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Smoking Pot Doubles Traffic Accident Risk
CBS News reported that smoking marijuana a couple of hours before you drive almost doubles your chances of having a serious car crash, say Canadian researchers.
The study led by Associate Professor Mark Asbridge from Dalhousie University in Halifax, is the first to review of data from drivers who had been treated for serious injuries or died in car accidents.
The level of impairment from smoking pot might not be as severe as alcohol intoxication, but it does require a public health response, a researcher says. (Noah Berger/Associated Press)
"To our knowledge this meta-analysis is the first to examine the association between acute cannabis use and the risk of motor vehicle collisions in real life," the researchers write in the latest issue of the British Medical Journal.
The researchers reviewed nine observational studies with a total sample of 49,411 accident victims. To rule out the effects of alcohol or other drugs the researchers calculated the odds for cases where cannabis — but no alcohol or other drugs — was detected in blood test or the driver had reported smoking three hours before crash.
They found that smoking cannabis three hours before driving nearly doubled a driver's risk of having a motor vehicle accident.
Read the report: http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/02/10/marijuana-driving-collisions.html
Read exhaustive British Medical Journal report on accidents and pot: http://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e536
American Society of Addiction Medicine on Pot
The American Society of Addition Medicine says Marijuana is a mood-altering drug capable of producing dependency. Its chief active ingredient is THC (delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol), but there are many other ingredients.
Marijuana has been shown to have adverse effects on memory and learning, on perception, behavior and functioning, and on pregnancy. Because of the widespread use of this drug, its effects on mind and body, and the increasing potency of available supplies.
Persons suffering from alcoholism and other drug dependencies should be educated about the need for abstinence from marijuana and its role in precipitating relapse, even if their original drug of choice is other than marijuana.
Treatment programs providing addictions treatment for chemically dependent patients should include tests for cannabinoids with other drug test panels and consider test results when designing treatment plans.
Read the report ASAM Statement on Marijuana
California Environmental Protection Agency – Pot Smoke Causes Cancer
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. requires that the Governor cause to be published a list of those chemicals "known to the state" to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. The Act specifies that "a chemical is known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity … if in the opinion of the state's qualified experts the chemical has been clearly shown through scientifically valid testing according to generally accepted principles to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity."
The lead agency for implementing Proposition 65 is the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of the California Environmental Protection Agency. The "state's qualified experts" regarding findings of carcinogenicity are identified as the members of the Carcinogen Identification Committee of the OEHHA Science Advisory Board.
OEHHA announced the selection of marijuana smoke as a chemical for consideration for listing by the CIC in the California Regulatory Notice Register on December 12, 2007, subsequent to consultation with the Committee at their November 19, 2007 meeting. At that meeting, the Committee advised OEHHA to prepare hazard identification materials for marijuana smoke.
At their May 29, 2009 meeting the Committee, by a vote of five in favor and one against, found that marijuana smoke had been "clearly shown through scientifically valid testing according to generally accepted principles to cause cancer."
Read the full report Marijuana Smoke and Cancer
One in Five Driving Fatalities Under the Influence
The US Department of Transportation study reported that almost 1 in 5 traffic fatalities were under the influence of drugs of one type or another.
Nationwide in 2009, 63 percent of fatally injured drivers were tested for the presence of drugs. Overall, 3,952 fatally injured drivers tested positive for drug involvement in 2009.
This number represents 18 percent of all fatally injured drivers and 33 percent of those with known drug test results in 2009. Both the proportion of fatally injured drivers tested and the proportion of these drivers testing positive for drugs generally increased over the 5-year time period shown.
Read the report: US DOT Traffic Safety Drug Involvement 2010
The Facts About Marijuana
1. Our current legal drugs—alcohol and tobacco—are examples of commercialized products with addiction potential and high usage rates fueled by easy availability. Although these products are taxed, neither produces a net economic benefit to society. The healthcare and criminal justice costs associated with alcohol and tobacco far surpass the tax revenue they generate, and little of the taxes collected on these substances is contributed to the offset of their substantial social and health costs.
2. Federal excise taxes collected on alcohol in 2007 totaled around $9 billion and states collected around $5.6 billion. Taken together, this is less than 10 percent of the more than $185 billion in alcohol-related social costs such as healthcare, lost productivity, and criminal justice system expenses.53 Nor does tobacco carry its economic weight when taxed: each year, tobacco use generates only about $23 billion in taxes but results in more than $183 billion per year in direct medical expenses as well as lost productivity.
3. Advocates of legalization say the costs of prohibition, mainly through the criminal justice system, place a great burden on taxpayers and governments. While there are certainly costs to current prohibitions, legalizing drugs would not cut costs associated with the criminal justice system.
4. Marijuana use is the highest it has been in 8 years. In 2010, daily marijuana use increased significantly among all three grades surveyed (8th, 10th, and 12th graders) in the Monitor The Future (MTF) study.
5. One in 11 people who start marijuana use will become addicted—a rate that rises to one in six when use begins during adolescence. In 2009, marijuana was involved in 376,000 emergency department visits nationwide.
6. Making matters worse, confusing messages being conveyed by the entertainment industry, media, proponents of "medical" marijuana, and political campaigns to legalize all marijuana use perpetuate the false notion that marijuana use is harmless and aim to establish commercial access to the drug. This significantly diminishes efforts to keep our young people drug free and hampers the struggle of those recovering from addiction.
7. The Administration steadfastly opposes drug legalization. Legalization runs counter to a public health approach to drug control because it would increase the availability of drugs, reduce their price, undermine prevention activities, hinder recovery support efforts, and pose a significant health and safety risk to all Americans, especially our youth.
8. There is no substitute for the scientific approval process employed by the FDA. For a drug to be made available to the public as medicine, the FDA requires rigorous research followed by tests for safety and efficacy. Only then can a substance be classified as medicine and prescribed by qualified health care professionals to patients.
9. In the wake of state and local laws that permit distribution of "medical" marijuana, dozens of localities have been left to grapple with poorly written laws that bypass the FDA process and allow marijuana to be used as a so-called medicine. John Knight, director of the Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research at Children's Hospital Boston, recently wrote: "Marijuana has gotten a free ride of sorts among the general public, who view it as non-addictive and less impairing than other drugs. However, medical science tells a different story."
10. Similarly, Christian Thurstone, a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, an Addiction Psychiatrist, and also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado, said: In the absence of credible data, this debate is being dominated by bad science and misinformation from people interested in using medical marijuana as a step to legalization for recreational use. Bypassing the FDA's well-established approval process has created a mess that especially affects children and adolescents. Young people, who are clearly being targeted with medical marijuana advertising and diversion, are most vulnerable to developing marijuana addiction and suffering from its lasting effects.
11. Outside the context of Federally approved research, the use and distribution of marijuana is prohibited in the United States.
National Cancer Institute Pot Clarifications
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the Nation's principal agency for cancer research.
The NCI is responsible for coordinating the National Cancer Program and for maintaining our momentum in cancer research. Recent updates to their website include:
"We agree that it is the role of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to evaluate and approve drugs for use in the United States. We also agree that cannabis and cannabinoids should be subjected to the same rigorous scientific investigation as other drugs and medical devices to determine their effectiveness and safety."
In the General Information section the wording was revised to make it clearer that "Cannabis is not approved by the FDA for any medical use."
In the General Information section, a sentence was replaced to add clarification. The CAM Editorial Board realized that the previous wording could have been misinterpreted as being a recommendation for prescribing Cannabis, which was not the intent of the Board.
In addition, the current evidence for the antitumor properties of Cannabi is discussed only in the context of laboratory studies and not in research involving humans.
Source: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page4
Medscape Medical News Reports Cannabis Increases Psychosis Risk
Cannabis use significantly increases the risk for incident psychotic symptoms in individuals with no prior history of psychotic experiences.
In persons with evidence of psychosis, cannabis use increases the persistence of these symptoms, according to researchers from the University of Maastricht in The Netherlands, who have done much of the existing work in the area of cannabis and psychosis.
It has been known for many years that persons with schizophrenia or other psychotic illness use more cannabis than the general population, and other work has shown that individuals using cannabis during adolescence and early adulthood have a higher risk of developing psychotic symptoms. It remains unclear, however, whether the association between cannabis and psychosis is causal or whether an underlying genetic predisposition for psychosis may prompt cannabis use as a way of self-medication. A second issue is whether cannabis impacts on persistence rates of psychosis and which biological mechanisms may underlie this process.
Read more Cannabis use Increases Psychosis Risk.
Marijuana Traffic Fatalities Incease
A total of 1240 persons were killed in the last five years in fatal motor vehicle crashes involving Marijuana. 230 were killed in 2008. Use has increase steadily in the last ten years and is now at 5.5% in fatal passenger vehicle crashes.
The use in single vehicle fatal crashes where most drivers are tested shows an involvement rate of 8.3%.
The largest increases occurred in the 5 years following the 'decriminalization' of Medical Marijuana in January 2004.
For the five years following legalization there were 1240 fatalities in fatal crashes, compared to the 631 fatalities for the five years prior, for an increase of almost 100%. In 2008 there were 8 counties where more than 16% of the drivers in fatal crashes tested positive for Marijuana. Five of the 8 counties had rates over 20%.
Based on this experience, a use rate of 16% to 20% is very likely. A rate increase to only 16%, would result in 670 fatalities, and at 20% we would have about 840 fatalities annually. The 20% level would be more than triple the present level of 230 fatalities in 2008. At these levels, Marijuana would rival alcohol at 17.9%, as the top cause of traffic fatalities.
If "TC2010" passes, tax income on Marijuana is estimated at $1.4 billion annually compared to an estimated $4 billion or more economic loss from Marijuana related fatal crashes.
Read the full report CA Motor Fatalities Study.
Analysis of 2010 California AB 390
Is the quality of 'street' marijuana in question? Does it contain contaminates like heavy metals, fungus, bacteria and pesticides?
There are various laws and agencies that control the quality of food, drink and medicine we consume.
California AB 390 brought many of these issues to the forefront.
For the full report lick here 2010 Analysis of AB390.
Smoking Marijuana Increases Lung Cancer Risk
HONG KONG | Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:45am EST (Reuters)
Smoking a joint is equivalent to 20 cigarettes in terms of lung cancer risk, scientists in New Zealand have found, as they warned of an "epidemic" of lung cancers linked to cannabis.
Studies in the past have demonstrated that cannabis can cause cancer, but few have established a strong link between cannabis use and the actual incidence of lung cancer.
In an article published in the European Respiratory Journal, the scientists said cannabis could be expected to harm the airways more than tobacco as its smoke contained twice the level of carcinogens, such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, compared with tobacco cigarettes.
The method of smoking also increases the risk, since joints are typically smoked without a proper filter and almost to the very tip, which increases the amount of smoke inhaled. The cannabis smoker inhales more deeply and for longer, facilitating the deposition of carcinogens in the airways.
"Cannabis smokers end up with five times more carbon monoxide in their bloodstream (than tobacco smokers)," team leader Richard Beasley, at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, said in a telephone interview.
"There are higher concentrations of carcinogens in cannabis smoke … what is intriguing to us is there is so little work done on cannabis when there is so much done on tobacco."
The researchers interviewed 79 lung cancer patients and sought to identify the main risk factors for the disease, such as smoking, family history and occupation. The patients were questioned about alcohol and cannabis consumption.
In this high-exposure group, lung cancer risk rose by 5.7 times for patients who smoked more than a joint a day for 10 years, or two joints a day for 5 years, after adjusting for other variables, including cigarette smoking.
"While our study covers a relatively small group, it shows clearly that long-term cannabis smoking increases lung cancer risk," wrote Beaseley.
"Cannabis use could already be responsible for one in 20 lung cancers diagnosed in New Zealand," he added.
"In the near future we may see an 'epidemic' of lung cancers connected with this new carcinogen. And the future risk probably applies to many other countries, where increasing use of cannabis among young adults and adolescents is becoming a major public health problem."
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/01/29/us-cancer-cannabis-idUSHKG10478820080129
Columbia University Report – Decriminalization Leads to Higher Consumption
Researchers at Columbia University have found that marijuana use is almost twice as high in states with medical marijuana laws compared to states without them. This, according to an article published in an upcoming issue of the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
Another recent finding underscores that disturbing message. Among youths aged 12 to 17, marijuana usage rates are higher in states with medicinal marijuana laws, says a study in last month's Annals of Epidemiology.
This is concerning, because marijuana, according to the National Institutes of Health, is linked with dependence, respiratory and mental illness, poor motor performance, and cognitive impairment, among other negative effects. In fact, more kids now go to treatment because of a primary marijuana condition than for any other drug, including alcohol.
Read the report Columbia University Teen Attitudes on Substance Abuse.
UN Drug Conventions Argument Against Legalization
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime and is organized to assist members in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism.
The three pillars of the UNODC projects include:
- Field-based technical cooperation projects to enhance capacity to counter-act illicit drugs, crime and terrorism.
- Research and analytical work to incease the knowledge and undestanding of drug sna crime issues and expand evidenced-based policy and operational decisions.
- Implementation of international treaties, development of domestic legislationon illicit drugs, crime and terrorism, and provision of services toward those ends.
Arguments Against Legalization
In January 2009, UNODC published a landmark report in support of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) which governs how UN Conventions approach enforcement. This report assesses the issues for an against drug legalization and comes out in support of the INCB stance against legalization based on:
- legal sanction have detered or delayed potential abusers thereby limiting growth the illicit market,
- subtantial drug consumption resulting from inceased availability and competive pricing would increae economic and social costs, particularly health care services and accident-related injuries,
- Organized crime would adapt efforts to maintain or increase their income independent of the legal status of certain drugs.
The report goes on to say that marijuana legalization would:
- increase use rates particularly youth age groups.
- today is much more powerful than in the 1960's and leads to use of other drugs with destructive health consequences.
- result in higher addiction rates due to inceaed THC content in marijuana today.
- increase birth defects, respiratory system damage, has links to cancer, AIDS, imuume system damage and infertility.
Read the report in full 2009 UN Drug Conventions Argument Against Legaliztion.
Rand Study – Legalizing Marijuana, Issues to Consider
In October 2009, Ms. Rosalie Pacula of the Rand Corporation provided the following report on the issue facing states considering 'decriminalization' of Marijuana.
She states:
"If use increases, known harms will also increase. We know that today over one third of self-reported past year users in the household population meet criteria for marijuana dependence.
Additionally, over 160,000 people showed up in treatment facilities with marijuana as a primary diagnosis that were not referred from the criminal justice system.
However, the cost of treating people who are dependent and seeking treatment needs to be considered in a benefit-cost calculation, as the State pays for the vast majority of drug treatment.
There also may be costs associated with treating other marijuana-induced health problems."
Read the report in full RAND Study, Issues to Consider
Visit RAND at www.rand.org
Smoking Pot Impairs Brain Development say Harvard Study
Smoking marijuana at a young age causes more brain impairment than those who use the drug later in life or not at all, according to a study from McLean Hospital of the Harvard School of Medicine.
The study shows that smoking marijuana before the age of 16 leaves individuals with weakened executive function, such as planning, flexibility and abstract thinking.
One of the tests conducted as part of the study included subjects being asked to sort a deck of cards following one set of rules, and then quickly switching to another set of rules without warning. The individuals who started smoking at an early age performed significantly worse than non-users and those who started using marijuana later in life.
In other tests, early marijuana users continued to make the same errors repeatedly.
Previous studies by neuroscientists had shown that those who smoke large amounts of marijuana on a regular basis do not do well on tests of memory and other mental abilities.
Read more: click here for the Mclean Harvard Marijuana Study
Source: www.foxnews.com
Marijuana Treatment for Addiction
Marijuana is the second highest reason for treatment in the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Summary with 1,243,000 people being admitted for treatment as shown in the graph below.
Source: http://oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh/2k9nsduh/2k9resultsp.pdf
2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Summary
- In 2009, an estimated 21.8 million Americans aged 12 or older used illicit drugs in the past month. This represents 8.7 percent of the population aged 12 or older. Illicit drugs include marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, or prescription-type psychotherapeutics used non-medically.
- The rate of current illicit drug use among persons aged 12 or older grew to 8.7 percent from 8.0 percent in 2008.
- Marijuana was the most commonly used illicit drug. In 2009, there were 16.7 million past month users. Among persons aged 12 or older, the rate of past month marijuana use was 6.6 percent in 2009, 6.1 percent in 2008 and 5.8 percent in 2007.
- In 2009, there were 7.0 million people aged 12 or older who used prescription type psychotherapeutic drugs non-medically in the past month. These compare 6.2 million in 2008.
- Among youths aged 12 to 17, illicit drug use rate increased from 9.3 percent in 2008 to 10.0 percent in 2009.
- The rate of current marijuana use among youths aged 12 to 17 increased to 7.3 percent in 2009.
- Between 2008 and 2009, the rate of current use of illicit drugs among young adults aged 18 to 25 increased from 19.6 to 21.2 percent, driven largely by an increase in marijuana use (from 16.5 to 18.1 percent).
- In 2009, 10.5 million persons aged 12 or older reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs during the past year. This corresponds to 4.2 percent of the population aged 12 or older. In 2009, the rate was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 (12.8 percent).
Source: http://oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh/2k9nsduh/2k9resultsp.pdf
Truth About Marijuana
Get the facts about Marijuana in this concise guide.
Click for for PDF format to read or download marijuana-booklet-en.
CASA Report
Today a full 16 percent of the U.S. population is dependent on alcohol, nicotine or other drugs. Another 27 percent of the general population engages in use of these substances in ways that put themselves and others at risk, including underage and adult excessive drinking, tobacco use, and misuse of pain relievers, stimulants and depressants. For a staggering 43 percent of the nation, then — nearly every other American — addiction and risky substance use are a matter of public health.
Addiction is America's number one health care and health cost problem. Approximately 30 percent of our federal and state health care spending is attributable to this disease. Across all government spending, the total financial cost is nearly $500 billion annually.
The extent of human misery is incalculable.


