Miguel
A past time for generations on the island of Sao Miguel is the fascinating way they produced their "Cozidho" which is cooked underground in a small wooden barrel that is filled with all the meats, potatoes, sausage, vegetables, cabbage and spices etc. Once it is all package up and sealed tight with the wooden lid … Continue reading Meals Cooked Deep in the Volcano in São Miguel


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Recommended for all wooden surfaces. Can be used for cleaning furniture, both shiny and matte; surfaces of natural veneer and laminate.
Removes dust, dirt and fat stains successfully. Can be applied on lacquered, ceramic and glass surfaces. Fast drying product. Leaves nice fragrance; easy to use, based on "put and clean". It doesn't require drying and polishing.
Packaging: 0,6l pH: 6/*/8


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Days after the AAP approached the Delhi Assembly Speaker seeking disqualification of its two rebel MLAs, the ruling party in the national capital Thursday said it can take similiar action against its other rebel legislators. The AAP had on June 10 moved a petition in the Delhi Assembly and sought disqualification of its two rebel MLAs — Anil Bajpai from Bijwasan seat and Devinder Sehrawat from Gandhi Nagar — who had been openly critical of the party and had joined the BJP on May 3 and May 6 respectively.
Saurabh Bhardwaj, the spokesperson of the Aam Aadmi Party said the outfit was expecting the two MLAs to quit "legally and morally", but since that did not happen, it decided to move the petition against them. He further said, "Action can be taken against other rebel MLAs too and till now action has been taken against these two."
The two other MLAs who can be on party's radar are Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba and Karawal Nagar MLA Kapil Mishra as both of them have been vocal against the party's actions and decisions. Meanwhile, a Delhi government official said once Bajpai and Sehrawat submit their replies, the Speaker will examine them. "The Speaker will go by the laid down rules and will announce his decision," the official said.
While Sehrawat said that he has received a notice from the speaker, Bajpai said there is no merit in AAP's petition as the case of office of profit against him is still subjudice. "Under the existing laws, they (AAP) have not issued a proper notice. Even on the BJP dais, I had said that I have not taken the party membership… There is a due process before seeking my disqualification and I have not received any notice directly from the AAP," Sehrawat said.
But Bhardwaj said that if that is the case then both Bajpai and Sehrawat should openly say that BJP leaders Manoj Tiwari and Vijay Goel are lying and they are not associated with the BJP and still support the Aam Aadmi Party.
Last year, the Delhi High Court restored the membership of 20 disqualified AAP MLAs and referred the case back to the Election Commission (EC). The HC had said the disqualification of AAP MLAs was bad in law, and therefore remanded their plea back to the EC which will hear it afresh.
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For all the latest Delhi News, download Indian Express App.


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August Featured Partners of the Month
We would like to congratulate The Spa at Eseeola, our January 2019 Featured Business of the Month!
We would like to congratulate our December Featured Business of the Month, Fifth Third Bank!…
The Avery County Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Mountain Construction for being our Featured Business of the Month for November 2018!…
The Avery County Chamber of Commerce would like to sincerely congratulate Banner Elk Winery & Villa for being chosen as our Featured Business of the Month for October…
For more than 100 years, Crossnore School & Children's Home has provided hope and healing for children who are unable to live safely in their own homes. Crossnore offers a holistic approach to treating the whole child emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our Theory of Change model is unique to our organization and begins with meeting the most basic need by providing a safe and loving home for children from families in crisis. Within the model, each circle grows bigger to show the expansion of a child's well-being—mind, body, and spirit.
Crossnore has expanded from Avery County to include a residential campus in Winston-Salem and a satellite office in Hendersonville. Our residential programs include on-campus group homes for children in foster care in Crossnore and Winston-Salem. Our clinical services are offered to our residential children, outpatient therapy clients, and through school-based therapies in all three of our locations. Foster care and adoption services are also available in all three locations and include training for licensure, as well as post-licensure training, support, and supervision.
Another aspect of Crossnore's continuum of care that is offered is Youth in Transition services. Youth in Transition continues support for young adults who have graduated high school. The program concentrates on helping these young adults stabilize their housing, education, employment, transportation, and other independent living skills.
1001 Reynolds Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104
(336) 721-7600
Info @crossnore .org
100 DAR Drive PO Box 249 Crossnore, NC 28616-0249
(828) 733-4305
Info@crossnore .org
We are here to provide you with professional massage services to help ease your aches and pains and the stress of daily life. We offer a range of massage therapies such as Swedish, integrative, pregnancy, and reflexology.
