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Put Culture First and Forever
By Robert Reiss and Jeff Fox
There are three sustaining factors in business: winning culture, marketing, and innovation. That's it. Three factors.
Marketing is the identification, attraction, getting and keeping of okay customers. Innovation is creating new products, new ideas, new ways, new processes, new anything.
Having a profitable customer is the most important factor for company success. No customers; no company. No money; no mission. No pesos; no purpose. But it is the corporate culture that attracts, screens, and retains the kind of people who get and keep the company's target, customers. It is the culture that lures the best, the brightest,the hungriest, the most innovative.
Good people may not fit in a good company's culture. That's okay. Not every good soldier wants to be a U.S. Marine. Not every top-notch marketing person wants to work at Procter & Gamble. Not every buttoned-up MBA graduate can flourish in a buttoned-up company.
Company culture is an immune system: It works to protect the organization from intruders. A healthy immune system is crucial to any organization's existence.
Bernie Marcus (Founding CEO, Home Depot): "I had a boss who was the meanest S.O.B. who ever existed. He was proud of being mean and tough. He was a bully. He wanted people to fear him. He told me that when he hired someone, he wanted to hurt the person financially, emotionally, even physically. That loser taught me what a CEO should never be. I knew that I would build a company from scratch with values exactly the opposite of those of my old boss.
"I wanted Home Depot to have a new kind of retailer culture, a transformative culture. I developed a culture based on marvelous customer service. I wanted every employee to know they worked with Arthur Blank, my cofounder, and me, and not for us. We didn't just talk about being a true team, we proved it. Unlike other founders, owners, and CEOs, Arthur and I did not take stock options. We owned enough stock to make us wealthy. We created 4,000 millionaires, many of them just high school graduates.
"And we were going to have a culture that helps the communities where our customers and employees live. Our communities know that if there is a problem where we can help, we will. Home Depot does not gouge customers looking to buy plywood before or after a devastating hurricane. We help board up our neighbors' windows. The winning, helping, sharing culture we built at our very beginning, in 1979, is alive and cherished today."
Tony Hsieh (CEO, Zappos): "Lots of companies have core values, but they usually end up as posters on the wall that nobody ever looks at. Zappos has 10 core values and we make sure everyone in the company has those core values, and lives them."
Jim McCann (CEO, 1-800-Flowers): "It is tough to maintain your culture as you grow. Every time someone new comes into the company, or you add a new division, the culture is affected, influenced, even a little bit. My job is to be our 'cultural engineer.' So I am always thinking about what things do we celebrate, what do we reward, and what do we simply not tolerate? And what kind of example am I setting? Should I set?"
In winning companies, you can cut the culture with a knife. Every 16-year-old knows that his motor vehicles department treats him differently than the local Starbucks does. There is a cultural difference between the people who work for the IRS and those who work for Doctors Without Borders.
A rich, strong culture is a competitive business strategy.
The Beekley Corp. innovates, makes, and sells products that are used to improve diagnoses by radiologists. Beekley has the highest positives from customers than any of its competitors. But Beekley has a tough selling job. Competitors offer "almost as good" or "good enough" knock-off products at 30 to 80 percent lower prices than Beekley. Beekley's customers are in health care, an industry pummeled to reduce its prices, which, in turn, passes that pummeling on to its suppliers. Beekley sells its products via the phone. Beekley's "teleteachers" are motivated, well-trained, and well-compensated, but selling over the phone can be painful.
These challenges are the rationale for one of the most unique, indeed incomparable, company cultures found anywhere.
Ayn LaPlant (CEO, Beekley Corp.): "Beekley created the business of diagnostic skin markers to help radiologists better read mammograms and x-rays. In the beginning, our competition was makeshift markers. For example, an x-ray tech might tape a vitamin E pill on the patient. In the customer's eyes, makeshift markers—a pill and tape—cost practically nothing. So from day one, Beekley was both a missionary company and a seller of value. Missionaries face rejection. We established a culture to reduce the pain of rejection, and to get high performance people."
"Our culture has many features. We have core values, and every single person in the company can quote these values from memory and abides by them. We constantly focus on growth and innovation. Our new headquarters building is named the 'Beekley Growth and Innovation Center.' Every day, every associate walks beneath that name. We are a learning culture. We have a psychology of achievement. We have a high-expectations, high-performance environment. Our associates invest up to 15 percent of their work time in training and learning programs, and these programs are aligned to someone's skill needs, experience, job function, and so on.
"We are big on symbols. For example, a core value is ARC: Attitude, Results, Continuous improvement. So we talk about 'getting aboard the ARC.' We offer 'lifeboats' to associates who are struggling. We 'make footprints' that encourage associates to go where no one has gone before. We have lots of fun events. Celebrations. Bell ringing. Prizes. Raffles. 'High-stakes' bingo. Occasionally we will get a limo bus, the ARC, and winners will 'board the ARC' and continue to a celebration event.
"Our mission is to save lives by improving diagnoses. Our direct customers are medical facilities, and we totally believe in 'World Class Customer Care.' We are constantly talking and listening to our customers. World Class Customer Care, in part, means anticipating customers' needs and exceeding those needs. Instead of the traditional department designation such as Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, we have a 'Customer Care Team,' a 'Customer Enhancement Team,' and a 'Customer Astonishment Team.'"
Culture is about the people and the way they interact with each other and with customers. Get the culture right, and you will always hire the right people, who will always do the right thing.
The transformative CEO is the custodian of the culture and the cultivator.
Excerpt from Chapter 5 of "The Transformative CEO" by Robert Reiss and Jeff Fox (©2012, McGraw-Hill Professional). Reprinted with permission of the publisher. For more information, visit http://mhprofessional.com/product.php?isbn=0071794980. Click here to purchase the book.
Jeffrey Fox is the business author of 11 books, including New York Times bestseller "How to Become a CEO" and Audie Award winner "Rain." Founder of Fox and Company, Fox works with Fortune 500 companies such as General Electric, IBM, and Office Depot, among others.
Robert Reiss is the host of The CEO Show, syndicated to more than 600,000 listeners. In addition to publishing The CEO Forum,a quarterly magazine whose subscription base is exclusively 10,000 top CEOs, Reiss writes a monthly column for Forbes.com and is a keynote speaker.


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Numbers Matter
Many motorhome brochures contain a specs page. A table with numbers and abbreviations can usually be found there. Here's an example:
Many of these numbers are easily understood like height and width but others are less obvious. GAWR, GVWR, GCWR, UVW, and NCCC may seem obscure but in truth, they are some of the most important in determining if the coach will have enough capacity to service your needs. These numbers can also explain why one model costs more than another even though they appear similar.
GAWR: Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum permissible weight for the axle.
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum permissible weight for a fully loaded motor coach.
GCWR: Gross Combination Weight Rating is the value specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle as the maximum allowable loaded weight of this motor coach and any towed trailer or towed vehicle.
UVW: Unloaded Vehicle Weight is the weight of this motor coach as built at the factory with full fuel, engine oil and coolants. Does not include cargo, fresh water, propane gas or dealer installed accessories.
NCC: Net Carrying Capacity is the maximum weight of all occupants including the driver, personal belongings, food, fresh water, waste water, propane gas, tools, tongue weight of towed vehicle, dealer-installed accessories, etc., that can be carried by the motor coach.
The table above is of particular interest because it was for a coach I was considering buying. The numbers appear pretty good but the devil as always is in the details.
First, these numbers apply to a coach with only the base options. Any additional options will add weight and reduce payload.
Let's looks the first line of the second table (model 3412).
If we look at the NCC column we see we can put 5300 lbs of stuff in our RV. That's a very good number. Many RV's have much lower NCC's (2000 lbs or less).
But remember that's for a base coach. I wanted additional features like a larger refrigerator and bigger generator. That reduced the NCC to about 4000 lbs. Seems like plenty but consider we have not loaded up our RV yet. So let's run some numbers:
13 gallons of DEF fluid = 90 lbs
Family of 4 = 600 lbs
Propane = 32 lbs
Food, dishes, chairs, books, junk, etc = 2,000 lbs
So our total is approximately 2,700 lbs
Recall the NCC for this model is about 4,000 lbs with options so we can load her up and still have about 1,300 lbs to spare.
But I also want to tow a car to avoid having to move my Class A in and out of camp to go sight seeing.
To tow a car I'll need:
Tow dolly = 500 lbs
Car = 3,500 lbs
Tongue weight: 100 lbs
or about 4100 lbs.
We add the 100 lbs of the tongue weight to the cargo load giving us a total cargo load of 2,800 lbs. We're still within the limits of this coach.
But there's another number we need to worry about. It's GCWR. Recall this is combined weight of the motor coach and towed vehicle.
So let's run the numbers.
UVW = 25,700 lbs
Additional options = 1,300 lbs
Cargo, people, etc = 2,700 lbs
Tongue weight = 100 lbs
Towed weight = 4,000 lbs
The total combined weight is 33,800 lbs.
The GCWR for this coach is 33,000 lbs.
Oops! We're too heavy. Now one could argue my numbers are too high for cargo but I'm being conservative for my own peace of mind.
And keep in mind the numbers for this coach are much better than average for the price point I'm thinking about. Considering how much money we are spending, the cost of moving up outweighed the stress I was feeling about weight limits.
In the end, I opted for the next level up. Same floor plan, same length but with a larger tow capacity, GCWR and GVWR. Doing the math saved me from a nasty surprise of overloading my motor coach and possibly damaging it.
I know crunching the numbers isn't for everyone but considering the amount of money involved it's worth the effort. If you are uncomfortable doing this, ask your dealer to help you do these calculations. If the dealer resists, maybe you should consider looking elsewhere.
The real cost differences of higher priced models aren't in the trim but in bigger engines, beefier transmissions and more robust axles. Take the time to understand the numbers and you will have fewer regrets later.

