text:
We are grouped into five teams; Operations, Customer Success, Finance, Sales and Marketing.
Operations is made up development and content teams comprised of 2 to 4 people per team.
Customer Success provides support and account management to our customers, and as the name implies, to ensure they are successful with our products.
Finance as the name implies manages money in, through and out of the company.
Sales, sells. No surprise.
And Marketing makes sure our potential customers know who we are, why we are different, and how to find us.
Meeting Rhythms
To coordinate within and across teams we have a series of daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly meetings and rituals that include;
- Daily - Standup
- Daily - Scrum of Scrums
- Weekly - MetaScrum
- Weekly - One-On-One
- Weekly - Retrospection
- Weekly - Epic Options Committee
- Bi-Weekly - Share & Learn
- Monthly - Executive Review
- Monthly - Learning Club
- Quarterly - Goal Reviews
- Quarterly - Scorecard Review
- Semi-Annual - Skip Level Review
- Semi-Annual - Compensation Review
As a rule we eliminate interruptions by batching our weekly meetings to all happen in a back to back manner on Mondays.
Daily - Standup
Every team meets prior to the Scrum of Scrums meeting, and everyone on a team is expected to attend. All standups are open to anyone who wants to attend, and the meeting is Chaired By the Scrum Master for the team.
The Scrum Master is expected to run a quick, efficient and decisive meeting;
- work through the Daily Standup Checklist,
- keep the meeting to 7 to 12 minutes in length,
- be the facilitator - not the "boss," but a traffic cop,
- stay on agenda - be ruthless, stick to status not solutions, break out solutions to separate meetings,
- be specific – who, what, when, where, how.
Each person on the team shares any good news and examples of how someone in the company exemplified our values, big accomplishments, what customer experience was amazing, or other wow moments, and then they share their top priority for the day and any blocks or challenges they are facing.
Once everyone has reported the team addresses any blocks or challenges that can be resolved quickly (under a minute) or agrees to resolve them offline, and they further recap their report and any cross team blocks they have to bring to Scrum of Scrums.
Daily - Scrum of Scrums
At 9:15am EST, all Scrum Masters, or their designate, attend Scrum of Scrums or SoS as it is often called. The meeting is open to anyone who wants to attend, and the Chief Operating Officer is Scum Master for the meeting and they have the same objectives of a Scrum Master for a Daily Standup.
Each team's Scrum Master reports the status of their Critical Number and current Epic and any cross Team blocks, dependencies or clarifications they might have.
Once all Scrum Masters have reported the cross team blocks and dependencies are resolved and any solution meetings are broken out and addressed separately.
The meeting is recorded for those who can't attend and shared with everyone in the company.
Weekly - Share & Learn
Everyone is invited to attend a Share & Learn every Monday at 9:30am EST. The agenda includes a 5 minute or less presentation on something new that was recently done, new information to share, or a lesson learned, from every team and the chair for the meeting rotates between everyone in the company each week.
Presentations from each team rotate between all members of the team. The same person from the team should not be presenting every week.
The meeting is recorded for those who can't attend and shared with everyone in the company.
Weekly - MetaScrum
On Monday's at 11:30am the MetaScrum, comprised of the Team Leaders from the five groups that make up the company, meet to review tactical implementation and execution problems and opportunities.
Weekly - One-On-One
Every person in the company meets with who they report to for a one-on-one at most once per week and at a minimum every two weeks. Who you report to is there to listen and provide guidance and resources to you, this isn't their meeting, this is your meeting to talk about what you need to be successful in the company.
At the very least there are four questions that both of you need to cover;
Are you on track for your personal development actions? What have you done, what is working, where do you need extra support?
Are you on track to achieve your objectives as measured by a Critical Number? Both you and your leader should know what your Critical Number is by which you measure your success and you should know exactly where you stand with that number.
What's the one thing you have to get done to stay on track, or get back on track?
What's one thing that your leader can do to help (stop doing, keep doing, start doing) you achieve your critical number?
Once the above are covered it's your meeting. You drive it, and the team leader answers questions and asks a few of their own, but the prep work for and ownership of the meeting is all you.
Weekly - Retrospection
Each Team retrospects on how they are doing and how they can improve typically on Mondays after Share and Learn. It is expected that all members of a team attend the retrospection unless they are away that day. The meeting is chaired by the Scrum Master for the team and it is open to anyone who wants to attend and observe. The checklist for each team member to complete prior to the meeting includes;
- On a scale of 1 to 5, how happy are you with your role in the Company?
- On a scale of 1 to 5, how happy are you with the Company as a whole?
- Why do you feel that way?
- What one thing would make you happier in the next week?
And then during the meeting the Team works together to find one improvement they can make in the following week to increase the happiness of the team.
Monthly - Leadership Review
At the start of a month that isn't the beginning of a quarter (8 times per year) the Team Leaders from the five groups that make up the company meet for a day to review our financial performance, people reviews, and typically tackle one tough problem.
Monthly - Learning Club
Every Team is always learning from something. A book, a podcast, documentary, YouTube Channel, whatever medium that is conveying something that we can learn from to improve how we work.
The Team has a standing monthly one hour meeting to review and discuss what they have learned from the medium that they have chosen to review. Everyone from the Team is expected to attend, unless they are away. The meeting schedule and what the Team is reviewing is shared with the Company on Slack and anyone who has an interest in the topic, aside from the Team members, can optionally attend out of interest as well. The Team members and anyone else who is attending should come prepared to the meeting with notes, thoughts, and takeaways. The goal is that we learn something from each medium that we study that we can apply to the way we work.
Quarterly - Goal Reviews
In the last month of every quarter the Team Leaders from the five groups that make up the company evaluate how we performed in the previous quarter and set the theme and priorities for the coming quarter and the conclusions are presented at the next Share and Learn.
Quarterly - Scorecard Review
Every person in the company completes their Scorecard Review every 90 days.
Semi-Annual - Skip Level Review
Skip Level Meetings are conducted by the "Boss of a Boss" 180 days, more or less, after the conclusion of the Skip Level Follow Up Meeting for their last Skip Level Review.
The "Boss of a Boss" meets with the Team that reports to their direct report without that Team Leader present. Skip Levels are done for all Team Leaders on a regular cadence, including the CEO (an outside consultant facilitates theirs). The purpose of the Skip Level meeting is twofold:
- Help the Leader be a better Leader. Get good constructive feedback for them to improve how they lead people.
- Encourage the Team that reports to the Manager to speak truth to power. Make sure that their voices are heard and reinforce that that no one needs to grin and bear it.
When meeting with the Team it is very important that they understand why they are having a Skip Level Meeting. The two goals are discussed at length and then discussed again. It is made clear that this isn't a fishing expedition or a complaint session. Constructive feedback and recommendations are being sought and are expected.
Everything suggested / discussed at the meeting is shared in real-time with the Team and the Leader of the Team within a Google Doc. However, no attribution is given for the suggestions. They are anonymous.
The questions to be asked of the Team are;
- What can the Team Leader keep doing? What works well?
- What can the Team Leader stop doing? What doesn't work so well and should be stopped?
- What can the Team Leader start doing? What isn't happening and should be?
- If you were the Team Leader what would you do differently?
- And the last of all, how would you rate the skip level review meeting on a scale of 1 to 10? How could we make it better?
If the Team has no feedback, the Team needs to confirm everything is perfect? Very unlikely… And everyone should contribute. Not just the loudest person in the room. The facilitator does not judge, defend or debate, the feedback, they merely confirm, collate and help prioritize. The biggest impact, most important changes, need to come first.
The Skip Level is scheduled for one hour with the Team. The last 10 minutes are devoted to recapping, clarifying and prioritizing all suggestions. A review of the Skip Level is scheduled with the Team Leader in question during their next One-On-One. All items are discussed and action plans determined to implement any needed improvements.
A Skip Level Follow Up Meeting with the Team is scheduled 45 days after the Skip Level and 30 minutes are spent with them confirming what progress has been made by the Team Leader. All feedback is once again noted in the same shared document and it is reviewed with the Team Leader at their next One-On-One.
Semi-Annual - Compensation Review
The Compensation Review is done every six months to update;
- With PayScale the current market compensation data;
- update all Jobs to align with any Role changes made since the last review,
- confirm Labour Markets.
- Run Market Reports to collect latest market data,
- Review the Compensation Strategy Manager and confirm the target market percentile and the target range width around the target percentile and then set ranges to market
- Download Jobs and Market Reports and update Role compensation and corresponding PayScale descriptions.
- Our variable compensation plans.