After a lifetime of loving massage therapy, Deb Casaccia became a licensed massage therapist over 12 years ago. She has attended Healing Arts Institute, Georgia Academy of Massage and the Western North Carolina School of Massage. Deb is very interested in learning new styles of massage therapy and healthy practices. She is trained in Swedish massage, deep tissue, myofascial release, advanced pregnancy massage and reflexology. She became a Reiki Master in 2013 and is 1 in 10 massage therapists in North Carolina trained to massage burn scar survivors. Deb customizes her massages to fit the needs of each individual client and strives to help others feel better. She volunteers at Cannon Hospital and lives in a cottage in Linville Land Harbor with her family. NCLMBT#11667
Our new studio is quiet, cool and delightfully calming!
Featured Business of the Month
Deb Casaccia, Owner of Zenergy Massage Therapy
Member, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
Visit us online at www.zenergy.massagetherapy.com
Call: 828-742-1899 or call/text 828-989-1555 or book online for a massage!
We are delighted to be in our new location in downtown Newland, NC at 418 Pineola St, Newland, NC 28657 sharing a space with Kerri Stephanie Skin Therapy (KSST) (kerristephanie.com)
For facial waxing, professional make up or a relaxing facial, please call Kerri- 828-260-9533
The Blue Ridge Partnership for Children is an independent, nonprofit organization, with a Board of Directors made up of community members from all three counties. The Board determines how best to invest local Smart Start funding to support programs designed to address community concerns in early care and education, the health of young children, and services for their families. Two locations serving Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties. 392 East Main Street / PO Box 1387, Burnsville, NC 28714, Phone: 828.682.0047 / Fax: 828.682.7987 215 Pineola Street / PO Box 1455, Newland, NC 28657, Phone: 828.733.2899 / Fax: 828.733.9122 Jennifer Simpson, Executive Director email@example.com Visit us online at www.blueridgechildren.org or www.facebook.com/Blue-Ridge-Partnership-for-Children What is the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children? CLICK HERE Blue Ridge Child Care Resource & Referral Information: CLICK HERE …
LifeStore Insurance – YOUR North Carolina Insurance Specialist As an independent North Carolina Insurance Agency, LifeStore Insurance has seven locations (Boone, Greystone, West Jefferson, Elkin, Lenoir, North Wilkesboro, and Sparta) to serve your needs. By working together, our professional insurance agents will guide you through all available insurance options so you find the policies that best fit your specific needs. As an independent agent, we work with most major insurance carriers and many times can get you a more competitive price than you could receive from the insurance carrier directly. So whether you are looking for individual coverage, family protection, auto, business, or health insurance, investment opportunities, or a custom policy, LifeStore is there for you . . . at every stage of your life. ~ Auto ~ Home ~ Business ~ Life ~ Health ~ Karen McNeil , CBIA , Account Executive 1675 Blowing Rock Road Boone, NC 28607 (828) 263-1524 (800) 723-4718 www.lifestoreinsurance.com Email: email@example.com…
Nestled in the stunningly beautiful North Carolina Appalachian mountains, Blackpoint at Linville Falls is moments from America's favorite drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway. Featuring furnished luxury homes, this gated community offers all amenities including clubhouse, swimming pool, underground utilities, natural gas, cable/satellite, and high speed internet. Each home has an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, top-end appliances, marble counters, hardwood floors, and stone. Perfect for vacation rentals, weddings, or retreats, Blackpoint at Linville Falls is across from Linville Falls Winery where you can sip delicious wine while watching the sunset over the majestic vistas of North Carolina's Highlands. Karen M. Salle, Exclusive Broker Office Phone: 828.765.1127 Direct Cell Phone 386-569-5854 Web Site: http://www.blackpointatlinvillefalls.net Email: email@example.com …
Dr. Carol G. Schaffer has been practicing general dentistry in the High Country since 1987. Dr. Schaffer is a 1981 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine. She completed a one year General Practice of Residency at the University of Pennsylvania in 1982. Then she moved to North Carolina in where she began to practice in Boone in 1987. She opened her Linville office in 2001 and loves being part of Avery County. In addition to regular cleaning and exams, her office offers restorative, cosmetic and implant dentistry. Dr. Carol Schaffer in her general dental practice treats adult patients. She offers a full range of comprehensive dentistry services such as: preventive care, comprehensive exams, dental cleanings, digital x-rays, fillings, crowns and bridges, whitening, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry. She welcomes new patients. Dr. Carol G. Schaffer, general dentistry practice houses three operatory rooms, one dental hygiene room, and one laboratory / sterilization room, a waiting room, and an office which staffs five onsite employees including herself. Jillian Tenge- CDA Wendy Moody- CDA Carol G. Schaffer, DMD, PA Beth Whitehead- RDH Pam Watson- Office Manager In a recent interview, Dr. Carol Schaffer, explains that in her practice she values spending time discussing treatment options for her patients. She states, "An informed patient can make the best decision about his or her long term dental health, comfort and functionality. It is well worth the extra time spent with patients to provide a clear understanding of all dental health procedures and services that we can provide." Her office is located at Sloop Medical Office Plaza, 436 Hospital Drive, Suite 105, Linville, NC 28646, and can be reached 828-737-7722 or by visiting www.carolschaffer.com….