subset: commoncrawl


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In June-October months 'Separating Plastic Bottles from Household Garbage' Program was introduced in Sevan, which is the manual published by UNDP cooperating with 'Urban Sustainable development Fund' and 'Eco Engineering' Company.
The main aim of this program is to inform the public about the availability of separate dustbins designed for plastic bottles for the purpose of having a clean town and beach, and plastic bottles should be separated from general garbage.
13:26 November 08, 2011


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Home > JOURNALS > ILJ > Vol. 9 > Iss. 9 (1934)
Volume 9, Issue 9 (1934)
A Simplified Code of Appellate Procedure
L. L. Bomberger
Bibliography of Legal Problems Attending Recovery Legislation
Corbett McClellan
Final Determination of Domicil in the United States
Fowler V. Harper
Bar Endorsement of Judicial Candidates
Oscar Haney
Book Review
The Bar and Public Relations, by John S. Bradway
Bernard C. Gavit


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65 folios on parchment, modern foliation in pencil top outer corner recto, 1-65, now missing f. 17 and with f. 48bis, early pagination in ink, middle upper margin, pp. 65-214, reflects the original contents, incomplete, with pp. 1-64, 85-86, 99-100, 103-4, 107-8, 113-4, 119-126, and 179-80, and an unknown amount of text at the end now missing (collation, i10 + 1 [+ one leaf, f. 8, added after 7] ii10 [-2, following f. 10, and -9, f. 17] iii8 [-1, following f. 19, -3, following f. 19 and -6, following f. 21] iv8 [3, f. 26 and 7, f. 30 are single] v10 [-2, following f. 32 and -9, following f. 38, cancelled with no loss of text, 4, f. 34 and 8, f. 38, single] vi6 [2, f. 41 and 5, f. 44, single] vii6[-5, following f. 48bis] viii-ix8), no catchwords, leaf and quire signatures (probably added by a later binder) in quires one, two, five and nine, with a letter designating the quire and roman numerals, the leaf, beginning with "g" in the present quire one, since the first six quires of the manuscript are now missing, ruling is general indiscernible, but ff. 10v-11 and ff. 23v-24, appear to be ruled in hardpoint, with double vertical bounding lines, row of prickings lower margin ff. 4-9, suggesting these folios were intended for a larger format manuscript (justification, 137-133 x 90-88 mm.), written by several scribes in an upright twelfth-century bookhand in seventeen long lines, musical notation of staffless neumes above the line of text on ff. 30v, 31, 41v, 47rv, and 48bis rv, red rubrics, small red dots occasionally highlight majuscules, for example, ff. 24 and 26, green highlights, f. 42, one-line red initials within text, two- to three-line red initials, sometimes alternating with black initials or pale yellow initials (faded), many with decorative flourishes or blank spaces within the initials, or with simple contrasting pen decoration and arabesques in red or black, four-line monogram "Te igitur," on f. 11v, with decorative pen embellishments, signs of use throughout, but generally legible, ff. 4-10, especially wrinkled and worn from exposure to damp, ff. 4v, 7v, 9v, faded rubrics, ff. 7v-8v,21, 22, 23v,58v, 59, initials faded, ff. 20v-21, very dark brown stain over text (still legible), f. 23, slit inner margin, ff. 47, 48bis, 51, damaged and missing parts of the outer margins, no loss of text. Bound in modern vellum over pasteboard, smooth spine, in good condition, slightly soiled and covers slightly bowed. Dimensions 175 x 125 mm.
Twelfth-century Missals are always of interest, and examples have infrequently been available for sale in recent decades. Although this twelfth-century Missal, probably from a monastery in Western Germany, is no longer complete, it is an important manuscript, with interesting features, including its exceptionally small size; there are only two Missals from the twelfth century or earlier of comparable size in the Schoenberg Database. The presence of musical notation in the form of staffless neumes is also of special interest.
1. Features of the script and decoration suggest an origin in Western Germany in the Middle Rhineland; there are general similarities with the script in London, British Library, MSS Harley 2803-2804, the "Worms" Bible, from the monastery of Frankenthal, MSS Harley 2798-2799, and MSS Harley 2800-2803, a Bible and Passionary from Arnstein (see online resources, BL, Digital Catalogue of Illuminated Manuscripts), Harvard University, Houghton Library, MS Typ 444, a Lectionary, possibly from Oberwesel (probably somewhat later in date (Light, 1988, no. 11), and Berlin, MS Theol. Lat. fol. 279, from Maria Laach (see Fingernagel, 1991, no. 56, fig. 171), and the arabesque initials and pen decoration in Maria Laach manuscripts have some similarities with those in this manuscript. A date in the third quarter of the twelfth century, c. 1150-75, is cautiously suggested, supported by the frequent use of e-cedilla, the probability that it was ruled in hardpoint, the round "r" only after "o," use of straight "s"; aspects of the script that might support a slightly later date include the use of both round and straight "d", and the abbreviation of "et" by both an ampersand and the tironian "7."
The manuscript was copied for use in a monastery (prayers usually in masculine form (for example, ff. 2v-3), the abbot is mentioned (f. 1v and 57v), and on f. 57, "in hoc monasterio." Its unusually small format suggests this was a Missal used primarily for special occasions, such as funeral masses and burial services and for private Masses.
This was probably never a lavishly illuminated, expensive volume. The use of single leaves within quires, the original holes in the parchment, and the possibility that ff. 4-9 were intended for use in a larger-format manuscript (suggested by the row of prickings in the lower margin) all are in keeping with a modest manuscript. Nonetheless, this manuscript was copied by skilled scribes, and decorated with attractive and carefully executed initials. It was certainly a liturgical book that was actively used. There are slits in the outer margins on ff. 24, 47, and 49 for tabs (also in the bottom margin of ff 27 and 46, possibly from tabs?). Ff. 4-10v, with the text for the burial service, are particularly wrinkled and worn from exposure to the weather outside the church.
2. Marginal additions on ff. 24v-25 and 26 suggest that this early Missal was still being used in the fourteenth and fifteenth century.
3. Inside front cover in pencil, modern note "8277.
ff. 1-9v (pp. 65-82) incipit, "Omnes sancti orate pro eo. Propicius esto parce ei domine. Propicius esto libera eum domine …," His expletis si adhuc non migrauit iterum canendi sunt psalmi .. Deinde abbas dica orationes has, incipit, A porta inferi …; [concluding prayer] Deus cuius miseratione animê fidelium requiescunt famulis et famulabus tuis .. per eundem dominum nostrum ihesum christum";
Burial Service in the church and at the grave; note the folios from the outside service, ff. 4v-9v, are especially worn and show signs of damage from the weather; text originally written for monks (cf. the rubric on f. 1v, mentioning the abbot).
f. 10 (pp. 83-84) prayers added on blank leaf; f. 10v, prayers added in two thirteenth-century hands;
[missing pp. 85-86]
ff. 11-16v, (pp. 87-98), incipit, "Per omnia secula seculorum, amen. .. Perceptio corporis et sanguinis tui domine ihesu christe quam indignus sumere presumo non michi proueniat in iudicum et condempnationem";
Common Preface and Canon.
[missing f. 17, pp. 99-100]
f. 18rv (pp. 101-102), incipit, "//[ve]ro genitum non factum consubstantialem patri …"; Lectio ysaiê prophete, incipit, "Hec dicit dominus. Propter hoc sciet populus …";
Creed and Epistle reading.
[missing pp. 103-4]
f. 19rv (pp. 105-6), "//pre participibus tuis. Et tu in principio domine .."; Inicium sancti euangelii secundum Iohannem, incipit, "In principio erat uerbum … In propria uenit et sui eum non receperunt. Quotquot//"
Hebrews 1:9-12, response, and Gospel reading (John 1:1-1:12).
[Missing pp. 107-8]
ff. 20-21v (pp. 109-112), "//omnes fines terrê salutare dei nostri"; Post co, incipit,
"Presta omnipotente deus ut natus hodie .. ueniens staret supra//";
Beginning in the Post communion prayer for Christmas, followed by Epiphany (collects and readings), ending imperfectly in Gospel reading.
[Missing pp. 113-4]
ff. 22-23v (pp. 115-118), "//ni cêlebramus officio …"; In purificatione sancta marie, Suscepimus deus misericordiam tuam …cui nomen simeon. Et//"
Texts for the Purification (February 2) including tractus (not noted) between the Epistle and Gospel readings (ending imperfectly in Gospel reading).
[Missing for folios, pp. 119-120, 121-122, 123-4, 125-6]
ff. 24-48bis v (pp. 127-178), "//fecti predicauerunt ubique domino cooperante et sermonem … (note with proper preface and post communion prayer), .. De sancto spiritu .., f. 31v, In commemoratione sancta trinitatis …; f. 35, Peter and Paul, f. 37v, Transfiguration, f. 40v, Assumption; f. 42, Nativity of Mary, f. 44v, Michael archangel, f. 46, All Saints; f. 47v, Martin; f. 48bis, In dedicatione ecclesie, ending imperfectly, v., incipit, "Domum tuam domine de//"
[Missing pp. 179-80]
ff. 49-60 (p. 181-203), beginning imperfectly in the preface, incipit, "//per frui mereantur tabernaculis beatorum …."; Pro patre et matre, … Post communionem, incipit, "Cêlesti participatione quesumus … confortem esse patiaris. Per";
Votive Masses, de sancta cruce, de sancta maria, In septenariis, In anniuersariis, pro episcopis, pro uiris et nuper defunctis, pro fratribus, pro feminis, pro his qui in cimiterio sunt, pro parentibus, pro communis, concluding with three Masses, generalis, f. 57, mentions "abbates nostros."
ff. 60-63v (pp. 203-210), Lessons from Thessalonians, Gospel of John, Maccabees, Gospel of John, Apocalypse, Gospel of John, Corinthians, and concluding with two lessons from the Gospel of John.
ff. 63v-64 (pp. 210-211), incipit "Requiem eternam dona eis domine …";
Texts for a Requiem Mass.
ff. 64v-65v (pp. 212-214), Post aspersionem aque benedicte et post letaniam cum vii palmis specialibus decantata reconciliatio ecclesie ubi homicidium uel aliud criminale peccatum perpetratur, incipit, "Deum indultorum criminum …; Deus cuius bonitas ut non habuit principium …" …. ; Missa in eadem reconciliatione, incipit "Deus qui dixisti …, ending imperfectly in the Post communion prayer, incipit "Percipientes domine munera salutes ê//"
for the reconciliation of a violated church; the first two prayers found in the Romano-Germanic Pontifical, eds. Vogel and Elze (1963-72), I:183-4.
This Missal lacks text at the beginning, end, as well some folios in between; it now begins with funeral and burial services, followed by the Canon, and the variable texts for Masses on Christmas and Epiphany, selected feasts from the Sanctorale beginning with the Purification, and continuing through the Dedication of a Church. These texts are followed by a series of votive Masses, then readings for an unidentified feast, and the Requiem Mass. The final texts are prayers for the reconciliation of a violated church, used to restore the sanctity of a consecrated Church after a serious crime, such as murder. This last text would be a very unusual addition to a Missal dating from the thirteenth century or later, and although twelfth-century Missals more often include sacramental texts and benedictions of various types, its inclusion here is noteworthy.
This manuscript is a Missal – the liturgical book that includes the texts necessary to celebrate the Mass. Missals by the thirteenth century were the predominant book used by the celebrant during the Mass, largely replacing Sacramentaries. Sacramentaries included only the prayers said by the celebrant; Missals, in contrast also included the biblical readings, read or chanted by the Subdeacon and Deacon, as well as the texts sung by the choir. The earliest examples of Missals date from the tenth century; in the eleventh century both Sacramentaries and Missals were copied; by the twelfth century, Missals were more common, and finally, in the thirteenth-century Sacramentaries have almost entirely been replaced by Missals.
The contents of the Missal reflect changing liturgical practice during the Middle Ages; by the eleventh century the Celebrant was required to sing or say, either aloud or quietly to himself, all the Mass texts, including the sung texts and the readings. Missals also answered the need of priests saying private Masses. The private Mass was an established part of monastic life at least from the ninth century on, when monks who were also priests said Masses for the their own salvation, for the dead, and for numerous special intentions. The unusually small format of this Missal suggests that it was probably used for private Masses and for special liturgical occasions, such as the burial service, where portability was a useful feature.
Missals survive in great numbers; the Schoenberg Database, for example, yields 1,893 results under the general heading Missal. Most of these, however, are from the later Middle Ages. Some idea of the rarity of pre-thirteenth century Missals can be gained the Missals included in the catalogue of liturgical manuscripts in the Vatican library, which includes twenty-seven dating earlier than the twelfth century, thirty-three from the twelfth century, and over two hundred from the thirteenth through the fifteenth. The same pattern is seen in the numbers in the Schoenberg Database (an admittedly imprecise measure, since each entry records a sale, and many manuscripts are listed multiple times): thirty-four date before the twelfth century, sixty-seven are twelfth century, and c. 120 are from the thirteenth-century; the remaining Missals – by far the largest group – are from the later Middle Ages. Twelfth-century Missals have rarely been available for sale in recent decades (the Schoenberg Database records only four manuscripts, including one sold multiple times).
Fingernagel, Andreas. Die illuminierten lateinischen Handschriften deutscher Provenienz der Staatsbibliothek Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin, 8.-12. Jahrhudert, Wiesbaden, O. Harrassowitz, 1991.
Harper, John. The Forms and Orders of Western Liturgy, Oxford, 1991.
Hughes, Andrews. Medieval Manuscripts for Mass and Office, Toronto, 1982.
Jungmann, Joseph. The Mass of the Roman Rite: Origins and Development, tr. F.A. Brunner. 2 vols., New York, 1950.
Leroquais, Victor. Les Sacramentaires et les missels manuscrits des bibliothèques publiques de France, Paris, Protat, 1924.
Light, Laura. The Bible in the Twelfth Century. An Exhibition of Manuscripts at the Houghton Library, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1988.
Palazzo, Eric. A History of Liturgical Books from the Beginning to the Thirteenth Century, translated by Madeline Beaumont, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1998.
Plummer, John. Liturgical Manuscripts for the Mass and Divine Office, New York: Pierpont Morgan Library, 1964.
Salmon, Pierre, Les manuscripts liturgiques latins de la bibliothèque vaticane, Vol. 2, Vatican City, Biblioteca apostolica vaticana, 1969.
Vogel, Cyrille and Reinhard Elze, eds. Le Pontifical romano-germanique du dixième siècle, Città del Vaticano, Biblioteca apostolica vaticana, 1963-72.
British Library, Digital Catalogue of Illuminated Manuscripts
Jean-Baptiste Lebigue. "Les livres de la messe. Le missel," in Initiation aux manuscrits liturgiques, Ædilis, Publications pédagogiques, 6, Paris-Orléans, IRHT, 2007
Introduction to liturgical manuscripts, "Celebrating the Liturgy's Books"
British Library on the Mass
Thurston, Herbert. "Missal," in The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. 10, New York, Robert Appleton Company, 1911
Ian D. Bent, et al. "Notation," in Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online