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Some examples of fabric from around the world…
Silk cloth being woven on a loom in Myanmar. A huge painting of a piece of plaid fabric in Amsterdam's Modern Art Museum.
Lace is one of the more popular fabrics for curtains in northern Europe. Shopping for sari fabric in the market in Jodhpur.
Fabric heart cushions in Bangkok's weekend Chatuchak Market.
Interesting fabrics have been chosen to make up these Christmas suits in a Vietnamese tailor's shop.
A clothing store in Guatemala with local woven fabrics for sale. Red velvet curtains add a certain luxury to Cuellar Castle in Spain.
More of Ailsa's Travel Theme: Fabric.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sports Goal Posts from One80Sports
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Currently laying in bed writing this post as i felt i deserved a snuggly lay in. Although its never fun when youre on your phone in bed and somehow it falls flat on your face! Im becomming rather festive now as all the shopping is complete and all the presents are wrapped and under the tree.
The main reason for this blog post is that i attempted Penguin nails for a change. I used a light blue as a base colour, then black on the ring finger as i was about to create the little buggers. I then used a white to create the Penguins belly and added two black dots for his eyes and an orange beak and feet! I originally wanted to do a penguin on each finger but time ran out and i had to pop into town. I absolutely love this design as they look so cute, however i somehow managed to chip my nails the day after and hoped they would last until Christmas day!
The weather in Suffolk has become drastically warm all of a sudden (they swear were gunna become a tropical island one day ahem) so doing a frosty look on the nails didnt feel right. If any of you have created any festive nails then pleeeease send me a link to your post as im dying to see some. Its time for me to move out of this toasty warm bed now and start getting ready for coffe with my best friend jake down the seafront!