text:
Happy Sankranti!
Today we celebrate the festival of kites!!
I wanted to celebrate this festival through my cards today.
For m first card, I have used a motif from the Craftangles 'Shubh Labh' stamp set.
I stamped the motif, masked it, stamped over it and repeated the process till I had a string of kites. I watercoloured them, masked them again and created the sky background by using a cloud mask and distress ink.
I finished the card with a sentiment from Verses Rubber stamps.
I just love the versatility of this stamp that allowed me to create this happy card!
To create my second card, I started with the Lawn Fawn scalloped box die, cut from white cardstock.
I used a cloud mask and coloured the outside of the box using
Faded Jeans Distress ink from Tim Holtz.
I then die cut the clouds (Simon Says Stamp) and the kites (sizzix) and,
fixed them using strips of acetate.
I then finished the card with a sentiment from Craftangles 'Girl in the rain' stamp set and some
Craftangles 'Bumblebee yellow' sequins.
Again the versatility of the stamp set allowed me to create such a fun and cheerful card!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Have a great day!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
34 month old
In this article
How your toddler's growingAs children get older, they take more interest in socialising. Your child is probably beginning to think of her playmates as friends, and she's learning that small kindnesses - like sharing and giving - are part of friendship. Imaginative play also takes off. Many children, especially those without siblings, create imaginary playmates between two and a half and three years of age. They can provide solace and take responsibility for the things your child wishes she hadn't done. But most lose interest in their imaginary friends by the age of six.
Your life: a little helperEveryone talks about the twos being terrible, but they fail to see how much two-year-olds love helping around the house! They want to be part of the world around them and they love and admire you. Your little one may want to help you set the table, fold the laundry or pick up toys - and now is your chance to get some eager help while encouraging good habits. Don't forget to reward her with big appreciative hugs and kisses.
Parent tip: encourage good eating habits"My daughter was getting very fussy at mealtimes until I made a real effort to get her involved in food preparation and cooking. Now she's very good at eating - but only if she's made her dinner herself!" – Dora
CommunityAll children grow and develop at different rates. If you'd like to discuss your queries and concerns about toddler speech and development, you can chat to other parents in our Toddler group.
Things to considerHow to prevent your toddler from feeling displaced by your new baby.
What to feed your growing toddler.
What to try if your toddler keeps on spilling her drink.
October 2017 Birth Club
Sugary & salty food for 15 months old child
by myaakmal
Who is your Obgyn?
by Ginnyluu
hai...nk tnya
by sitiabdul
Track your baby's development
Join now to receive free weekly newsletters tracking your baby's development and yours throughout your pregnancy.


text:
There is no county government. Only Zuul.
Chris Collins has all but declared himself the sole sovereign and king of Erie County. Christopher du Lac Spaulding, as successor to King Joel the Fail, has unilaterally declared the Erie County Legislature to be a nullity.
The Six Sigma-dependent big spender has naturally relied upon dubiously correct hypertechnicalities to justify his lack of regard or respect for co-equal branches of government.
While Collins may be the chief budget officer, he is also the executive – the legislature is the board of directors and speaks for specific constituencies to whom they answer every two years.
It doesn't matter whether you agree or disagree with Collins or the Democratic legislative caucus – the issue has become whether you respect the rule of law and separation of powers. Collins du Lac clearly doesn't. He claims that the Democratic budget amendments would raise people's taxes up to $3.00 per year, but shows absolutely no math to back up that assertion. The legislative Democrats have provided proof – in writing – that their proposal does nothing to raise taxes, and has issued documentation of how it achieves balance.
Not Collins, though. Le comté, c'est lui.
Tomorrow, the legislature will take up Collins' remarkable veto statement and attempt to override it. Many of the specific cultural line items were supported by 10/15 legislators, and the library funding was supported unanimously. According to majority leader Maria Whyte, Kevin Hardwick said he would override Collins' vetoes on certain cultural line items if he had proof that no tax increase would result.
During today's press conference, Betty Jean Grant said Collins' claims that the Democratic budget amendments raised taxes were "fearmongering." Lynn Marinelli said that Democrats were proud to show their math – Collins is for some reason afraid or unwilling to do the same. Addressing Collins' media blitz and direct voter contact, Tom Mazur said Collins should be ashamed of himself stoking fear through robocalls. Tom Loughran said that Collins wasn't elected "to destroy this community". Barbara Miller-Williams lamented a "sad day" for Erie County and pleaded with Collins to work with the legislature.
Tomorrow we'll see just how sad a day it is, and Collins will be forced to deal with a co-equal branch of government whether he's bought it or not, whether he likes it or not. Caution. Litigation ahead.
Related articles
- County Executive vows to veto amendments (buffalo.ynn.com)
- Collins: A Government of One (wnymedia.net)


text:
Conventional Hydronic Heating
A hydronic heating system uses a boiler to heat water that's circulated through insulated pipe work to a register placed in every room. The most common registers used are convector heating panels, but trench convectors, radiant panels, skirting convectors and floor coils can also be used.
The heat is transmitted through either convection or radiation, depending on what type of register is used. These two types of heat distribution are very clean, quiet and a natural way to heat your home as they don't dry out the air, circulate aeroallergens or use fan force. The health industry uses hydronic heating supplies for these very reasons.
Not only is hydronic heating a clean way to heat you home, it's also a very efficient & cost effective form of central heating. Hydrotherm uses boilers with efficiency ratings from 80%-97% – resulting in a much lower running cost compared to other forms of central heating. Hydronic heating cost savings of 20% will be made on houses with 2.7m ceilings and up to 40%-50% on houses with taller ceilings when compared to gas ducted heating.
The use of a central thermostat and thermostatic valves helps you get the most out of your hydronic heating system. Hydronic heating supplies like individual thermostats can be installed in each room allowing for complete independent temperature control resulting energy efficiency. Hydrotherm uses a Siemens thermostat as the central control unit for your system. The Siemens unit is user friendly and hassle free, allowing you to program temperature settings suited to your needs and works automatically to control the temperature.
Hydronic heating supplies is also safe for your children and the elderly. There are no exposed flames or electrical connections that become fire hazards and the water temperature circulates at Delta T 60 degrees Celsius, making panels safe to touch.
If you would like a quote for the Convention Hydronic Heating system please visit the contact us page.


text:
The acclaimed fable The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery declares children are much wiser and more creative than many adults. Can we regain that creative vitality?
In a post on her Scientific American blog Literally Psyched, Maria Konnikova writes that de Saint-Exupery makes a "larger point about creativity and thought [that] is difficult to overstate: as we age, how we see the world changes.
"It is the rare person who is able to hold on to the sense of wonderment, of presence, of sheer enjoyment of life and its possibilities that is so apparent in our younger selves."
She quotes poet Charles Baudelaire: "Genius is no more than childhood recaptured at will, childhood equipped now with [an adult's] physical means to express itself, and with the analytical mind that enables it to bring order into the sum of experience, involuntarily amassed."
A 2010 study by a group of psychologists at North Dakota State University, Konnikova notes, "decided to test experimentally the intuitive notion that, as we leave our childhood selves behind, we leave also some of that creative inspiration that is the basis of original ideas, innovative thought, and prescient discovery."
The study asked college students to write a short essay on the topic: Imagine school is cancelled for today. What would you do, think, and feel?
The results?
Konnikova reports, "All students answered the same question. But for one group, a single sentence was added to the instruction: You are seven years old… The average [creativity test] performance was about as expected—with one major exception.
"Those participants who were in the seven-year-old condition exhibited significantly higher levels of originality in thought. Both their verbal and figural responses left their more adult-minded counterparts in the dust."
From The Big Lesson of a Little Prince: (Re)capture the Creativity of Childhood, By Maria Konnikova.
Top photo: "dennis child writer" By Jan Marlyn Reesman.
Bottom photo: "Future Picasso?" [apparently no longer online] by sallylondon – also used in the post on my main site: Childlike creativity: Nurturing Your Creative Mindset – which includes some commentary by Sherri Fisher of Positive Psychology News Daily about the same research study.
Child prodigy Adora Svitak (at age seven, she typed over 250,000 words — poetry, short stories, observations about the world — in a single year) says the world needs "childish" thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism.
From my post: Adora Svitak on developing creativity: We need 'childish' thinking.
The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
The Little Prince for Grown-ups: Using Jungian active imagination to uncover pearls of the masterpiece of Saint-Exupery, by Roberto Lima Netto Ph.D.


