text:
Clackamas County events roundup: Gladstone festival, 'Oklahoma' in Oregon City, Cloverdayle in Canby
Updated: Aug. 04, 2011, 12:00 p.m. |
Vickie Kavanagh | The Oregonian/OregonLive
City of GladstoneMario Camboni, a pianist with a unique vocal style, plays like Fats Domino spiced with boogie and New Orleans sounds. Catch his festival performance at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at Max Patterson Park.
-- The Gladstone Chautauqua Festival will fill the streets with music, food and activities.
The 31st annual free event will be held Friday through Sunday at and around Max Patterson Memorial City Park, 400 Exeter St.
It will kick off at 9 a.m. Aug. 5 with a Retirement Expo geared for ages 55 and older. Highlights include gospel songs by Nehemiah Brown, dancers from the Grand Finale Dance Studio, informational booths, Bingo games, and free breakfast, lunch and gift bags.
The Kiwanis Club will make your family a hearty breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave. Meanwhile, folks will be setting up outside in anticipation of the big parade. The marchers and floats will leave Gladstone High School at 10 a.m. and proceed down Portland Avenue to the park.
Festival highlights include live music, entertainment, vendor and food booths, a chili cook-off, a talent show, fire engine tours, and other activities. Inflatable toys, bounce houses and games will keep the youngsters busy.
A beer garden will be open to the 21-and-older crowd from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday in the park. Dances for the adults will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight -- featuring country western music by the Crossfire Band Friday and rock and roll tunes by Rockin' Robert Saturday. Admission is $3.
The Saturday entertainment lineup also includes the Dirt Farm Cowboys, Gladstone High School Jazz Band and pianist Mario Camboni.
Sunday festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stage shows include Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts, impersonator Kimberly Hall as "Reba," and the Portland Metro Concert Band.
A library book sale, raffles, historical tours, 5K and 10K walks and runs, more bingo games, and the annual Gladstone Honorees Ceremony will round out the weekend.
http://chautauqua-festival.netbiz.com
View full sizeCourtesy of Puckett FamilyThe Puckett family will present "Spellbinding Magic" today at Meinig Memorial Park.
-- The Puckett family will present "Spellbinding Magic" at 11 a.m. today at Meinig Memorial Park, 17670 Meinig Ave. in Sandy.
The free show concludes the annual summer reading programs at the Hoodland and Sandy libraries.
Registration is required. Contact Monica Smith at 503-668-5537 or
msmith@ci.sandy.or.us
-- Magic-lovers can also catch Jay Frasier today at the Milwaukie Ledding Library. The free Magic and Balloon Sculpture Show for ages 4 and older will be at 2 p.m. at 10660 S.E. 21st Ave. For more information, call 503-786-7580
*************************************************************************************************************************
View full sizeTravis NodurftJames Sharinghouse (left) plays the part of Will Parker and Brianna Rouse is Ado Annie in the Clackamas Repertory Theatre's production of "Oklahoma."
-- The Clackamas Repertory Theatre will kick-off its production of "Oklahoma" this week at its theater at 19600 Molalla Ave.
David Smith-English will direct the classic musical by Rogers and Hammerstein about growing up and falling in love.
A preview will be shown at 7:30 p.m. today. Tickets are $10-$15.
Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, through Aug. 27, and 2:30 p.m. Sun, Aug. 7-28. Tickets are $14 for ages 6-30 and $24 for ages 31 and older.
Reservations are recommended. Visit
www.clackamasrep.org
or call 503-594-3915 or 503-594-6047.
**NOTE: Aug. 5 show is sold out
Here is a list of other fun and interesting things to do in Clackamas County:
Family Story Time:
All ages. Weekly 10:30 a.m. Mon and 10 a.m. Sat, June 20-Aug. 29. Canby Public Library, 292 N. Holly St., Canby; free;
www.ci.canby.or.us/Canbylibrary/library.htm
Spanish Story Time:
Story time for children presented in Spanish. Weekly 11 a.m. Sat, through Sept. 24. Canby Public Library, 292 N. Holly St., Canby; free (gratis);
View full sizeCourtesy of CloverdayleCloverdayle performs Sunday in Canby.
Slice of Summer Concerts:
Weekly 6-8 p.m. Sun, through Aug. 14. Lineup features
modern country by Cloverdayle, Aug. 7
; and Latin and salsa by Conjunto Alegre, Aug. 14 Wait Park, 350 N. Grant St., Canby; free; if it rains, concerts move to Richard R. Brown Fine Arts Center, 721 S.W. Fourth Ave.;
www.sliceofsummer.com
AM Business Connection:
Network with chamber members and guests. Learn about the benefits of chamber membership. 7:30 a.m. Fri, Aug. 5. Sweet Tomatoes, 13011 S.E. 84th Ave., Clackamas; free;
www.yourchamber.com
Summer Activities:
Games, sports and crafts for children. Weekly 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Fri, through Aug. 26. Max Patterson Memorial City Park, 400 Exeter St., Gladstone; free admission
Gladstone Chautauqua Book Sale:
Thousands of books, videos and DVDs are available at the annual sale. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri-Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun, Aug. 5-7. Friday includes an appearance by author and cartoonist Joe Spooner. On Sunday, shoppers can fill a grocery bag with books for $6 (excluding new books and special collections). Sponsored by Gladstone Public Library Foundation, with help from the Gladstone Camp Fire Group and Gladstone Cub Scout Pack 523. Proceeds support library programs and events. John Wetten Elementary School, 250 E. Exeter St., Gladstone; free admission except for $15 admission to presale 10 a.m.-noon Fri, Aug. 5;
www.gpl-foundation.org
Timberline Star Party
: Professors of astronomy Doug McCarty and Todd Duncan, as well as several amateur astronomers, provide telescopes for the public to view galaxies, the moon, star clusters and planets from an elevation of 6,000 feet on the southern slope of Mount Hood. Questions encouraged during the "Tour of the Night Sky." 8 p.m. Sat, Aug. 6. Meet in Barlow Room at Timberline Lodge, off U.S. 26, Mount Hood; free;
www.fs.fed.us.r6/mthood
Concerts in the Park:
Weekly 7-9 p.m. Thu, through Aug. 25. Lineup features
energetic jazz by PDX Express, Aug. 4;
classic rock and country by Midlyfe Crisis, Aug. 11; acoustic folk rock by Scott Gallegos, Aug. 18; and modern blues by Colin Lake and Wellbottom, Aug. 25. Happy Valley Park, 13700 S.E. Ridgecrest Road, Happy Valley; free
2011 Pickathon:
The indie-roots music festival will welcome more than 35 bands on multiple stages as well as musical workshops, kids activities and more. Visit the website for a full list of scheduled performances. Noon-11 p.m. Fri, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun, Aug. 5-7. Pendarvis Farm, 16581 S.E. Hagen Road, Happy Valley; $145 weekend pass; limited single-day tickets available in advance;
www.pickathon.com
Emergency Preparedness and Safety Fair:
The second-annual family-friendly event features hands-on learning opportunities, as well as the chance to meet emergency and safety agency representatives. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Aug. 6. Held between E and J streets near Hubbard Fire Hall, 3161 Second St., Hubbard; free admission;
www.hubbardfire.com
or Melinda Olinger, 503-982-9429
Skin Class:
Dr. Marcea Wiggins presents "Facial Rejuvenation for Acne, Rosacea and Sun Damage." Registration required. 7-8:30 p.m. Thu, Aug. 4. New Seasons Market Mountain Park, 3 S.W. Monroe Parkway, Lake Oswego; free;
www.newseasonsmarket.com
Intermediate Excel for the PC:
Learn how to track your investments, save time performing financial functions, and sort and extract data in a simple database. Topics include formulas, grouping, filtering, templates, using multiple worksheets, and adding ClipArt and pictures. All ages. Registration required. Weekly 12:30-2 p.m. Fri, Aug. 5-19. Computer Learning Center, Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Ave., Lake Oswego; $22-$33 series;
www.lo-clc.org
Summer Splash Concerts:
Weekly Noon-1:30 p.m. Fri, through Aug. 26. Lineup includes
jazz and pop by Lisa Gale Quartet, Aug. 5
; Latin jazz by Ramsey y los Montunos, Aug. 12; rhythm and blues and funk by Geno Michaels Soultet, Aug. 19; and jazz by Tall Jazz, Aug. 26. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First St., Lake Oswego; free admission
Lake Oswego PhotographersNicole Accuardi (from left), Ileana Herrin, Leif Norby and Christy Drogosch are featured in the Lakewood Theatre Company production of "Boeing-Boeing."
"Boeing-Boeing":
The Tony-winning French comedy by Marc Camoletti follows a successful Manhattan architect who -- with the help of his housekeeper -- attempts to juggle his three flight-attendant fiancées. Various times and dates through Aug. 21; see website for tickets and schedule. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego; $25-$28;
www.lakewood-center.org
Wines of France:
Casual tasting of six wines with an optional two premium wines. Appetizers included. 5-8 p.m. Fri, Aug. 5. World Class Wines, 269 A. Ave., Lake Oswego; $10, with optional $5 bonus pours;
www.worldclasswinesoregon.com
SOUTHWEST PORTLAND
Summer Evening Guided Hikes:
The Friends of Tryon Creek will lead park visitors on hikes through the forest weekly 7-8:30 p.m. Wed, through Aug. 31. Topics will vary from week to week as a naturalist offers a close, personal look at the park's flora and fauna. For all ages. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.; free;
www.tryonfriends.org
Music in the Park:
Weekly 2-3 p.m. Sun, through Aug. 28. Continues with the
Swing Street Glenn Tadina Band, Aug. 7
; the Millennium Clarinets, Aug. 14; jazz by the Sweet Thunder quartet, Aug. 21; and Latin music by Connie Bieberach and Armonia Latina, Aug. 28. At Glenn Jackson Shelter near the Nature Center. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.; free; Jessica Sweeney, 503-636-4398 or
jessica@tryonfriends.org
Milks and Cheeses Vegan-Style:
Hands-on cooking class. Registration required. 6-8:30 p.m. Thu, Aug. 4. Milwaukie Center, 5440 S.E. Kellogg Creek Drive, Milwaukie; $29;
www.milwaukiecenter.com
Courtesy of KalokuKaloku and the Krew perform today in Ardenwald Park.