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This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA. Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014.
There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Exams can be a major cause of stress if you're a student. You may worry about your grades and future based on the outcome of an exam. Stressing out, however, will only make it harder to take the exam. Work on taking care of yourself. Practice basic self-care like eating right and getting enough sleep. Study in a way that does not increase your stress. Study a little bit over a long period of time, allowing yourself to take breaks. Lastly, reach out to others. Talk out your stress with friends. Keeping things bottled up will make stress worse.
Part 1 of 4:
Taking Care of Yourself
1Get enough sleep to keep you energized for your exam. Not sleeping right can affect your mood, leading to an excess of stress. In the weeks leading up to the exam, make sleep a priority. Strive for solid nights of high-quality sleep.[1] X Research source
- If you're still in high school, aim for 8.5 to 10 hours of sleep a night. If you're over 18, 7.5 to 9 hours should be enough.[2] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
- Make sure you establish a regular bedtime. Go to sleep around the same time each night, and do something to help you wind down. You could, for example, have a cup of herbal tea and read a book before bed.
2Eat right leading up to your exam. You may be tempted to binge eat on junk food due to stress. However, this is unlikely to make you feel more relaxed. Food has a direct effect on your mood, so make sure to eat high-quality foods leading up to your exam. This will reduce your overall stress.[3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- Avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods. These will only increase your stress levels. Instead, go for plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish.[4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- Try eating a kale salad or drinking a green smoothie before the exam to load up on nutrients.
- Avoid caffeine. Drinking coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other highly-caffeinated beverages can actually make you more anxious or nervous before an exam, which leads to poorer performance.
3Exercise to reduce exam-related stress. If you exercise regularly, do not neglect your workout routine during exam time. It's okay to cut out 10 or 15 minutes from your regular routine if you're low on time, but you should not stop exercising altogether because an exam is coming up. Exercise can help regulate your mood, leading to lower overall stress.[5] X Research source
- If you don't normally exercise, this is a good time to start. Try walking or going for a bike ride for 15 minutes a day, around 3 times a week.
- You can also exercise with others. Play a game of softball or go for a bike ride with friends.
4Adopt a positive attitude about school. If you're down on yourself, you're more likely to stress out. Instead of convincing yourself you're doomed to failure, go into the exam with a positive mentality. Adopt a positive personal mantra to keep your mood up while you study.[6] X Research source
- Think of something positive you can say to yourself when you feel stressed. For example, you could say something like, "I'm working hard, and I will succeed."
- When you feel stressed, repeat this mantra while taking deep, soothing breaths.
5Have perspective regarding your exam. If you're stressed out over an exam, you may be placing too much importance on it. It's good to be conscientious of your grades, and you should care about doing well in school. However, try to keep things in perspective. One exam is not going to make or break your life. Do your best, but keep in mind even the worst-case scenario will not be a disaster.[7] X Research source
- The worst thing that can happen is that you will do badly on the exam. This can be a setback for you academically, but keep in mind everyone screws up an exam at least once in their life.
- Getting a low grade on 1 exam, or even in 1 class, is unlikely to affect you over the long term. Even if you don't do as well as you hoped, you can bounce back in the future.
Part 2 of 4:
Reducing Stress While Studying
1Follow a consistent routine. If you establish a study routine you follow each day, you're more likely to stick to it. A lot of stress comes from feeling inadequately prepared. If you're studying regularly, you'll feel more prepared and therefore less stressed.[8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Figure out what works best for you. If you're a morning person, study in the morning. If you focus better at night, study in the evening.
- Pick a regular place to study that's free of distractions. If your dorm room tends to be loud, for example, you can study at the library.
- Make sure to study a little each day, sticking to roughly the same routine.
2Be proactive about dealing with academic problems. If you panic in the face of a problem, this will only increase your stress level. If you're stuck on a certain subject, don't start stressing out and beating yourself up. Instead, be proactive. Say to yourself, "There's still time to figure out this concept." Then, go about increasing your understanding of the subject.[9] X Research source
- You can spend extra time studying the concept that's confusing you. You can dedicate a single study session to mastering a tricky concept.
- You can also reach out to your professors or other students for help.
- If you respond proactively to struggles, you won't feel stressed. You will feel a sense of power at your willingness to overcome difficulties.
3Take breaks while studying. If your concentration does not last for a full hour, you should take 10 to 15-minute breaks throughout your study sessions. Try taking a 15 minute break every hour, for example, and see if that improves your stress level.[10] X Research source [11] X Research source
- Do something you enjoy during your breaks. Give yourself 15 minutes to watch television or browse Facebook, for example.
4Meditate to relax. You can meditate before you study or during breaks. You can also meditate before the exam to put yourself in a calm state of mind. Find a comfortable, quiet place and spend 10-15 minutes at a time being mindful of the present moment. Do your best to avoid worrying about your exam performance.[12] X Research source
- Do an online search for an exam-specific guided meditation to help you get started.
- You could also try yoga to relax and unwind.
5Accept imperfections regarding your academic performance. There is no such thing as a perfect student. Keep this in mind as you study. You need to accept the fact you will struggle on occasion. Allowing yourself to be imperfect will reduce your stress over an exam.[13] X Research source
- Loosen up your definition of success and failure. Anything less than an "A" does not mean you failed. If you shoot this high while studying, you will get angrier at yourself for perceived failures.
- Instead of focusing on a concrete outcome, like a certain grade, just try to do your best. Don't think, "I need to get an A." Instead, think, "I need to try my best and be proud of the grade I get."
Part 3 of 4:
Remaining Calm During the Exam
1Pack everything you need the night before. Nothing will make an exam more stressful than showing up unprepared. If you start off the exam scrambling to borrow a pen, you'll go in stressed. The night before the exam, get everything you need ready.
- Prepare a bag with all the essentials. Make sure you have a pen or pencil, and anything extra you need, like a calculator. If it's a long exam, you may want to bring a bottle of water.
- You also may want to do something like lay out the clothes you'll be wearing. This can help you get ready efficiently in the morning.
2Focus on only the exam. When you're in the exam room, do not let your mind wander. As soon as the exam is set down before you, focus your energy there and nowhere else.
- Avoid wondering how others are doing. Do not get caught up in the fact someone has finished before you. Keep your energies focused on the exam at hand.
- Take it 1 question at a time. Do not worry about the next question while answering the current question.
3Strive to relax when you feel tense. You may tense up at certain points during the exam. During these times, do something to loosen up. Take a few deep breaths. Stretch. Close your eyes for a few seconds. Taking a few moments to relax can help you ease exam anxiety.
- You could even engage a bit of discreet meditation. Just make sure not to distract other students or spend too long meditating that you don't have enough time to finish the exam.
4Start with the easiest questions. Scan the exam before you start and look for your strong areas. Tackle these questions first. This way, you'll get a chunk of the exam done right away. You'll be feeling more confident as you move on to the other questions. This will also give you more time to focus on the difficult questions.
5Keep track of time. You do not want to end up scrambling to complete the exam as time is running out. Be conscious of time as you complete the exam. Periodically glance at your watch to make sure you're not giving too much energy or focus to a single question.
- Break up the exam into sections. If it's, say, 3 pages, and you have 45 minutes to complete it, try to stick to 15 minutes per page.
Part 4 of 4:
Seeking Outside Support
1Ask for help on a subject when you need it. There is no shame in reaching out for help if you're confused. If you're struggling with a concept, talk to your instructor while there's still time. They will probably be happy to help you better understand the subject material.[14] X Research source
- You can ask your teacher or professor after class if they can help you with a problem you're having. You can also visit a professor during office hours or email them asking for help.
- Are there any resource centers for students on your campus? If so, visit them. If you're struggling with a math exam, for example, go to your school's math resource center and ask for help.
2Vent about your exam stress to others. It's never a good idea to keep things bottled up. If you're stressed about an exam, talk to your fellow students. Open up about how you're feeling and ask them for support.[15] X Research source
- Choose friends and family members who tend to be laid back, empathetic, and supportive. These people are more likely to listen and care.
- Avoid people who are also high stress. If you vent to someone experiencing their own exam stress, the two of you may only stress one another out more.
3Learn basic study skills from your school. Take advantage of any resources provided to you. Your school may offer classes or seminars teaching basic study skills. Your school's website may also offer advice on study skills. Effective study skills can help reduce overall stress.[16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
4Consider professional counseling. If you consistently struggle with exam stress, you may have an underlying anxiety disorder. You may engage in certain thoughts and behaviors that worsen your anxiety. If you're unable to overcome exam stress on your own, seek counseling.[17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you're a university student, you may be entitled to free counseling from your college.
Community Q&A
QuestionHow do I study for long hours and continue concentration?Community AnswerTry to take a short break every few hours; a 10 to 15 minute break every 2 hours would be idea. During this time, walk around, eat a snack, and/or do some stretches. Also, try to drink some water; it will help you stay awake and focused.
QuestionHow can I reduce tension during an exam when I am not getting he answer?Community AnswerListen to some music before taking the exam, sleep well, and review your work before the exam starts.
QuestionHow can I increase my confidence level when I take an exam?Community AnswerIf you study hard, your confidence will increase. Aim to study a little each day, and ask for help if anything confuses you. Also, have a good attitude. Try to do your best, and be happy with the outcome regardless of whether you ace the test.
QuestionHow do I pass with good grades if my previous exams were bad?Community AnswerAn honest self assessment of your strengths and weaknesses is a good place to start. You will have a clearer picture of what you need to improve as the class progresses. If your previous exams weren't worth too much of your overall grade, you can probably bring your grade up to passing by the time you finish the class.
QuestionHow to do my math exam without anxiety?Community AnswerBeing super-prepared will boost your confidence and lessen your anxiety, so study until you know it all. The day of the test, you just need to relax and think only positive thoughts.
QuestionIs it good to go out and play if I have an exam coming up?Community AnswerIt can be. Getting your body moving can help refresh your mind after a long study session, but make sure you get enough studying done, no goofing off!
QuestionHow to manage your time?Community AnswerStudy a little bit each day. If you study for, say, an hour every afternoon, this is better time management than cramming last minute. Review your schedule and look for pockets of free time you can spend studying each day.
QuestionI am studying hard before examinations, but when I enter the room, I find out that the test covers areas that I did not study for. What would be the correct manner going into the exam?Community AnswerIf this happens, then you must take a deep breathe and sit down, and try your best to use the information you studied to help you reason out the answers to the exam in front of you.
QuestionWhat do I do if I'm getting bad marks on my exams now?Community AnswerTry to figure out what's going wrong and fix the problem. Are you not spending as much time studying as you used to? Allocate more time to studying. Are you not understanding the material? Ask for help from your teacher or hire a tutor. If you have no idea what the problem is, talk to your teacher or a guidance counselor. They might be able to give you some useful study tips.
QuestionHow do I study 3 subjects in 5 days?Community AnswerMake a schedule and set aside time to study a each subject.
Is tension for an exam the same as tension for a competitive sport?
- Do not study last minute for an exam. You won't remember much of what you studied.Thanks!
- Don't worry because it's just an exam. The more you relax, the better you'll perform in the exam. Don't be nervous about the word 'exam'. Take it as a 'test'.Thanks!