Feeding Avery Families is a non-profit Christian organization in Avery County dedicated to eliminating hunger by any means possible including monetary donations, volunteerism, and food donations. FAF provided 60% of the food assistance in Avery County in 2017 and currently distributes approximately 500 boxes of food every month (generally on the last Friday), reaching over 1000 individuals, from their Food Distribution Center at 508 Pineola Street in Newland. Please get in touch with Dick Larson to donate or volunteer. Dick Larson, Executive Director P.O. Box 1075 Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 783-8506…
Listed as one of the top ten "must-do's" for the Banner Elk area, Souvenir Shirts is located on Hwy. 184 at the base of the Sugar Mountain ski slopes. They sell everything from local Woolly Worm tee-shirts and ski apparel to homemade fudge and ice cream, and have been providing Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, and Banner Elk souvenirs and gifts since 1987! Souvenir Shirts 3175 Tynecastle Hwy. Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 898-6441…
Did you know that Mountain Jewelers was started while Karen and Tim were still attending ASU?
The River Dog is located in beautiful Linville, NC in the Linville Village Shopping Plaza which is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Established by statute in 1983, the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program has been serving abused and neglected children for more than 30 years.
Chris and Jim of Peak Real Estate, located in Banner Elk on Tynecastle Highway, will be happy to answer any questions you may have concerning the purchase of your new home or sale of your current home.
As a financial advisory firm, our primary focus is to provide unbiased opinions that are designed to achieve long term investment results.
The Avery Journal Times has proudly served as Avery County's newspaper of record since 1959.
Since 1978, or for 39 years, Wahoo's has consistently offered the highest quality whitewater rafting, canoeing, tubing, and hiking experiences available east of the Rocky Mountains.
Since 1959, Holston Camp has welcomed kids seeking a refuge from the seasonal heat and a sanctuary for spiritual, mental and physical growth into 150 acres of forest, lakes and streams nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina.
Grandfather Mountain is a mountain, a non-profit attraction, and a North Carolina state park near Linville, North Carolina.
Andrew Roby is the premier custom residential contractor in the Carolinas.
For 20 years, Carolina Mountain Life Magazine has reflected the heartbeat of the High Country with stories showcasing the people and places that make living or visiting this area special.
Appalachian Home Care is a leading provider of home care services in the High Country of North Carolina.


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01-15-07, 3:14 pm
well... i've been working out for almost 3 years now (not continuiously though) .. and i see the trasformation that i got.. pretty convincing for my age and time i spent at the gym.. but i've always had a problem.. my arms .. especially my biceps, no matter what exercises i do or how intense they are. or how heavy i lift they seem to be growing really slow! the tricpes are kind of defined.. but size is what i aim for..
sooo any suggestions ?
sooo any suggestions ?


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Chutzpah returns for majestic vintage festival
By Ellen Hill Photos: David Hill, Deep Hill Media
The chutzpah of the golden age of jazz music, elegant fashion, speakeasies and all things Oriental will return in majestic style when the grandest of the grand Blue Mountains hotels hosts Roaring 20s Festival events on February 23 – 24.
The annual celebration of modern freedom, fashion and fun between the drabness of World War I and the restrictions of the Great Depression will high kick off at the Hydro Majestic Hotel with the popular Charleston Dance for Charity at 11am on the Saturday.
The community event is open to anyone dressed in 1920s costume (a feather boa, Mary Jane-style shoes and string of pearls for the ladies and a Fedora hat and pair of spats for the gents will do) and will be led by the Swing Katz and Music in the Mountains.
Gold coin donations will raise funds for Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service. There will also be prizes for the best dance performances and costumes.
The Charleston Dance for Charity will be followed by the Majestic Long Lunch, an indulgent shared feast showcasing the best regional produce and presented by event ambassadors food luminary Lyndey Milan OAM and The Darnell Collection fashion anthropologist Charlotte Smith.
Guests will graze on decadent fare from the Hydro Majestic culinary team with offerings from Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges, Lushious Gourmet Catering, The Carrington Cellars & Deli and Josophan's Fine Chocolates under the ornate vaulted ceiling of the Majestic Ballroom.
Tickets: $95pp includes complimentary cocktail on arrival, live entertainment and dancing, a fashion show of 1920s garments and prizes galore.
Hydro Majestic guest services manager Meagan Iervasi said: "The Roaring 20s Festival relives the golden age of the Blue Mountains generally and the hotel specifically, when exquisitely dressed glamorous people lived a hedonistic life of endless parties.