text:
This feature is continued from yesterday.
Featured at this year's Lake Forest Showhouse and Garden event were stunning designs by lead Designer Susan Sissman and her team from Eclectic Design Collaborative which included Harrington Masters in Interior Design student (and soon to be alumna :)), Leslie Bowman , HCD ID graduate Gwen Williams and HCD Adjunct faculty members Cynthia Gissele and Denise Rush.
The dynamic group was awarded the design of the second floor main hallway with many closets that were originally purposed as areas for linen storage. The design team transformed the space – working around the concept of the manor's past and peacocks – into a delightful assemblage of jeweled spaces.
The "Night Cap" room was designed to avert a visit to the lower level of the manor. The bar cabinet conceals an unsightly "slop sink", while the bold red hue initiates a striking dance of the senses just before bedtime.
The "Solace" room is traditionally styled with a touch of whimsy. This petit hideaway offers a space to jot down a quick note, complete with a sensually styled boutique stool by Christopher Guy.
"The Strut" room exudes the vain attitude of the peacock during his mating call. The drapery, designed with the ball gown header (exclusive to The Curtain Exchange), steps back into a lost era of design hues, but represents the most significant hues within the fowl's plumage.
"Cedar Closet" is designed to recall the past with its warm and woodsy space. As expected, this closet stores beautifully designed wool and cashmere clothing and luxury winter linens – but also displays a glimpse of fashion, with jewel-like drawer pulls, and a hat box styled light fixture.
Awesome work from a very talanted group of designers. I hope to follow up with the Eclectic Design Collaborative group soon to learn about their other projects!
Photos and design courtesy Susan Sissman, Leslie Bowman and Eclectic Design Collaborative


text:
Thank you!
Yes, I would like to receive offers and updates from JOALI
Up in the sky, deep in the ocean. I have been all around the world.
Then I found myself surrounded by these beauties.
Suddenly, the island woke up and my story has begun.
A home is where I feel alive. A place where I feel like myself.
In my life, I've lived in many places, but only in one have I found a home.
My spirit feeds on joy and my life feeds on memories.
Every dish tells me a story and every plate becomes a journey.
A journey of savors, fragrances and joy.
You're only alive if you've got "joie de vivre".
I've found my joy of life there and remembered the reason why I live.
Then the joy became a promise.
If you see the world through the eyes of a child, then you'll see real joy.
If you imagine the world like a child, then the world is yours.
I let the mighty earth surround me, nourish me, content me…
And my spirit touches this earth through a body that I cherish.
It is my precious gift, as it is the ultimate place I live.
All through the years, I've collected many memories and possessions.
I find great joy in each. The joy I want to share with
others, who can see the world through their hearts.
Everything I did started with a simple question in mind: what if?
This simple yet brilliant mindset may brings joy to one's life.
Across the crystal clear water of the sea, I buried the secret of my joy in the sparkling white sand beaches.


text:
Today, I decided to sit outside and meditate.
I came outside, got my music on and set my timer for 12 minutes.
You'd think 12 minutes would be easy enough to do, right?
I'm trying to remain steady and at ease …
Meditation IS really difficult when there's a lot going on.
I totally understand that meditation is difficult, especially when you're going through difficult times.
And yet, that is when we need it the most!
Do the best you can and persevere …
I, ultimately, had to stop after 8 minutes. (Click here to see why today's attempt was so challenging)
At least I got a few minutes to let go and think about the wonderful things in my life.
Love and Blessings,
I want to help you connect with yourself … with your peace and happiness that is within!
Meditation is truly one of the most rewarding and life changing activities that you can explore and ultimately use to expand your life experience.
Click here if you are ready to embark on an entirely new way of being and believing sign up today and start your journey of peace, relaxation and connection.


text:
The Crypto Cousins Network of Websites:
|The Crypto Cousins Podcast:
The Crypto Cousins weekly podcasts bring you the best minds in cryptocurrency.New episodes are uploaded every Tuesday and reach listeners in over 100 countries.
Take a look at CryptoCousins.com
|The Crypto Crybaby:
If you want to show your support for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency then you need to go to The Crypto Crybaby Store.In stock items include t-shirts, caps, wallets and more.
Take a look at CryptoCryBaby.com
| The 4 Minute Crypto Show
As the name suggest these short, 4 minute or less shows are quick and sweet.Join me as I bring you 1 great news story five days a week.4 Minute Crypto is available as video and as an audio podcast.
Take a look at 4MinuteCrypto.com
| Arlington Crypto:
If you live in the Dallas – Ft. Worth Area of Texas you may want to come over to Arlington and join us at Arlington Crypto.We meet once a month and chant about Bitcoin, Crypto, Blockchain and other subjects from the world of crypto.
Take a look at ArlingtonCrypto.com
| BitBlockBoom!:
BitBlockBoom is a TRUE Bitcoin conference held in Dallas, Texas.2019 will be the second year for the conference and should be a great event.
Take a look at BitBlockBoom.com
The Crypto Podcaster:
This site is becoming my home base for my world of crypto.Take a look at CryptoPodcaster.com
The Crypto Market Cap Show:
The Crypto Podcasters
Coming in May of 2019
Crypto Coffee
Coming in April of 2019


text:
News: Pubs and theatre. An age-old pairing.
This exciting project will no doubt resonate with anyone that has ever stepped into a pub, so this February, grab your pint of Drunken Nights and witness something completely original and unique.
News: The 28 Day Project launches wonderful opportunities
The 28 Day Project is an exciting initiative offering emerging talent a step into the film business.
Have you got the Star Wars X Factor?
Thousands turned away at open auditions after standing in the rain for hours.
News: TheatreCraft returns to help young people's backstage careers
The 8th annual event returns to the Royal Opera House later this month.
BLOG: Theatre: the best casino shows around the world
Casinos around the world offer some of the best theatrical entertainment you can find.
BLOG: 5 Best Actors in Superhero Cinema
Is "superhero" acting any less challenging?
Blog: Films to study for inspiration
Watching great actors can often inform your own work.
Blog: Shakespeare experimenting with the limits of contemporary drama
Briony Rawle heads to Yorkshire and takes a closer look at Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale.
Review: Bat Boy, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭
A campy fun musical with bite screams Douglas Mayo.
Review: Visitors, Arcola Theatre ✭✭✭✭
Barney Norris first full-length play is an exquisitely written examination of love and loss, writes Alex Delaney.
Review: 1984, Almeida Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭
This fresh vision of 1984 feels like a rediscovery of Orwell's dystopia, writes Sophia Longhi.
Review: Secret Theatre – Show 4, Lyric Hammersmith ✭✭✭✭
This review comes with a capitalised, emboldened and even italicised, SPOILER ALERT. That should do, writes Briony Rawle.
Review: King Lear – RSC @ Roundhouse ****
In the RSC version playing at the Roundhouse, Greg Hicks, as Lear, offers Honour Bayes a unique and original King.Friday 28th January 2011
Review: Julius Caesar – RSC @ The Roundhouse ****
The RSC is back with a meaty piece of theatre, with Greg Hicks giving a commanding performance as the King, writes Honour Bayes.Friday 14th January 2011
Review: The Winter's Tale – RSC @ Roundhouse ****
Festive cheer and a perfectly harmonious production of The Winter's Tale at the Roundhouse is uplifting for JBRSaturday 18th December 2010
Review: Antony & Cleopatra – RSC @ The Roundhouse ***
Martin Schurman is disappointed by an Antony & Cleopatra heavy on politics and light on poetry.Wednesday 15th December 2010
Theatre Review: King Lear – RSC – Courtyard Theatre
Rupert Bridgwater reviews RSC's King Lear and discovers a bold and magnificent all round production.Thursday 4th March 2010