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We're playing a lot of Cluedo in our house at the moment, and I can't help noticing how ridiculous the game is. For instance, how could a character not know whether they were the murderer? And what kind of mad house has rooms that do not connect to each other, but instead are reached by a hallway that threads its way throughout the entire building?
Despite these absurdities, Cluedo somehow manages to leave a deep, lasting impression, so that every man, woman and child who has ever played it secretly longs to live in a house with a ballroom, a library and a conservatory.
And, I have a confession to make.
When I was young I secretly loved Miss Scarlett. I knew that she didn't love me back, but that first unrequited love was deep and passionate. I knew that other small boys loved her too, and that the cold-hearted bitch didn't care for them either. We all knew it, bit it didn't matter. Our desire for the aloof, scarlet woman was just too strong. We would have done anything for her, if she would just have acknowledged us in some small way. But she never did. She never could.
And so, I admit it. It was me. I murdered Dr Black. It was a crime of passion. I did it in the library (or was it the billiard room?) and I used Miss Scarlett's cold, disdainful looks as the murder weapon.


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Today's Verse
Your hands have made me and fashioned me.
~Job 10:8
Thoughts on today's verse...Do you remember the old cartoon "Popeye"? He would say, "I am what I am." Well, we too "are what we are" and that by the grace of God.
Well, just in case you aren't completely sure who you really are, consider this list of verses as a daily reminder of what God thinks when He thinks of you - which, by the way is constantly. Let these verses lift you up and open your heart to see your true identity.
- I am God's daughter. (John 1:12)
- I'm a friend of Christ. (John 15:15)
- I'm God's coworker. (1 Corinthians 3:9)
- I'm God's workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
- I can't be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39)
- I am free. (John 8:31-32)
- I am forgiven. (Romans 8:1-2)
- I can do all things through Christ. (Philippians 4:13)
- I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. (Ephesians 1:3)
- I have Christ's mind. (Philippians 2:5-7)
My prayer...
Father God, help me to remember who I am - in You. Not by my strength, but by Yours! Amen!
Yours, because we're His,~Tamara


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- User Name: Dejo510
- Member Since: Wednesday, June 6, 2007, 4:54 PM
- Name: Devin
- Location: Berkeley, CA, USA
- Last Login: 2020-01-13 21:55:44
- Forum Info: Profile Posts (36)
- Journal: Last entry made on 2011-04-20 20:59:30
- Profile: Hello, name's Devin...
I started editing around mid 2007 with my first vid being "This is Why Lucky Star's Hot". Sure, the reason for me making that AMV happened to come out of the blue, but I became hooked with editing ever since.
As far as what kind of video's I like to make...while I do prefer to make parody and/or comedy AMVs I don't really have a specific genre. One moment i'll make something dark or serious, the next something random or stupid. I'm pretty universal.
My basic philosophy for AMVs is: "If you're not doing it for fun, you're doing it wrong."
Outside of Watching Anime and making AMV's, I'm an avid wrestling fan and a video game nerd.
(Oh yeah....I'm a dude. A lot of people confuse me for a girl due to the Konata-ness of my profiles. It's just that since she was a main part of my very first AMV, i've used her somewhat as a mascot for myself ever since) *The more you know*


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Prevention's teamed up with the four expert hosts of the syndicated TV show The Doctors to bring you the latest health news you need. From their monthly column in Prevention, get the best straight-from-the-doctor tips from ER physician Travis Stork, MD; ob-gyn Lisa Masterson, MD; pediatrician Jim Sears, MD; and plastic surgeon Drew Ordon, MD.
For more health info from The Doctors, visit their show's website at thedoctorstv.com.
Embarrassing Questions
Q: How can I make my feet less smelly? I already use baby powder.
A: Try Dr. Lisa's quick home remedies to avoid stinky feet.
Q: How come I'm more constipated on the weekends and on vacation?
A: A few simple changes to your weekend routine could be the culprit. Follow these smart solutions to get things moving.
Q: If my husband gets erectile dysfunction, should he be worried about heart disease?
A: Dr. Drew says the health of your penis is a good sign of overall health. If you're worried about your partner's health, read on for how to help him.
Basic Health Tips and Tricks
Q: What's the best way to bounce back from food poisoning?
A: The most important thing is to watch out for symptoms of dehydration, which can make you really sick. See what else Dr. Travis advises for speeding your stomach bug recovery.
Q: Is it bad to clean earwax with a cotton swab?
A: Yes! But if you can't bear to part with this bad-for-you habit, see Dr. Jim's healthier alternatives to de-gunking your ears.
Q: Why do I break out more when I'm stressed?
A: Your stress hormones can do some nasty things to you skin. Get Dr. Drew's tips for staying calm and protecting your face from stress havoc.
Strange Symptoms, Decoded
Q: If I snore, does that mean I have sleep apnea?
A: Possibly, but not always. Here, see the main symptoms to worry about for sleep apnea, and find out what to do if you think you may have it.
Q: I frequently wake up hoarse. What's going on?
A: It could be a number of things, but this time of year it's very likely allergies. Here's how to tell. Plus: another surprising sore throat cause you may not know about.
Q: Why do I get more urinary tract infections during the summer?
A: This is a pretty common phenomenon, due to a number of factors including being dehydrated and more frequent sex. Get Dr. Lisa's tips on how to prevent the problem.


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been with starhub for easily more than 10 years. now i'm being forced to recontract to 4G with a higher monthly subscription and much much lower corp discount and CND benefit, which works out to be AT LEAST $75 more that i have to pay a year (havnt even included the CND that I have to pay after 1yr). i've got 2 lines. so by the time my 2nd line contract ends next year and i have to recontract, i've basically got to pay AT LEAST $75 x2 a year.
sucks for being a loyal customer. this has finally driven me to consider m1 for the very first time in my life.
and since this first step is taken, it won't be the last. 2nd line will follow. once i'm no longer a hub club member cos no mobile line, i will be considering other options for cable tv and broadband. so many many options out there these days. hah!
waiting for contract end now. soon.
yes, i hope myrepublic will give all of them a run for their money!!
well, apparently, if i don't renew, i will still have to pay a higher price than what i'm currently paying. in fact, pay more than if i were to recontract. so what kind of choice is that? still a bummer, my friend...
don't try that "we have all these value added services for you" stuff please. not everyone is going to be bought in by that. at the end of the day, you have your "free" value added services but increase our price. but i don't need your value added services. really. you "give" value add stuff that i don't care, but limit stuff that i need. so i end up paying for stuff i don't need and paying more for stuff that i need. why should i??! stop insulting us...
anyway, i've done my maths. m1 is better in terms of pricing and discounts and based on what i need. will definitely be saving more with m1. waiting for contract ends this month. countdown starting...
hi jere, yes, i have actually already factored in the cis discounts and free caller id etc. i have also looked at your homehub go, but your cheapest homehub go is still unfortunately more expensive than what i'm currently paying combined. yes, you've got more channels and fiber and what-nots, but i don't need that much and what i'm currently using is more than enough. so doesn't make sense for me to pay more for more stuff that i know i don't need. so.... sigh... unfortunately, there you go... anyway, guess there's not really anything you can do about it since this is the way starhub does things... it's a take it or leave it for customers, right? so... well... leave it then...
There are need to compare the total package as just using plan price may not be acccurate.
Beside price plan, there is a need to look into others factor, such as handset, cost & hubber benefit.
Say you sign up on Telco-2 which do have attractive price plan.
This is to say you sign up as New customer.
After 2 contract terms, this Telco-2 decide to increase the price of the plan.
The "Loyal Customers" are no longer effective, as beside you, there could have >100,000 other "Loyal Customers".
Some of these decide to go to another Telco-3.
Then this loop will continue endlessly.
As your point is on price plan, is there any problems so far, on mobile service.
If you are having continuous problems with broadband, and decide to Telco-3.
For this, i have nothing to say.
For me, why do i stick to Starhub, since Starhub open their doors.
Up to now i do not have any problems &or issue, regarding all the services i have sign up.
For TV service, although i seldon watch TV as i use my laptop to watch instead.
And for Broadband service, from cable to fibre also have no issue or problems.
Maybe because i request the technician to do config my laptop as they are the "experience".
Back to mobile.
To cut down your cost, maybe you could request for mobile recontract voucher.
In this way, you have cut you cost already.
As what @Tan mentioned that hubber discount and benefit is much better than corp discount.
As hubber, you can do annual mobile recontract upgrade without any early recontract fee $200.
Being hubber, have you consider this $200 benefit and your contract is effectively 12 mths only. not 24 mths.
It is this "Marketing dept' to handle all these 'cost & benefit', such as price, 'early recontract fee & discount of up to 30% for hubber'.; etc.
I did work in the Marketing dept before, it is not easy to suit to each and every customers need.
Ok, let say you do not need 4 mobile lines, you can get your family & friends; to link to your account.
So the benefit is not only for you, but include your family & friends.
Each Telco will have certain advantages & disadvantages.