Weekly 7 p.m. Thu, Aug. 4-25. Lineup features
Hawaiian music by Kaloku and the Krew (held in conjunction with National Night Out festivities), Aug. 4;
pop and jazz by Rising Violet with pianist Naomi Laviolette, Aug. 11; acoustic music by Still Kickin', Aug. 18; and the acoustic guitar duo Tim Ellis and Jim Walker, Aug. 25. Food vendors available. Ardenwald Park, 3637 Roswell St., Milwaukie; free
Friends Quilting:
Hand quilting in a group setting. Call center for details. Weekly 8:30 a.m.-noon Thu. Milwaukie Center, 5440 S.E. Kellogg Creek Drive, Milwaukie; free;
Art a la Carte First Friday:
Live music, art exhibits, poetry readings, an authors corner, entertainment, kids activities, and special deals are offered by participating merchants. Monthly 4-8 p.m. the first Friday. Downtown Milwauukie; free admission;
www.firstfridaymilwaukie.com
View full sizeKids can make new friends -- and improve their reading and writing skills -- at a Flat Stanley craft workshop.
Flat Stanley Day:
The free craft workshop for ages 5 and older will begin at 2 p.m. Sat, Aug. 6, at the Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie.
The activity is designed to encourage kids to share ideas and information with others, and taking part in the project is a good way to improve reading and writing skills.
, the Flat Stanley character grew out of a bedtime story told by Jeff Brown 40 years ago to his children, J.C. and Tony. It seems that one night when it was time to go to bed, J.C. was stalling and asked his father to stay awhile to talk. He told him he was afraid the big bulletin board over his bed would fall on him.
Since Mr. Brown had mounted the board himself, he assured J.C. that he would be fine, but as a joke, the dad added that if it did fall, the boy would probably wake up in the morning a little flat. The children thought this was hilarious, and for many nights afterwards, the three would make up stories about things they could do and places they'd go if they were flat.
Later, a friend who worked in the publishing business heard about the flat stories. He suggested Mr. Brown write a book about them, and that's how the Flat Stanley series originated. Dale Hubert, a Canadian schoolteacher, created the Flat Stanley Project, thereby linking students and encouraging communication. Now Flat Stanleys travel all over the world making new friends and having great adventures.
For details, visit
http://www.kid-at-art.com/htdoc/lesson71.html
"Scooby Doo and the Mystery of Oz":
The Oregon City Children's Theatre combines the two classics that feature 55 children in parts ranging from the Mystery Gang to Wizard of Oz characters who follow the journey of Scooby Doo and his pals as they work on solving the mystery of a colorless Oz and a battle for cheese. Reservations recommended. 7 p.m. Thu-Sat, through Aug. 6. Oregon City High School, Jackson campus, 1306 12th St., Oregon City; $7 adults, $5 senior citizens and ages 12 and younger;
www.occtheatre.org
or 503-351-2679 or director@occtheatre.org
View full sizeDoug Beghtel/The OregonianThe Jacob Merlin Band performs today at the Carnegie Center.
Music weekly 6:30 p.m. Thu, through Aug. 25; food available for purchase beginning 5:30 p.m. Lineup features
rhythm and blues soul funk by the Jacob Merlin Band, Aug. 4
; bohemian cabaret by Vagabond Opera, Aug. 11; funk and blues by Everyday People, Aug. 18; and hits from 1960-1999 by the Action Slacks, Aug. 25. Carnegie Center, 606 John Adams St., Oregon City; free;
www.orcity.org/parksandrecreation/concerts-park-2011
or Oregon City Parks and Recreation, 503-657-0891
Grand Opening Celebration:
Celebrate RiverHealth at the grand opening of the new Clackamas County Service District No. 1 capacity expansion and Membrane Bioreactor facility. Reservations requested. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thu, Aug. 4. Tri-City Water Pollution Control Plant, 15941 S. Agnes Ave., Oregon City; free;
www.riverhealth.org
or Amy Kyle, 503-742-4561,
akyle@co.clackamas.or.us
Rummage Sale of the Year: Proceeds benefit the church's programs for children, as well as other charitable activities. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sat, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sun, Aug. 5-7. St. John the Apostle Church and School, 417 Washington St., Oregon City; free admission; www.sja-catholicchurch.com or 503-742-8202
First Fridays in Downtown Oregon City:
Celebrate "Commrce, Culture and Creativity" on Main Street in historic downtown Oregon City. Monthly 5-8 p.m. first Fri, through Oct. 7; free
Treasures and Tales:
"Interpreting Heritage" is the theme of the interactive program presented by the Clackamas County Historical Society. Monthly 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. first and third Sat, Aug. 6-20; and weekly 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wed, Aug. 3-31. Museum of the Oregon Territory, 211 Tumwater Drive, Oregon City; free;
www.clackamashistory.org
Water Less, Save More and Keep Your Garden Green:
Discover the secrets of low-maintenance plantscaping with beautiful, water-wise plants. Hosted by Metro, OSU Extension Service and Clackamas Community College. Registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. Sat, Aug. 6. Clackamas Community College, Clairmont Hall, Room 117, 19600 S. Molalla Ave., Oregon City; free;
www.oregonmetro.gov/garden
View full sizeCourtesy of Portland Miniature Schnauzer ClubThis set of Schnauzers partied down at last year's social in Clackamette Park.
Schnauzer Walk:
Schnauzers of all sizes and their owners are invited to the annual social, hosted by the Portland Miniature Schnauzer Club. Events include the walk, a parade, demonstrations, contests, agility courses, a canine good-citizenship test and a raffle. Visit the website for details and registration. Proceeds benefit the club. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat, Aug. 6. Clackamette Park, 1955 Clackamette Drive, Oregon City; $20, includes T-shirt;
www.pmsc2.org
Sandy Summer Sounds
: Main Stage Series kicks off with a Brewgrass Festival, featuring
bluegrass music by The Pagan Jug Band and Jackstraw band, at 5:30 p.m. Wed, Aug. 3.
Continues weekly 6:30 p.m. Wed, Aug. 10-31. Lineup features soul and rhythm and blues by Linda Hornbuckle, Aug. 10; songs and stories by The Trail Band, Aug. 17; Ghanian drums and dance by Obo Addy and Okropong, Aug. 24; and acapella quartet The Coats, Aug. 31. Meinig Memorial Park, 17670 Meinig Ave., Sandy; free; if it rains, concerts move to Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd.; www.ci.sandy.or.us or Sandy Recreation Department, 503-668-5569
City of SandyCatch a concert by the Pagan Jug Band on Wednesday at Meinig Memorial Park.
Sandy Summer Sounds:
Weekly 6:30 p.m. Sun, through Aug. 7. The Acoustic Series lineup features
virtuoso slide guitar and roots musician David Jacobs-Strain, Aug. 7.
Meinig Memorial Park, 17670 Meinig Ave., Sandy; free; if it rains, concerts move to Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd.; Sandy Recreation Department, 503-668-5569
WELCHES
Garage Sale:
The Volunteer Support Group is renting tables at the benefit for the fire department. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Aug. 6. Hoodland Fire District 74, 69634 E. Highway 26, Welches; free admission; contact Rochelle for rental prices; 503-622-4432, purple-girl@frontier.com
Aerobics:
Make new friends while improving your health in the video exercise class. 10-11 a.m. Fri. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; free; 503-557-4704
Let Vickie know
If your business, church, club, farm, library, school or other organization is hosting an activity, class, concert, fundraiser, play, sport or other event in Clackamas County, please send your news releases to:
Vickie Kavanagh in the Clackamas County News Bureau of The Oregonian, 365 Warner Milne Road, Suite 110, Oregon City, OR 97045; email: listings@oregonian.com; fax: 503-656-2417; or call: 503-294-5913.
For a complete calendar of events: oregonlive.com/events and use the search box to the right.
Courtesy of Fernando Viciconte "Fernando Viciconte combines incisively melodic songwriting, edgy, Crazy Horse-like rock and a passionate vocal twang that leaves no doubt he means every note that springs from his lips. Think of a south of the border-inflected Neil Young, or Tom Petty in his angst-ier days," says his website.
Weekly 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, through Aug. 25. Lineup includes
edgy rock by Fernando Viciconte, Aug. 4
; classic rock, funk, R&B and country by the Chris Loid Band, Aug. 11; Latin sounds by Pepe & the Bottle Blondes, Aug. 18; and soul and R&B by the Chris Baum Project, Aug. 25. Food available for purchase. Tanner Creek Park, 3456 Parker Road, West Linn; free;
www.westlinnoregon.gov/musicinthepark
Neighbors for a Livable West Linn Auction:
Free dinner and beverages served at the seventh annual benefit for the Computers for Kids program for underprivileged students. Behind the house at 2206 Tannler Drive. 6-10 p.m. Fri, Aug. 5. West Linn; free admission; Roberta Schwarz, 503-723-5015
View full sizeCourtesy of Norman SylvesterNorman Sylvester, known as the "Original Boogie Cat," will perform Thursday at Town Center Park in Wilsonville and Aug. 10 at Lewelling Park in Milwaukie.
Wilsonville Rotary Summer Concerts:
Weekly 6:30 p.m. Thu, through Aug. 11. Lineup features
blues, soul, funk and R&B by the Norman Sylvester Band, Aug. 4
; and blues, pop, funk, jazz and big-band tunes by Ellen Whyte, Aug. 11. Town Center Park, 29600 S.W. Park Place, Wilsonville; free
Movies in the Park:
Popcorn, candy, drinks and other snacks are available for purchase at 8:15 p.m. and movies start at about 9 p.m. Lineup features "Toy Story 3" (G), Fri, Aug. 5; and "The Karate Kid" (PG), starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, Fri, Aug. 19. At River Shelter. Memorial Park, 8100 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free admission and parking;
www.ci.wilsonville.or.us
or Dan Knoll, 503-570-1502
Support your local farmers, artists and other business owners by attending a Farmer's Market this week.
Boring Farmers Market
, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, through Sept. 24, 28151 S.E. Highway 212. Details: D.W. Owens, 503-313-0224
Canby Saturday Farmers Market
, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 8, Northwest First Avenue between Grant and Fir streets in the railroad parking lot.
www.canbysaturdaymarket.com
Estacada Farmers Market
, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 1, Southeast Third Avenue and Broadway.
www.estacadafarmersmarket.com
Gladstone Summer Market
, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, through Sept. 24, at Watts Heating and Cooling, 580 Portland Ave.