text:
Gouty Foods: Rheumatoid Arthritis Medicine
Chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint swelling, pain and stiffness is known as rheumatoid arthritis also known as RA. Do not confuse RA with another form of arthritis known as osteoarthritis. RA is caused by an autoimmune disorder where as osteoarthritis is due to the wear and tear we put on the joints as we age.
Gout shows off since the extremely hurtful form of arthritis that may be actually hard to bear. More and more people are likely to need anesthetics as a way to deal with the anguish and gout attacks can appear at any time in time, without warning. The great thing is that any of us can command the signs or symptoms and even reduce them totally. All that is basically essential is a customization in order to our diet. Helping put it simple, we have to utilize what was described by nutritionists like a uric acid diet.
- The first line of medicines that are usually prescribed would be the NSAIDs which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.
- They are used to treat the inflammation and pain associated with the inflammation.
- They do not prevent or stop any damage to the joint.
- We all know these medications these people include: Aspirin, Anacin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to be able to name a few.
- These are overthecounter medicines (OTC) that have been around for years.
DMARDs are all only available by prescription and a few of their names are: Imuran, Arava, Methotrexate, Hydroxchloroquine and Sulfasalazine. In order to use these medicines they all require blood work to be done to evaluate the possible side effects. Depending on the medicine and the route that it is obtained possibly orally or inserted will dictate the type of side effects that you experience with the DMARDs.
- Improper medicine can as well be a cause for gout.
- Drugs like aspirin or niacin can cause gout.
- Diuretics can also play a key component role ultimately causing gout.
- Always have a word with your doctor about the side effects of these drugs.
How about the 9 gout causing foods to avoid and beat gout naturally the Ultimate Cure Part 2
Go to http://bit.ly/1kz5Mq6 and cure your gout today. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Red Meat ...
Whatever you ought to do is do a list of all the so-called foods which might be full off purines. Those are the foods that you'll be going to have to avoid at any expense. Then you'll need to create a list of all foods which have low purine quantities. These are foods that you ought to consume and so in many cases are safe for your health. This does not mean that you should enjoy only these. A third list will incorporate foods that don't incorporate purines. If you only ingest foods with no or low purine degrees, you may quickly recognize that gout pain is likely to vanish and the attacks are not going to show up again.
- Author's Bio: Mary Watson, the well known author writes on gout problem and Generic Colcrys.
- He or she regularly writes for Colchicine.ca/.
There have been many concerned patients that took these medicines that have worried about the side effects and the long term effect the medicine would have on them.
You Will Probably Perceive the Term "Low Uric Acid Foods"
Do not be lured in order to imagine that this is the talk concerning foods that contain uric acid. There's no this kind of thing. The fact is that these are only foods that are for use in a low uric acid diet, and that is simply the low purine diet.
When it comes to finding the right remedies to help you, you need to be aware that there are only four different categories of arthritis medications.
- Apart from the incorrect food habits, genetic reasons can also be responsible for gout problems in someone.
- In some cases gout is hereditary.
- This means if any of your predecessors had been a gout patient after that that might as well be the reason behind you as a sufferer.
- Now, one can most likely not avoid this reason by any means.
- All he needs to do is maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
- Regular intake of Vitamin c can actually help one to control the uric acid level.
Common Reasons for Gout
First in the list has to be the kind of lifestyle one leads. Excessive consumption of food high in purine contents or fatty products leads to enlargement of uric acid in the human blood. This is why today gout is so common in the young people as well.
There will also be prescriptions NSAIDs and these include: Feldene, Flurbiprofen, Relafen, Voltaren and Clinoril to name a few. Doctors have also found that using COX2 inhibitors which block the production of COX-2 enzymes selectively help reduce the inflammation and provide effective relief with few side effects. The most popular is of course Celebrex.
These tend to be analgesics, NSAIDs, glucocorticoids (or steroids) and anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Most often these rheumatoid arthritis medicines are used in conjunction with one another consequently it is very important that you talk to your doctor about the treatment options.
Herbal Home Remedies With Regard to Gout Relief
Another popular gout relief home remedy is the use of selected herbs. There are quite a few of these, so here is a small selection that can reduce your inflammation and relieve pain, plus, lower your uric acid levels. For inflammation and pain relief you will find herbs just like bilberry, celery seeds, hawthorn and hydrangea, etc. For uric acid reduction you've devil's claw, juniper, hyssop, nettle and saffron, and so forth.
There is no cure for arthritis, but you will find treatments that you can use to alleviate the pain associated with it so that you can have a pain free pleased lifestyle. The usage of rheumatoid arthritis remedies is of great benefit. We are going to look at a few of the different types available to you.
Here Tend to be 3 Very Popular Remedies for Gout that You can Try to Start With:-
Cherries Home remedy for Gout A very popular and effective gout relief home remedy is cherries. Because they have loads of natural anti-inflammatory properties and tests have shown they can also lower uric acid, they are an effective home remedy for gout. In between attacks eat around 30 or even 40 cherries per day. But during an attack, eat 30 to 40 every 4 hrs or so.
The Next Set of Medications in Order to Look At that Treat RA is the Steroids
Also known as the corticosteroids, these are only used for extreme cases of inflammation as well as sever soreness. Prednisone is the most commonly used steroid. Prednisone can be taken orally or by injection into the joint. Prednisone is normally titrated up in dosage when taken orally and needs to be titrated down. It never advised that once you are put on a steroid treatment that you just stop it.
- So natural gout relief through home remedies is being sought more and more.
- The problem is, where do you begin?
- Simply because there are so many natural remedies for gout, it can get a bit overwhelming to find what works best for you.
Now, whilst these can be effective ways to get gout relief, on their own, they can't be the complete solution to your gout problem. You see, there are several underlying issues that you need to be aware of and address in order to give yourself the best possible chance of preventing gout episodes. These are things like your weight, diabetes, medical conditions, medicines, high cholesterol levels, family history, lifestyle issues, and so on.
How to control Body Pain and Symptoms Body pain can be caused by a number of factors, including inflamed joints, broken bones, pulled muscles or tendons and arthritis. Over time, the pain can be a nuisance and have a negative impact on a person s lifestyle. There are also a number of...
- Sudden high-fever, unusual exhaustion, are some of the other common symptoms of gouty arthritis Now, you know which symptoms should concern you.
- If you find any of these factors affecting your self or perhaps any person around you, simply rush to the doctor.
- He is the one who will be able to advice you on what medicine apt treatment for the kind of gout you are suffering from.
- They are often taken orally, every four to six hours.
- Depending on the strength of the medicine and the stage of your RA will determine the effectiveness of the OTC medicines.
Lot has been said in the past and in the today's world about gout, its symptoms and remedies. It is now a known fact that gouty arthritis starts as just a simple irritation as well as pain in the joints, but if ignored finally turns like a good adversary that it often damages internal organs. Physicians have been constantly suggesting immediate medical consult in case of any kind of pain felt in joints or tissues. No matter how unimportant gout might appear seemingly its excruciating pain is enough to drive one crazy. But how would one know, whether the pain he is feeling is of gout or even because of some minor irritation. Because of this it is important to have a clear idea about the symptoms of gout. This article aims at educating the readers about those symptoms and also the various alternative or natural remedies that can be sued to get rid of gout.
What's the Uric Acid Diet?
We are able to explain the uric acid diet as a specific diet for gout patients that include primarily low purine foods or foods which have no purines. The purines are responsible for the make of uric acid. When we organize to keep purine intake degrees surprisingly low the problems are going to be mostly eliminated.
Studies over the years have shown that DMARDs are incredibly efficient in treating RA and that the side effects associated with any of the rheumatoid arthritis medicines are uncommon, part of this is due to the fact that there are frequent tests performed to monitor and control the risk of virtually any side effect. In the beginning DMARDs were thought to only be good for short term remedy, however now they are regarded as one of the best long terms treatment options patients have.
- There are many options available to people who are suffering from RA.
- Your options range from over the counter medicines to prescriptions.
- Most have minimal side effects as well as work well.
- Talk to your doctor and plan your own treatment together.
Without appropriate understanding of the symptoms of a disease, one might start treating himself quite amateurishly, which isn't the correct approach at all. However, what will the data of the symptoms be when they aren't put to good use? In order to avoid the symptoms one will have to lead a life which is devoid of the elements that triggers the symptoms. Various factors work behind the provocation of gout problems in a human being.
Using Hot / Cold Compresses for Gout Discomfort Relief
The third gout relief home remedy in my short list is the application of hot and cold compresses. This helps to increase blood circulation and in so doing can reduce inflammation and relieve gout pain. You can use hot and a cold pack or just lay the afflicted joint into basins or buckets of hot after which cold water. Apply hot regarding 3 minutes, then cold for 30 seconds. Repeat as necesary. But not for more than 20 minutes.
Steroids also come with their own set of side effects that make most patients unhappy, including weight gain as well as what is known as the "moon face". These side effects generally go away after stopping the medicine. Prednisone is very effective though in helping alleviated pain and swelling in extreme cases.
Why a Uric Acid Diet?
Gout hits will appear on account of high levels of uric acid that may be found in the bloodstream. The great thing is that uric acid amounts may be manipulated and that could also have a great effect on our condition as well as on our well being. Exercising is also recommended continuously however the diet is actually a need for the actual gout sufferer. There is not any need to go through continual pain when it may be eliminated easily. Only a few changes are essential and so they might make a huge difference in the life span of anyone who has to cope with this form of arthritis.
When we talk about this particular subject it will be beneficial to also know about Gout Pain Medication, and be informed about Colchicine Gout.
Is important in order to understand that rheumatoid arthritis is caused by our immune system attacking cells in our joints that are not invaders, but are seen as such by the immune system. This is why it is called an autoimmune disease, it simply means that our body is attacking itself.
Sufferers in the Know are Increasingly Using Gout Relief Home Remedies Rather Than Drugs
This is because of the nasty side effects that gout medications can have. And these only work whilst being taken in any case. What they do not do is work with the underlying issues that can trigger gout attacks.
Most often it is the NSAIDs used in conjunction with the DMARDs to achieve efficient relief. The DMARDs stop the production of cells in the immune system that causes pain and swelling. The DMARDs offers the the majority of hope to RA sufferers, because if the disease is trapped early sufficient and these meds are usually started early it can put RA into remission.
The bottom line is that a uric acid diet can do miracles yet it is your duty to be sure that you can stick to it. It could be really difficult initially, especially if you are usually seemed to eating a lot of red meat. However, when you start watching all the advantages that are involved, anything may become much easier and you may certainly love the actual fact that you won't have to go through a gout assault again.
And getting to grips with one of these to prevent recurring gout is so important because recurring gout attacks can eventually leave you with serious / permanent joint damage and some kidney problems...
Obvious Gout Symptoms Inflammation, inflammation, unusual hotness, of the joint (symptoms of inflammatory arthritis) Excruciating pain felt in the big toe of all the joints in the feet.
Sudden unpleasant attacks especially during the night as a consequence of decreasing of the body temperature
So, now, to get more free info. on gout relief home remedies, plus, other ideas to help prevent recurring gout from causing you serious problems in the future, please now go to Natural Home remedies for Gout.


text:
Report to the Bridge!
Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator lets you turn your living room into the bridge of a spaceship. You and your friends assume the jobs of Captain, Helm, Science, Communication, Engineering, and Weapon Control. Together you operate your ship and defend the sector from evil aliens.
Artemis simulates a spaceship bridge by networking several computers together. One computer runs the simulation and the "main screen", while the others serve as workstations for the normal jobs a bridge officer might do. Artemis is a social game where several players are together in one room ("bridge"), and while they all work together, one player plays the Captain, a person who sits in the middle, doesn't have a workstation, and tells everyone what to do.
Artemis Space Bridge Simulator is a Windows PC game. Basically any Windows XP computer, or any newer OS version, should run the game. There are also iOS and Android versions of the game. You can buy them here.