"It was an era of great social change, of new freedoms and, for some, sumptuous excess.
Thousands of visitors streamed off the trains to check into the guesthouses and grand hotels of Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba, Mt Victoria and, the grandest of them all, Mark Foy'sPalace in the wilderness'', the Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath.''
Retro enthusiasts can fully immerse themselves in that ultimate vintage experience on February 23 by riding into the art deco era aboard the Hydro Express from Central
station to the world-famous hotel in time for an evening of decadence, fine dining and mischievous revelry.
Travel in your choice of carriage class aboard our heritage train hauled by restored NSW Rail Museum-owned 1950s diesel locomotive 4201 from Sydney to Medlow Bath and return.
Tickets: from $130.
The Hydro Express will revisit the original Blue Mountains party palace for a 1920s-themed afternoon high tea on Sunday, February 24.
Upon arrival, passengers bedecked in elegant 1920s attire will nibble on a selection of petite pastries, finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones served with homemade jam and fresh clotted cream, with freshly brewed specialty teas and coffees.
Visitors can also be wowed by the opulent refurbishment of the famous hotel on an optional complimentary history tour.
Tickets: from $110.
The Charleston Dance for Charity, Majestic Long Lunch and Hydro Express Deco Dinner will be held at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Great Western Hwy, Medlow Bath.
Bookings: 4782 6885 or hydromajestic.com.au/events/roaring-20s-festival.
Roaring 20s Festival: art deco weekend at Hydro Majestic Hotel
By Ellen Hill for Escarpment Group Photos: David Hill
The Hydro Majestic Hotel will revive its most mischievous traditions and host the ultimate day-long vintage revelry on Saturday, February 24.
The Roaring 20s Festival celebrations will high kick off with a community Charleston Challenge for Charity dance in front of the Majestic Pavilion at 11am.
The naughty knees-up will be an opportunity for art deco buffs to don their most sophisticated 1920s-inspired costumes befitting the elegant venue (eg: feather boas, spats, fedora hats).
There will be prizes galore for best dressed lady, man, couples and hats. Cost: gold coin donation towards Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service.
The Charleston for Charity will be followed by a decadent regional food and wine showcase of shared plates featuring the culinary skills of the Hydro Majestic kitchen team as well as other exceptional local producers.
A fashion parade of exquisite 1920s clothing will add an extra course to the long lunch menu. Cost: $95pp.
Sumptuous high tea will be available in the Wintergarden Restaurant overlooking the Megalong Valley throughout the day, along with history tours of the world-famous hotel.
That evening, the grandest of the grand Blue Mountains hotels will again resound with the likes of Al Capone, Dutch Schultz and Bugsy Siegel when the Hydro Majestic holds a Gangster Casino Night in support of Katoomba Hospital.
Guests can play all the traditional games at casino-quality tables with professionally trained casino standard croupiers.
There will be an array of prizes, and money raised at the 18 years plus-restricted event will go towards refurbishing the waiting room in the local Katoomba Hospital emergency department. Cost: $55 per person general admission to Casino includes welcome cocktail.
Visitors are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the Roaring 20s Festival by staying for at least one night at the Hydro Majestic Hotel or one of its nearby sister properties Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges, Echoes Boutique Hotel or Lilianfels Resort & Spa.
Go to www.hydromajestic.com.au or phone (02) 4782 6885 to book any/all of the Roaring 20s Festival events, accommodation and dining.
- The Hydro Majestic Hotel is a commercial client of Deep Hill Media
Majestic snatch back of Ashes of retro dance at Hydro
By Ellen Hill for Escarpment Group Photos: David Hill
The Poms have snatched the Ashes (well, the Ashes of the retro dance world) and every pair of left feet will help give the Blue Mountains a sporting chance at reclaiming it on Saturday, February 25.
The annual Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge Guinness World Record attempt for the largest number of costumed people to dance the Charleston will be held at the world-famous Hydro Majestic Hotel at 11am sharp, with training sessions and registration from 10am.
The Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge first claimed the title in 2012. The local event broke its own record in 2013 with 276 dancers and again in 2014. It reached 360 dancers in 2015.
Then in 2015, the town of Bexhill in England snatched the title with 503 dancers, followed by a raid by Swing Patrol dance troupe in London with 975 dancers later that year.
Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge captain/artistic advisor, Angela Corkeron said: "We admit, we dropped the ball and were slammed when the Poms came out of left field. We just haven't been able to get back to form since.
"But we're Aussies and competitive recreation is our game. We've called time out and our match plan is to high kick that record right back at `em with full velocity.
"We need 1000 dancers on the team. We need sports people with that competitive spirit to help us smash the record for a six and bring that title home triumphant.