Lake Oswego Farmers Market,
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 8, Millennium Plaza Park at First and Evergreen streets.
Milwaukie Farmers Market,
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 30, Southeast Harrison Street between Main Street and Oregon 99E.
www.milwaukiefarmersmarket.com
Molalla Area Farmers Market
, monthly 5 to 9 p.m. on second Friday (held in conjunction with Molalla Second Friday event) in downtown Molalla. Email:
mainstreetmolalla@molalla.net
Oregon City Saturday Farmers Market
, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 29. Author Harriet Fasenfest, known as Queen of Food Preservation, will give a demonstration and sign her book. Clackamas County Public Services parking lot, 2051 Kaen Road.
www.orcityfarmersmarket.com
Downtown Oregon City Wednesday Farmers Market
, 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, through Oct. 12, Eighth and Main streets in downtown Oregon City.
Sandy Plaza Market
, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., first Saturday of each month, through Oct.1, in Centennial Plaza, across from Sandy City Hall, 39250 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy.
www.cityofsandy.com
or Carol Cohen, 503-489-2151,
ccohen@cityofsandy.com
Sunnyside Grange Farmers Market
, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 30, 3100 S.E. Sunnyside Road, Clackamas.
www.windancefarmsandart.com
Tualatin Farmers Market
will open from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays, through Sept. 3, in the Tualatin Commons at Nyberg and Martinazzi streets.
Villebois Farmers Market
, 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, through Sept. 29, at Villebois Drive and Barber Street in Wilsonville.
West Linn Farmers Market,
5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, through Aug. 24, at Willamette Falls Drive and 13th Avenue.
For a complete list of markets and their locations, visit
www.oregonlive.com/mix/index.ssf/farm-market/portland-metro-area-farmers-markets.html
Vickie Kavanagh
; 503-294-5913; or follow me on Twitter
@okavkid


華蘭亭 KARANTEI - This restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Reservations are required. Open daily.
Excellent location, 5min walk from the JR station. Interior of the hotel is very beautiful. I love the lift, it has the vintage classic look. This is the 2nd time I am staying in this hotel.
Upgraded room type for free, but WiFi was terrible and the room was well worn.
I had a nice room. Staff very nice and helpful.
Great location, very close to JR station and shopping. Hotel is quaint, staff was excellent in terms of service and friendliness. Public areas were nice. Wanted to love the place, but the rooms are a bit dated and very cramped - no room for luggage or ability to unpack. They could make the rooms more spacious with some changes. Bathrooms were nice, its the room itself that was too small for the two of us.


Last year when I went to Zimbabwe to participate at the opening of one of the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project's libraries that we support, I made a stop at the St. Albert's mission hospital in Centenary and I was honored to meet with their Chief Doctor, Julia Musariri.
Dr. Julia is so inspiring and loving, everybody in the village knows her. With other 3 doctors and 20 nurses, they take care of hundreds of people every day with very few resources but as Dr. Julia call them, well wishers around the world help them continue their mission.
The hospital has a Mother's home that accommodates 105 women but it can host up to 130 mothers, plus the average deliveries per month is around 250. The hospital had a serious shortage of midwives and since they started training midwives, the challenge has been partially solved.
Good accommodation is part of staff motivational incentive and in order to retain their midwives who are so critical as far as provision of maternal services is a real concern, they need to look after them. At the moment most of them are well accommodated but two midwives are still staying in one room and they are afraid to loose them soon.
$20.000 is what they need according to their estimates for the purchase of materials and construction.
The hospital through the Community Health Council will mobilize the community to donate common bricks to the hospital and this will be around thirty thousand (30,000) bricks. On the other hand the hospital will provide transport to ferry the bricks, river sand, stones, pit sand and all locally available resources that might be needed for the construction works.
1) The Pregnant Mother's Waiting Home, 2) The Neonate with two midwives, 3) Maternal and Child Health Department, 4) This is the structure the Hospital wishes to renovate and extend so that is has two bedrooms, kitchen, dining room and a toilet.
The hospital needs midwives, children are our future and this is how you can help save lives. Keep putting out good, it will come back to you tenfold in unexpected ways.
Get the word out and make some noise about the St. Albert Mission Hospital.
Let's make it happen, together WE CAN!
Elma Blint - #WISDOMTHURSDAY - WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU TO BE GREEN ?


Our client, a global professional services firm is seeking to hire a talented Technical and Training Manager to work in their prestigious central London office.
Will be to provide audit, UK GAAP and IFRS technical support and training to the audit and business services departments. You will assist in the research of technical issues and development of the external technical profile.
If you are ACA,CA or ACCA qualified (or equivalent) and have strong working knowledge of UK GAAP, IFRS and auditing standards and their applications. Along with excellent presentation skills to both small and large groups, and a background in project management then I would like to hear from you to discuss this fantastic opportunity in more detail.


text:
Looking for even cheaper gas? Go generic at an indie station
Traffic moves along Route 21 in downtown Newark, N.J., where a gas station lists the cash price for regular unleaded at $1.72 on Jan. 23, 2015.
Mose Buchele | NPR | February 3, 2015
By now, the surprise of cheap gas has probably worn off.
But drivers on the hunt for the very best prices have noticed a new trend: Small, independent gas stations are often the first to cut prices when the price of crude oil falls. This has a lot to do with how gas is bought, sold and moved from pipeline to pump.
"It's definitely savings," says Doug Warden as he fills up at Pronto Food Mart, a tiny, neighborhood gas station in Austin, Tex. "It's like I got a bonus."
Pronto Food Mart was one of the first stores in the area to slash prices after the cost of crude oil dropped.
"Because no one was going down," says Al Mak, the manager at Pronto Food Mart. "The gas was coming at a lower cost, but people sustained the higher prices."
Mak says their gas prices keep people coming back to buy other stuff, including "different teas, lots of energy drinks, lots of wine and beer selection."
It's smart business, but how can they afford it? Across the country, shops like Pronto Food Mart undercut competitors by buying what's called unbranded gasoline.
There's no big oil company sign at Pronto Food Mart. When Mak sees a station with a Shell or Chevron sign, he thinks one thing: "Under contract my friend! For 15, 20 years. Can't offer best price like we do!"
Here's how it works: Pronto gets its gas from a fuel distributor, known as a "jobber." Their trucks pick up gas from distribution hubs linked to refineries by a pipeline. When a gas station is in a branded contract, it needs to buy that brand of gas. When it's unbranded, it basically buys it on the spot market, taking advantage of that day's lowest prices.
"Obviously, if we're delivering to a Shell store, we'll go pick up the Shell gasoline," says Clay Johnson, president of Tex Con Oil, a fuel distributor in Austin. "If it's a Texaco store, we'll pick up Texaco gasoline."
In recent years, big oil companies have been leaving the retail gas game and selling stations to focus on drilling and production — where they can make more money. That keeps jobbers like Johnson busy as more stations have the choice to contract with a brand name or go generic.
"If it's not a branded convenience store, typically they don't really care what brand it comes from," Johnson says. "And you do get different pricing from each major oil company every day."
Johnson doesn't like generic gasoline. He says he's a "believer" in the benefits of the extra additives brands put in their gas, though, many experts say they don't make much of a difference.
There's also a business argument for contracting with a big name oil company.
"When you have a branded relationship, you're basically having a contracted relationship with that supplier, and they protect that product before product that's not under a contract," Johnson says. "So that supply agreement comes in handy when product gets tight."
Of course, if supply gets tight and prices jump, there's a solution for that at the neighborhood gas station. It will cost station managers like Mak more, so drivers have to pay extra.
Warden says he doesn't expect Pronto's gas prices to stay low for long.
"No," he laughs. "They'll figure it out. They'll want their money back. I'll pay it."
But, he says, he'll enjoy the low prices while he can.
Copyright 2015 KUT-FM. To see more, visit http://kut.org.
As commodity prices plunge, groceries may be next
California permitted oilfield discharge in protected water
With oil prices so low, what's that fuel surcharge for?
Refinery strike could mean higher gas prices
Markets brace for Big Oil profit plunge
Slumping prices slow California oil wells, not stop them
View this story at NPR

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
VIDEO: Trump Chats with Adam Weitsman's Daughter About Parenting
Credit: Adam Weitsman via Facebook
Businessman Adam Weitsman has posted a video clip of a portion of his daughter Clover's conversation with former President Donald Trump.
Clover chatted with Trump on Weitsman's private jet in late April. Weitsman told WNBF News Sunday afternoon that he decided to release a snippet of the encounter because he thought "it'll be fun."
In the excerpt, the 11-year-old Clover asked the former president about what advice he would give her dad about raising her and her two sisters.
Trump said when it came to his kids, he told them: "No drugs, no alcohol, no cigarettes."
Weitsman, who owns Owego-based Upstate Shredding, said the video was recorded by Trump's "press person." He said Clover asked him four questions in a conversation that lasted about 45 minutes.
Weitsman said he was sitting across from his daughter and the former president during the interview, which he said he set up as a homeschooling project. The Vestal resident said he asked Clover if it was OK for him to post the video and she approved.
Weitsman said Trump "didn't sugar-coat anything" when he responded to his daughter's questions, despite her age. For now, he's not planning to release any more of the conversation.
Weitsman said he believes Clover "was really happy" to have had the opportunity to speak with the former president.
Clover's next prominent interview guest will be another prominent person. Weitsman said he expects his daughter will have a conversation with former First Lady Michelle Obama "sometime in the fall."
WATCH: Clover Weitsman asks Donald Trump about parenting advice.
LOOK: Here is the richest town in each state
Just saying the names of these towns immediately conjures up images of grand mansions, luxury cars, and ritzy restaurants. Read on to see which town in your home state took the title of the richest location and which place had the highest median income in the country. Who knows—your hometown might even be on this list.
Filed Under: Adam Weitsman, Donald Trump, Owego, Upstate Shredding, Vestal
Categories: Articles, Business, Local News, Politics


Did you have this talk with your Mother? Make sure you have it with your Teen.
Getting into the perfect fit is important for any woman. However, when it comes to a developing preteen or teen, the proper fit can change everything about how she views her body and could even impact how she values herself.
*Its estimated that more than 90 percent of girls aged 15 to 17 years, want to change at least one aspect of their physical appearance. We want to help young women embrace their shape and help them see their natural beauty.