text:
Hoppy Easter
Sweet Sketch 95
Sponsor: Stamp Fairy
Sweet Sketch Wednesday has rolled around again. I am visiting Arlana and enjoying her craftroom. We had a fabulous day last Friday at the Scrapbook USA Expo. We both came home with a bundle of paper like we didn't even own a sheet! How is it that we can get so excited about paper? Have you ever wondered that? I also purchased some new nesties and embossing folders that you will see in the coming weeks! This week Arlana used the Nestie Deckled Oval. Go take a look...it is adorable!
We hope you all had a fun week using Bunnies last week! We loved seeing your cards on SSW!
This week I have used another bunny from Stamp Fairy. She is called "Clementine - Carrots." I also used the Hoppy Easter sentiment which was a free download at Stamp Fairy. I inked the edge pink and added it to the SU Oval and Modern Label. I haven't used my stamps lately and wanted to create my own design on some paper so I stamped the little flowers on the Kiwi Kiss paper!
Stamp Fairy is our awesome sponsor this week at SSW! Gerda is constantly creating new images. You will love them all! Be sure to check out what our DT has created for you this week. When you play along you have a chance to be our Grand Prize Winner. Gerda is offering
four free digis of your choice
if you are our winner.
Close up of Clementine
This is the sketch you will use this week to play along at SSW!
Remember to comment on SSW so that you can have a chance for the Grand Prize!
My Recipe:
Image: Stamp Fairy Clementine Carrots 2 & Hoppy Easter, SU Enjoy Every Moment
Papers: Anna Griffin AG1361, We R Memory Keepers Hippity Hoppity Easter Things,
My Mind's Eye Alphabet Soup Flower Patch,
SU Kiwi Kiss & Pumpkin Pie, Color Mates Light Terrific Teal,
Ink: Copics and Promarkers, SU Pumpkin Pie
Tools and Embellishments: Nestabilities Scalloped Ovals Large & Classic Ovals Large,
SU Modern Label & Large Oval, MS Frond, Flowers, Brad, Ribbon


text:
Case studies are a simple yet very effective way to illustrate the benefits of your business or products. They allow your story to be told in an interesting way, by a third party. So it is less like an advertisement and more like a "word of mouth" endorsement. It is crucial however, that the message you are trying to convey is clearly expressed and that the subject of the case study is saying the correct things.
41interactive can create a single case study or a portfolio of case studies that will emphasize the benefits of your product or service, taking into account the key messages of your business.
Our writers will work closely with you to ensure the case study has a clear, concise message that is aimed at the correct audience. We can also design your case studies in both PDF download format and print formats as required.


text:
Coach Requirements
We ask just a few things from our new coaches (see detail for each step below):
- Complete or confirm volunteer registration in your family's AdminSports account.
- Complete steps for a CCYS CORI background check
- Complete Concussion Awareness Training
- Complete regular coach licensing beginning with the Introductory G course which is required for all coach and assistants.
- For our travel program
- Complete an NSCAA Level 2 Coach licensing course, if at all possible, before the season begins
- Obtain a Coach Card
- Volunteer Registration - using the Registration login tab from our website log into your family's AdminSports account, confirm or register as a volunteer for your player by clicking on the Volunteer tab (or your name if you have already volunteered). Confirm/edit ALL your volunteer registration information. Complete within 24 hours of volunteering.
- CORI background check – CCYS is required to conduct a Criminal Offender Record Information check (CORI) on every volunteer working closely with players every three years. Click here for the instructions. Complete within 24 hours of registering or by February 1 for the spring season or August 1 for the fall season.
- Concussion Awareness Training – CCYS and the BAYS league now require all coaches to take video training on traumatic brain injury put together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We hope that by completing this course you will have the ability to better identify potential traumatic brain injury. Click here to go to our web page that includes a link to the CDC Heads Up Concussion video and the CCYS policy regarding brain injuries. Complete no later than March 25 for the spring season or August 25 for the fall season.
- Coach Licensing training – CCYS now requires all coaches and assistants to regularly complete coach licensing. Click here to go to our web page that includes current seasonally scheduled courses and registration details. Complete before the start of your program's season start date.
- Travel program's additional requirements:
- Complete an F course. Click here for details.
- Obtain a coach card - contact Heidi Kidder, Travel Registrar for more information.


text:
'Divergent' review: A bit far from believability
Elaborate structure of future society strains viewers' credulity
Action drama. Starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Kate Winslet. Directed by Neil Burger. (PG-13. 139 minutes.)
"Divergent" begins with an image of an overgrown lot and a distant view of a city skyline. The city is immediately identifiable as Chicago, but as the camera moves closer, you see that it's a blown-out Chicago, with rust and corrosion and gashes in its signature buildings. At first, you might think that everyone is dead, that the Cubs finally won the World Series and the city imploded. But no, there are people down there, lots of people, living in a new society configured in a bizarre way.
This configuration is at the heart of everything in "Divergent" - and in the two sequels sure to follow - so let's lay it out: In this new world, society has been broken up into five factions based on personality type: Abnegation (selfless people), Dauntless (warriors), Erudite (really smart people), Candor (honest people) and Amity (peaceful people).
As for people who don't fit into any one category, those people are - uh-oh - Divergent. And they're considered dangerous. Hence, they're cast out of society and have to live on the fringes, homeless, eating scraps.
Right away, a few problems. Yes, a culture that undervalues its most gifted members, in which it's a crime to be well-rounded, has a certain metaphorical interest, if only for the way it reminds us of high school. But this society makes no sense except as a metaphor. The social layout of "Divergent" was supposedly devised so as to maintain peace, but putting people into airtight factions guarantees conflict.
Also, let's take a second look at those five factions. Public servants, warriors and brainy people have built-in activities, but how do the people in Candor pass the time? By telling each other that their jeans really do make them look fat? And how do those peaceful types in Amity pass the time, meditating? Really, Candor and Amity have absolutely no active purpose, so it's no wonder that the story of "Divergent" focuses entirely on the Abnegation, Erudite and Dauntless factions.
It takes about 10 minutes to figure out that "Divergent" will not present a serious or intelligent vision of the future. It doesn't offer a fantasy world so much as a bogus world, lacking in internal logic. It feels more like something imagined for the sake of making teenagers feel better about not making cheerleader or the honor roll or the student council. And yet, once the movie's limits are recognized, "Divergent" can be appreciated on its own modest terms, both for its personal story and for the frenzied way it dramatizes, for a young audience, the terror of not fitting in.
The movie benefits considerably from the wide-open sincerity of Shailene Woodley as Beatrice, who starts life off in Abnegation, but just can't get the hang of being a lifelong doormat. At the choosing ritual, in which young people make a permanent decision about their life course, she makes a spontaneous choice to become Dauntless. For her, it's a demented leap, because it means a life associating with nothing but daredevils and lunatics and having to go through a brutal process of initiation that makes basic training look like a garden stroll. But for the audience, it's the best possible choice - the most physical, the most dramatic and the most dangerous.
Actually, for all the flaws in its overall concept, "Divergent" is pretty good on the day-to-day of Beatrice's life as a Dauntless novice-in-training - the dingy dining halls, the camaraderie, the leaping onto and off of buildings, the running after trains. On the plus side, for a girl who likes a certain kind of guy, Dauntless can't be beat - it's an endless parade of petty sadists and strong silent types. In the latter category, we find Theo James as Four (that's his name), who is exacting and unsmiling but who sees something special in Beatrice - or is it too special?
Kate Winslet plays the highly rational but ruthless leader of the Erudites, and every so often she makes "Divergent" seem better than it is. Ashley Judd, about the last actress you'd cast as meek and mild, has the unlikely role of an Abnegation matron, the mother of Beatrice. If you're wondering why Judd would take such a role, the answer comes near the finish. Judd gets to show her fierce side, and no one, male or female, does fierce better.
Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicle's movie critic. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle


text:
What Is Regadenoson?
Regadenoson is the international nonproprietary name (INN) of an agent that is used in the fight against coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services responsible for regulating medications, approved it on 10 April 2008. The European Union, though, has not yet granted regadenoson an approval. Astellas Pharma Inc., a pharmaceutical company founded in Japan in 2005, markets the drug under the trade name Lexiscan.
Regadenoson is promoted as the first pharmacologic stress agent manufactured as a rapid-injection dose contained in a pre-filled syringe. Pharmacologic stress agents refer to substances or drugs used for measuring how well the heart can respond to external stress. Chemical compounds that are commonly used in pharmacologic stress testing include adenosine, dobutamine and dipyridamole. In regadenoson's case, adenosine is used.
Regadenoson is referred to as an adenosine A2A receptor, or ADORA2A. This makes it an adenosine receptor specifically used for coronary artery vasodilation, which involves relaxing smooth muscle cells to permit the widening of these particular blood vessels. This leads to hyperaemia, which is an increase of blood flow to, or excessive blood accumulation in, a certain part of the body. Notably, regadenoson possesses a two- to three-minute biological half-life, while that of adenosine is measured at only 30 seconds.
Regadenoson comes as an 0.4-milligram solution meant for intravenous administration and single use. The time of injection into a peripheral vein is rapid, lasting less than 10 seconds. A 5-milliliter saline flush then follows to clean and sterilize the intravenous line.
Ten to 20 seconds after the saline flush, a radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging agent is introduced to illustrate the function of the heart muscle, or myocardium. Regadenoson's ability to induce hyperaemia particularly aids radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging. Since the effects of regadenoson does not depend on the weight of the patient, there is no need to set doses according to this characteristic.
The FDA places regadenoson in the pregnancy category C of its classification of fetal risks from pharmaceuticals. Pregnancy category C is a middling classification, representing a higher risk than categories A and B, but lower than D and X. Such a classification of this particular substance means that although fetal risk has been shown in animal reproductive studies, it is ultimately fine for pregnant women to use due to its potential benefits and a lack of controlled studies in human beings.