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Testimony on Peace Reconciliation and Religious Freedom in Vietnam
A Statement by Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza
National Conference of Catholic Bishops/
United States Catholic Conference
November 24, 1999 - Feast of the Martyrs of Vietnam
From August 26 to September 2, 1999, a delegation of our Conference paid what many in Vietnam referred to as an historic visit to that country. It was a visit of friendship and solidarity with the Church in Vietnam, a response to the invitation of the President of the Vietnamese Episcopal Conference, the Cardinal Archbishop of Hanoi, His Eminence Paul Joseph Pham Dinh Tung, and his fellow bishops.Accompanying me were bishops representing the committees of our Conference most related to the issues: Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, chairman of the Committee on International Policy, Bishop John Cummins, member of the Migration Committee, and Bishop John Ricard, chairman of the board of Catholic Relief Services.
In one brief but eventful week, we met with the bishops and numerous clergy, religious and laity in each of the three areas visited, north, central and south. We celebrated public Masses in the packed cathedrals of Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City with the joyful participation of thousands of devout Catholics. We visited seminaries, religious houses, centers of formation, schools, clinics and orphanages, and paid prayerful homage to Our Lady of La Vang, whose national shrine is the site of pilgrimage from all over Vietnam.
We met as well with the civil authorities, without whose concurrence the visit could not have taken place. In each city, we were received by the leadership of the People's Committee and of the Religious Affairs Bureau, and in Hanoi by the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, with each of whom we engaged in respectful but clear dialogue. We expressed our genuine gratitude that the government saw fit not only to permit the visit but to grant virtually all of the requests put forth by our hosts, the Vietnamese Episcopal Conference.
We offered words of appreciation for the unquestioned improvements in the daily life of the people that recent years have witnessed. We expressed our sincere hope that the relations between Vietnam and the United States would grow stronger and more amicable with every passing year and that both of our peoples would become ever more reconciled to one another after the horrors inflicted on both sides by the war that still haunts us.
And while we expressed satisfaction with a number of improvements in the matter of religious freedom in general, a not unmixed picture, and in the life of the Catholic Church in particular, we could not fail to urge that the remaining restrictions on the life of the Church be removed as soon as possible. One of the most questionable practices is the tight control over the admission of candidates to study for the priesthood, especially the long delays imposed before being admitted to the seminary. We strongly encouraged a rethinking of measures that seem to express a fear of the Catholic community, a tenth of the Vietnamese people, who seek only to be patriotic and productive citizens, free to express their commitment to Jesus Christ and to His Church.
Until recently, the government's rejection of certain episcopal appointments by the Holy See and its delay in permitting new bishops to take possession of their dioceses were major sources of tension.With the successful settlement of the dispute over the archbishopric of Ho Chi Minh City, and this year's rapid acceptance and ordination of five new bishops in the country, a very welcome step forward in church-state relations seems to have been taken.
Other factors have contributed to an improved climate: the restoration of relations between our two governments, the persistent efforts on the part of the Holy See to maintain regular contact with the Vietnamese authorities, the gradual lifting of some of the more restrictive measures that have long hampered the free exercise of religion in that country. The fact that the year-long observance of the200th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady at La Vang went without incident, with over 100,000pilgrims participating in August 1998 and up to twice that number last August, did much to allay the unfounded fears of some.
Most recently, the Vietnamese bishops have been informed that their request for building a second facility at Xuan Loc for the Major Seminary of Ho Chi Minh City has been approved, that dioceses will be allowed to organize pilgrimages to Rome for the Jubilee Year 2000, and that some restrictions on what the Church may publish are being lifted. Nevertheless, the government evidently still feels the need to maintain its total control over most aspects of life in Vietnam, and especially over the expression of religious believers. The latest decree on religion, issued last Spring, while largely a restatement of the existing policy regarding the officially recognized religions, including the Catholic Church, shows little tolerance for other, non-traditional, beliefs.
It is our fervent hope that the authorities come to understand that the responsible exercise of religious belief not only does not threaten the peace and good order of Vietnamese society but can positively enhance the general well-being of all. And as the rest of the world is able to observe Vietnam's growing respect for religious expression, it will be less reluctant to pursue amicable relations in a variety of spheres, including trade and investment, with that society.
Those who know Vietnam cannot fail to be struck by the beauty of the country, the richness of its millennial culture, the warmth and friendliness of its people. Those who are privileged, as we were, to enjoy the hospitality of and share in worship with the vibrant Catholic community of Vietnam, came away with a new appreciation of the spiritual dynamism of a people who have suffered as much as any other in this violent century, and who have every right to look to the Church in other countries to offer them solace, solidarity and support.
We pray that the Catholic community here may find many ways of expressing solidarity and support,as we continue to strive for full religious freedom and reconciliation both within the Vietnamese family,among those in this country as well as in the homeland, and between our two nations. We commend these petitions to the maternal care of Our Lady of La Vang.


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Holdenhurst Road Closure
14th Apr - 19th Jun
Due to emergency gasworks we regretfully cannot serve Holdenhurst Road from 14/04/2020 until 19/06/2020. All services will divert via Christchurch Road and as such the following stops cannot be served during this time. Unisys Lansdowne Your nearest stops during this time are located along Christchurch road where all diverted services will pick up and drop off from. Lansdowne (Christchurch Road) St Swithuns We thank you for your patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
17th Apr onwards
Our buses are currently running to revised timetables due to the coronavirus epidemic. Please see our dedicated article for the latest information.


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My Child Tunes Me Out
Farida is well educated and experienced Article writer.She loves to…
Hy moms how are you and how your child behavior is now. Because some children tune out other, then what you should do here I will tell you about a mother personal experience, she says why her child tunes me out.
Read About: My Child Hits People
She says, my 7-year-old, Alyssa, is a brilliant, energetic child, and has a terrible time focusing. When he wears the dress in the morning, he needs a dozen reminders to put her clothes on. Brushing teeth require several redirections from other activities.
Read About: My Child Interrupts My Phone Calls
The similar scene plays out trying to get out the door and getting ready for bed. I have to stay on her to get anything done. It usually does get done, but not without a tantrum or two.
What we've tried:
- Reminders
- Redirection
- Nagging
Where we stand: It's very tiring to go through this habit over and over again. Help!
Read About: My child is Totally Uncooperative
The experts respond
Think outside the box:
You have to select a peaceful, loving time to consider jointly about what you both could do to deal with the problem. It's easy to get safe into a routine, but there are choices here.
Read About: My Child Brags to his Friends
To make mornings very healthy and smooth, you could get up earlier, or you could do a lot of preparation the night before – lay her clothes out, get her toothbrush set, and put her shoes, coat, and bag by the door.
Read about: My Child Bullies his Brother
Ask her for ideas:
"What could we try differently to get you out the door on time without nagging and tantrums?"
Let a list do the talking: Put yourself in your daughter's shoes – she's doing the most excellent she can. You may require slowing down the speed or factoring in more time to get in sync with her. You're locked in a power struggle you're not going to win.
Put jointly a list of all the things she requires to get done to be ready for school. (A preschooler can complete the same thing with pictures or photos.) Then let her take responsibility.
The most you should say is: "Have you checked your list?"
Read About: My Child Defies us Constantly
Set a timer:
Niggling just teaches kids not to pay attention. Let natural consequences help you here.
You could set a kitchen timer, allowing your kid know she has a certain amount of time to get her tasks done – make certain you let enough time, so your daughter doesn't have to rush through the morning routine.
It may need her to go to bed earlier or woke up earlier. Then, when it's time to get out the door, if she's not dressed, she'll just have to put her clothes on in the car. She'll possibly learn to get dressed quick after a few days.
I hope you must have enjoyed reading it. Share it with your friends and family members. Remember to leave your feedback in the comment box below.
What's Your Reaction?
Farida is well educated and experienced Article writer.She loves to write about different topics.She loves writing and doing different kind of yoga poses because she is a great yoga trainer and beauty expert.She starts her day with amazing yoga exercises and blog writing .


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We're wrapping up this month's celebration of fall flavors. There are a few recipes missing because I've been a bit under the weather and wasn't able to get the posts for Thursday, Friday, and Sunday … [Read more...]
Weekend Linkage Fall Flavors Edition 4
Slow Cooker Broccoli Soup
With this slow cooker broccoli soup you can have the cafe experience at home for a lot less. This is one of my all time favorite soups especially since it is made in the slow cooker so I can go … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Buttermilk Pancakes
These pumpkin buttermilk pancakes are the traditional fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a hint of pumpkin and spice flavor. The base mix is the same as the regular buttermilk pancake … [Read more...]
Southwestern Beef and Black Bean Bake
Corn tortillas are layered with ground beef, black beans, enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chiles and topped with shredded cheddar cheese in this Southwestern Beef and Black Bean … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Spice Sweet Rolls
Pumpkin spice sweet rolls are a change from the traditional cinnamon rolls with pumpkin puree in both the dough and the filling. Cinnamon rolls are a favorite treat and these sweet rolls with … [Read more...]
Ranch Roasted Potatoes
Ranch Roasted Potatoes are simple and versatile. This side dish pairs well with green chile cheeseburgers or jalapeño bacon cheeseburgers. I make roasted potatoes fairly often. They … [Read more...]
Quick and Easy Salsa
Salsa and chips are a must have at most parties. Here is my recipe for a quick and easy salsa. This recipe doesn't have cilantro because I'm not a fan. If you want to add it I would try 3 or 4 … [Read more...]