''Participants don't need to be professional dancers, just dressed in 1920s costume (a flapper dress and feather boa for girls and a suit and Fedora hat for blokes will do), registered for the event and able to attempt the Charleston dance for five minutes.
The Hydro Majestic Hotel is opposite Medlow Bath station on the Blue Mountains railway line, so parking is not an issue.
The Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge is a free event, although gold coin donations raise funds for Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service, whose volunteers tirelessly protect the community during bushfires.
Stay on after dancing your way into history for the Majestic Long Lunch and indulge in delicious regional food and wine. Cost: $95pp.
A highlight of the annual Roaring 20s Festival in the area, the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge will be held in front of the pavilion at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Great Western Hwy, Medlow Bath, at 11am sharp on Saturday, February 25. Prizes for best performance and costumes will be given.
Go to www.charlestonchallenge.com.au to see a Charleston dance tutorial and www.hydromajestic.com.au to register for the Majestic Charleston Challenge and book other Roaring 20s Festival events at the Hydro Majestic, dining options and accommodation.
- Escarpment Group is a commercial client of Deep Hill Media
Majestic journey revives Hydro's vintage past
By Ellen Hill for Escarpment Group Photos: David Hill
Retro revivalists can relive the past by travelling in vintage car convoy from Penrith to the original Blue Mountains party palace as part of the annual Roaring 20s Festival on Friday, February 24.
The bevvy of costumed festivalgoers will be transported in exquisite antique convoy by Blue Mountains Vintage Cadillacs in the opulent style and spirit of Mark Foy's legendary first motorcade to the Hydro Majestic Hotel, pausing along the route at heritage landmarks for refreshments and to promenade to maximum 1920s effect.
The magnificent fleet of cars will include LaSalle model Cadillacs, Ava (as in legendary silver screen star Ava Gardner), a dark blue 1928 five-passenger Coupe; Ella (Fitzgerald), a 1929 convertible Landau Cabriolet; and Flora, a cherry red coloured 1929 four-passenger Phaeton was named after a different kind of leading lady – owner Donald Millar's mother.
The Blue Mountains Vintage Cadillacs collection was begun by Mr Millar's father, also Donald, who bought the car now named Flora in 1954.
There's a timelessness to the shape of Cadillac LaSalles, and that's part of that art deco era,'' Mr Millar said.Old cars can have a beauty because they're old, but these cars have a beauty inherent in themselves. They have a distinct beauty, class and rarity.''
Romantic couples and small friend groups will arrive at Foy's splendiferous "palace in the wilderness'' and learn the oft outrageous history of the grandest of the grand Blue Mountains hotels.
They will then nibble on canapes while watching a sublime sunset from exotic venues like Salon du The and Cat's Alley before dining on theatrical regional fare created by award-winning chefs in the elegant Wintergarden Restaurant.
Guests will retire to luxury overnight accommodation and breakfast at leisure before joining the throng of retro revivalists for the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge world record takeback for the largest number of people to dance the Charleston.
After dancing up an appetite, indulge in a sumptuous repast showcasing the finest regional food and wine available throughout the Greater Blue Mountains and NSW Central West at the Majestic Long Lunch.
The Majestic Journeys package includes vintage car ride from Penrith to Medlow Bath (one-way), three-course dinner, two-night's accommodation, the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge and Majestic Long Lunch. Cost: $2,000 per couple.
The Majestic Long Lunch may also be booked as an individual event. Cost: $95 per person.
Go to www.hydromajestic.com.au or phone (02) 4782 6885 for more information and bookings.
* Escarpment Group is a commercial client of Deep Hill Media
Majestic fashion tips for Roaring 20s Festival
By Ellen Hill for Escarpment Group Photos: David Hill
Roaring 20s Festival events at the original Blue Mountains party palace will be majestic opportunities to promenade art deco fashion to maximum elegant effect during the February 24-25 weekend.
Retro revivalists can dress to impress for three festival events at the Hydro Majestic Hotel:
- Majestic Journey on Friday, February 24: Couples will be collected from Penrith railway station at 10.30am in a fleet of vintage Cadillacs in the spirit of Mark Foy's original cavalcade and proceed to the world-famous hotel, pausing en route at several historic landmarks. Once at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, guests can tour the splendiferous "Palace in the wilderness'' before a three-course dinner overlooking the magnificent Megalong Valley. Cost: $2,000 per couple includes vintage car ride, light luncheon, entry to Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum and Everglades Historic House & Gardens, three-course dinner, accommodation and Majestic Long Lunch. Bookings: (02) 4782 6885 or hydromajestic.com.au.
- Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge, 11am on Saturday, February 25: The annual public dance-off will attempt to reclaim the Guinness World Record for the largest number of costumed people dancing the Charleston. Registration and dance tutorial: www.charlestonchallenge.com.au.