Recipe Ratings and Stories
- ↑ https://www.examtime.com/blog/beat-exam-stress-10-easy-ways/
- ↑ http://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/how-much-sleep-do-you-need.htm
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/coping-with-exam-stress.aspx
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/eight-tips-healthy-eating.aspx
- ↑ http://www.cbse.nic.in/examstress.htm
- ↑ https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/med-students-can-overcome-exam-anxiety/Caribbean-Medical-Schools
- ↑ https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/personal/managingexamstress/
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/test-anxiety/FAQ-20058195
- ↑ https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/personal/managingexamstress/
- ↑ http://www.collegefashion.net/college-life/6-tips-to-beat-final-exam-stress/
- ↑ https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/med-students-can-overcome-exam-anxiety/Caribbean-Medical-Schools
- ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/college-game-plan/mindfulness-meditation-may-help-students-combat-high-levels-stress-depression-n759971
- ↑ https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/personal/managingexamstress/
- ↑ https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/med-students-can-overcome-exam-anxiety/Caribbean-Medical-Schools
- ↑ https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/personal/managingexamstress/
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/test-anxiety/FAQ-20058195
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/test-anxiety/FAQ-20058195
About This Article
If you feel overwhelmed by exam tension, try getting some sleep or taking a study break, since stress can make studying harder. You can also reduce exam tension by consistently studying for the test, which will help you feel more confident and prepared. Remember to keep the exam in perspective and try not to place too much importance on it, since this one exam is unlikely to make or break your life! During the test, if you start feeling anxious, take slow, deep breaths and refocus your attention. Tackle the easiest questions first, which will boost your confidence and give you more time to focus on harder questions. For tips on staying positive about test results, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"It helps me very much. I was tired of studies, but now I feel good after reading this."
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Independent Study
During the final weeks of school, my students conducted independent studies. They picked the subject area. The rules were that it had to be school appropriate, it had to be something that they could find both books and internet resources about, and it had to be okay with their parents. If it was about a sport, it had to be about an athlete, or new information that helped them to learn something.
Along with picking their own topic, they also got to choose how to show us their learning. It could be on-line; creating a Glog, a Storybird or blog post, or it could be with pencils, markers and paper. I thought most of the class would choose on-line work, so I was surprised when only nine chose to use technology. The rest either created posters or made books.
The independent study was in-class seatwork as well as homework. During the last two weeks of school everyone presented their learning to the class. After their presentation, we took time for questions and comments from the class.
Students presented on all kinds of subjects, including Pigs, Hamsters, Indonesia, Hawaii, Mexico, and dogs. If their work was on-line, they used the Elmo to show their work. Posters and books were displayed in the room. We even had a hamster guest.
This was a great way to end the year, and I really wish I had done it earlier in the year, because I learned new things about my students by learning about their interests. The kids learned new things about each other as well. One of my students presented on Mexico. Even though most of my students have gone to school together since kindergarten, they were unaware that she is bilingual and speaks only Spanish at home. They were in awe of her knowledge and experiences.
This was not an original idea on my part. I was inspired by the Identity Day that George Couras created at the school where he was Principal. Other educators have held similar events. With all the the demands of district curriculum, testing and standards, I just wasn't sure where and how to fit it in. So we squeezed it in during these final weeks of the school year. My goal was to give students an opportunity to choose something they were interested in to read and study about. I hadn't counted on the additional benefits of letting them be the leaders and teachers. They were very proud of the work they did, and it was a great time for students to be able to appreciate and celebrate the talents and accomplishments of others.
Next year, I would like to try this twice. Early in the year, I want my students to share something closely linked to their own identity; their heritage, a special interest or hobby, something they believe in. Later in the year, I'd like them to choose an area of study as we did this year. Kids need more opportunities to take center stage and shape the learning in our classroom, and it gave me the chance to step back and enjoy their talents and gifts.
Getting to Know the iPad
Yesterday, on my photo blog, I posted a photo of my Acer Netbook and the iPad, with excerpts of this post. I immediately received responses on Twitter, so I decided it's time to finish pulling this piece together and get on with it.
My school purchased a ten pack of iPads to be used in the classroom, and we received them just days before school was dismissed for summer vacation. I checked one out for the summer, and I have been trying to work with it as much as possible. A friend told me that I would fall in love with it the moment I touched it, and I want to love it, but I just don't yet. Frustration has prevented that from happening.
I love the ease of carrying it with me. It is thinner and even more lightweight than my little Acer netbooks, so it can easily slip into my bag. At this point in time, however, I still find my netbooks much easier to negotiate. The familiar is always easier, so I have forced myself to use the iPad, and through use, things are definitely getting easier. I still have some serious concerns, however, about its adaptability to the academic tasks I need it to do
For classroom projects, I often place shortcuts on the desktop to make things easier for the kids and myself. You can put shortcuts on the desktop with the iPad, and it appears that we could use it to write on our blogs at Kidblog.org. Some of the websites we like to use, however, like Storybird, require flash and do not work on the iPad. The Animotos on our class wiki do not show up or work, and neither do some videos, however I have discovered that if you use the app for Animoto, you can view an Animoto.
I am struggling with logistics of making the iPads work with our other available equipment. How do you print from iPad if you don't have a wireless printer? We have Pages installed on them, which is a word processing app, and I wrote most of this blogpost using the iPad. While this app does not have the number of options that more sophisticated word processing programs offer, my students would be unlikely to utilize those anyway. I was able to e-mail the document to myself in a word format, and then open and save it to one of my other computers, where I can print it. This isn't, however, an easy or practical way to handle documents written by 29 students. I'm also concerned that It does seem kind of sensitive, and I found myself ending up places that I hadn't intended. I am worried about students losing the work that they have spent time writing.
I thought that maybe using Google Docs would be a better idea, but I discovered that while you can open and view a Google doc, you cannot edit it or create a new one.
If I put a Word document in dropbox, will I be able to work on it on the iPad? I am excited that I can download an app for dropbox.com on it. That would enable me to make photos and other documents available for kids to use. But first I have to convince my school district to unblock dropbox.
I do think additional apps will add to the usability. Since it does not belong to me, I have to have permission to add apps and download books onto it. I am trying to select apps that support our academic goals. I am planning to add the following:
- Multiplication by Sierra Skyware, Inc
- Math Master by Tapware
- Math Quizzer
- School Notes Pro
- Textropolis
- Spell & Listen
- Popmath Basic Math by popsoft
- Monster Mix and Match, by Critical Matter
- Things for Ipad
You can read more about these apps by reading:
FREE iPad Apps for Educators and Parents
20 Amazing Ipad Apps for Educators
And thank you very much to Joe Fahs,( @Mpondo on Twitter) and other members of my PLN who shared these with me.
I do enjoy reading my Google Reader on the iPad, and if I had any good books downloaded to it, I'm sure I would enjoy that. One thing I can tell you. Even though I may have mixed feelings about the iPad, the kids will love it. Twice now I have had people approach me at Caribou Coffee, my favorite hangout, and ask about my iPad. I put it in the hands of a fifth grade girl who came over with her mom, and she absolutely lit up.
I'm writing at Caribou Coffee right now. When I was deciding which computer to bring with me, I settled on my Acer Netbook. I knew it would be easier to write, edit, and add photos and links. So I'm still not in love with the iPad. I'm having fun with it, and it's okay as a supplemental computer, but it certainly isn't the most versatile one that I own.
In the photo above, the design you see on the iPad was made using the Glow Doodle app. This is one that I know the kids will like.
School District Finance 101– As Understood By Me
Teach Your Conscience: Keeping Integrity and the Basics in Education
Earlier this week a few of the teachers in my building were chatting, after the kids left. I stopped to talk, and in the course of the conversation, it came out that these teachers aren't really teaching spelling, grammar, or handwriting anymore, and they weren't really sure what to do with writer's workshop, because these things aren't on "the test". I really kind of lost it at this point and reminded them they need to be teaching what the kids need, not teaching to a test. I know where this came from, because I too sat in meetings last year, where my principal questioned whether teaching spelling was a good use of our time. She wants to have students spend more time on writing. My reaction was to explain to her exactly why it is a good use of our time. It is the only area with our reading series that word study and word attack skills are taught in third through fifth grades. Words are selected based on a particular spelling or phonics pattern. Our list this week was spelling patterns for words with –ing or –ed endings, other weeks it might be certain vowel sounds, or prefixes and suffixes. Understanding spelling patterns helps children to learn decoding skills, so they can read words that are unfamiliar to them. It also adds to their understanding of word meanings. Without the mechanics, it is difficult for students to be good writers or readers. After presenting my arguments, the subject was dropped, and to be honest, it had never occurred to me that anyone had actually stopped teaching spelling.
In the past year, I have also been told not to spend time on teaching handwriting, and about a month ago, it was suggested to my grade level colleague and I, that we shouldn't worry when kids don't know their basic math facts. We should just hand them a multiplication chart. At this point I erupted with a firm "No!" (Let me say that if I didn't have the great principal that I do, this might have caused problems for me, but she continues to welcome my opinions.)
I do not understand what is going on in education here, but I am not going to give these kids less than I have given others. I am not going to give up on them and just hand them a fact chart instead or doing my job and helping them to master those facts! How can you have any kind of math sense if you don't know the basics? How can you ever look at an answer and have any idea whether it is logical or not, if you have to look at a chart to know your math facts? How can I send them into the world without having done my best to teach them how to write a complete sentence with words spelled correctly?
You may be thinking, well she's just an older teacher who doesn't want to let go of the way she's always done things. I am an older teacher, but I'm not boasting when I say that I am also the most innovative teacher in my building. I am the only one using technology to any extent in instruction. Teaching basic skills and using technology are not mutually exclusive. The more we use technology, the more I see the need to help my students develop stronger basic skills in reading, writing and math. It is when my kids are writing on our blog or for Wallwisher that it becomes apparent that we need to take time to talk about grammar, sentence structure, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, usage, and so many other very basic skills.
I am not advocating that we should sit with a language book and diagram sentences, like I grew up doing. But we need to be very careful before abandoning necessary and basic skills in order to make more time in our schedule for other things. We cannot assume that students will just pick these skills up along the way. They need to be taught explicitly, but in an authentic way. I have always had my kids doing research, reading great books, and excited about learning. When students are reading and writing about information they are interested in, they are eager to learn more and to master the skills that make them more successful.
Two of the teachers in the hall are fairly new to teaching, and the other has been at it almost as long as I have. My message to them and to others is that teachers need to stand up for what is right. We need to say no, when administrators suggest new directions that defy logic. These kids are not ours. We only have them on loan. What would their parents say if they were privy to some of the conversations taking place in education? Be open to new ideas, but be selective. We as teachers, must have integrity. This is the only shot many of these kids get at an education.