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List Categories | List All Articles | List Articles By Title
Develop Guts to Achieve Glory
It is just amazing the amount of people who don't have the courage to go after their dreams.They sit around living a life they are not happy with and still they do nothing about it.
And the funny thing is that if you should ask them the reason for this, they start finding excuses left, right and center.They vary from money to age to the economy and others you might be familiar with.
Many of us are waiting for Lady Luck to pay us a surprise visit.We blindly believe that that will be the end of our troubles.But this is hardly so.We have to work hard and wisely for the success we desire.
To make something of ourselves in this world calls for us to overcome obstacles and setbacks.But my biggest obstacle is my fears and you may find yourself in a similar position.
Not facing our fears and moving on could be the difference between success and failure.So what's to do ?
All it takes is the will and guts to go ahead and create something worthwhile in this world.We can all achieve success but we need to conquer our FEARS.
The man without fear is one who is not living. We all have our personal fears. It can be fear of failure, success or people's opinion. But you have to face them to achieve success.
Ask any successful person and they will tell you this secret. A brave person is someone who acts in spite of his or her fears.So ask yourself, what fears do you need to conquer to reach your goals ?
© Nicholas Dixon
Motivation; 5 Steps to Get the Changes You Want
Q: I just read your column in today's' Greensboro News and Record. For the last few years I've been struggling with change, and found your suggestions about "change tools" to be useful.
Remember, Worse Things Can Happen At Sea, So..... Dont Ever Quit!
Throughout the many pages of scores of motivational books, with the Bible being at the forefront, we are encouraged to "not give up." We are told to believe that we can come through any situation and be victorious in life.
How Do I Stop Procrastinating?
Often times we procrastinate because it just seems like so much WORK to get what we want! We just don't feel like the rewards justify everything that needs to be done to obtain those goals.Other times we procrastinate because we feel like we can't have what we really want so we settle for something less than we truly deserve.
Make Fear a Nine Day Wonder - Motivate Yourself with Fun!
Have you heard something referred to as a "nine day wonder"? The phrase refers to something that causes a sensation for a brief period of time and then fades into obscurity. The origin of this phrase is usually tied to the nine-day reign of Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554) as Queen of England.
We Are Trying To...
How many times have you heard this in your life? Perhaps you have said it yourself. We are trying to accomplish something here.
How To Create A Dream
All of us have a vision of our own possibility. Yet few achieve the success that our heart's desire.
Spring! Time for Love and New Beginnings
Prepare, prepare, prepare! The horizon screams of spring and the budding trees, tulips poking their head above the soil and thoughts of romance and love fill our hearts and minds. Are you ready for what awaits you? Well, if not, we need to get started right away!First things first, get your house in order, no I am not talking about the dwelling in which you reside, I am referring to the temple (your body, mind and soul) of all existence! Time to throw out all preconceived notions of what the other sex is looking for and re-create the person you are, the person you want to be!Put that smile to work, make eye contact, approach a stranger (be careful), strike up a conversation, and take the initiative for the new beginning you want to have this year! There is no happiness greater than that which is within you, and love evolves from loving oneself.
How to Get Motivated and Have Industrial Strength Self-Motivation
It is not your fault if popular self-help courses have never worked for you over the long term.How to get motivated is not adequately dealt with.
The Solutions to Lifes 10 Biggest Problems!
Every day clients tell me about their problems, often in great detail, and I've noticed patterns that show up over and over. For many people, life's problems are viewed as "not enough money" or "not enough time".
We Are Trying To
How many times have you heard this in your life? Perhaps you have said it yourself. We are trying to accomplish something here.
Are Your Dreams A Day Late And A Dollar Short?
One of the greatest challenges facing our ever intensive quest for the impossible dream is to make it across the finish line even if it's only by the skin of our teeth. Many outstanding accomplishments have been started just to see our vision die one foot short of the goal line.
Heres How Tiger, Oprah, And Spielberg Stay Motivated
I want to share with you a powerful principle that I've used to change my life and that you can use to unleash your greatness.Tiger Woods knows this.
How Mind Implants Increase Business Success
If your business isn't as successful as you envision, what's holding you back? You might say it's a lack of capital, a lack of employees, a lack of *great* employees, a lack of time, a lack of inventory, a lack of ..
Ill Put My Money On The Kid!
Now, the Fun Part. It is nigh time to find a way to take all the buck out of this bucking bronco we call the internet.
4 Powerful Ways To Fire Up Your Motivation
It's so difficult to go on when everything seems to fail, isn't it? Are there times in your life when you really want to callit "quits" because you just can't see any good results from allthe hard work you've done? Hold your horses! Never ever think of giving up. Winners never quit and quittersnever win.
What Motivates the Motivator?
Someone wrote me an email a couple of weeks ago and said, "I would love to know what motivates YOU!" So I took them up on it and I want to spend some time telling you how I stay motivated.It is a valid question, this one of what motivates me.
Breaking Through Resistance
Why is it that every time you start something new, a million and one things get in the way?You make a goal to lose weight and all of a sudden every time you go to the store you seem to notice the chocolate you've been craving.Or you decide to start a writing project but every time you sit down to write - you're stuck, you don't have any inspiration.
How to Stay Motivated
You've read a book that motivates you to action; you've read a motivational quote and got pumped up; you've attended a seminar and listened to a motivational speaker and feel you can conquer the world.A week later the motivation is no longer there.
Getting Out of the Zone!
We've probably all heard the famous movie quip, "why don't you wait here while I slip into something a little more comfortable". It's a comment to make most of our ears (particularly male ones!) stand up on end with the anticipation that the film has actually taken a turn for the better.
Time Management - Finding Some Personal Time
Personal time or relax time is often why people want to learn how they can squeeze an hour or so out of their busy day. Often though, personal time becomes television time.
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Thursday, February 19, 2009
This Place is a Sketch!
As our followers (all three or four of them), must surely have noticed by now, we exist by dint of the generosity of those who share materials through Creative Commons licensing. All of our articles have been published on wikiHow before being carefully deleted to make room for more (ahem) "useful" material. That is not to say that OUR articles are NOT useful, but.....well....... I digress.....Anyway some of the most fun we have comes from choosing just the right Creative Commons photo to illustrate each funny how-to guide. For that, we sometimes use our own photos (those'll be the indecipherable ones you can hardly make out). But we more often use the formidable Flickr. And now we find a fun new resource in The Sketchory. There are over two hundred thousand sketches to choose from over there, and we will doubtless be dipping in to use some of those amazing drawings from time to time. Our readers, when they are not busy trying to plan for a zombie attack or learning how to get hold of a little free cheese, can help if they like. Many of the drawings over at The Sketchory could use a bit of tagging and voting. By rating the best offerings at The Sketchory, you make it more likely that sites like ours will find and use the really good stuff, all for your eventual amusement. It's a big job, and SOMEBODY is going to get to have a heck of a lot of fun doing it, so why not yourself?
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text: Every year, the Supreme Court hears and rules in a wide variety of difficult cases. And when it comes to the legal matters at stake, some tend to pop up once, while others recur over years or decades. But in recent years, no issue has vexed the court quite like one nagging question: whether probable cause


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FAQ Interview Quotes
What is AirGlance?
AirGlance is a reporting and communication platform where MRO service providers and airline operators exchange information on individual level. The tool allows its users to closely monitor the status and track the progress of their layovers as well as to be up to date with any development concerning the maintenance event.
What is unique about AirGlance?
The uniqueness of AirGlance comes from the fact that all information concerning a layover can be found in one place and all involved parties can have access to it.
How easy is it to implement AirGlance?
AirGlance is very easy to implement. You simply need to register on http://app.airglance.com or to request your login credentials via email at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Can I use AirGlance with any MRO service provider?
AirGlance is an MRO independent platform and thus, can be used by any MRO service provider. No matter where your aircraft is being maintained, you can use AirGlance as a reporting and communication tool, which allows you to monitor all your layovers in a well-structured and comparable way.
Can I participate in the development process?
Our target is to continiously update and improve our platform. We always listen to our users and we are always curious to hear their ideas. Whenever you would like to share your suggestions with us, do not hesitate to contact us via firstname.lastname@example.com.
Can I use AirGlance on my mobile device?
AirGlance is a multi-device platform and can be used on any browser - regardless of whether you are logged in on your computer or your mobile device. For Apple devices, we also offer an iOS application, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store.


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2019 saw the Midleton Taekwon-Do Club celebrate its tenth anniversary. Founded in 2009 with less than 20 students, ten years later the club now has more than 200 people training every week.
July 2019 saw the Choi Jung Hwa ITF European Championships take place
in Cork, with fighters travelling from all over the continent to test
themselves against the best in Europe. Teams from England, Scotland,
Wales, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic,
Belgium, Russia, and even Argentina attended the week-long event which
was split into two separate competitions. The first was the European
Championships, where only black belts can compete and be crowned the
champions of Europe, and the second was the European Cup, where younger
Huge well done to the Midleton Fighters who travelled to England to represent Ireland at the UK ITF Taekwon-Do Championships, with three fighters from Midleton our club brought home an incredible five medals, including two gold! Congrats to Keith O Sullivan who won silver in the Adult Green Belt division, to Jordan O Polo who won silver and bronze in the U12s Blue Belt division, and to club instructor Mr James Dwyer, who won gold in Senior 6th Dan Patterns and gold in Senior Middle Weight Black Belt Sparring.
As our club continues to get bigger, new classes are being added from March 2019
5.00-6.00: TKD Ninja Classes (ages 4-7)
6.00-7.00: Junior Taekwon-Do Classes (ages 8-10)
7.00-8.00: Junior Taekwon-Do Classes (ages 10-12)
8.00-9.00: Teenage & Adult Taekwon-Do (ages 13-17 & 18+)
Midleton Club Instructor, James Dwyer, has returned from the ITF World Championships, Argentina 2018, as the new Senior Heavy Weight World Champion!
Well done to all the Midleton TaeKwon-Do Club TKD Ninjas who took part at the Summer Games Competition, and to all our older students who took part in the Sparring Competition. Special mention to everyone from the Bandon and Innishannon Clubs who travelled up to show us their skills, and special thanks to Mr John Burke and all the referees and umpires who helped out, a great day was had by all!
Summer Training Times for the Midelton TaeKwon-Do Club, Market Green
Mondays 6.15-7.15 = TKD Ninja Classes (ages 4-8)
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6.00-900 = TaeKwon-Do Classes
6.00-7.00 = Junior TaeKwon-Do Beginners (ages 8-9)
7.00-8.00 = Junior TaeKwon-Do Advanced (ages 9-12)
8.00-9.00 = Adult and Teenager Classes
Saturdays 10.00-1.00 = TKD Ninja Classes
10.00-11.00 = TKD Ninja Classes (ages 4-8)
11.00-12.00 = TKD Ninja Classes (ages 4-8)
12.00-1.00 = TKD Ninja Classes (ages 4-8)
Congratulations to Mr Paul Manning and to Mr James Dwyer who travelled this February to compete in the UK ITF British Championships. Mr Paul Manning took Gold in the Adult Welter Weight Sparring, and Mr James Dwyer took Gold in the Senior Heavy Weight Sparring and Silver in the Adult Heavy Weight Sparring
The 2016 Taekwondo International Open World Championships was held at the Barclay Card Arena in Birmingham. This competition had nearly 3000 from all around the world including big teams from Argentina, USA and Australia.
Congratulations to Ben O'Callaghan and Orla Killeen who passed their test for 1st Degree Black Belt.