text:
UWC Services
Services for Students, Faculty, and Staff
We empower students, faculty, and staff to develop writing skills and confidence by providing one-to-one consultations, resources, and programming that support and enhance writing across campus. Come see what our team of professional writing consultants has to offer:
- Free, individualized writing consultations
- Faculty consultations for designing assignments and for responding to student writing
- Online resources
- Online sessions for those who have trouble visiting the center
UWC Professional Writing Consultants can help you
- Overcome writer's block
- Brainstorm and find a topic
- Understand audience and purpose
- Develop a thesis
- Incorporate sources effectively
- Revise for coherence and organization
- Edit for clarity and conciseness
- Use MLA, APA, and Chicago formats
- Understand grammar, punctuation, and usage
- Develop revision strategies
What you need to know about writing consultations
What happens during a session?
Sessions vary from consultant to consultant. Consultations are individualized, according to your needs, so your consultant will work with you to decide which aspect of your writing to address. You may find yourself reading your paper aloud, freewriting, brainstorming, outlining paragraphs, making grammar corrections, etc. You may come to the Writing Center during any stage of your writing process. Sessions last 45 minutes, and, due to high demand, we ask that you schedule no more than three sessions per week. Please refer to the Writing Center's policies for further information.
Will a writing consultant correct my grammar and punctuation errors?
We see ourselves as teachers, coaches, mentors, and readers--not editors. We can teach you editing strategies and help you identify mechanical errors, but we won't proofread your papers for you.
Will my professor know that I visited the University Writing Center, or what we talked about?
No. You can ask your consultant for a note stating that you participated in a session, but the UWC and its consultants do not discuss sessions with professors. A professor may ask you about your UWC session if you tell him/her you visited us, but we consider what is said during a session to be confidential. It's important for you to feel safe to test out ideas, and it's important for us to stay outside of the evaluative classroom learning space.
For more information, answers to frequently asked questions, check out our Make an Appointment page.


text:
This week we decided to try Eddoes, as they have them in Tesco quite often now.
They look like this:
A blog about my life in Yorkshire, healthy recipes including raw food, gluten and dairy free food, natural products I like, and other interests.
Are they a potato? I have never seen or heard of these before but I would love to try. I don't eat a lot of potato so if this is something similar I would give it a go. Thanks for sharing. Popping over from www.mummy2monkeys.co.ukReplyDelete
They are a tropical vegetable and very different to potato on the outside but once peeled pretty similar. If you buy some to try they should feel a similar weight to a potato when you pick them up.Delete
this blog post was soooo helpful to me!! im allergic to potatos too! never found anyone else who shares the same problem! id love it if youd comment back http://amyelizabethfashion.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/a-week-of-instagram-14.html xxReplyDelete
My daughter and I are both allergic to them and to various other things - including gluten - and have found a lot of the gluten free alternatives contain potato starch. bah. Check out cassava too - not as close to potatoes as eddoes but cassava crisps are pretty ok.Delete
Gosh I've never even seen or heard of these before and wouldn't have known what to do with them. They definitely sound worth a try. I wonder how they compare to potatoes in terms of GI?ReplyDelete
It has a low GI - Eddoes are also known as Tara root - I ought to have mentioned that in my blog - and I managed to find info on the GI listed under Taro root. Also full of lots of healthy vitamins and minerals.Delete
Great tip about boiling THEN peeling.I'm going to make a West Indian root veg stew .ReplyDelete
Ooh, that sounds lovely. I really like the sound of that.Delete


text:
Beyond Organic Eggs
Egg Layers
Our egg layers share the barn and the fields with our beyond organic grass fed cattle. They eat the bugs from our gardens and produce the biggest and best eggs you will ever taste.
$5.00 a dozen.
Grass Fed Beyond Organic Chickens
Sexlinks and Cornish Cross
We raise two very different types of birds at McCormick Farm. Sexlinks are our big brown chickens that lay our big heavy brown eggs. The shells can be harder than a commercially produced egg.
Cornish Cross are the big white birds. These chickens don't lay eggs there job is to fight through the tall grass and eat all the bugs they can find. Because they are a bigger bird we supplement them with 100% locally produced organic chicken feed. These birds have a stronger bone structure and put on a lot more weight than a commercially produced chicken. Our birds frequently weight over 7 pounds. Bigger bird means more meat and less bones. A much better value for your money.
Cornish Cross Price per Pound


text:
Click "Account->Change user account" menu item, in the pop up dialog to login as another account.
If you have not registered an account, please click "Register" button;
If you have an account but forget it's password, please click "Forget password" to find out your password.
Note:If you forget your password, you can try only five times, or your account will be locked for a while.