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Private Sector Adds 179k Jobs in May; U.S. Economy Grew in all 12 Bank Districts
U.S. stocks rallied after yesterday's loss with the S&P 500 continuing to gain and closing at yet another record high. ADP (ADP) announced today that the private sector added only 179,000 jobs in May, failing to meet expectations. Many economists were predicting that there would be approximately 215,000 jobs added by the private sector in May. The Fed reported today that the U.S. economy grew in all 12 Federal Reserve bank districts in the past month and a half. The Beige Book noted the improvement over the previous report which only showed 10 regions growing.
Word on the Street
- U.S. economic activity continues at same pace.
- Private sector added only 179k jobs in May.
- McDonald's (MCD) will support minimum wage hike.
- U.S. Services activity climbed in May.
- Former Skype CEO hired as GoPro's new President.
- Pinterest begins testing paid ads.
- The Fresh Market (TFM) rises on insider buying.
Interesting Tidbits
- Inside the mind of the world's greatest investor.
- Investing lessons of Warren Buffett.
Published on Jun 4, 2014By InvestorGuide Staff
Posted in ...Market Commentary Daily Market Commentary


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The Indian dish that's a British Institution.
The Costa del Sol Curry Guide will help you to make the right choice when choosing where to go for your curry fix. Look out for special offers, great discounts, printable menus, reviews, featured Indian restaurant of the month and don't forget to click The Chilli for a 'Virtual Vindaloo', a great insight in the Indian Restaurant.. Along with all the features of the guide, we'll also be featuring recipies from some of the area's best Indian Curry Chefs and where to buy your curry ingredients.
So have a browse and ''Spice up your life!!!!''
35. Poppadum Preach
34. Korma Chameleon
Culture Club
33. Bhaji Trousers
32. King Prawn Massala Drinks Are Free
31. Dansak Queen
30. Korma People
29. Tikka Chance On Me
28. When I Phall in Love
Nat King Cole
27. You Can't Curry Love
Diana Ross and the Supremes
26. Korma Police
25. Things Can Only Get Bhuna
24. Tears On My Pilau
Kylie Minogue
23. It's Bhuna Hard Days Night
The Beatles
22. Brothers in Naans
Dire Straits
21. Girlfriend in a Korma
The Smiths
20. Pilau Talk
Doris Day
19. It's My Chapati and I Cry If I Want To
Dave Stewart/Barbara Gaskin
18. I'm a Bhaji Girl
17. Sag Aloo
Black lace
16. Take That and Chapati
Take That
15. Bhuna Round The World and I Can't Find My Bhaji
Lisa Stansfield
14. I Don't Want To Dansak
Eddie Grant
13. Dansak on the Ceiling
Lionel Richie
12. We Are Jalfrezi
Sister Sledge
11. Vindaloo
Abba 10
I Don't Want to Go to Chutney
Elvis Costello
9. Rice Rice Baby
Vanilla Rice
8. Jalfrezi Jalfrezi Nights
7. Tandoori Deliver
Adam and the Ants
6. Love me Tandoor
Elvis Presley
5. We Don't Have to Tikka Clothes Off
Jermaine Jackson
4. Bye Bye Balti
Bay City Rollers
3. Bhuna to be Wild
2. Livin' Dhal
Cliff Richard
1. Raita Here, Raita Now
Fatboy Slim
Indian Restaurants Marbella
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The Faculty of Media Engineering and Technology is offering an International Bachelor
program. This program lasts for 8 semesters. The degree that will be issued is a
Bachelor of Science in Media Engineering and Technology.
The international bachelor enables the students to enter a International Master
Program. The Master programs lasts for three semesters and the degree that will
be issued is a Master of Science in Media Engineering and Technology.
According to the law in Egypt demanding at least 10 semesters as requirement for
the Egyptian Bachelor in Engineering, a student can get the Egyptian Bachelor after
another year of his / her study. This year is considered to be the first year (2
terms) in the study program towards getting the International Master.
As for international accreditation, the Faculty of Media Engineering and Technology
at the GUC received the accreditation from the
Accreditation Certification and Quality Assurance Institute (ACQUIN) for
both Bachelor and Master programs on the 19th of September, 2006. These
degree programs are supported by the
University of Stuttgart and the
University of Ulm.