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So I teach some lovely mentally and/or physically disabled folks a creative writing class on Thursdays. Today the assignment was to write something that starts "I could have died…" I wrote a poem! Then I gave myself a gold star and a pat on the back.
Mortality – A Poem
I could have died in a car crash
In 1993
On the Coquihalla highway
My bestest friends and me
Our trailer was fishtailing
Though the road was bare that day
The cop who stopped us said he'd seen
2 die there yesterday
He wasn't mad, he was just scared
No ticket did he give
"just slow the hell down next time,
if you dummies want to live"
I could have died when I was five
And hanging from a tree
I could have died when I was nine
A hatchet in my knee
I could have died last summer
The thought still makes me shiver
My leg got wrapped around a rope
While tubing down the river
I could have had a heart attack,
or massive stroke this morning,
one day I might just smell some toast
then drop dead without warning
I just might die next Thursday,
I just might die tonight,
Some have said I should be dead
The way I live my life
But still I go on breathing
Through flu and common cold
the great reward for living long
Is getting ugly, weak and old
Though sometimes I feel lousy
Sometimes my life I curse
I have to say, I'm alive today
and the alternative seems worse
and the alternative seems worse


text:
The West's Syria policy has been shaped by media missionaries
Muhammad Idrees Ahmad
"Cockburn eschews the bombastic judgments of his colleague Robert Fisk. Instead he uses references, analogies and elisions to mark the distribution of good and evil.
Superlatives are reserved exclusively for the opposition. They are depicted as "head choppers", reminiscent of the Nazis. Their crimes are vividly described. To the extent that the regime's misdeeds receive attention, they are described in general terms, often as preludes to another account of rebel barbarity.
Yet it is accounts such as these that are shaping opinion – and even policy. Syrians, who are already trapped between the regime and ISIL, have also to endure the slings and arrows of hack missionaries with ideological axes to grind."


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Sure, these two actresses are both part of the Twilight franchise, and to begin with they were the key elements of the promotion tour (along with Robert Pattinson and Tayor Lautner), but – as we all know by now – Nikki Reed disappeared after rumors and speculations regarding the nature of her relationship with Kristen Stewart became too intense. Rumors about Kristen and Rob or Kristen and Taylor however were fine and almost encouraged. The same goes for rumors about Nikki Reed and Kristen Stewart having had a falling out – the version in which it was due to them both being crazy about Rob seemed to be pushed the most.
However, if you dig just a little bit, then you will find it. No, not the dirt. Simply the truth.
Let's get started with the update, shall we?
Exhibit A:
While not being seen at any public events and only very few unofficial outings of any kind, here we see the two supposed "enemies" out and about in Vancouver in early September 2009.
Exhibit B:
A tiny excerpt from a November 2009 interview with Spin Magazine.
Q: What's the most prized T-shirt in your collection?
A: [Friend and New Moon star] Kristen [Stewart] and I share a lot of clothes, so I wear a lot of Joan Jett shirts.
Uh huh… let's just let that one stand alone, shall we?
While Nikki Reed and Kristen Stewart were nowhere near each other at the big November 16th 2009 grand opening of "Twilight: New Moon" in Hollywood, they were both there, but you'll only find picture of them with other cast members:
And for good measure, here is the undeniable proof that they were both there; Please note the fact that their wearing the dresses from the above images and also, pay attention to the pink "Kristen is the shiznit!" t-shirt in the background:
However, three days later on November 19th at the New York premiere, Nikki and Kristen were seen in official pictures together for the first time in a very long time:
I'm sure someone got fired for letting that happen, but what can you do? Maybe Kristen weren't supposed to arrive at the same time since she's wearing a long trench coat while Nikki is sporting a red carpet dress -seems a bit odd. Also, Kristen does have a very smug look about her - as if she just got away with something. And if the trench coat reasoning should be that it was her cold, then it got warmer later on, when the dress was in fact revealed later and looked like this:
You GO, girls! I'll return shortly with yet another update - some more recent input as well.


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If you're new here, you will want to sign up for my newsletter to get FREE dating ebooks and mp3s along with exclusive seduction tips and videos. Thanks for visiting!
Here's a quick article by the popular pick-up artist Jon Sinn about
Today I want to get in to
building sexual tension with
physical (rather than conversational)
I mean things that build - what I
like to think of as sexual rapport.
You want to start treating a
girl once you're building sexual
tension like you've already had
sex with her.
So you might wipe something off
of her face. You might share her drink.
You might kiss her neck and blow on it.
You might pull her hair.
You might do any of these things
that you would do with someone
that you already have a sense of
sexual rapport with.
You know what women like, and you
know they're going to enjoy what
you're doing. That's a big part
of the physical escalation to
build sexual tension, is that
you demonstrate good sexual
Hope this helps,
P.S: If you want to learn more about getting
physical and escalation interactions into sex
If you like this blog please take a second and subscribe to my rss feed
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U.S. and South Korea Explore Ways to Improve Bi-lateral FTA
19 January 2018
The United States and South Korea held their first talks on updating their bi-lateral free trade agreement (KORUS) on 5 January in Washington, D.C., and could hold subsequent rounds every three to four weeks, according to press reports. South Korea's trade ministry said in December 2017 that the domestic procedures necessary to consider amending the KORUS agreement, including consultations with lawmakers and stakeholders, have been completed.
Trump administration officials have said they want to resolve outstanding issues with respect to KORUS implementation and secure revisions that will lead to fair, reciprocal trade. South Korean officials, meanwhile, have said that while the agreement could be strengthened they see no need for substantial revisions because it has generated mutually beneficial outcomes in terms of trade, investment and employment. Following the 5 January meeting, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer observed that there is "much work to do to reach an agreement" on updating the FTA "that serves the economic interests of the American people." According to press reports, South Korean trade minister Kim Hyun-chong agreed, adding that he expects "an uphill battle." Lighthizer pledged to "move forward as expeditiously as possible" but no further discussions have yet been scheduled.
A USTR press release states that both sides engaged on their priority areas of interest during the day-long session. In particular, the United States discussed proposals to move toward "fair and reciprocal" trade in key industrial goods sectors, such as autos and auto parts, and to resolve additional cross-cutting and sector-specific barriers impacting U.S. exports. Press reports add that South Korea pressed issues including investor-state dispute settlement, protections for its agriculture industry, and U.S. import restrictions such as safeguard measures and antidumping duties.
In contrast to the on-going North American Free Trade Agreement discussions, the United States is pushing for a modification rather than a full re-negotiation of KORUS. This is generally seen as a positive sign by KORUS supporters despite the fact that the discussions are not being conducted under the Trade Promotion Authority umbrella, which requires the administration to consult with Congress and adhere to strict timelines. While the KORUS talks are expected to be much narrower in scope than the NAFTA discussions, South Korean negotiators are nonetheless anticipating a tough negotiation focused in large measure on bi-lateral automotive trade.
- Korea, Republic Of
- North America
- Korea


