In the News
Posted on September 6, 2018
The Washington Examiner: Senate reaches deal on more than 70 bills to combat opioid epidemic
By Robert King
September 6, 2018
The Senate will vote next week on a raft of more than 70 proposals to combat the opioid crisis, including a bill to address shipments of illicit fentanyl from overseas.
The Opioid Crisis Response Act is the Senate response to a collection of more than 50 opioid-related bills that passed the House in June. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said late Thursday that there is “bipartisan urgency to work with our House colleagues to get the legislation to the President’s desk.”
The legislation includes the Synthetic Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act that aims to give the U.S. Postal Service more tools to flag suspicious shipments of illicit fentanyl from overseas. Overdoses from fentanyl represent more than half of the roughly 42,000 people who died of an opioid overdose in 2016, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics.
Alexander said in a statement that the legislation also includes new authority for the Food and Drug Administration to install new requirements for the packaging of opioids. Under the proposal, the FDA could require prescription opioids to be packaged in set amounts like a three- or seven-day supply of blister packs, he said.
The package also “provides to advance cutting-edge research to spur discovery and development of new non-addictive painkillers,” a release on the bill said.


NVEC partner the Virtual Engineering Centre, part of the University of Liverpool, has published a new white paper exploring the factors influencing the development of digital twins and why interoperability is a key consideration as the technology matures.
Professor Eann Patterson FREng, Dean of the School of Engineering at The University of Liverpool, said: “From their origins in the aerospace industry, digital twins have emerged as a lynchpin technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution within industries as diverse as automotive, construction and utilities. By creating digital representations of real-world assets, engineers are transforming how complex systems, infrastructure and products are designed and maintained.
“While this proliferation of digital twin technology is tremendously exciting, it also raises important questions about interoperability. As their use grows, one asset’s digital twin is likely to need to be connected to that of another, for their full benefits to be realised.
“Our paper covers the factors influencing the development of digital twins and the need to consider and plan for the integrated digital environments that they will operate within in the future. It seeks to spur new thinking around a transformative technology which will impact a wide variety of industries; and one which, properly harnessed, can support the UK’s scientists, engineers and the wider public for decades to come.”
To download the white paper, please click HERE.


I am a European film director currently based in London. I always strive to create compelling narratives which are character driven, inspirational and thought provoking.
Growing up as an only child, I spent most of my time watching movies and observing how people around me interact with each other and in doing so, I developed a fascination with human nature and trying to understand the driving forces of human behaviour. Over time, I channelled this into directing actors on set, to create performances that feel both realistic and authentic.
Having originally come from Romania and lived around Europe, whilst studying architecture and film, I gained a deep understanding of different cultures. I am naturally curious about the world and I love exploring it through human emotions which transcend boundaries to become universal truths that people can relate to no matter where they are in the world.
I believe there is tremendous power in drama to tell stories that touch people on a very personal level and enrich their everyday lives.


PROJECTS ESCH 2022
For this project, Lucoda has commissioned Out Innerspace Dance Theatre (Canada) to create an ensemble performance for Esch '22. The piece, choreographed by David Raymond and Tiffany Tregarthen will be a work for eight local dancers, and use a unique combination of light and video projection to draw the audience into the intriguing world of dance. The uniqueness of this project lies in how it promotes audience diversity in order to make dance accessible to all. In this context, a ticket “lottery” system will be put into place whereby the audience will be invited to participate in a challenge. This will aim to create surprise pairings with varied people within our communities, inviting them to create new encounters, while breaking down societal barriers, and aiming to create new relationships which last beyond the night of the performance.
In collaboration with the commune of Differdange, Lucoda will create a variety of site specific performances, which will lead the audience on unexpected journeys through the commune.
Ranging from dance performances in bus stops, pop-up dance experiences, community dance workshops and multi sensorial explorations and discoveries at the Differdange Science Centre, to a grand ballroom dance evening, we share but a few of the exciting performances to expect.
Lucoda in “The Visit”, offers two worlds to the audience; both a performative approach, with site-specific pieces, to a multi-disciplinary and digital work, with the creation of a short film which will highlight different geographical locations in the South of Luxembourg. Hence, the audience will embark on a unique journey, experiencing and being encouraged to discover new artistic perspectives, through the media of dance and film.