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Life & People
A 420-year-old church in Italy's north narrowly avoided being crushed by a rock fall which shrouded the town in a thick dust cloud.
A town near Rome, hit hard by poverty and rise of organised crime, has come under the spotlight with Pope Francis' visit.
Italy's new populist government, made up of a coalition of relative political newcomers, will face its first test Tuesday.
Music is never loud or quiet, it's 'forte', 'piano' or somewhere in between. And it's all because Italian music theorists got there first…
STEVE Bannon has hailed the election of Italy's populist coalition government and claimed the rise of the Five Star Movement (5SM) and Lega will spur a surge in protest eurosceptic votes at next year's European Union elections.
Scott Simon speaks with Italian journalist and author Beppe Severgnini to understand what comes next for Italy.
And at a time when the rules-based global order is under threat, now is an especially bad time for Europe to be divided and directionless.
Competition is heating up in the race to build the Navy's next warship, with foreign and U.S. manufacturers vying for a multibillion-dollar opportunity.
Spain suffered far more than Italy during the euro crisis, but the major Spanish parties are committed to staying in the common currency
Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark sunk a 10-foot putt on the final hole to win the Italian Open on Sunday and avoid a playoff with home favorite Francesco Molinari.
i-ItalyNY | Magazine
Find a free copy at the best Italian stores, restaurants and wine bars and at all Italian events in town.


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Address:3949 Lincoln Hwy W.
Downingtown, PA 19335
Hours:Sunday - Thursday 10 - 8 Friday - Saturday 10 -10
3949 Lincoln Hwy W.
Downingtown, PA 19335
Sunday - Thursday 10 AM - 8 PM
Friday - Saturday 10 AM - 10 PM
Some days it may feel like your kids have a ton of energy that will simply never end! If you are looking for
an Exton fun center for kids, one that doesn't leave you cleaning up the mess or putting the house back
together once again, then we would love to have you join the fun at Downingtown Playdium! We are an
ultra-modern and locally-owned family entertainment center in Downingtown, PA that works hard to be
an Exton fun center for kids, provide the ultimate birthday destination, and bring family fun to everyone!
We'd love for you to come visit us at 3949 Lincoln Hwy W. Downingtown, PA 19335!
We know that when you're searching for a great Exton fun center for kids, you're also searching for a
space with enough room to let your kids move about and run around in a safe, fun, and entertaining
environment. After all, if your kids have lots of energy and excitement, and maybe even like to climb on
furniture or create games throughout your living room, then you need an Exton fun center for kids that
provides plenty of room to (safely) roam! At Downingtown Playdium, we aim to meet this need with not
one, but two soft play areas (also sometimes referred to as indoor playgrounds), an arcade with over 100
games, and a laser maze that will allow your kids to explore, play, and develop new motor skills in a safe
What is a soft play area?
Our facility is home to two separate soft play areas. Our main kids play area is designed for kids up to the
age of 12. This indoor, multi-level adventure play area provides kids the opportunity to explore in a soft
environment while playing with developmentally-appropriate toys that encourage gross motor
development. Kids can play on our climbing wall, crawl through tunnels, slide down slides, jump on the
trampoline, and explore many other obstacles in the Playdium!
Our other play area, the toddler play area, is designed for toddlers up to the age of 3. In this separate play
area, your toddlers can play and develop their own motor skills without you worrying about anything – or
anyone – getting in their way. Socks are required for both of the soft play areas and can be purchased at
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You also mentioned an arcade and a laser maze?
Yes, that's right! We have two soft play areas, an arcade, and a laser maze all within our facility at
Downingtown Playdium! Our laser maze is a skill game that requires both speed and accuracy. It will test
your kids as they are challenged to run from one end of the maze, retrieve a top secret military device,
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On the other hand, if your kids would rather test their luck with arcade or video games, then we think
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Do you of er birthday parties, too?
Absolutely! We at Downingtown Playdium work hard to take the overwhelm out of birthday party
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4 Quick Fire Questions returns with a new mini series looking at the importance of political blogging. As mentioned in my previous post The Political Power of Blogging, I've contacted four highly respected Politicians who are engaging with the blogosphere, for their views on just where we are going.
You can read more of John's views on his blog, and I'd like to thank for him taking the time to put together his answers and share them with us.
John Redwood is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Wokingham, and has held many posts over the course of his career including Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Shadow Secretary of State for Deregulation as well as being the Minister for Local Government and Inner Cities after the 1992 General Election.
Why do you blog?
Because I disagree with much of the spin from the main sources that inform the media in our country, and tire of the trite rubbish that substitutes for political debate under this government. I want to help inform, amuse and encourage debate.
What makes a good blog?
There are many ways of doing it. My approach is to write about events, facts and interpretations that are ignored or considered differently elsewhere, to try to shed light on where we are, where we have come from and what might happen next. I like to expose the folly and falsehoods behind many common interpretations of events. I also enjoy writing some satire and parody, although real life is so absurd these days that parody gets difficult!
How often do you blog?
I write between one and three stories a day so it is worthwhile regular readers coming on every day to catch up and to make their own contribution by blogging back.
Do you want more audience participation, or does that become a chore?
Yes, I do welcome more feedback, comment and disagreement. I will post things that argue a different point of view, though I will remove anything which attacks a person or institution without proper evidence.


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Riverside University Health System - Medical Center is dedicated to our community. With our partner
RUHS Public Health, we sponsor and participate in events throughout the year to offer valuable healthcare information to the community. Through these opportunities RUHS Medical Center:
Planning an event, career fair or health fair for your organization? Give us a call at 951-486-4450 or fax your information to 951-486-4475. We will be happy to participate and have the opportunity to inform the residents of Riverside County about our programs and services here at RUHS Medical Center.
Mobile Health Clinic Services


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Crackdown and Dollar Burgers
June 26, 2007
Store: GameStop
Location: The Mall in Columbia, Columbia, MD
Employee Description: The manager (?)
Submitted by: Nuttyturnip
I normally try to avoid GameStop for obvious reasons, but I had a coupon that would give me $10 off a used copy of Crackdown for the 360, which brought the price down to $30. Here's how it went:
Me: Can I take a look at that disc before you put it in the case?
Clerk: Sure.
Me: (Look at the disk, see a few scratches and scuffs.) Can I get a disc that looks better?
Clerk: (Slightly bewildered) Sure, hold on. (Turning around to get another disc) You know, those scuffs won't make the game not work. The disc has to be really scratched, and besides, all the game data is stored on the other side anyway, the side with the label.
Me: (Chuckle to myself but don't comment)
The clerk got a disc in good condition and started the transaction.
Clerk: You know you could save $4 today with an Edge card (pulls out a card and lays it on the counter).
Me: That's ok, I've got a coupon.
Clerk: You could still save $4 on top of that.
Me: But you have to pay to get that card.
Clerk: Yes, but you'll save on future purchases and…
Me: No, I never buy used games, except for this one, since I've got the coupon.
Clerk: It's really a good deal though, you get this magazine (pulls that out) and…
Me: NO, I'M NOT INTERESTED.
Clerk: Hey, hey, I'm just trying to save you some money.
Me: That's ok, I know you've got a quota to fill on those.
Clerk: What? We don't work on commission here.
Me: No, but if you don't sell a certain number of those, your hours get cut.
Clerk: But, I'm the manager. Help me out here man. (Looks over at the female clerk) We're all living on dollar hamburgers here.
Me: Yeah, well, unfortunately me too.
(Brief pause)
Clerk: Would you like to pre-order Halo 3 today?