All women know the frustration of an ill-fitting bra. The constant adjustments and pulling on your straps and band can be maddening when you are trying to accomplish your daily tasks. It is no different for teens. Teenage girls are in the awkward stage of growth spurts, pimples, and... boys. The last thing your daughter should be feeling self-conscious about is the fit of her bra, or how it affects her appearance.
Do you remember when you started wearing your first bra? Were you 10 years or younger? 10-12? Or older than 13? Most girls begin to blossom around 10, some earlier, some later. Regardless of age, puberty can be an overwhelming and emotional phase for a girl. Girls who develop early might want a bra to offer shape, support, or for modesty. Girls who don't need a bra might want one because their peers are wearing them. Whatever the circumstance, going to a professional for the proper fit is a must. Conventional stores do not carry the size combinations your tween/teen may require; many girls have smaller ribcages than the typical 32 band size you will find. However, a boutique will offer as small as a 28 band, and cups as small as a AA, which will lessen the chance of gaping and moving around. She needs a bra that fits to her shape, and most brands catering to grown women will not suffice.
It is important for young women, especially those who are experiencing changes or are well endowed, to be wearing a proper fitting bra early on. It is natural for a teenage bust to change shapes and grow quickly at times, and a good bra will help to give a round, natural look while protecting and supporting the developing breast tissue. Your daughter will be confident and comfortable wearing her favourite fashions and her bust will mature with proper support.
Has your daughter wanted to quit her favourite activity because of discomfort? All teenage girls should be equipped with a great sports bra to eliminate painful and embarrassing bouncing and jiggling. A quality sports bra will help to encourage a healthy lifestyle as your daughter grows by enabling her to focus and excel in the sport she enjoys without pain or embarrassment.
We all know how damaging social trends can be to the impressionable minds of youth. When you bring your teen into The Bra Lounge for a fitting, she will learn the importance of self love and care. She will see how healthy it is to care for her body, regardless of its size or shape. She will hear women speaking with integrity and respect about our bodies, and we hope this will instill seeds of positive self talk and encourage a healthy body image.
The Bra Lounge has expanded its lines to include many teen friendly styles and colours. Some of our favourites include b.Tempted by Wacoal, Royce, Freya, Panache - all offering age appropriate, sensible, and affordable options. We are constantly re-evaluating and trying to accommodate the women in our community with the products they really want, so if you don't find something when you are in, talk to your fitter about possible new products coming in that may work for you, and your daughter. With a closer fit, she will have a positive, empowering first bra experience, encouraging self love and care, which will also make Mom's experience a good one too!
So, what will you pay?
A great portion of our collection sits in the $65-$100 price range, BUT! Fittings are free. So please, bring your little lady in and take a look at what we can offer. We never want a customer to feel obligated to a purchase after spending time in our fitting rooms. We prefer to focus on educating and empowering, knowing that once you've seen The Bra Lounge difference, you'll probably be back!
Do You See the Signs of a Great Fit?


text:
Heling to ignite active citizenship by presenting truthful & relevant information!
India Facts
Street Biz
New study confirms that Indian government's reduction of support for pregnant women is both tragic and unwise
Belgian Born Economist Dr Jean Drèze decries "Short sighted Giver-ment" Policy towards Pregnant Women
November 19, 2019, Aratupuzha, Kerala
Popular Academic & Social Commentator Sounds the Alarm on Behalf of Pregnant Women:
Economist Dr Jean Drèze is well known to writers who follow poverty and gender parity issues. His pointed editorial in the Hindu newspaper today (on the way maternity entitlements for women have been flouted and whittled down in recent years) are the latest warning that the Ministry for Women & Child Development should heed and act immediately upon. Since Tamil Nadu already operates a program for pregnant women that offers three to four times the national maternity entitlement, the government has a working model it can emulate.
The Jacha Bacha Survey conducted in the six Northern States of Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odissa and Uttar Pradesh gives Dr Drèze and other critics new and credible ammunition to make their case against the BJP government.
Poor Nutrition and Low Weight Gain for Pregnant Women in North India:
Overall, the study concluded than most of the sample households surveyed "were unable to take care of the special needs of pregnancy." The following observations came from women respondents who had delivered a baby in the preceding six months:
- Only 31 percent of these women said they had eaten more nutritious foods during pregnancy.
- The average weight gain for each woman who had given birth was just seven kilos on average. (The norm for women with low Body Mass Index (BMI) was just 13-18 kilos.
Provisions for pregnant women under the "Right to Food Act" passed by the Congress Government have been watered Down and made inaccessible:
Dr Jean Drèze points out that, under the National Food Security Act passed by the Congress Government in 2013 all pregnant women were entitled to maternity benefits of Rs 6,000 per child. He then castigates the National government for ignoring the maternity provisions of the Food Security Act till 2016. The benefits to pregnant women were then suddenly reintroduced without reference to the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in 2017 as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY). Sadly benefits were reduced to Rs 5,000 and given only for the first baby born. The money was paid out in three installments that each had to be applied for by both father and mother in a cumbersome process that involved Aadhar cards and other tiresome documentation.
RTI Reply extrapolated to say that only 14 percent of pregnant women received full benefits:
Drèze also cites replies to an RTI query which confirmed that 80 lakh women received at least one PMMVY instalment between April 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019 and 50 lakh received all three. These figures suggest that only 22 percent of pregnant women received any funds under the Prime Minister's plan and 14 percent received full benefits. (Calculated on 270 lakh births in India (2017).
Funding for better nutrition has a big impact on the health of pregnant women who contend with malnourishment as well as the potential for enemia from iron, folate or B-12 deficiencies..
Some states like Chattisgarh and Tamil Nadu run effective maternity benefit schemes with Tamil Nadu offering pregnant women as much as Rs 18,000 per child for the first two births.
Trying to save money during pregnancy leads to low birth weight children, increases risk of birth deformities, impacts the neural and mental health of mothers and children. Please contact the Ministry for Women & Child Development and urge them to liberalize provisions for funding pregnant women as better nutrition and care will save the nation significant resources
by producing healthier mothers and children.
Written earlier (and in much greater detail) on the same issue:
https://www.citizenznews.com/2018/11/the-reductions-to-indias-nutrition.html
New study confirms that Indian government's reduction of support for pregnant women is both tragic and unwise Reviewed by CitizenzNews.com on November 19, 2019 Rating: 5
Tags : Health Policy
Thanks for stopping by and caring enough to comment.Anyone with a Google account can comment.
Also, please subscribe to this blog if the content pleases you.
CitizenzNews.com
We write about national issues that are vital but often poorly understood.
browser does not support JavaScript!
Democracy at work? Four short & insightful conversations with C. Balagopal
Insights on Democracy in the Workplace Check out the video links (italicized) below, they feature a four part interview of C. B...
The Third Industrial Revolution and how it is going to save the world's future!
This article includes many ideas that are from "The Third Industrial Revolution" the New York Times Bestselling book by Jerem...
Can the Rubber Market in Kerala, bounce back!
Spotlight on the rubber market in Kerala (Do review the videolink and the info below? ) Is the Union Government of In...
Is "Hi Flying" Kitex complaining to divert attention from pollution control issues?
KERALA (God's Own Country). WHERE THE LAND'S WELL-BEING IS CENTRAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF HUMAN LIFE Kerala is unique in seve...
"Agripreneur" success stories suggest ways forward that could help revive our economy?
Tie Kerala energizes "Agripreneurs" with insights that could help revive India's economy Kottayam. August 31, 2019 Kerala has...
INVITING STUDENTS WRITERS
Inviting college students who wish to apply for one of our nominally paid part time writing internships. (Apply only if you want to be trained as a writer and are fluent in English. Available now in Kerala or Delhi).
Email our Editor, Pravin J P Arapurakal at CitizenzNews@gmail.com with your name and the degree you are working towards.
to be trained as a writer and are fluent in English. Available now in Kerala or Delhi). Email our Editor, Pravin J P Arapurakal at CitizenzNews@gmail.com with your name and the degree you are working towards.


text:
The Rob Brydon Show
Episode 2 The Rob Brydon Show
Subtitles Found! We found subtitles for the program Episode 2. Please scroll down to get them, or go here for a preview
Browse content similar to Episode 2. Check below for episodes and series from the same categories and more!
Welcome to The Rob Brydon Show! Tonight, comedy from Celia Pacquola!
Music from the brilliant Beverley Knight!
And what do you get if you cross a rock god, a monkey and a Trekkie?
Bill Bailey!
Good evening and welcome to the show! Ho-ho-ho!
Hiya! Welcome!
Thank you! Welcome to the show!
What an audience!
Look at this! This is, I mean, look! Look!
Beautiful people!
With a few exceptions. No!
Look, ooh, there's a smart business-looking lady, caught my eye already.
Waistcoat. Sort of working girl - not working girl!
What is your name, my love?
-Joanne.
-And what do you do, Joanne?
-I'm a beauty therapist.
-Beauty therapist?
-You've got a look of someone about you.
-I've been told, yes.
-Who?
-Victoria Beckham.
No, no, not her! No.
-Yes, I suppose you have a bit.
And do you act upon this?
-Yeah, I joined a lookalike agency.
-Have you? Wow!
Can you go as a duo and be husband... Not really, no.
-Can you do the voice?
I know for a fact we have someone in the audience tonight
who does something with their voice. I think it's Richard.
Ooh, look at you, Richard!
Did you lose the jacket?
POSH VOICE: It's rather hot in here, so I've dressed down.
Oh, I say!
All of a sudden it's My Fair Lady!
-What is your vocal claim to fame?
-When I was a kid,
my voice was recorded for a kids' "Learn to read and spell" scheme.
Really? Just for children who lived in manor houses, surely?
-Talk us through how it worked.
-You've got a card
with a word on it like dog or cat or grass
and you swipe it through the machine and my 11-year-old voice would say, "Dog." "Cat." "Grass."
-In my recollection, those machines are normally American.
-Often, yes.
I'd like to see a Welsh one.
-"Spell..."
-SAYS DIFFICULT WELSH WORD
F... R...
"Bloody wrong!"
Now, we've got people here celebrating a wedding anniversary.
How many years?
-What's your name?
-Gaby.
Gaby. 12 years married, ladies and gentlemen.