- Majestic Long Lunch, 12.30pm-4pm on Saturday, February 25: Once the excitement of the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge has quietened and retro revivalists promenade to glamorous effect, diners will graze on decadent regional fair and glimpse exquisite fashion from yesteryear from the Darnell Collection of International Vintage Couture. Cost: $95 per person. Bookings: (02) 4782 6885 or www.hydromajestic.com.au.
Long-time festival ambassador, fashion expert and owner of the Darnell Collection of International Vintage Couture, Charlotte Smith, said 1920s fashion was diverse, allowing people to wear outfits which suited their personal taste, social standing, financial state and moral beliefs.
The era was renowned for the emergence of the newly independent worldly-wise "flappers'' with their flattened chests and shapeless sheath dresses.
However, Ms Smith encouraged festival-goers to look to fashion designer Coco Chanel and legendary stars of the silver screen Louise Brooks and Greta Garbo for jaw-droppingly beautiful eveningwear, the likes of TVs Miss Fisher and Agatha Christie murder mystery shows for everyday wear inspiration and the Downtown Abbey series for sophisticated upmarket attire.
Hair was worn short and slicked back or in a bobbed style. Those with long hair could create finger waves at the front and sweep the rest into a low chignon at the back to look like Mary Pickford or Fay Wray.
A modern style example would be television personality and festival patron Claudia Chan Shaw, whose personal wardrobe is heavily influenced by the `20s era.
Men liked to look dapper for every occasion and wore pure cotton or woollen clothes such as a pin-striped cricket outfit or cream linen suit accessorised with silk cravats (not matching but complementary, no ties), cotton or silk handkerchief, a walking stick or umbrella and a hat (golfing caps and fedoras were popular). Rolled up trouser cuffs showing a little bit of sock, a pair of braces and plain or tartan patterned vest completed the look which modern people might identify with The Great Gatsby or New Hamptons collegiate style.
Egyptology was all the rage, after the discovery of King Tut's tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. The 1920s was a time when people went adventuring to distant, exotic lands such as cruising the legendary River Nile.
Particularly relevant to the Hydro Majestic, people of the `20s (including original hotel owner Mark Foy) were fascinated with the Orient.
"Think cinnabar jewellery, turbans, zodiac starburst designs, that Greek key pattern, gold and lapis, red and chrysanthemum motifs, tiaras, vintage brooches, beaded or sequined bows, headbands with feathers or a jewel,'' Ms Smith said.
As well as outside the world-famous hotel in front of crisp white walls and breathtaking valley views, retro buffs can show off their costumes when sipping a cocktail along the dramatically decorated Cat's Alley, within the beautiful Majestic Marquee and against the enormous windows of the Wintergarden Restaurant during dinner.
Go to www.hydromajestic.com.au or phone (02) 4782 6885 for more Roaring 20s Festival information and to book accommodation and dining options.
* Escarpment Group is a commercial client of Deep Hill Media
Hydro to host majestic Blue Mountains grazing event
By Ellen Hill for Escarpment Group Photos: David Hill
The original Blue Mountains party palace will host a regional food and wine showcase on a majestic scale at the annual Roaring 20s Festival long lunch on Saturday, February 25.
The mouth-watering feast of shared plates will begin with antipasto by Kinship Kitchen, followed by a chicken and rabbit rillettes with toasted brioche main dish designed by Hydro Majestic head chef Mate Herceg with caper dressing and Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges herb-crusted beef fillet, horseradish crème fraiche and sides of twice-cooked potato and pumpkin, EVOO and carrot, kale and celeriac salad, white balsamic dressing.
The Majestic Long Lunch will be completed with exceptional regional cheeses from the Carrington Cellars & Deli and a wickedly indulgent dessert by Josophan's Fine Chocolates.
The upmarket repast will be held after the attempt for the largest number of costumed people dancing the Charleston hopefully reclaims its Guinness World Record with 1,000 dancers in front of the Hydro Majestic Pavilion at 11am. (Go to hydromajestic.com.au to register and charlestonchallenge.com.au to see a dance tutorial.)
Once the excitement of the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge has quietened and retro revivalists promenade to glamorous effect, diners will graze on decadent regional fair.
They will also glimpse exquisite fashion from yesteryear from the Darnell Collection of International Vintage Couture.
Diners are encouraged to dust off their most sophisticated `20s-inspired costumes befitting the elegant venue (eg: feather boas, spats, fedora hats) to be eligible to enter the prizes galore up for grabs on the day (best dressed lady, man, couples and hats).
Plate Up Blue Mountains food and wine advisory group chairwoman Pam Seaborn said: "The Blue Mountains is fast becoming recognised as a must-visit food destination, with so many fabulous dining venues and chefs doing amazing things with the outstanding fresh, seasonal produce to be found throughout the Greater Blue Mountains and NSW Central West.