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Below are the list of "House Rules", "How to Play", and "Ace Rules" for the upcoming PBeM game;
PBeM House Rules
1. Deployment of the planes at the start of each game will be determined by a dice roll on the following table; Side of table (NSEW), Co-ordinates (Using Hexes to give starting Hex), Facing (NSEW), Starting Altitude (level 3-5)
· The explosion cards will be left in all damage decks
· For clarity your planes altitude will be displayed on your planes base at all times.
· When diving you DO NOT lose any climb counters, you simply lose a level. (If you start your dive at 3+2climb counters, you finish the dive at 2+2 climb counters)
· IMMELMAN TURN: Straight – Immelman - Straight. Gain 1 Climb counter
· SPLIT –S is a downward Immelman turn: Stall – Immelman – Straight. Lose 1 altitude level.
· ZOOM DIVE: Dive - Straight + (Extra non steep card)(Allows you play an extra card after the straight card , at the same time as a straight card)
· OVER DIVE: Stall - Dive (lose one level) - Straight (lose another level) – you may attach a zoom dive by another straight plays as a zoom dive card.
· LOOPS: Straight - Immelman - Immelman - Straight. You gain no height. (Exceptional Pilots only)
· Only occur if both aircraft are at the same level, and either both planes have climb counters, or both planes don't have climb counters, and the aircraft overlaps the pole (base is displaced by others pole)
· Each plane will recieve 1 x "C" damage card of damage for each plane they collide with.
· Is from YOUR POLE to OPPONENTS BASE, overlapping stands will PREVENT shooting at that plane, but will still allow you to shoot at other targets?
· You will always shoot at the closest enemy target, unless you can shoot at another enemy and gain the +1 advantage for shooting at the same target in two or more turns?
· Close and Long range shots both count as a single shot
· Magazine guns have 4 shots (Typically Rear-Gunners). It will take 3 cards to reload, during that time you cannot do Immelman's or Steep manoeuvres.
· Forward firing fixed guns have 12 shots and once out of ammo cannot be reloaded.
· If this special damage card is drawn and you are flying a single seater your pilot will be wounded.
· If you are flying a two-seater the damage on the pilot or observer will be randomly determined.
This special damage is kept secret. The plane can no longer fire the machine guns just after executing a steep manoeuvre, an Immelman turn, a Split-S, or a climb (see Altitude rules, pages 11-12). Unjamming machine guns takes longer: If your guns become jammed, you may not fire after the next four manoeuvres instead of the next three.
· If a Pilot/ Observer takes a second wounded damage, he is dead!
· The rear gunner on a 2 seater has a blind spot at the rear of the tail. Use ruler to connect 2 seater pole to target plane pole in rear arc of fire. If the first half of the ruler touches any point of target planes base, firing is not possible.
· At the start of each turn your plane will lose One altitude of height while it smokes. If it goes below altitude 1 you will crash land. On a 5,6 (D6) you are killed. If you receive a second "Smoke Damage", while smoking your plane will catch fire.
· Whilst on fire you may not perform any straight manoeuvres
· At the start of each turn, for three turns, you will receive an additional "A" damage card.
Orders will be twice a week unless notified otherwise, and will be required on a Wednesday and Sunday by 6pm GMT. Please submit your turn orders as follows;
Turn number, Pilot, Plane, Deck, Card One, Card Two, Card Three
e.g. Turn 3, Biggles, Sopwith Camel, A Deck, Straight, left turn, hard right turn
The game will be played on a 6 x 4 ft Hotmatz European fields hex mat (but we will ignore the hexes). If you do go off the mat then I will place you back on at your point of exit, so you will not fly off the edge, unless you want to? All planes deliberately flying off the edge of the playing area will be deemed eliminated.
The number on the base of each plane is the aircrafts altitude.
Please Note
- If you fail to provide orders I will fly the aircraft for you, your plane will perform 3 straights, if it flies off the board you are eliminated.
- In cases of Tailing I will swap your cards as appropriate.
- Incorrect orders, I will ask you for a correct card unless it's a compulsory card due to a manoeuvre. Or cards can be swapped to make it a legal move.
Turn reports will state any damage received and from whom, and any "Ace" abilities you have received.
- Medals will be awarded to individual pilots once they score 15 points of damage to the enemy. These points are cumulative across the games.
- Apart from "Bragging Rights" in the Mess, Medals allow a player to ignore one damage result during the course of the game.
- Where two or more planes shoot down an enemy in the same phase, they will share the "Kill". i.e two planes = ½ kill each
Ace Rules
· "Ace" status is reached once a pilot or observer has achieved 5 kills, each "Ace" will get the generic abilities below and will receive an additional specific ability.
· The specific Ability will be randomly chosen from the list and I'll let you know what it is in your turn report.
· "Aces" will receive an additional special ability for each additional 3 kills.
Generic Abilities received by all Aces
· An Ace can only be tailed by another Ace.
· Aces fire before non-Aces so that, for example, if an Ace and a non-Ace were firing at each other, any damage inflicted by the Ace (including, of course, shooting the non-Ace down) takes place before the non-Ace gets to fire.
Pilots only abilities:
· Can do two steep manoeuvres in a row. Once this ability is used, it cannot be re-used for the rest of the turn.
Acrobatic pilot:
· Can do an Immelman turn without having to do a straight after it. The straight before has to be done anyway.
Good in evading:
· Can ignore a single damage card in all the game, after drawing and seeing it. The ignored card is put at the bottom of the damage deck.
Exceptional pilot:
· Can use the same manoeuvre twice in the same turn.
Example: a SPAD XIII plans an Immelman, a straight and an Immelman. The plane executes an Immelman in the first phase, a straight in the second and another Immelman in the third one.
Pilot or observer individual abilities:
Perfect aim:
· Once per turn, the pilot can decide to use the +1 Aim bonus even if he did not shoot at the same plane in the previous phase.
Long Shot:
· If your plane is within ruler distance, measured from your central pole to your opponent's central pole, you are considered to be at short range, rather than long range.
Itchy Trigger Finger:
· Aces with this ability go before other aces that do not have this ability whenever firing is resolved.
Pilots or observer airplane abilities:
Upgraded Machine Guns:
· A pilot or observer can take this ability to upgrade B rated guns to make them A guns instead. This ability only affects the gun associated with that ace.
Bullet checker:
· Ignore the jamming cards with a Green Cross; the ace jams only when a card with the Red Cross is picked up.


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AMC has tapped Walking Dead executive producer Robert Kirkman to develop a companion series to its blockbuster zombie drama. Set to premiere in 2015, it will focus on a new set of characters. "It's going to exist in its own world," says Greg Nicotero, one of the executive producers of the current show. "The beauty of that world is that it can [happen] in so many places." Some members of the cast reveal where they'd like to see the walkers wreak havoc.
"A self-contained oxygen-controlled London biosphere with all glass walls where outside you can see all this crazy zombie mayhem going on." — LAUREN COHAN (MAGGIE)
"On a cruise ship, like The Love Boat, stopping at different destinations, with zombies in the swimming pools." — ANDREW LINCOLN (RICK)
"The White House. I want to know what happened to the president and our government when this all went down." — DANAI GURIRA (MICHONNE)
"I'd want to see New York. The people there handle things very differently from those in the South." — SONEQUA MARTIN-GREEN (SASHA)
"A drama set in the future. It's been over 100 years and people have figured out how to survive in this situation." — STEVEN YEUN (GLENN)
"What about Alaska? I'd want to see what zombies are like out in the cold." — EMILY KINNEY (BETH)
"Egypt. There's so much history there with mummies who could be walkers." — CHAD L. COLEMAN (TYREESE)
"In an old sheriff's town with a band of children taking matters into their own hands." — NORMAN REEDUS (DARYL)
Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!


text: One of the Christmas traditions we enjoy is walking around and seeing Christmas lights. Ryan and I enjoyed our time celebrating with friends Friday night. The festivities including good food (fondue per Zapp family tradition), a white elephant gift exchange, Christmas lights and warm beverages afterward. Take some time to enjoy the beauty of the holidays with family and friends. Merry Christmas everyone!


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Your University Questions, Answered.
How many contact hours will I get?
Our Answer:
The number of hours you are in class a week will very much depend on the subject you are studying.
Those doing Arts and Humanities courses can expect a lighter timetable, but with lots of additional reading and research. Science and Health students will have a very different timetable, with more contact hours, with labs and practical classes as well as lectures and seminars.
So really it boils down to what subject you are studying and which modules you take.
You might want to take a look at the Unistats website, which will give you a breakdown of percentage of time in learning activities by course.
As well as contact hours, a significant portion of your studies will be led by you, making use of your own time management skills. Luckily there are a variety of places on campus at UEA to accommodate this, particularly in the Library. With silent study rooms, individual PCS, and group study areas, there are plenty of resources to help you learn.
This answer was provided by:


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Bad-mind, Gymnastics, Hate, Marisa Dick, Negativity, Rio2016 Olympics, Thema Williams, Trinidad and Tobago
I was waiting for the preliminaries of gymnastics in the Olympics to pass before I posted this, simply because I wanted people to see something. I am not going to explain the situation between the choosing of Marisa Dick over Thema Williams. The story is out there. Everyone has an idea of what went on even though frankly MOST of us still don't know the facts even though we are okay with spouting our opinion on it.
But if you want to know more about the story you can read it here and here.
What I AM here to discuss is the reaction to Marisa going to the Olympics and now that she has not made it to the next round, I can safely say my point has been made.
What was my point? If you had been on Facebook following the litany of comments under any video or mention of Marisa representing Trinidad and Tobago in the Olympics, you would have seen the long, disgusting slew of hate messages there.
Yes, it was on Twitter as well, but I approach Twitter differently than Facebook. If it's not on my home stream, I ain't concerned, and my Twitter neighbours while I am ABSOLUTELY sure had their opinions on Miss Dick, kept their decorum together. I just follow wonderfully level headed people. 😀
Facebook on the other hand, not so much. And the fact that I have a lot of pages means I see a lot too. I have been accused of being un-patriotic because I supported Thema, but then wait I refused to bash Marisa too and wished her all the best, so I was also accused of being naive and 'falling for anything' and being a band-wagonist! A band-wagonist? Really?
Here's the thing, which I tried to explain to people who claimed to be trying to teach their children the 'right' thing by their stance as they openly sent death threats to the young woman.
I support Thema, and let me see what the TTOC is going to do after the Olympics about how she was removed. She's doing something on her end by suing the TTGF but we haven't forgotten what happened and that the TTOC let this corruption slide. Does that mean that I am going to withdraw my support for the other athletes? Of course not, and those of you doing that are just looking for an excuse since you weren't going to support them anyway!
Don't think for a minute me being upset with the situation will catch me lambasting Marisa either, at ANY time, because unlike a lot of you I know how bad vibes does work.
You all remember that song we used to sing when we were little, 'Love is something if you give it away, it will come right back to you.' You all remember that? Well, yuh know what, bad vibes works just the same way.
Separate story here, I know this young lady, pretty, fiesty and we always have a good laugh when we are together but she could bad talk people! And don't talk about if you cross her, instant hatred towards you for life. For LIFE. Knows nothing about forgiveness! Nothing! But yet still, she's always praying and begging God to work in her life but could never see her way. The amount of bad stuff that has happened to this woman since I have met her. We're the same age and I haven't had half her troubles in my life.
Now I understand what is going on with her…
"Hate is something if you give it away, it will come right back to you."
…but she doesn't get that and Trinis, I'm sorry but the majority of you all cannot grasp that concept either. You all want to talk about bandwagons? We always quick to jump on the HATE bandwagon, spewing our filth and negativity towards other people. I don't know if is just the drama and the hype you all like but then you're left wondering why you constantly catching hell in your life?
Because negativity attracts more negativity! Which is why, sad to say, but said young lady hasn't spoken to me in a while because she realises I REFUSE to jump on the wagon with her. My positivity, even when I am upset, takes the wind out of her rants! And at the very least if I am really upset I would rather do this…
…until my emotions simmer down enough for me to make sense. I not playing that! When you deal in bad vibes, it does come right back to you. Like a boomerang.
I knew from the beginning, that IF there was bacchanal and bad mind going on in getting Marisa to the Olympics, then God help her. 'Cause the bad foundation she started with was bound to crumble, and ent, so said so done? She did not make it past the prelims?
So what was the use of all that hate talk then?
You just opened the door to negativity in your life for no reason! You planted the seed of bad vibes around you and your family. You didn't physically do anything to her (Thank God!) but you didn't have to go that far either.
You could have just let karma do it's work.
So all who want to 'down with Dick' and send death threats, I sorry for you. As I said, the same way karma came back to Marisa, bad vibes done beginning to take root in your life. Poetic justice waiting for you too.
But you know, I'm just another critic. What do I know? *shrug*
– Written by Travesaou
Copyright © 2010-2019 Critics May Lie All Rights Reserved