Gaby, who's your husband? What's his name?
-Alan.
-Hello, Alan. Well done. Gaby, I've got something for you. Come and get it.
Whoa! Don't bum-rush the stage, love!
That's hip hop talk, for any older viewers.
There we are. Biscuits.
Congratulations, yeah?
Aren't you going to offer them round, love?
Don't just hog the biscuits! Share them around!
No wonder they've been married so long. They're so into each other!
Thank you very much for coming along. A round of applause.
Now, then, coming up,
I will be talking to the super-talented Beverley Knight.
But now, time to welcome my first guest.
He's fantastic. He sells out arenas,
he's played the Royal Albert Hall with a full orchestra and he's passed his Grade 6 clarinet!
Please welcome Bill Bailey!
All those things I said in the intro were musical, weren't they?
-I didn't know you're as much a rock star as you are a comedian.
-That's very kind of you to say.
-But you are.
You've been playing massive gigs.
It does feel like a rock gig sometimes.
You're standing there with a foot on the monitor, in a huge arena.
-Is that what you wanted to do first?
-It was. My first love was music.
I always thought I'd be in a band of some kind.
I had a very specific aim that I would be the keyboard player in Talking Heads.
I didn't really make any effort to get in to Talking Heads at all.
I didn't contact them in any way.
-I just played the piano with the window open, in the West Country of England.
-Hoping.
Hoping that Talking Heads might drive past. "What's that? That guy's great!"
But the music thing, it was going to be... You were thinking of it as a career.
-Did you do any musical jobs?
-I did. I got a job as crematorium organist.
-Seriously?
-There were various organists. Some of them were so bad. Just dreadful.
It seemed to be a bit undignified. The coffin coming in
and this sort of, # Da-da-da-da buh-buh-buh #
-Terrible.
-What were they playing?
-Wrong notes...
# Da-da da-da da-da-da-da! #
A march! SINGS THE MONTY PYTHON THEME TUNE
And I would play the jazz.
# Da-da-da-da-da da! #
But just to kind of take the edge off it.
-I've had all kinds of jobs.
-Now, then,
I know that you're a punk at heart
and that comes through. You had a punk band.
-What were you called?
-We were a punk band called Beer Gut One Hundred.
-A clever play on words with...
-..Haircut One Hundred.
-Me and a bunch of guys would play punk cover versions.
For laughs.
-Proper gigs?
-Proper gigs, yeah.
-Really? What sort of songs?
We'd do the classic punk oeuvre.
We'd do songs by The Stranglers and Sex Pistols and all that.
But we'd also try and do songs that you wouldn't imagine hearing in the punk idiom.
I've got my punk guitar here.
I'll demonstrate. You can actually play a show tune
in a punk style and it actually sounds great.
There's the lyrics. Try it.
This is from Annie!
-You know the song?
-The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.
So sing it in the punk idiom.
-SWEETLY:
-# The sun'll come out tomorrow
# Bet your bottom dollar... #
No, no. You've got to sing it with a bit of aggression.
-PUNK STYLE: # The sun'll come out tomorrow
-Betcha, betcha bottom dollar
-# That tomorrow
-That's it. Pick the edges.
-# There'll be sun
-Better! Better!
# When I'm stuck in a day that's grey and lonely
# I just stick out my chin and grin and say, "Oi!
# Tomorrow, tomorrow
# I love you, tomorrow
# You're only a day away
# Tomorrow
# You're only a da-a-a-ay
# Aw-a-a-ay
# Aw-a-a-a-ay! #
-You're going on tour in the autumn.
-Dandelion Mind.
-And is this tour going to take in the heights of the Albert Hall?
-Because you've played the Albert Hall with a full orchestra.
-That's right.
I was trying to recreate the moment when I first went to a classical concert.
The hairs on the back of the neck were going.
It'd be great to get my audience, a comedy audience or younger audience to come and experience that.
Perhaps in a way that they wouldn't expect. That was the aim of it.
And it was great. The Albert Hall is an amazing venue.
A fantastic place to play. They've all been there.
-Frank Sinatra played there.
-I've played there. I hosted the insurance awards there one year!
-Now, I would like us to attempt something musical. So would you join me?
-Yes, I would.
Over here. We've got something very special waiting for us.
-Um.
-What have we got here, Bill?
-Well,
I'd like to present... This is the actual...
-These are real Swiss cow bells?
-These are tuned Alpine cow bells.
AUDIENCE GASPS
It's like the Generation Game prizes. "Wooo!"
"What the hell have..."
We've got a guitarist with us, Chester. Thank you, Chester.
Bill, I thought it would be lovely - I'm a big Elvis fan.
I know what a muso you are.
It would lovely to sing an Elvis song. Now, I'm not sure this is the perfect instrument to accompany it!
I'll just embellish your vocal styles.
# Maybe I didn't love you
# Quite as good as I should have
COW BELL TINKLES
# Maybe I didn't hold you
# Quite as often as I could have
TINKLING
# Little things I should have said and done
TINKLE
# I just never took the time
# You were always on my mind
PLAYS EXACT TUNE WITH BELLS
-# I just never took the time
-ECHOES MELODY
You were always on my mind
# You were always on
# My mind. #
PLAYS PERFECT OUTRO TO SONG
APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
Thank you, Chester.
Time now for some music. She's had 13 Top 40 singles,
she's an MBE, and best of all, she's been on Loose Women six times! Please welcome Beverley Knight!
-Beverley!
-Hey, Rob!
-How are you?
-Good. How are you?
-Lovely. Mr Bill Bailey.
-I'm very good.
-Please have a seat.
MBE?
-I know!
-That's quite something. Have you got an MBE, Bill?
-No, not on me.
-When you got this honour, this decoration, was it the Queen?
-It was!
-It's not always the Queen.
-No. No.
-I had her, but sometimes you get stuck with Prince Charles.
-Prince Charles.
-Whoever.
-I don't really fancy that.
-So she's a little lady.
She's little, dead cute. She's like a little granny going to bingo.
-She had a little...
-Well, Beverley, she's not really, is she?
She's not like a little granny going to bingo. Maybe like a little granny,
but I doubt she's ever gone, "House! I've got all the bloody numbers!"
Soul is what you're known for and what you're celebrated for.
And you've got a new album of soul covers, yeah?
-Yes, but with a twist.
-What's the twist?
It's British soul and only British soul.
-Who counts as British soul? Who are the favourites?
-For me,
people like Omar.
-And George Michael. You might think, "Uh?"
-Really?
-But that voice is soulful.
-Got George in there?
-That is a soulful singer.
-So I thought I'd shine the spotlight on some British soul artists.
-Is it underrated, British soul?
When you say soul, you think of Americans, Luther Vandross, you know.
Of course. And that's right.
But we were busy building a little soul empire of our own over here.
I can't believe when you think of soul you think of Luther Vandross!
-What do you think of him?
-You could have had Aretha Franklin, you know!
-You could have had King Curtis, or...
-Hang on a second.
I suppose when you think of soul, you think of people like...
I was trying desperately hard and the only one that came to mind was Luther Vandross!
Luther Vandross!
-I was aware...
-Soul singers like James Blunt, and you know...
-The Krankies!
-We're moving on, we're moving on.
-So, you're a big Prince fan?
-A big Prince fan.
-You've not just worked with him, you're quite pally?
Sorta kinda kinda sorta!
How did you come to work with him? You've sung with him many times.
I was asked to open for him when he did his shows at the O2.
I did my performance and came off the stage
and got an applause from his band who were watching - I didn't know they were watching.
And then somebody grabbed me by the arm, spun me round and it was him!
-And he said, "I want you to come sing at my after show. You gotta do it."
-Wow!
-And I was like, "OK!"
-Wow! But you grew up as a fan, so to work with him was beyond your wildest dreams.
I cannot begin to explain.
I'm a big fan. He's in my repertoire. See if you know this.
# I was working part time at a five and dine
-# My boss was... #
-Hang on, love, it's not a duet!
Are you sure he asked you to do songs, or did you just force your way on to the stage?
Would you like to do a number with me?
-Go on, then.
-Would you?
-Yeah, go on!
I'm talking specifically now, Bill, to Bev, not to you!
-No, it's your thing, you know.
Do you know "You Got The Look"?
-Well.
-Oh, you know it well! Sorry!
You're starting on another paragraph. OK.
In that case, Beverley Knight, walk this way!
# You walked in, I woke up
# I never seen a pretty girl look so tough
# Baby
# Ow! You got that look
# Colour you peach and black
# Colour me takin' aback
# Crucial
# I think I want you
-# You've got the look
-# You've got the hook
-Huh!
# Sure enough do be cooking in my book
-# Sing it to me
-Your face is jammin'
-What does that mean?
-# Your body is heck-a-slammin'
# If love is good, let's get to rammin'
# You got the look You got the look, yeah
# You got the look... #
HEAVY METAL JAMMING
So sorry. I'm so sorry!
-You had to ruin it, didn't you?
-Well, it needed something!
Ladies and gentlemen, Beverley will be singing for us again later.
Now it's time to welcome a comedian who's destined for great things.
Please give a big welcome to the fantastic Celia Pacquola!
Gosh!
I would actually like to start with a safety announcement.
Just in case any of you are going out later and having a big night.
Just please be aware of drink spiking.
I'd like to tell everyone because I've had my drink spiked at a club.
It wasn't very nice. To make things worse,
this guy was a real cheapskate and used Berocca.
He was like, "How are you feeling?" "Better!
"Pretty good. Cheers!"
And then I jogged home! Idiot! Couldn't even catch me. That's what we call a rookie mistake.
That's what that is. Good! Hello, I know we've started,
but I'm sorry, I'm quite aware that I'm sounding quite Australian.
Can you hear that? It's annoying! Can you hear "Hallo!"
Can we do anything? No, we can't do anything about that.
I'm going to live here. I've moved here. I think I'm the first Australian to do that.
Pretty pleased, proud of myself.
I've been here a little while, about seven months now.
The weird thing is, I'm getting patriotic about odd things.
-Are there any Australians in the room?
-Woo!
-So enthusiastic.
One of the reasons I love being Australian is that when I'm feeling out of form online
that my country is right near the top of the drop-down menu.
I love it. What country? Australia. Bang. 0.1 second. Get on with my day.
What's that? I'm early? Great. Yes!
Yeah! Suck it, Yemen! Yeah!