"The annual Roaring 20s Festival is a perfect opportunity to show them off – and dress up, dance and enjoy an afternoon with friends at this gorgeous venue too of course.''
The Majestic Long Lunch will be held at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Great Western Hwy, Medlow Bath, from 12.30pm to 4pm on Saturday, February 25. Cost: $95pp includes spiced Peach Melba sparkling cocktail on arrival. Bookings and details: hydromajestic.com.au or phone (02) 4782 6885.
- Escarpment Group is a commercial client of Deep Hill Media


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In Alabama, any good farmer knows that to keep your cattle or horses from wandering off you've got to build a fence. That's how we do it here, we build fences. But that is not how they do it in Australia… "In Australia, ranches (called stations) are so vast that fences are superfluous. Under these conditions, a farmer has to sink a bore and create a well, a precious water supply in the Outback. It is assumed that livestock, though they will stray, will never roam too far from the well, lest they die. As long as there is a supply of clean water, the livestock will remain close by."
The Good Sheperd doesn't build a fence around us to keep us from leaving. Instead, God provides us with a positive reason for why we should stay. He uses love, not law, to draw us to Himself.
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27).
"But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life" (John 4:14, NLT).
Thomas Burrows, with the Daily Mail, reports:
The highest court in Austria has said a resident cannot smoke on his balcony or with the windows open during set hours as it is disturbing his neighbor's sleep ...
A university professor, living in the Austrian capital, had filed the case after complaining about the smell coming from the flat below.
The court heard how the resident below enjoyed a cigar on his balcony during the summer, typically between midnight and 2am.
In the winter, he tended to smoke with the windows open in his apartment.
... The country's highest court said the resident cannot smoke outside or with the windows open between 10pm and 6am.
In the summer, he is also prohibited from smoking during 'eating times' - between 8am and 10am, midday and 3pm, and 6pm and 8pm.
The decision could have far-reaching effects on the country.
It's amazing that a single dispute between neighbors could find no solution until it reached the highest court in the land. Shouldn't two people be able to work something like this out? And even if they need help from an authoritative third party, should an entire nation be forced to comply to a new set of laws because two people refused to accommodate one another?
There is no end to the need for new laws when the hearts involved are unyielding and selfish. By contrast, the end of the law is the love of Christ. When God's love is the guiding principle, there is no need for any other principle. Laws aimed at enforcing compliance over such trivial disputes become unnecessary. It's God's love, not mans laws, that brings peace.
"For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Galatians 5:14).
Leonardo Blair, with the Christian Post, reports:
An Oregon church which came under fire in recent weeks for instituting a ban on fat people as part of a slew of mandatory guidelines to be a part of the congregation's worship team, apologized for the ban on Saturday and begged forgiveness to anyone their rules may have offended.
... "We want the worship team to look the best they can! Remember that the way we look is of utmost importance," the guidelines to would-be worship team members at the Oregon church warned in the document declaring "no excessive weight."
"We are the first thing the congregation sees. People do judge by appearance. We never get a second chance to make that first impression. Please be sure that your style and clothing bring honor and glory to God, isn't excessive and doesn't draw unnecessary attention to yourself," it added.
The document further made it clear that in order to be a part of the worship team, members must be in "100% agreement" with the guidelines to allow the anointing to flow and encouraged those with a weight issue to go shed the extra pounds at the gym.
If lack of discipline where the real concern of the leadership of this church, should weight have been the only consideration? Isn't it true that some of the most gluttonous people among us are skinny? And we all hate them!
But seriously, the local church is supposed to be a place of grace and acceptance, where everyone is made to feel welcomed. It's our love, not how we look on stage, that should be the distinguishing mark of true fellowship in Christ.
This focus on appearance is symptomatic of a problem the plagues so many churches today. These churches seek to create an atmosphere of superficial right-ness. In such a fellowhship, as long as you keep your sins out of view, you fit in. As long as you look good, you're accepted as good.
Churches that create this kind of atmosphere don't really curtail sin, they just force it to go underground. The fellowship produced by such external compliance shouldn't be mistaken for the fellowship produced by the presence of God's love and grace, where the stigmas associated with being flawed, and the fear of being exposed, are removed.
Do you feel safe enough in your church to go public with your struggles? Does your church obey the admonition of the Apostle James to "confess your sins to one another" and "prayer for one another," so you can be "healed?" (James 5:16).


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Alakajam! non-profit meeting tonight 0 3
Wan • 11 months ago
Alakajam is a non-profit organization, which means we run elections every year to choose a new board! It's also an opportunity to recap the year, so everyone is welcome to assist it. The meeting will be held on our Discord server, this Thursday 22 August at around 7pm UTC. More info in the pic below!