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New Year is a time for new starts – we all say it and many of us stick to it, it's new year so it's time for a new us… But what about a new home?
We don't mean relocating to a new house – just changing a few things here and there to create a new feeling that is both up-to-date and very, very trendy.
Sound like something you fancy doing? We're bringing you a series of blog posts this month featuring all the hot trends for 2015 to see if there's anything that really takes your fancy!
We should warn you that we are going to be a little biased about this oh so royal shade because, in case you haven't read this before, we are pretty passionate about purple here at Blinds 2go!
Personal preference aside, we've loved delving into the depths of the interior world, looking up some of the smartest and most inspiring ideas on how to inject a little purple passion into your home this year.
When it comes to adding a touch of purple to your bedroom, bedding is an excellent way to make a bright and beautiful statement in your room.
We loved this purple peacock design so much because of the gorgeous accenting cushion covers that help add a touch of further detailing and depth to the bedsheets.
Fairy Lights
Traditionally thought of as a more festive accessory, fairy lights can find their way into your every day decor with surprising ease – imagine wrapping them around a wrought iron bed frame or popping them in a stylish glass vase for both light and decoration.
Using purple lights will not only add a dainty and delicate touch to your home, it will also bathe your room in a magical, ethereal glow that will be perfect mood lighting.
The beauty of vases is that they are multifunctional – you can use them for their traditional purpose of displaying flowers or, if you're lacking in admirers or suffer from allergies, using them as decorations around the house is also a great idea.
Although purple glass is a stylish choice, we just adored these painted ceramic vases – the bold colouring would be sure to add a great contrast to your home.
Dining Chairs
Whether you have a full sized dining room or just a corner of the kitchen that you like to sit together to eat in, you can use purple to add a touch of colour and sass to your home without having to fully redecorate.
Take the picture above for example, the room is quite large and airy and wouldn't benefit from a rich purple shaded paint job – that's where the stunning dining chairs come into effect!
Blinds and Curtains
When it comes to adding a soft, sumptuous and sophisticated finish to your room there's no need to panic – we've got you covered.
This Chenille Mulberry roman blind takes a luxurious material and combines it effortlessly with a practical design while the stunning texture on these Dupioni Faux Silk curtains will add just enough detailing to your home without overpowering your interior.


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Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Baker family to yours! In honor of one of our favorite holidays we have compiled three classic Irish recipes all made using Bakers Irish brands of course!
First up is Smithwick's Irish Beer and Cheese bread! This bread is hearty enough to be a meal in itself but we prefer it as a before dinner snack or paired it with eggs and bacon for a filling breakfast.
Next up we have an Irish classic – Guinness Beef Stew! This recipe is great for family dinners or a small dinner party.
Last but not least we have an Irish twist on an American classic – Magners Irish Cider Mac & Cheese. The perfect combo of sweet and savory, we cannot get enough of this stuff!
Be sure to comment and let us know which one is your favorite!


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Just in time for the stall I've completed a new design in the series of small prints on Japanese paper; this one is inspired by the intriguing fragment of glass in Long Melford Church which depicts three hares with shared ears.
The three hares symbol is a mystery – does it symbolise the Trinity or is it a much more ancient? one from a different culture altogether? There are many examples of the three hares symbol a long long way from Suffolk, in Devon; it is also found in Chinese, Iranian and Jewish art.
"Three in one", there's something special about seeing three hares in one field . . .
The original limited edition unframed print can be ordered by emailing email@example.com
This is a small edition of 20 prints is printed on Japanese Kikuchi Haini Kozo Koban. The image size is 15 x 15cm, the same size and paper as used for the 'Love in the air' print. Each print is named, signed and numbered in pencil by me.
An unframed print costs £48 (the price includes p&p to addresses in the UK mainland).
I will be selling cards of the Three in one field design at the House and Garden Fair, and they will soon been available from Magic Cochin's Emporium.
If you live near Cambridge I hope you can come along to Chilford Hall on Tuesday 10 May, it's a popular friendly event and raises lots of money for a very good cause. There's lots of top quality stall and some lovely food too, so bring your friends and have lunch, and stay for tea too!


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Amal Radha dabs the tears from her eyes as she speaks about her missing family. As the eldest, she helped raise her sisters and her nephews.
"I'm a total wreck now," says the 52-year-old Toronto woman through a translator. "I have no one. We were living in Iraq in a big family with all our loved ones … (now) my whole life is destroyed. I just need to know about my sisters; my nephews."
Her two sisters — Nawal, 42, and Feryal, 39, — and her three nephews — Bashir, 12, Baraa, 10 and Sudad, 7, — left a United Nations refugee camp on the borders of northern Iraq, Turkey and Syria to make their way to Lebanon months ago so they could be in a location in the Middle East where refugee applications are processed quickly.
But to get to Lebanon the family had to cross on foot Iraqi territory that was held by the Islamic State. Radha hasn't heard from them since February. And now she fears the worst — that they have been captured or are dead.
Radha came to Canada in November 2009. She had left her hometown of Baghdad in 2007 after she was kidnapped and assaulted. Her life had also been threatened — someone had left a bullet and a note in her desk drawer at the Ministry of Health saying her life was at risk, she says.
One day while driving home, she says her car was surrounded and she was taken by 10 guys who had covered their faces with masks. Tortured and beaten up, she was eventually set free — her face was black and blue, her shoulder broken, she says.
She had had enough. Her husband had been killed while he was helping the U.S. military. Her brother — a barber — had disappeared. She believed he was kidnapped.
She fled to Damascus, Syria where she was given refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, leaving behind her sisters and her nephews.
But they too decided it was time to leave and they eventually joined her in Damascus in late 2007. Nawal's husband returned to Iraq where he disappeared — the victim of a suspected kidnapping as well, she wrote in her refugee application.
For two years the three sisters and the boys made a home for themselves in Damascus in a UN-sponsored apartment, then Amal Radha was granted government-assisted refugee status to Canada, once again leaving her sisters and her nephews behind.
She promised to bring them to Canada as quickly as she could. But it would take her almost five years before she was able to pull together all of the necessary paperwork and file the application.
She finally got AURA (the Anglican United Refugee Alliance), which has a sponsorship agreement with Ottawa, in partnership with the Runnymede United Church and Royal York United Church, to help sponsor her sisters and nephews.
And after a year of co-ordinating and exchanging documents across refugee camps and war zones, the paperwork was finally filed in December 2014.
But prior to it being filed, the sisters and nephews were forced to leave Damascus because of a chemical attack, Radha says. They ended up in a camp near the Iraq-Turkey border, taken there by the UN, she says. She went to visit them there in July 2014. "I saw the camp. It's poor. It doesn't have anything, no food. Nobody visited them from the UN. Nobody visits them."
More importantly no one could interview them or process their application, she says. So Radha says she was told her family should get to a location where their application could be processed more quickly. They chose Lebanon — where Canadian officials can process refugee applications within about nine months.
She tries to remain upbeat and hopeful but knows the odds are something is wrong. They would have called or emailed by now. For the moment, all she has are photos she took when she saw them last and a recording of Bashir — the eldest — singing O'Canada and saying the Canadian Citizenship Oath in eager anticipation of coming to Canada. He sent it from his mother's phone sometime in 2014 when the family was still in Damascus.
During her visit to the camp Bashir clung to her and asked when was he going to come to Canada? "I want to come with you," he told her as she was getting ready to leave. "You're my mother."
Her friend Clifford McCarten, who was a law student at Parkdale Legal Community Services when he first met Radha and has helped with much of the application process, believes the complicated Canadian refugee sponsorship process and many delays in processing may have contributed to the fact the family is missing.
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"I think it's unconscionable," McCarten says, "that you have in this case at least 30 or 40 or 50 people in Canada who are chomping at the bit to try to support the family … and that they might be missing as a result of just waiting, waiting and waiting and the year and a half getting the documents together."
What officials say — or don't say — about the case
Citizenship and Immigration said privacy laws prevent them from commenting on this case without consent of the missing parties.
Immigration spokesperson Nancy Caron said: "Refugee processing is complex due to work with some of the world's most at-risk people in challenging local conditions. Some of these factors include establishing identity, addressing security concerns as well as logistical challenges that are outside of CIC's control. Interviewing applicants can be complicated by a lack of access, a lack of documentation, and difficulties in establishing family relationships.
She continued: "We review our internal processes on an ongoing basis and have implemented several changes. For example, we have centralized the intake and processing of applications in Winnipeg to alleviate the administrative burden at visa offices overseas and reduce backlogs."
According to Caron, for the first six months of this year, 80 per cent of sponsorship assessments were completed and processed at the Centralized Processing Office in Winnipeg in just over three months.
Neither the UNHCR nor the Anglican United Refugee Alliance would comment on the specifics of the case. The UNHCR does not comment on individual cases, says Gisèle Nyembwe, a spokesperson for UNHCR Canada. AURA said it was against their policy to discuss the case due to privacy concerns.
"I understand why family members and others would be immensely concerned," said Ian McBride, executive director of AURA. "My organization also is concerned and will do everything we can to be helpful. It's a very difficult environment … they're in the part of the world that is absolutely fraught with danger."