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Author: Katherine Ewell.
Pages: 368.
Publication date: April 1st 2014 by Katherine Tegen Books
Sort: Stand-alone (BETTER)
Source: Edelweiss & Publisher.
Rule One—Nothing is right, nothing is wrong. Rule Two—Be careful.
Rule Three—Fight using your legs whenever possible, because they're the strongest part of your body. Your arms are the weakest.
Rule Four—Hit to kill. The first blow should be the last, if at all possible. Rule Five—The letters are the law. Kit takes her role as London's notorious "Perfect Killer" seriously. The letters and cash that come to her via a secret mailbox are not a game; choosing who to kill is not an impulse decision. Every letter she receives begins with "Dear Killer," and every time Kit murders, she leaves a letter with the dead body. Her moral nihilism and thus her murders are a way of life—the only way of life she has ever known. But when a letter appears in the mailbox that will have the power to topple Kit's convictions as perfectly as she commits her murders, she must make a decision: follow the only rules she has ever known, or challenge Rule One, and go from there.
Kit grew up as 'assassin' and takes over when her mother is done with the job. I believe she was 9 when she started to learn this trade and she is now a 17-year-old girl. The problem with this book is that it's filled with plot holes, unbelievable situations and a very unlikable main character.
Let's talk about the rules first. Rule One—Nothing is right, nothing is wrong. Combined with Rule Five—The letters are the law. Kit is not supposed to play for God. She receives the letters in a mailbox that has been hidden in a toilet wall for years. Unrealistic concept aside (will return to this later), Kit isn't allowed to judge. They ask, she kills. The only thing for me is, I could NEVER EVER live with myself despite these rules. If these requests would have made sense, perhaps I could understand it, but the letters are too ridiculous for words.
"Dear killer,
my family has hit hard times. I love my husband. I really do. But I want you to kill him. I'm not doing this because I hate him. I'm doing this because I love my children. He has life insurance that could create a better life for us – don't you see? And I don't think he'd really be mad if he knew I was writing this letter."
Let me get this straight. You want your husband to be killed, so you can use the money? So instead of fixing this together like a normal family, you rather lose him for life insurance? None of the other letters were any better, especially the case this book is all about. Kit is supposed to kill Maggie, because she "broke my heart" until you find out that this Michael is harassing her and this girl is scared of him. Well, there is of course a reason that Kit is able to do this and it's just.. I'm going to quote it. There is no other way to show you how hilarious this is.
"They need a monster under their stairs." She smiled. 'The world is full of chaos. And it's that chaos that joins people together. Scared people are more cohesive than people who aren't scared. It's so clear – right there, in the way they old on to each other. They need me. Because the people here in London start feeling so safe. And every once in a while they need a murder – just a tiny fragment of chaos – to remind them that they aren't safe, to remind them that they need each other, to remind them that in the end it's human relationships that matter.
Oh yes, Kit, you are a life safer! Than you SO much for making everyone's miserable life better by scaring them with your perfect murders. Thank you SO much for taking innocent lives to help us remember we need each other. You are an Angel, I wonder where you freaking halo is.
Rule Two—Be careful. HAHA. Please allow me to laugh out loud, because if there is one thing Kit sucks at, it's being careful. Her mother invites the "young, attractive" guy who leads the search for this Perfect Killer. Of course it's only a reason to introduce another lame person to the story. He is not only TOO young to ever get such an important task, but he has to be gorgeous too. Well, he is not the brightest in the bunch, that's for sure. It's great for him that despite his obvious stupidity, he is allowed to find the killer. Back to the rule. So, Kit becomes best friends with this Alex and she hands him all kinds of information she actually couldn't know as outsider. For him, that's only a reason to give her inside information and he even allows her on a crime scene. Are you kidding me? Not very professional.
Not only is she allowed to give him information which could lead to herself in the end, she is also found next to a body in school. Her 'wailing' and 'desperate crying' immediately get her of the hook as murderer. An innocent, cute girl like her isn't possible capable of doing it, right? Or what about that time where she wants to murder a famous singer, but she can't and she get's of the hook, because "she's a good girl." Uh, okidoki.
Okay, to return to the unrealistic concept of the mailbox. I quote again, because I can't find the worlds to explain this idea myself.
"None who had their requests filled, even those tracked down and interrogated by the police, ever confessed the location of my mailbox. The mailbox set a strange spell of silence over them. The police didn't know of that secret place, and I was glad of it."
How is it possible that people know about this mailbox in the first place? There is never explained how this all started. And it's not a 'strange spell.' Would you tell the location to that box if you are interrogated – which could possible mean that you confess you have written a letter and committed a crime?
The last thing I want to rant about is Kit, an infuriating girl. 17 year old and I must believe she is such a perfect killer that nobody can find her.. Okay. I can look past that, seeing this is a book. (Although saying that they can't trace back to you because 'the dark carpet will hide the blood stains' doesn't make it more realistic) What I can't ignore is how annoying she is. Becoming friends with your victim is never a good idea, but finding out that this girl is innocent and then still want to continue with the murder? Practically handing your identity to Alex? All the conversations in her head and how she tries to talk everything right? Just.. no. I was so relived when I reached the ending. Ugh.


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Sales Director - Profile Manufacturer
Collingwood had worked successfully with this global, €1billion turnover, family-owned window and door profile manufacturer previously before being asked to recruit a new Sales Director position for them. Within the UK, our client can boast of being the genuine market leader and is viewed as a pioneering innovator. They've also gained recognition for their huge investment into their UK manufacturing site and high staff retention rates.
The existing Sales & Marketing Director was moving on after 20 years in the role and the MD wanted to use the opportunity for a change of strategy. Through consultation with both his senior team and Collingwood, it was decided to split the sales and marketing functions into two directorship roles (see separate Marketing Director case study).
Collingwood's brief was to source a Sales Director with a strong presence who would inspire, mentor and coach the sales teams, whilst at the same time develop and drive strategy.
For many years the manufacturer had a strong hold on the commercial / trade market and as a result, their residential arm had been neglected slightly.
The onus on the new Sales Director was to be placed on driving sales from the domestic market and also to develop a more collaborative partnership with trade clients. Coupled with this, it was agreed that the two new executives would take dual ownership of the strategy to grow the business 6% in FY 17/18.
Cultural fit and building product knowledge was of utmost importance, as was gravitas and proven experience of operating within both the trade and residential marketplaces.
The candidate's location and a specific building product background were not major prerequisites. This allowed Collingwood to undertake an extensive target mapping for the role.
Through a detailed research approach and contact with his existing network, Mark Goldsmith was able to share the "landscape" of manufacturers. This led to an astonishing 144 potential candidates to approach who Mark engaged with directly, having gained names and direct telephone numbers.
Due to the numbers involved it was imperative that regular updates were provided to both the client's HR Manager and the MD. Management information reports and conference calls were exchanged weekly to keep both the search and expectations on track. This was invaluable as it allowed both parties to form a realistic view of market conditions, barriers and any refinements needed to be made to the specification.
From the 144 headhunted potential candidates approached 46 forwarded CVs. Mark rejected 36 of these. From the 10 individuals, he met with to assess, Mark recommended 5 to the client. These included 2 who he felt did not fit the brief exactly, but culturally and strategically offered something unique for the client to consider. There were 3 second interviews, with 2 going to a third and final interview stage.
It is important to highlight that the candidate who was eventually appointed to the role was initially rejected at longlist stage by the client. Mark's knowledge of the available candidate market and previous dealings with the chosen candidate meant he was able to challenge the rejection decision and recommend a meeting. Mark had worked with the candidate previously and recognised he would not only fit expectations on the competency skills, but his personality and the cultural fit was also strongly aligned.
Having worked with Collingwood previously I did not hesitate to re-engage with them. We wanted to create two new board level appointments. These were viewed as critical additions for us having never split the Marketing and Sales disciplines into two separate director roles.
Collingwood took the time to take a full brief of the current situation, where I envisaged VEKA being without the appointments and what key improvements the investment would make. They also suggested a programme of executive coaching support to help transition the Directors into their new roles, de-risking the hire process and advancing the point at which the new Directors will contribute more value to my organisation than that which they consume from it.
One of Collingwood's main strengths was their ability to help shape the strategy for recruiting, based on the strengths I was looking for. Post meeting they reflected that the Marketing Director was unlikely to come from building products given the brief. Through Mark's understanding of the building products market, he was able to guide in the sub-sectors that would broaden the talent pool. Sectors were then clearly outlined in their Strategy Document. As it goes, both offered did not come from direct competition, or companies I would have envisaged.
Throughout the process of research, approach and interviewing myself and VEKA's Head of HR were kept abreast with challenges, opportunities and updates, both via the phone and face-to-face meetings. This allowed for a collaborative "partnership" approach, especially when shaping Mark's thoughts to those he had interviewed against our initial brief.
The appointments were followed by a structured tripartite coaching programme involving myself, the Board Director and the Collingwood executive coach. This executive transition coaching enabled the new Board members to get up to speed efficiently, helped them to integrate their previous experience into the new environment and reduced the risk of disruption to the business brought about through a change in leadership.
In short, I would have no hesitation in recommending Collingwood - in fact I already have!