I have a boyfriend at the moment. Whatever. Stop bringing it up!
I'm just a normal person.
I'm doing a long-distance thing. It's a long-distance relationship.
I don't mind telling you that because it sounds better than restraining order!
No, it's consensual. Totally consensual.
He knows all about it.
He came to visit me recently and we wanted to do something special
so we went to Paris.
We didn't want to do anything touristy so we went to the Eiffel Tower.
-Cheer if you've been to the Eiffel Tower. AUDIENCE:
-Yeah!
It's packed, OK? It was rammed full of couples
trying to out-in-love each other.
Everyone wants to go to Paris and go, "Oh, remember when we went to Paris?
"We were so in love."
No-one goes, "Remember Paris? Where my passive aggression met your muted hostility?
"And neither of us could admit that the entire trip
"was just a Band-aid over the widening chasm of loathing and hatred between us?
"Wonderful cheese." Right?
And I noticed it cos I just went to casually hold my boyfriend's hand
and I saw a couple see that and like standing spoon, grab each other and go, "Ooh!"
And another couple see them. "I see your standing spoon and I raise you a dip kiss."
It's amazing. "Oh, it's like the first day we met.
"You're so funny. They were going to make a film of our love
"but they couldn't because there were no sad bits."
Amongst all these people putting on shows and ridiculous blah-de-blah,
my boyfriend, Toby, and I got engaged.
We didn't want to, but it was really competitive.
Yeah. I don't think any woman in the history of the world has said, "Of course I'll marry you",
immediately followed by "Suck it!"
Did you see that? In your face, dip kiss!
If I could have spontaneously had a baby, I would have, just...
Thank you very much, I'm Celia Pacquola!
Ladies and gentlemen, Celia Pacquola!
Right, Bill,
we have questions from the audience. We also put the word out on Twitter.
So we've got some Tweeted questions. Ian from Kent. Where are you, Ian?
-Yep!
-What?!
-Hello!
-What are you dressed as?
I'm dressed as a Klingon!
All right. There we are.
-What's your question, Ian?
-Why do you like sci-fi so much?
I've always liked it since I was a kid. I love the fantasy genre.
And when I was a kid, you were made to feel you were weird, a geek or nerdy.
But now it's mainstream entertainment.
-Star Wars and Harry Potter.
-It wasn't then, was it?
-No, it wasn't.
-Lord of the Rings, that was a bit esoteric.
-You loved Star Trek.
-Tell us about your son and what you did with Star Trek.
-Oh, you see,
-you've been reading the book of Wikipedia lies!
-It's not true?
-Well, OK...
-So it is true?
It is true. But...
My son is called Dax.
Dax is a name that we heard someone else had a kid called Dax and we thought, "That's a cool name."
But it is also the name of a symbiont, a parasitic slug,
in Deep Space Nine.
So I can convince no-one that that was not the reason why
I called him Dax!
We were having a conversation about it and he says, "Daddy, this family, we're 73% normal."
I go, "What do you mean by that?" And he goes, "We're a bit weird.
"You're the weirdest."
But he thought it was quite cool. He's got an idea that I go on the stage and all that.
He said to a friend of his in the back of the car,
he said, "Have you heard of Bill Bailey?"
And the kid's five. "I don't know."
And he goes, "Oh, you should check him out."
Sophie Kingsnorth is here. Sophie?
-Hiya!
-What's your question for Bill?
-You love animals. Which animal would you be and why?
I'd have to say baboon. You're half way there!
-Oh, don't look hurt.
I suppose baboons are amazing creatures.
They're very intelligent. They can open car doors and start cars and even drive off.
And they live people's lives for them.
-Some of that was true, wasn't it?
I think it would have to be something like an eagle, probably.
Like a sea eagle or something. Something big and impressive.
With a massive beak!
We've got time for one more question. Frances Jones, where are you?
There's Frances. What's your question?
We know you're a master of musical instruments, so we've brought one for you to play.
Oh, hello?
-Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
-What are we going to do?
Oh, look at that, they're passing the French horn. That's nice.
-It's an old Alpine tradition.
-Do you want to grab it, Bill?
The passing of the horn.
That's probably worth a lot of money, so be careful.
-I'll grip the end.
-OK. Do you want to sit down?
-No, I'll have to stand, I think.
Hang on. Whoa! It reminds me of a bong I had once!
PLAYS DEEP RESONANT NOTES
-Can I have a go?
Swap over.
This could be an Olympic sport!
-Do I have to connect with the...
NON-PRODUCTIVE BLOWS
RESONANT NOTE
Ladies and gentlemen, one more time for Bill Bailey!
I'd also like to thank Celia Pacquola
and now singing a song from her new album Soul UK, Beverley Knight and Cuddly Toy!
# Well, I know you heard so many people say
# I got a different boy in every town
# But there must be somebody telling lies
# Spreading rumours, rumours all around
# Oh, there's a cuddly toy
# That's my only joy
# Waiting for me
# When I get home, yeah,
# And what I need is a boy like you
# To call, call my very own
-# So you gotta feel for me, baby
-Feel for me, baby
-# Yeah, you gotta feel for me, baby
-# Oh, you gotta feel for me, baby
# Oh, give me some love, yes
# Well I don't pour out my heart like this to everyone
# And anyone that I meet
# And I know it ain't the wine
# Cos I feel just fine
# Can't you see, baby, I'm still on my feet?
# Oh, a cuddly toy, that's my only joy
# When I get home, yes
# And what I need
# Is a boy like you
-# Just feel for me
-Feel for me baby
# Oh, give me some love, yeah
# Wa-ay-ay-ay-ay yeah
# Feel
# Feel for me, baby
# Come on, like I know you can
# Feel for me
# Come on, I know you understand
# Well, a cuddly toy is my only joy
# Waiting for me when I get home now
-# So you gotta feel
-# Oh, feel it, baby
-# Yeah, you gotta feel it now
# Oh, gimme some love
-# Yeah, feel for me
# Oh, baby, baby
# Yeah, you gotta feel for me
# Oh, gimme some love, yeah
# Yeah. #
-That was brilliant!
-Thank you!
How about that? Beverley Knight!
Download episode-2.srt ⇓
Download episode-2.ass ⇓


(HealthDay News) -- The same dangerous rays that can harm your skin can also harm your eyes.
People who spend long hours in the sun can get sunburn of the cornea, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Though the condition is treatable, it's painful. And it can occur during seasons other than summer. Sun reflecting off snow can contribute to it, too.
To protect your eyes, choose sunglasses that are dark enough to reduce glare but aren't dark enough to distort perception or affect colors. Lenses that are best for color perception are neutral gray, amber, brown or green.
Protect your kids' eyes, too. Buy them sunglasses and make sure they wear them.


Sometimes it can be frustrating to have unanswered prayers. Even the message behind praying for stuff is convoluted somewhat. Some Christians believe that you shouldn't pray for "stuff" and that if you do, that it's a form of idolization -- for instance, you'd rather "things" more than a relationship with God. But biblically speaking, that's just not true at all. A lot of pastors will try and say that you should ask for deeper things and to only use prayer to praise God. Well, yes---praising God and being grateful for what we have now is important. But God wants us to go to Him for everything else too. It's up to Him whether or not those 'orders' get fulfilled. If our own earthly loved ones can provide "stuff" for us, then what makes us think that God can't?
"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You fathers---if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! If sinful (all people) know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him?"
The other day I was reading a devotional, and part of it made me realize why some people feel bad for asking God to help them. Many of the messages that Christians or clergy give out, even if they say it's biblical, can be a little confusing.
"Do not seek Me primarily for what I can give you. Remember that I, the Giver, am infinitely greater than any gift I might impart to you. Though I delight in blessing My children, I am deeply grieved when My blessings become idols in their hearts. Anything can be an idol if it distracts you from Me as your First Love. When I am the ultimate Desire of your heart, you are safe from the danger of idolatry. As you wait in My Presence, enjoy the greatest gift of all: Christ in you, the hope of Glory!"
Many people rely on these devotionals because they're easy to read and it gives them a new message for the day. But sometimes, they're not so biblical as one may think. They're not word for word biblical statements. Compare the biblical scriptures I provided above to the devotional section. It doesn't match up. And if you are asking God (being a devout Christian and believer) -- that is not idolatry. It's asking your Father for help, even if it's financial. Why wouldn't God want the best for you?
Many people live their lives just to save and save and save more money so they can be *comfortable*, during their lifetime and especially for retirement. And of course it's okay and good to have wealth and to live comfortably---I'm not saying otherwise. But some people spend their whole life working their tailbone off, towards a goal that's only a fraction of their entire life. They miss out on 'today' and focus on that small tiny timeline of their retirement and golden years. They miss out on family, friends and just life in general. They have no concern about the afterlife---or that when it comes, it comes. But listen to this pastor named, Francis Chan who explains this so beautifully.
If you cannot see the video below, please click HERE.
There's gotta be more to this life, right? Like what's the point? Are we here to leave a mark? Are we here to help people? Are we here to just have fun and never get out of our comfort zone? Nobody---and nobody really knows their mission in life, unless they've seen their life affect millions....or perhaps, even just five people. God may have put you here for just a few people and you have no idea. We all have no idea.
A friend of mine asked me an interesting question yesterday. I always take advice from her being that she's a highly intelligent businesswoman. Her brain goes right to the business side of anything. So with my writing or other side freelance projects I have going on, she likes to give her suggestions which I appreciate.
She asked, "Why so much 'God' and serious stuff in your work? You're so funny--why not focus on that and gain popularity?"
She also made an observation about my personality. If you know me personally, I kinda have a funny sense of humor, and I'm not perfect in the least. I'm just somebody who has a great deal of faith in God due to my past experiences as well as upbringing. I can see logically how anyone can ask that question. My personality hasn't changed---if you read through my work, and every single article I have ever posted, you can see how much passion I have about topics such as mental health issues and how God has saved me from my worst tragedies. I can't leave God out because that would be a lie. My faith is my passion---it's the most important part of me---it's my core.
"Well, don't you want to make money?"
And yet, I do make money by freelancing and writing articles for other websites, like BetterHelp and non-profit organizations who want what's called "link placements" added onto my blog so they get more exposure to a a topic that's related to their services. They mostly deal with mental health or cancer fundraisers. Does it make me rich? No, but it does make me happy that I'm paying my bills by possibly helping other people out there in the world who either need to read an article about my experiences, or those who clicked on a link to get help from the sites I provide. I never wanted to be 'rich'---I mean, if I won the lottery, sure that's great and I could just throw it in the bank and call it a day, but my life has never been focused on money and I do alright.