text:
Get DVD Talk Feeds
Reviewer's Note: Way back in 2007, I began reviewing the BBC's boxed sets of Lovejoy for DVDTalk. Those sets subsequently went out of print, and are now being re-released by Acorn. As far as I can tell, these are the same fullscreen transfers used for the previous releases (Acorn's now-standard disclaimer about audio/visual imperfections for these older U.K. TV shows is present). So, I'll port over my older review (with a few minor tweaks)...because my opinion of these delightful mysteries hasn't changed a bit, I found, after watching these charmers all over again this past week.
"Antiques is a lovely but murderous business, filled with love, fear, greed, death, loathing and ecstasy." Lovejoy.
Acorn Media has released Lovejoy: Series 1, a 3-disc, 10-episode collection of the U.K. comedy/mystery's first season ("series" in Brit TV-speak), from 1986. Episodes included in this set include The Firefly Cage, The Axeman Cometh, The Sting, Friends, Romans, and Enemies, The Judas Pair, To Sleep No More, The Real Thing, The March of Time, and Death and Venice, Parts I and II. Based on the best-selling novels by John "Jonathan Gash" Grant, and starring Ian McShane, Chris Jury, Dudley Sutton, Phyllis Logan, Malcolm Tierney, and Charlotte Edwards, Lovejoy is a sure-fire hit for U.K. television fans who like their mysteries delightfully askew, and their semi-anti-hero sleuths roguishly sexy...and mischievously dodgy. With the same transfers used for the previous release--now minus the admittedly meager extras that were then included--there's no need to double dip. However, newcomers to Lovejoy, as I was in 2007, should jump at this delicious bit of U.K. fun.
Back in the 1990s, when A&E aired promos for The Lovejoy Mysteries (their title for the series), I, for some reason, tuned out. I'm not sure why now; maybe it was their too-quaint-for words advertising campaign that sold Lovejoy as a "quirky, quaint" British mystery more in the vein of Murder, She Wrote rather than Ross MacDonald Meets Tom Jones (...or maybe it was because those promos always ran right after I saw Jack Perkins' over-eager, unctuous delivery on some Biography special...which put me right off). Whatever the reasons, I never caught Lovejoy during its initial States' run. However, after watching that first season of Lovejoy back in 2007, I found myself an enthusiastic convert to the enjoyably naughty, ever-so-slightly criminal antiques dealer and his charming adventures in the sometimes dicey world of British antiques--an opinion that still holds seven years later, after re-watching this Acorn set of the show's first ten episodes.
I still haven't gotten around to reading the Lovejoy novels by Jonathan Gash (John Grant), so I can't compare the fidelity (or lack thereof) of the British TV series to the literary character (although I've read that the novels are grittier). For those new to the show, Lovejoy's same-named sleuth (Ian McShane) is a "divvy" of an antiques dealer--that's someone who has an almost supernatural ability to spot priceless antiques, and worthless forgeries, as well as possessing a true, romantic love of the idea of antiques, and of their beauty. Living in East Anglia, and working out of an old barn, Lovejoy's dodgy deals always keep him just ahead of the law and the bill collectors. Often spotting gold among the dross of estate sales and local auctions, Lovejoy isn't above switching lot numbers on items he wants for himself, thereby cheating others out of the opportunity of bidding. And if a forgery (usually crafted by Lovejoy himself) will aid a scheme to get one over on a shady business rival, Lovejoy has no qualms about putting the fake into play. As an acknowledged expert in antiquities, Lovejoy is often sought out by others who find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving a precious object d'art, which Lovejoy can't resist chasing. A charmer who has a close-knit network of associates and friends who help him in his antiquity endeavors, Lovejoy--no first name ever; not even "Mr."--romps his way across the flatlands of Eastern England like a modern-day Tom Jones, constantly hustling for a quick buck and living by his quick wits.
Furthering the notion of a lower-class, Fielding-type hero battling a corrupt world (and coming out at least even), Lovejoy's chief ally and financial patron is Lady Jane Felsham (Phyllis Logan), the local aristocrat who enjoys a strictly platonic--but deliciously flirtatious--relationship with Lovejoy (Lovejoy frequently offers to step up their relationship, but to no avail). Lady Jane, who's obviously attracted to Lovejoy, as well, is more than willing to part with money and time to help Lovejoy's various schemes, but not so willing to cheat on her often absent husband, Lord Alexander Felsham (Pavel Douglas), an indulgent yet stuffy noble who can't fathom what his wife sees in the commoner Lovejoy. Helping Lovejoy with his operations is loyal "barker" (one who sniffs out possible deals on undervalued pieces) Tinker Dill (Dudley Sutton), the boozy, cynical veteran who has zero scruples when it comes to aiding and abetting Lovejoy in making money for both of them. Apprenticing Lovejoy is Eric Catchpole (Chris Jury), a polytechnic drop-out, rocker, and a bit of a git whose father pays Lovejoy to teach his wayward son a craft. Most often, though, Eric's duties include driving getaway cars for Lovejoy's grifting, or warding off the various criminals who cross paths with the slightly dodgy antiques' dealer. Chief nemesis for Lovejoy's unfettered business opportunities is successful antiques dealer and Lovejoy's landlord, Charlie Gimbert (Malcolm Tierney), a vengeful, at times almost homicidal (he even pulls a shotgun on Lovejoy when his rent is overdue) businessman who enjoys nothing more than beating out Lovejoy in an auction, even if he doesn't particularly want the offered piece.
Like many, many others, I love continuing novels and TV series that create cozy, escapist little worlds where a family of eccentric, witty individuals operate outside the mundane restrictions of our own prosaic world, and Lovejoy certainly fits that bill. Living by his wits to keep some coins in his pocket and more importantly, living the breezy, irresponsible lifestyle he wants to live ("It keeps me ahead of the game, nose in front. That's all I ask of life."), Lovejoy is that same romantic yet shrewd fictional hero that pops up in so many other genres (Travis McGee, for some reason, immediately comes to mind, although Lovejoy's larky adventures are far less violent). He's a fantasy figure whose life appears to be one big silly game (finding valuable antiques for peanuts and selling them for a profit seems far too easy here, doesn't it?); a Boy's Own life filled with sudden windfalls, comical setbacks (he may be in physical danger throughout the series, but nothing serious happens to him this first season), and gorgeous women who immediately fall under his charming spell.
For escapism like that to work, we need a hero we like (as essayed by pro McShane, Lovejoy is waywardly charismatic and attractive), as well as consistently clever, witty writing. Lovejoy series adaptor and frequent episode writer this season, Ian La Frenais (who, along with Dick Clement created classic British television like The Likely Lads and Porridge, as well as two of my favorite "forgotten" British action flicks, Otley and Villain), has a real knack of not only keeping the mysteries rolling along nicely, but also providing plenty of witty, fun throw-away moments that keep the audience tickled, and which further flesh out the characters (when Lovejoy pleads with Charlie Gimbert to explain why he hates him so much, Gimbert flatly replies, "Since my wife died, I need someone to hate."). Lovejoy's adventures stay "light, " while the writers deliberately avoid the "quaint" or "kooky" tone that some Brit TV comedy/mysteries can track. Also of keen interest to the viewer, each episode of Lovejoy incorporates insight into the (for me) baffling world of antiques, explaining the lingo and some of the practices of fraud in antiquing; I always enjoy it when a show takes the time to give me a peek--with plenty of jargon and technique--into a world I'm not familiar with, and Lovejoy does that often, and well.
Snappy writing only goes so far, though; you need an actor to bring those words to believable life, and star Ian McShane (who also owned part of the series and had quite a bit of input into its direction) deserves a lot of credit for the success of Lovejoy. Having perfected an air of the charismatic anti-hero years before (as a kid, I first remember being impressed by him in the comedy If It's Tuesday, This Must be Belgium), McShane admirably plays it straight (even when he breaks the fourth wall, and addresses the audience, Alfie-style), thereby making the more humorous elements of Lovejoy come off cleanly and not overblown. He's ably assisted by a stand-out supporting cast, with Tierney getting special mention as the frequently furious Charlie, and veteran Sutton, who can do more with a weary glance than most actors can do with a page of dialogue.
The Video:
Alas...it doesn't seem that there's been an attempt to clean-up these sometimes faded, muddy fullscreen 1.37:1 transfers. Plenty of scratches for these less-than-razor sharp transfers.
The Audio:
The English mono soundtrack for Lovejoy: Series 1 is presentable, with the dialogue cleanly rendered. English subtitles are available.
The Extras:
No extras for Lovejoy: Series 1 (that short seven minute featurette from the first season one release, where Ian McShane discussed the series, and his input in its production, is missing).
Final Thoughts:
Sophisticated, witty comedy/mystery Lovejoy: Series 1 is a delight, with that charmer Ian McShane effortlessly engaging as the perennially broke antiques "divvy" who loves works of art more than a stable income or a steady love interest. Superlative British supporting actors, and droll, sharp writing keep the playful Lovejoy: Series 1 entertaining from start to finish. I'm highly recommending Lovejoy: Series 1.


text:
- 1.5 pounds of Salmon (makes about 8 large patties)
Ask for the salmon without the bones, tail pieces, usually.
Salmon bought at the seafood counter is the best - the fresh fish really makes a difference. Have them take the skin off the salmon and cut it into 1 to 2 inch wide filets. Or if you buy the salmon in a pack, make sure you buy the tail pieces.
- 2 Tblsp chopped cilantro
- 1 ½ cups of Panko bread crumbs
- ½ tsp Salt ½ tsp Fresh ground pepper
- 2 Tblsp Hoisen sauce (in the Asian/Thai food section of the store)
- 1 Tblsp Garlic paste
- 1 Tblsp Ginger paste (found in the Asian/Thai section of the store)
- 1 pack of whole grain burger buns
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 Tblsp lemon juice
- 1 Tblsp ginger paste
- 1 Tblsp hoisen sauce (I add more to sweeten the sauce)
In a food processor combine the salmon, cilantro, panko, salt, pepper, hoisen, garlic paste and ginger paste. Chop until the mix can form a patty, add a little more panko if it's not forming a patty with some ease. Once processed make the patties and either put them on the grill for about 5-8 minutes or in the oven at broiler temp for 5 minutes. For the sauce, just mix all ingredients well together in a small bowl/container.
Serve with coleslaw and add large lettuce spears and tomatoes to the burgers, with the sauce….


text:
The COSMO CONSULT Group is specialized in software implementation and the system management of industry and business solutions based on modern software technologies. For manufacturing companies, service and trading enterprises there is also a wide range of industry and special solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics available. Furthermore COSMO CONSULT extends its business activities with the business intelligence system QlikView and with the document management system Microsoft SharePoint, which can be integrated seamlessly into the ERP system.
With 650 employees COSMO CONSULT supports its clients with more than 20 years of experience in executing national and international ERP implementations based on Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics AX.
We are growing and now looking for Microsoft SQL Server & NAV developers who would like to join our great team in France. At COSMO CONSULT you will be able work with some of the most experienced and dedicated NAV professionals in Europe. We are privileged to be surrounded by expertise and learn from each other every day. The friendly atmosphere makes it easy to ask for help and it is our firm belief that the team is always stronger than individuals. We never compromise with our business focus on Microsoft Dynamics, it enables us to be best in class on what we do.
We are looking for trustworthy representatives for COSMO CONSULT. To fit into our team we believe you enjoy working together with other people in project teams as well as doing independent tasks. As a team-player you are willing to share your knowledge and show respect and care to others. You take responsibility for you work and drive your own professional development. You are creative and careful with details and you always finish the work you started.
Please send in your application in English to jobs-france(at)cosmoconsult.com
Questions regarding the position can be answered by Jean-Marc Garel, Operations Manager for Client Services, phone number 06 76 31 23 31.