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Tagged: hill
post-production–good morning, it's just past midnight
Spring quarter often brings long days and late nights holed up with leftovers and hot water in homes outside home, at the tip of a mundane hill.
Many nights–ones that contain spending upwards of seven hours in a glorified closet on the farthest outskirts of campus–send me clattering down the hill on a rental bike in avoidance of a midnight walk under broken street lamps, fluorescent metal frame creaking on cement and cobblestone. The new building's lights are still on, flooding the walkway's outlined squares with butter yellow. Whisk past wooden structures–student center, bookstore, branches squealing in protest of slight wind. This courtyard's lawn is bigger than students left it this morning. Cross a lake–no, puddle–and startle at an awoken sprinkler. Continue reading


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Just stationed at Fort Bliss? Long-time resident looking to find the perfect park in El Paso? Or only visiting and want to find a dog park or a playground in Las Cruces?
Now it's easier than ever to find a place to play tennis in El Paso -- check out our list of 13 parks with tennis courts in El Paso:
Catch some air at one of these Skate Parks in the El Paso Area:
With our El Paso Team Sports Guide, finding the right park for the game has never been easier! Just click below to find a:


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All recipes » Diabetic
Chocolate Chiffon Cake by Robyn Savoie
Chocolate chiffon cake is a light and spongy cake. Goes well with a heavy chocolate ganaché coating.
1 vote
20682 views
Low Glycemic Banana Bran Muffins by Marg Ruttan
One of the cookbooks I wrote back in the early 1990's was "Traditions of Home Cookies and Muffins". It has some great muffin recipes in it, but unfortunately, they're not low glycemic. My hubby, Fred, asked me the other day to help use up some bananas before they got too ripe so I decided to take one of my recipes and adapt it so…
2 votes
15916 views
Parsley Potatoes by Robyn Savoie
These fork-tender and flavorful potatoes make an easy yet elegant accompaniment to any main entree
3 votes
9240 views
Sweet Potato Crumb Cake by Robyn Savoie
Sweet potato make a great substitute for pumpkin. You can use either in this recipe.
2 votes
10457 views
Crumbly & Soft Oatmeal & Peanut Butter Cookies..;) by shruthisingh4
I had been feeling awfully lazy to get back to work after two days of bliss-full rest(since i had taken ill...poor hubby(psst let's call him "AJ" for short..!!) really looked after me like i was a baby... and i enjoyed all that attention) but today was back to reality day...so i had to get going...After somehow pushing through the…
2 votes
8801 views
Carrots & Orange Wholewheat Muffin's/Cup Cakes..;) by shruthisingh4
Let them eat cup cakes...Put the carrot's on Top..;) When it comes to getting your toddler to eat healthy food yet something that looks more like what all other children buy from the supermarket & eat...well "healthy carrot muffins", there couldn't be a better answer at least for the moment when i don't have too much time to…
2 votes
7786 views
Sweet and Spicy Potato Fries by Robyn Savoie
You better make a lot of these if your crew enjoys spicy food. If you don't they will be begging for more. Serve this with with a spicy dipping sauce.
1 vote
5688 views
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onion and Sage by Robyn Savoie
If you've been searching for a new sweet potato recipe to serve, look no further! These twice baked sweet potatoes are light and healthier than the traditional casseroles filled with brown sugar and marshmallows. This recipe let the natural sweetness in the potatoes shine, while the dominant peppery, savory flare of sage come…
1 vote
5343 views
Ham With Orange Sauce by Robyn Savoie
Looking for ham with a creative flavor profile? The light citrus glaze and sauce is what makes this ham so special.
1 vote
5259 views
Roasted Potatoes with Thyme and Gorgonzola by Robyn Savoie
Creamy Gorgonzola cheese turns this basic potato recipe into a savory and spectacular side! Try this with all your favorite entrees.
1 vote
3500 views
Zucchini Santa Fe by Robyn Savoie
This fast side is great with the green chilies. It gives this recipe a great zip.
1 vote
4777 views
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes by Robyn Savoie
Here's a simple but delicious recipe and it's diabetic friendly.
1 vote
3901 views
Ham & Eggs Benedict by RecipeKing
Ham & Eggs Benedict is a delicious and healthier version of this popular French dish. A great option for a weekend breakfast or brunch. Made with reduced-fat mayonnaise and non-fat yogurt to make it a low calories, low carbohydrates, low sugars, diabetic and Weight Watchers (3) PointsPlus recipe.
1 vote
4110 views
Diabetes Bars by Joyce
good snacking bars
1 vote
2538 views
WW Cranberry-Apple Relish by RecipeKing
WW Cranberry-Apple Relish is an easy recipe and is a great option for a Thanksgiving and Christmas condiment to your turkey meal. It is a healthy, low calories, NO-FAT, NO-CHOLESTEROL, NO-SODIUM, low carbiohydrates, diabetic, heart-healthy and WeightWatchers (1) PointsPlus per serving recipe. Takes 20 minutes to prepare. About 3…
1 vote
2184 views


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This week I lost it. After yet another update from the surgeon's secretary with nothing to say but that my healthcare provider is still squabbling over details, I broke down.
I suppose I've been repressing all of the stress, trauma, angst about the brca2 confirmation, the fear of cancer and the worry about surgery, since March. Or even February when I had the test. It all boiled over on Wednesday and I just couldn't stop crying.
Luckily my boss spotted my state without me having to explain and he sent me home at lunchtime. I cried for an hour or so, slept for an hour or so, then ate chocolate. That helped.
It has taken the rest of the week to get my emotions under control again, but now I feel better. And I've started fighting. As it's a company healthcare policy, HR are chasing it for me and I've asked the surgeon's secretary to follow it up more frequently as well. My boss is adding some pressure internally too.
I thought I'd got away with my crying fits on Wednesday at work, then on Thursday one of my colleagues asked me if I was alright as she'd heard me crying in the toilets. Oops! I just said I obviously wasn't ok, but I would be.
So, despite the distress I need to revert to my old habit of listing reasons to be happy:
- My boss is understanding and supportive
- I have the best husband in the world, he loves me and hugs me
- My colleagues are also my friends, they all look out for me. Even those I am not close to offer support when they see I need it
- The Muffin-dog is still the cutest ever, she cuddles in and kisses me when I cry (which is surprisingly comforting)
- I will still get the surgery, even if it is taking longer than I hoped
Now, this is Saturday, the man is at work and I need to get on with some studying. More soon.


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WASHINGTON - US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. has announced today that the treasury will begin printing a new three dollar bill sometime next month.
Paulson issued a statement:
"It's a fairly big jump from $1 to $5. We thought it was time to close that gap. We had considered a three dollar coin, but after that Susan B. Anthony fiasco we decided against it. There has also been pressure on us from the liberal left. There is a saying about 'He's as queer as a three dollar bill' which is a reference to gays. With the introduction of this new denomination, that phrase will become obsolete and slighting gays at the expense of the treasury will no longer be possible"
It is not known who will feature as the face of the new $3, but it is thought that the treasury may make a move away from political figures and pay tribute to Hollywood. Rock Hudson and Liberace are both said to be candidates for the front of the bill and scenes from Brokeback Mountain will feature on the back.


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As most of you already know, Lela II was born in Cozumel back in December 2010. Her first mission was ambitious, but we wanted to come in with a bang! For the months of December, January and February, Lela collected donations for a Blood Bank on the island of Cozumel– her new hometown.
Guests from Mazatlan,Cozumel and our new location Los Cabos rallied together to raise a tremendous $3117USD for all three months!
Our goal was to get through all the red tape – opening a blood bank was a much more ambitious task than expected, and we did everything in our power to achieve this goal. After months of meetings, negotiations, arguments with government officials and more, our Blood Bank proposal was rejected by the state of Quintana Roo and we had to abandon the idea of opening a Blood Bank.
We pondered, and ummmed, and ahhhed and wondered what to do…then it hit us – let's sit down with Red Cross Cozumel and see where Lela's donation could be best put to work! So, after looking at their big picture, S
alsa and Salsa, along with Lela, Lela II and Lela III (hehehe) decided your donations would have to SAVE LIVES!
As it would have done with the Blood Bank, your donations went towards the purchase to two necessary pieces of equipment for the volunteer work of the Red Cross in Cozumel. You'll be proud to know your donation went t
wards an EKG machine and a defibrillator. Both machines will be used in the 5 ambulances which Red Cross has on the island. The defibrillator has already save a man's life and both machines will help hundreds of people more!
The Red Cross in Mexico runs solely on donations, with no government support. When we approached the Director for Red Cross Cozumel, Mr Dagoberto, with our idea, he thanked us with a hug which I can only describe as being the warmest, most appreciative hug I have ever experienced in my life. The machines have arrived to Cozumel, and Red Cross wants to thank each and every one of you, thanks to your kind and generous help – you've done something that will truly make a difference to this island – and it is something that will last forever.
Thank you one and all – and we look forward to hearing from you.
Dancing Chef – Cozumel


text: Dietary fibre, Food material not digestible by the human small intestine and only partially digestible by the large intestine. Fibre is beneficial in the diet because it relieves and prevents constipation, appears to reduce the risk of colon cancer, and reduces plasma cholesterol levels and therefore the risk of heart disease. Fibre also slows gastric emptying and contributes to satiety. Whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and fruits are all good sources. See also nutrition.