Even God has mentioned the dangers of wealth in the Bible and how when we only focus on money, we let it become an idol.
This was a story about a rich young man who had everything. He was asking Jesus about his eternal life and how he kept all of the commandments. But having faith and believing in God is much more than keeping the commandments. Faith without works is dead. And what that means is---your actions prove your loyalty. "You will know by their fruits." So the rich man said, "What else must I do?"
Jesus said, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." But when the young man heard this, he went sadly away because he had many possessions.
This story isn't saying to give up all you have. It's basically saying to give freely, to help others and to put others first. Nobody has ever gone poor by giving---and that's a fact. When people place money over their own faith in God---over their own destiny in the afterlife, it only proves that there's a huge lack of faith somewhere. For me, I will never compromise this website or what I do in order to gain popularity or money. I can write freely from the heart, not being dictated by some "company" that I don't fully stand behind. The companies that support me in my writing and other social media aspects---I stand behind them firmly due to how many people they have helped as well. My sponsorships and employers are not huge "profit makers" (sponsors) so much as they are helpful to various communities who are suffering, from either cancer or mental illness. That to me is worth very second of writing.
I want to know that when I leave this earth, I want to be sure that I left a mark, not only for myself, but to encourage others of how real God is. I want people to read my work years and years after my death and say, "Wow, this has changed my life." I have a friend from years ago I met when my book first came out. She was inside her car in the garage with the doors closed, contemplating suicide. I asked her to please just hold on and to read a few pages from my book to show her what I went through and how God had helped me. She went back inside and never thought of suicide again. Today she is happily married and living her best life. That's because God worked through me to help her understand how important she was. Even if it was to help one or two people, it was so worth it.
Once upon a time, there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions. Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea.
The boy came closer still and the man called out, "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?" The young boy paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can't return to the sea by themselves," the youth replied.
Going back to the video above, what are you doing in the middle of your 'rope'---the LIFE portion that'll affect your eternity portion? Or are you just living for this world?
For more of Deb's articles, please visit: www.debrapasquella.com or join her on Facebook and Twitter. Check out her cooking blog at Deb's Cucina for some of her famous recipes!
"What happened! My baby! What did they do to you! What happened?" as he cried and hugged me.
I was confused. ...What did just happened??
When Madelene said that I couldn't see---she just meant that my eyes were covered up with all the bandages and plastic crap. She didn't mean I went blind. But this was the first time I saw my dad fall apart---I mean completely apart. I felt so bad, but at the same time, I felt so loved. He cried over me possibly going blind. This is why I believe children live longer than their parents in most cases. We can handle it better. A parent can't see their child hurt or God forbid, pass away before them. They would never make it. I also believe that's why my dad passed away first. He couldn't possibly bear seeing my mom not only suffer, but seeing her pass away and saying his final goodbyes. No. No. No. Never.
There's are other types of reasons why people cannot handle seeing others suffer. Some say they're "empaths," which is partially true, but I'm guessing it tugs on their own fear of the same thing happening to them. If you've ever lost a loved one before---I mean someone who was very close to you---you probably experienced the weird phenomenon of the people in your life becoming invisible. After the funeral and all of the 'call me anytime' offers, most of those people are no longer there. Some stay, but most don't. It's actually a proven fact that this type of thing occurs and it's talked about in many grief support groups. Some people don't know how to help you. They may say the wrong things with good intentions. We may get offended by those sayings, thinking, "How can you say something like that," when in fact, it was intended to be comforting. People in general are very uncomfortable being around someone who is grieving. It's hard to watch especially if your loved one is still alive. And sometimes, it's hard to watch a loved one grieving in fear that you may cry yourself, making their sadness only worse. There's so many reasons.
Most of all, I think it's important to forgive somebody who has withdrawn from social events---and maybe even society altogether. Forgive them for not coming around as much, and commend them on whatever effort they made to just show up. We tend to get caught up in this whole, "Well I visited you last time now you have to see me," type of mindset, and honestly, it's just childish. We need to be more compassionate and forgiving---not angry because someone can't walk out of their house because they're up to their neck in grief. So many families have split apart because they didn't feel loved enough, or felt like their friends and loved ones just didn't care anymore. My rule of thumb is---if you miss someone, call them. Don't make your significant other call them---you call them. If you want to visit them, invite them. If you want them to come over, ask them. If you get a "no"---forgive them. Then ask, "Well, when?" That's fine. There should be no rules when it comes to being together, being a family or having a close relationship with your friends. It should be when everyone is OK with their own schedule. And it's OK to not feel OK and want to just stay home instead.
We're all hurting in our own ways. We all have our unique lives that sometimes leave us "too busy" to do anything. But my thing is, nobody is too busy not to check in on a loved one. Nobody is "too busy" to pick up the phone and say, "Hey, how are you?" Nobody it sooooo busy where they risk losing ties with their friends and family. Nobody. One of my biggest pet peeves is that many people make broken promises. I'm sure there are legit reasons why a promise may be broken, and of course you should forgive them, but our society is lacking integrity. We throw out promises to get together, or to be there for someone, to only not show up. Part of this stems from the lack of real communication: real life as well as picking up the phone. We make plans through group texts or a random text that says, "Hey, wanna have dinner next week?" Then you never hear from them again. I'm a firm believer in confirmation calls. "We still on for tomorrow?" Simple. But I blame it on technology and having "receipts" that people said, "Yes, I'd love to come." But that doesn't confirm the date in my book.
During the past year, my anxiety got worse and I was trying to figure out why. I should be getting better. What was happening was stored up resentment and bitterness, but I wasn't consciously aware of it in the least. I was resentful over broken promises made by a couple of people in my life. It drove me nuts to think about the lack of integrity on their part---even as far as forgetting about it altogether. I had to come to terms with forgiving them and realizing that relying on people 100% is just not feasible anymore. If you do rely on people 100%, you will always be disappointed somehow. We live in a very different time. People tend to be more self-absorbed, "busy," and offended if you ask about why they haven't come through on a promise that was made. Everyone's offended.
What I wouldn't do to go back as an adult to live in the 70's or 80's again. I wouldn't want to be a child (as I was back in that era) but I would love to be living my adult life during that time. Neighbors were friendly, so much so that they'd come by to visit you. Dogs roamed around freely to each other's homes and never a complaint. You didn't hear about vicious dogs or neighbors suing one another over 'your dog bit my dog,' to which had happened to me. My neighbors two German Shepherds attacked my 12 lb chihuahua while I was out walking my dog on my lawn with a leash on her. I had to send her to the vent because one of them bit her leg. $300 dollars later, they still have not paid. I decided to not pursue it just to make peace. Friends came over uninvited and it was actually OK! We didn't pretend to not hear the doorbell. Every weekend was full of family events and big BBQ's out in the yard. No weekend was spent in front of a computer, or my favorite...Netflix. We were out taking in the sunshine and loving every second of it. We had picnics, we walked more, we talked more, and now...we shut our doors off to the world and write what we're doing on Facebook. We take photos of our dinner on Instagram, instead of inviting the people who liked the post. We've become a society of exclusionists---only certain members allowed. We've weeded out our garden to a small mound of dirt with only one or two flowers we favor. We stopped loving everyone, until proven otherwise.
If you're worried about someone, call them.
If you miss someone, go see them.
If you think someone went missing, find them.
You never know what somebody going through, unless you show up, unless you are in their lives, unless you are offering some part of you that may make them feel better...unless of course, you're "too busy."
Years ago, I suffered from chronic pain. Some doctors called it "degenerative disc disease" while other physicians referred it to "fibromyalgia." They couldn't quite pinpoint what was wrong with me and why I was experiencing such excruciating pain. They admitted me to the hospital for a week to do some testing for autoimmune diseases and other possible diagnoses, to only come up with "myalgia." I guess it's another word for, "We don't know, but we're gonna slap a label on it." During that time, I also developed an ulcer due to all of the NSAIDS (ibuprofen) I was taking to relieve some of the pain. They also gave me Percocet, but it didn't work quite as well as the anti-inflammatories. I had no choice because my stomach would suffer. When I realized I was developing a dependency on the pills, I weaned off and tried smoking weed, which did nothing except make me high and hungry. I never understood why people used it for pain. It did absolutely nothing for the pain.
I spent countless hours online searching for support groups who had fibromyalgia and chronic pain in general. There was a word they used that I wasn't familiar with. They called themselves, "spoonies." I wasn't sure if this label was right for me, but I used it, hashtagged it, and created a pseudo identity for myself. Establishing that identity enhanced my involvement, but I also noticed my chronic pain enhanced as well---as if I'm supposed to have pain and constantly be in this group of "spoonies." It gave me a sense of belonging, since nobody around me truly understood it.
But that wasn't who I was. That wasn't my identity.
I then discovered a new identity: grief. I became apart of the support groups, the hashtags, the voice for those who also grieved---not realizing that the intense involvement somehow made my grief that much worse. See, by allowing the grief to remain is to allow the pain to occupy residency 24/7. You will never heal. I'm not saying that repressed feelings are good, but to constantly remain in the past, to remain in that pain without reaching out for the proper help to pull you out of that pit of despair can be a life or death situation.
I believe Langston Hughs said it best: Life is for the living.
Here's how I detached from those "identities."
They say that whatever you feed will grow. I was at a point in my grief where the sadness and despair was consuming every portion of my life. It also made me lose friendships and it was also destroying my marriage. In the support groups, you'll always hear, "There's no time limit on grief," but I say---give yourself a time limit. If you don't, you will lose your life---either by losing everyone around you, or worse off, your own life. Broken Heart Syndrome is real. If you keep torturing yourself with added on "reasons why to be sad" -- your heart will never heal. Every single night, I slept with my mother's favorite sweatshirt. It made me feel safe and comforted. What I didn't realize was it also made me incredibly sad, to where I didn't want to get out of bed. After a period of time, and acknowledgement that this wasn't a healthy step to my recovery, I folded up her shirt and put it in a closet next to a very few items I still had of hers. On my phone, I removed the picture of my mother holding me in her arms at the age of 10 years old. I thought that by having that photo as my screensaver on my phone, that it would give me comfort. It didn't. It gave me a great sense of sadness---like I just wanted to jump into the picture and be there again, when I should be wanting to be in the present moment---the now--with the people who are still alive now. I stopped keeping her photos near, put her belongings away and started to focus on everything that was important 'in the now.' The day I told my mother on her deathbed, "It's OK to let go, Ma," I finally realized that it was also OK for me to let go too.