text:
Thursday, December 15, 2005
On Narnia
But that's not really my point in this post.
Now certainly this is simply an allegory, not a person-for-person or event-for-event translation of Biblical texts, but you must know that the story is so full of Christian allusion from Aslan dying and raising again to him saying, "It is finished" to...well, you get the point.
It's been some time since I have read the Narnia series...perhaps 10 years even. I honestly did not remember the battle scenes as they were in the film, but my memory of them is not the point. My point is how evil was defeated and health and life restored to Narnia.
You see, in the Biblical narrative, Jesus (and Paul) commands his followers to overcome evil with good...or with love...and in the case of his life, Jesus himself overcomes evil by death. I think we stand at a fascinating time in history when many who claim his name think it's honorable to overcome evil by killing or violence or fear-making...overcoming evil with evil. And that's what this post is about.
As the battle scenes roared in the film, I saw the history (past and current) of the church...and I saw Aslan almost congratulate it in a way that I have yet to see Jesus do...and that made me sad and uncomfortable. These battle scenes waged on, endorsing violence and death to bring peace and life in Narnia...and it's simply not what is in the Gospels.
So perhaps this is a bit of an over-reaction, but perhaps it's not. We stand at a time when the American Empire is legitimized by a good deal of the Christian community, who is urging the government, "Use whatever it takes to bring about the peace...kill, slaughter, rape lands, destroy cultures, dominate until peace is accomplished and democracy implemented."
I think most people of Christian faith could stand to go back and meditate on the Sermon on the Mount and take a thoughtful look at what's going on in the world today.
I'll leave you with some of the Master's words...
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
7 comments:
- gone said...
I was hopping blogs and stumbled here. I like what you are saying and it's always nice to find other Christians with passionate views about peace. Bonhoeffer said it best, "There is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared: it is the great venture; it can never be safe. Peace is the opposite of security... To look for guarantees is to want to protect oneself. Peace means to give oneself altogether to the law of God, wanting no security, but in faith and obedience laying the destiny of the nations in the hand of Almighty God... Battles are won, not with weapons, but with God."
- Brian Aaby said...
Ryan, a very interesting look at the movie, thanks for you thoughts and one that I didn't even think about while watching the film, interesting how easy it was to just accept this (war) as the way to bring about peace in Narnia.
Hope the journey (this leg) ends well.
- Tim said...
I found myself reacting the same way as I watched the movie. It has been a little less time (maybe 5 years) since I read the book, but I found myself reacting very differently to the story this time than I ever had before. Perhaps it was the portrayal in movie form, but I think even more the difference is my perspective at this point in my life. I found myself questioning Lewis' portrayal of the good news in other ways too, but particularly the violence of the battles. When I mentioned this to some friends the other day they all looked at me like I was crazy, so I am glad to know there is someone else who felt that way too!
- William E. said...
Seems like you're leaning heavy to the left these days. How do you read the book of Revelation?
And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.
Or perhaps 19:11
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.
Also, in the allegory, the witch and her army are representative of evil. It seems as though you're suggesting that Justice give way to evil. Or that they somehow find way to make harmony and share a room. That Holiness should allow Sin to have its way with it.
Would love a response.
- Jon said...
I agree with almost everything you said, except for the part of it being more compelling than Potter. It sure proves that $150 million dollars doesn't make a fairy tale an epic.
- Angela K said...
Hi, Ryan -
For me, what stood out was the battle as metaphor for spiritual warfare (as opposed to physical war), and the lack of "gore" in the battle scenes helped in this regard, I thought. Thinking of it this way, it has been very helpful to remind me that "the battle is not against flesh and blood." After I saw the movie the second time, my journal entry was "The trouble is, you see, I forget that Narnia is real."
Still, especially now with our involvement in Iraq, I appreciate your sensitivity to how the battle may be viewed by some folks. Stay passionate for peace, friend!
- Angela K.
- Jeffrey said...
Ryan, I too found it to be completely alluding to the spiritual battles. Another thing I found was that at the end of the battle, Lucy began healing all the wounded. I may be wrong, but I thought she not only healed the good of Narnia, but the bad as well, though, again, I may be wrong.


text:
When the Canon 5D Mark III first appeared on the market, many photographers in the community were skeptical as to how well will it perform. Once they were able to get their hands on it, they were astounded by its performance, build quality, and set of features. It makes use of a full-frame CMOS sensor, the ability to capture videos at 1080p, and a 3.2-inch screen at the back of the unit with 1,040,000 dots.
Not only is it a well-performing device, but it is also a heavy-duty DSLR that can withstand more than the usual bumps and scrapes. As such, it is a boon for many photographers around the globe, especially those who are practicing landscape photography.
Landscape photographers need a sturdy camera because some shots require the device to withstand certain elements. When quality wide-angle prime lenses are attached to the Canon 5D Mark III, photos of landscapes, sceneries, architectures, and several landmarks will be even more enticing to look at as compared to using the traditional kit lens.
Best Canon 5D Mark III Wide-angle Prime Lenses
If you're using a Canon 5D Mark III and are looking for wide-angle prime lenses on the market, then we've already got you covered. Here are the best wide-angle prime lenses for the Canon 5D Mark III to help you arrive at a sound decision as to which unit to purchase next.
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM
- Lens construction is 14 elements in 11 groups
- Focal length is 14mm, maximum aperture is 1:2.8 and has gel filter holder at rear of lens
- Closest focusing distance is 7.9 inches
If you're into landscape photography, and you have a Canon 5D Mark III, then you ought to consider purchasing the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM. It has a fairly large aperture of f/2.8, which means it can take in more light as average f/3.5 or f/4 wide-angle prime lenses. Focusing is sharp across the entire range, and sharpness is excellent in just about every corner of the produced image.
However, there is one thing to note about this particular lens – it is a "rectilinear" model. While many wide-angle prime lenses distort images and produce fisheye effects, this unit will still have straight horizontal and vertical lines. So if you don't want distortion in your images but still want to gain a wide field of view in each shot, then this might be the next lens to be included in your camera bag.
Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 ZE
- CREATIVE STILL AND VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHY THROUGH PRECISE MANUAL FOCUSING: ZEISS Milvus lenses feature a large rotation angle which enables pinpoint focusing. The top-quality focusing mechanism moves...
- FUTURE-PROOF SOLUTION FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION CAMERA SYSTEMS: The excellent image performance of the ZEISS Milvus lenses is sharply focused on the requirements of current and future high-performance...
- EXCELLENT IMAGERY, EVEN IN DIFFICULT LIGHT CONDITIONS: All lenses features ZEISS T* antireflective coating. In addition, all lens edges are finished with a special pitch-black lacquer in a complex...
The Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 ZE is developed by a third party lens manufacturer, and it can do an astounding performance for your landscape photography. Images that are produced with this lens attached to your Canon 5D Mark III are tack-sharp, and that might even be an understatement. Details will pop up in your photo, and the level of color and contrast should not be taken lightly as well.
It should be noted, however, that this is a fully manual lens. In other words, it doesn't have an internal motor. Still, you can make use of the Canon 5D Mark III's motor if you want to use auto-focusing in your shots. It is also made with high-quality and durable materials that it can even withstand more than the standard bumps and scrapes inside your camera bag.
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift
- Tilt and shift lens compatible with all Canon EOS cameras; ultra wide 17mm focal length
- High-precision lens elements for low distortion and high resolution; +/- 6.5 degrees Tilt and +/-12mm Shift
- Aspherical and UD lens elements minimize chromatic aberration
For the landscape photographer that makes use of the tilt-shift style of photography, then the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift is an ideal lens to add to your collection. Unlike other standards wide-angle prime lenses on the market, this particular unit can produce unique images wherein the upper, and lower portions are blurred while the center remains sharp.
With its 17-millimeter focal length, you can have a broad range of composition options for each shot as you can get more into the frame. This particular model is also made with UD glass. It assists in minimizing and compensating chromatic aberrations. These are the green or purple lines that border some parts of the images, and it can usually happen in some wide-angle prime lenses.
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM
- Lens not zoomable
- Minimum focus Distance is 0.8ft
- Focal Length -24 mm
The Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM delivers excellent overall performance across its entire aperture and focuses range. This unit stands out above the rest of the wide-angle prime lenses out there as it has a large maximum aperture. It can take in more light, and, if needed, it can produce creamy background blurs. As such, it is more versatile than many other wide-angle prime lenses on the market.
Aside from its maximum aperture and excellent performance, this lens also has a tough construction. It even includes a rubber gasket. It can withstand some harsh elements to help you get the shot you need, and when you need it. Canon EF 24mm also makes use of a 77-millimeter photo filter thread, so if you have a spare 77 to 200-millimeter filter lying around, then you can use it with this lens.
Wide-angle prime lenses are paired with the Canon 5D Mark III, possibilities are endless. Images will come out sharper, full of detail, correctly colored, and will have just the right amount of contrast as compared to using the standard kit lens or lower quality wide-angle prime lenses.
As a landscape, architecture, or nature photographer, having these lenses as part of your arsenal of photography gear is vital if you always want to make the perfect shot.
Read More:
- Best Lenses for Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Best Macro Lenses for Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Best Wide-angle Zoom Lenses for Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Best Wide-angle Prime Lenses for Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Best Standard Prime Lenses for Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Best Standard Zoom Lenses for Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Best Telephoto Prime Lenses for Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Best Travel and Portrait Lenses for Canon EOS 5D Mark III


text:
Pictures and Video: Nokia N8 Unboxing
Finally, we got our hands on the latest Nokia N8. First task is of course to unbox the beast from its cage. And what I did is compared the boxes to the the Nokia N97 mini and N97 classic. The new packaging approach on Nokia N8 and other devices is another artisan's perfect design. Now we got a little shiny-bling-bling on the box. Cool, eh? Thanks to WOMWorldNokia!