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QUOTE-TASTIC is hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup.
Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another.
Everyone's welcome to join in. Authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier!
Just grab the button and toss up your post 🙂
Don't have a blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.
by Amy Tintera
The first thing I remembered after waking up as a reboot was a shrill yell bouncing off the walls and ringing in my ears. I had thought, What idiot is making that noise?
It was me.
I screamed as they branded my wrist with my bar code. I screamed as they locked me in a cell. I screamed until I arrived at HARC, and they told me screaming meant death. Acting like I was still a human child meant death. Disobeying orders meant death.
And then I was silent.
Why is this quote fantastic?
It's the opening passage of the book and doesn't it just pull you in? I like this first book although it wasn't as action-packed or emotionally engaging as I expected. I'm almost done and I can't wait to read its sequel, REBEL.
Book Summary:
Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).
Wren's favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she's ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he's always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there's something about him she can't ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she'll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she'll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.
The perfect soldier is done taking orders.
Don't forget to hop around and check out everyone's picks for the week!


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- WOOLGOOLGA, New South Wales, Austraalia
- 01.06.2019 - 31.12.2019
Ühised huvialad ja teemad
kaunid kunstid,
jooga / meditatsioon,
Ühised ametid ja tegevusvaldkonnad
Retired Hoteliers (Pensionil)
koduvahetus eri aegadel
samaaegne koduvahetus
suitsetamine keelatud
lapsed teretulnud
pakun autovahetust / autovahetus läbiräägitav
|Avatud kõigile kuupäevadele
|Avatud kõigile sihtkohtadele
Koduvahetuseks pakutava kodu kirjeldus
Our modern French Country style home with lush private gardens is located in the heart of the old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Built in 1998, our home has over 3000 sq. ft. of living space.
The designer kitchen features a built in wine rack, granite counter tops and a breakfast area that leads to a screened porch with an outside fireplace.
Enjoy the separate formal dining room as well as the stunning great room with old world trim flanking the fireplace.
The master suite has a 10 ft. ceiling, large walk-in closet, 4 piece en suite with soaker tub.
Two large bedrooms, a 4 piece bathroom and an artist studio are located on the 2nd floor.
The finished lower level hosts an equipped workout and exercise area and lounge area with a large TV.
Sit on the patio overlooking the large koi pond in the back garden, relax in the warm waters of our outdoor spa or snuggle up with a good book from our library under the ancient ash tree.
Our home is your home.
Eluaseme tüüp
eramaja, 2 või enam korrust/ peamine elukoht
Muud võimalused
Ümbruskonna kirjeldus
Niagara on the Lake has both an ideal geographical location and a long rich history. It is located at the mouth of the Niagara River, 20 km north of Niagara Falls.
The town's heritage dates from the 18th century, from French, British and American wars.
Niagara's micro climate allows the growing of rare plants and trees as well as fruit.
There are over 150 world class wineries and we produce the finest ice wine in the world. Many wineries have restaurants, tours and host cultural events.
Niagara on the Lake, voted the Prettiest Town in Canada is number 2 of the top 10 places to visit in Canada for Food and Beverage.
Attractions include Historic Fort George; the world famous Shaw Festival with three live theaters; our heritage district of boutique shopping, fine dining, art galleries and pampering spas.
North America's oldest golf course is in town with many more in the region. The Bruce Trail with 900 km of hiking & cycling trails is at our doorstep.
Toronto is 120 km away.
Vaba aeg
Lähim ühistransport
Ümbruskonna teenused
Meie soovitused, kuhu minna ja mida teha ajal, kui viibite meie kodus
From our house, it is a short walk to the center of the historic old town. Visit the Chamber of Commerce, located in the old Court House on Queen St. for visitor information, maps and recommendations.
Many shops, galleries, live theater, lake side park, golf course, sailing club, walking and cycling trails, wineries and restaurants are accessible without getting in a car. That is why we live here!
World famous Niagara Falls is a short drive down the picturesque Niagara Parkway where you can feel the might of the Falls from the bow of the Maid of the Mist or hear the fury behind the Falls.
Stay for the evening and enjoy the carnival atmosphere of Clifton Hill and the grown up thrill of the casinos and night clubs.
There is a marina nearby with access to the Niagara River for sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing.
The Bruce Trail follows the escarpment with over 900 km of trails.
An Outlet Mall nearby features Coach, Marc Jacobs & Bass Pro Outdoor World Store.
Meie lemmikrestoranid
Toredad kohvikud ja pubid
Head ostlemiskohad
Vaba aja ja kultuuritegevused
Jalutamis- ja jooksurajad
Jõusaalid või spordiklubid
Põnevad ühepäevareisid
Mis meile meeldib ja mis mitte ... Siin on meie eelistused ja kodu reeglid.
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