The physical pain that I suffered as a result of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia was somehow making me believe that this pain was my entire identity. This was my life: pain and pain management. My life revolved around different treatments, physical therapy, trying different pain meds and dealing with the side effects on a daily basis. I'm not saying the pain wasn't real or that it was all psychosomatic---but I was feeding it more and more. So finally, I spoke back to it. I know, it sounds crazy, but I literally sat up in my bed and said, "Bring it on!" For the first time, I didn't resist the pain. I started to thank God in the midst of all my pain and suffering, and somehow, through the grace of God, my pain lessened. I became stronger and able to do more things than I ever could. There are times when I still get pain, but I remember the remedy: thanking God in the storm, because this too, shall pass. Don't give it power. I am NOT a "spoonie," and I am not a victim of pain. I am not going to label myself a grief-ridden victim of LIFE---that's what life is! We live to die and we already know this. That's why it baffles me when someone loses faith in God just because they lost a loved one. THIS is LIFE. This is why you need God even more. The bigger picture is something we could never comprehend.
My friend Jackee always says, "You're somebody's answer!" If we don't go through trials and sorrows in our lives, how can we ever be of help to anybody else? There's this power we all get when we experience such pain and trauma. We discover new inner strengths that we never thought we had before. Through trusting God, He gives us supernatural powers to plow through our worst nightmares that unfold before our very own eyes. He carries us through the fire without smelling like smoke.
I always notice that each time we get a bigger snowstorm, we keep getting people with bigger plows to help us get through it. That's how God works though. With each terrible storm comes a bigger solution or (plow) ---if we allow it, if we call on them...if we call on God to work in our lives. And in due time, after withstanding so many storms, you'll eventually have your own plow so you can help everyone else who's stuck. Just have patience and hope. Without hope, there's nothing to hold onto.
My identity is not my physical pain, it's not my grief, it's not my anxiety and depression. My identity is in Christ. My identity is trusting God with everything. I'm a believer. I'm a King's kid. I'm a child of God. I am not orphaned, even though both my parents died. I have a Father. I have a best friend I can turn to at any given minute of the day. I have a comforter when I'm lying in bed scared. I have a healer when I feel sick. I am not a spoonie, I am not a victim of my circumstances...I'm a believer that all things work for the good. How would anyone know what joy truly is if they haven't experienced deep sadness? I have a purpose here. You have a purpose here. Isn't it funny, how most of us can't really say what that purpose is, but eventually, after our lives have passed, others will definitely know. What do you want to leave behind? What message do you want to leave for your children, your grandchildren, or just people who are still on their earthly journey? When they ask who you were---what will people tell them? Who are you? You don't want to be 'that person who was always complaining about this n' that,'---you want more than just your pain and agony to define you. You want to be a conquerer.


The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have agreed to provide loans to build a 275MW combined-cycle gas turbine power plant in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Image: ADB, IFC and Japanese banks support power plant in Indonesia. Photo: Courtesy of Andres Ramos/FreeImages.com.
ADB will provide $70m for the Riau Natural Gas Power Project, while IFC will offer $50m. The power plant, which will be built with a total estimated cost of $293m, will be located in Riau province in central Sumatra.
The power project will receive a $82m loan from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and MUFG Bank, with ADB providing a partial risk guarantee (PRG).
ADB will also provide $20m loan from the Leading Asia's Private Sector Infrastructure Fund (LEAP), supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The project is being developed by PT. Medco Ratch Power Riau, a special purpose vehicle which is partially owned by PT. Medco Power Indonesia and Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Public Company Limited from Thailand.
When complete, the plant is expected to generate 1445GWh of stable and reliable power to the domestic grid, annually.
ADB private sector operations department infrastructure finance division director for Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific Jackie B. Surtani said: "ADB's involvement in the project has helped secure long-term commercial bank financing necessary for any large-scale infrastructure investment, which has remained a challenge in Indonesia.
In Indonesia, about 20 million people or 7% of the population has no access to electricity. A growth rate of 9% per year, underscores the demand for electricity in the country.
The Riau power project will generate and sell electricity to PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero), which will boost the supply of electricity needed to sustain economic growth in the Riau Province.
IFC Indonesia, Malaysia and Timor Leste country manager Azam Khan said: "IFC finances electricity generation, transmission, and distribution upgrades in developing countries, with a particular focus on natural gas and renewable energy such as solar, wind, and hydropower.


NEW this year "BARNYARD BASKETBALL." A Basketball game the whole family can enjoy! Visit BALL TOWN and play for fun or keep score, everyone will want to play more, more, more! New this year and located in our play area!
NEW this year "FAIRY TALE TRAIL." Beauty and the Beekeeper introduce us to the vital role that bees play on the farm and prove that sweetness can "bee" found anywhere! This interactive corn maze is for younger kids and tells a great story along the way!
Again this year at Schairer's Autumn Acres.... Meet SPOOKLEY the Square Pumpkin and put a STOP to bullying before it starts!!!! Click on our "Field Trips" button to learn more!!!!
Schairer's Autumn Acres, LLC: Fall Fun For Everyone!
Fall 2019 is in full swing! This years Corn Maze will be "HEAD WEST @ Schairer's Autumn Acres! Also back this year by popular demand, our children's corn maze "Spookley" which is great for the younger kids! Try to find "Spooley's" Friends and make a cool crayon rubbing along the way.
Coming this Fall 2019 "Head West @ Schairer's Autumn Acres"


In light of a hit-and-run accident in Lawrence, this article looks at what steps to take following a car crash in Indiana.
A fatal motorcycle accident in Lawrence recently should serve as a reminder to all other motorists in Indiana of what to do-and not to do-following an accident. According to the Indianapolis Star, the driver of an SUV swerved into the motorcyclist and then fled the scene of the crash. Sadly, the motorcyclist in the incident succumbed to his injuries and police are still searching for the hit-and-run driver. While most people are aware that fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal, knowing what else to do after a crash can sometimes be difficult. Understanding what is required of drivers after a crash is important, however, and it both help save lives and assist in any future claims.
First, it should go without saying that state law requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident. This law also applies to accidents involving unoccupied vehicles. If an unoccupied vehicle is struck, a note containing one's name and contact information should be left on the windshield. After stopping and getting out of the way of traffic as much as possible, the most important step to take is to call 911. According to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Indiana police and the BMV must be notified of any accident resulting in death or injury or one that leads to $1000 or more in property damages. Once emergency personnel have been contacted, drivers should get in touch with a personal injury attorney.
State law also requires drivers to exchange certain essential information with one another, including names, contact information, driver license numbers, license plate numbers, the make and models of all vehicles involved in the crash, and car insurance information. Names and contact information of any witnesses should also be obtained, as well as names and badge numbers of the police officers who respond to the accident. It is important to remember that not complying with state law at an accident scene could ultimately be detrimental to future compensation claims.
In many cases, drivers involved in an accident will have to talk to police. While talking to police, however, it is important not to say who may have been responsible for the accident. Determining fault can be a complicated process and there may be factors that are not readily apparent that may have contributed to a crash. An attorney who is experienced in handling car accident cases can help in determining fault afterwards.
Finally, if possible, those involved in a crash should try to gather evidence of the crash, especially photographic evidence. Taking pictures not just of the damaged vehicles themselves, but of the surrounding conditions, such as skid marks and the road surrounding the crash site, can be invaluable when it comes to obtaining compensation. Likewise, if medical attention is necessary, be sure to obtain copies of any medical expenses.
Short of contacting emergency services, getting in touch with a personal injury attorney is probably the most important step one can take following an accident. A car crash can be overwhelming and confusing, but an experienced attorney can help accident victims make sense of the situation. By contacting such an attorney immediately, those involved in an accident will have the help they need to recover from their injuries and pursue whatever compensation they may be entitled to.


WALTHAM, MA – October 24, 2016 BlueSnap has built a unique solution to help merchants graduate from the API-based gateways that only connect you to a single acquiring bank and can only take your business so far.
The BlueSnap Powered Buy Platform™ gives merchants the ease of integration of a flexible, consolidated API enhanced with the power of the industry's leading global acquiring bank network. Built into this feature-rich platform are all the payment technology a merchant needs to sell globally.
With the most recent release, BlueSnap enhanced local acquiring into Latin America and Canada to give international merchants the global payment processing they need to maximize conversions. In Latin America the cost to sell locally can be cost prohibitive with up to 30% of a sales going to processing fees, taxes, etc – but BlueSnap's processing lets merchants sell into LatAm at a 1/3 of the cost, while maximizing conversions and coverage of Alternative Payment types and local cards.
Canada can be the forgotten market for many online merchants but payment conversions can suffer by as much as 30% without local processing. BlueSnap has announced local Canadian acquiring to solve these challenges.
The latest additions to the Powered Buy Platform allowing merchants to sell around the world – connecting them to 20+ acquiring banking relationships across the US, EU, Canada and LatAm all through a simple, consolidated API and single underwriting process.
The latest release delivers functionality that uniquely powers Online Checkout, Invoice Payments and Marketplace functionality through One API and with a consolidated merchant account.
The platform supports a wider array of 100 Alternative payments than most APIbased gateways, critical in a world where Alternatives are set to take up more than 50% of eCommerce by 2020.
The Powered Buy Platform™ API delivers digital wallets for merchants; allowing them to easily add emerging wallets like Visa Checkout, MasterPass, Apple Pay and more.
Autodesk, Instra and Parapharma Tech are just three examples of how the Powered Buy Platform has helped them expand globally with higher conversions.
"We wanted a platform or website that could easily adapt," said Desleigh Jameson, CEO Instra. Jameson cites tech team efforts to reduce payment failure issues and new ways to recognize outdated expiries on cards as tangible evidence of the partnership's success.
Since Autodesk began working with BlueSnap in 2014, they have experienced incredible growth thanks to a frictionless marketplace checkout which increased conversions 20% and allows them to reach shoppers in over 131 countries.