An ongoing series of author talks and conversations to be launched during Black History month
February 25, 2021 | PBS Books & ASALH
(…) Closing out the month, there will be an event focused on The Black Family, highlighting acclaimed Kenyan author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o on Sunday, February 28, at 7 p.m. ET. Thiong’o, along with scholars Nubia Kai and Sundiata Keita Cha-Jua, will explore The Perfect Nine, a dazzling modern epic, myth and feminist re-imagining of Kenya’s origins, which subverts patriarchy and promotes social equity. They will discuss elements relevant to today’s struggles for social justice, gender equity and spiritual rebirth, while illuminating eternal African values essential for wholesome family life.
The PBS Books and ASALH partnership was originally proposed by Charles Ferrell, the vice president of the Keiga Foundation, who is an advisor for PBS Books and a member of ASALH’s program committee.
For more about ASALH please visit: https://asalh.org


HEATHER CHRISTOPHER PARTICIPATES IN FUTURE LEADER IN TRAVEL RETREAT
TravelAge West hosts emerging travel industry leaders in inaugural Future Leaders in Travel Retreat
Gettysburg, PA – TravelAge West is proud to announce that professional travel advisor, Heather Christopher, was one of 41 travel advisors to attend The Future Leaders in Travel Retreat. The Retreat took place September 4-6, 2018 in Aspen, Colorado at Aspen Meadows Resort, home to The Aspen Institute. The event, powered by TravelAge West, is the only event in the industry dedicated to connecting the next generation of travel buyers and sellers in order to move the industry forward.
The advisors selected for the event are a part of the millennial generation, falling between the ages of 22 and 37. “In addition to the age requirements for the event, those selected have proven their professionalism, shown enthusiasm for impacting the future of travel, and are inspired to find new and better ways to sell travel,” said Jaqueline Hurst, Director, Trade Recruitment and Engagement, Travel Weekly Events. “To be selected for this event is quite an honor. The competition was tough, and a lot was required of these advisors to meet the event’s high standards.”
The event’s thorough application process included demonstrating their personal brand, sharing their thoughts on the current state of the industry, and providing professional references.
Over two days, travel advisors and suppliers connected through unique, collaborative content sessions; outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and yoga; and social events full of local flare. Education focused on professional development topics specific to future leaders, and provided insights on how this generation will influence the future of the travel industry.
“Throughout The Retreat travel advisors showed their industry knowledge, as well as their dedication to and enthusiasm for bringing the travel industry into the future. This group is actively applying themselves to be innovative in the way they bring the best products, services and experiences to their clients. And with that, they will no doubt exceed expectations,” said Ken Shapiro, Editor-in-Chief, TraveAge West.
ABOUT TRAVELAGE WEST:
For more than 46 years, TravelAge West has been the trusted voice of the travel industry in the Western U.S. With award-winning writing and design, the publication brings the best of travel to life for readers. The magazine’s first-hand, on-site reports and fresh destination coverage is a valued resource for travel advisors. TravelAge West is a division of Secaucus, New Jersey-based Northstar Travel Group, the largest travel business-to-business travel publisher in the world.


Travel to Israel
Travel to Israel is a hot topic in the life insurance industry this year.
Consumers have discovered that life insurance companies consider travel to Israel a high risk activity. The frustration of receiving declinations, ratings, or coverage limits has become so strong that legislative action was initiated in Florida, attempting to change life insurance underwriting standards.
In this article, we'll explore why this is an issue and provide some assurance that getting coverage is indeed possible for traveling to Israel.
Nefesh B'Nefesh Aliyah


Chances are that, if you’ve been to a hear a comedian in Gorey in the last few years, Dara Kiernan is the man who brought them here. Next up, it’s funny man Andrew Maxwell in the Ashdown Park Hotel on March 7.
Dara, a Dubliner who now lives in North Wexford, set up Gorey Comedy Club in 2009. “We moved here in 2009 and were looking for entertainment at night,” said Dara, a self-employed business consultant. When his wife suggested setting up a comedy club, he readily agreed. “I had been involved in comedy for 10 years at that stage and had run small comedy clubs in Dublin. I did stand-up for five years but, let’s say, I found my talents were best suited to the background!”
The stage’s loss was ultimately Gorey’s gain as Dara got into managing comedians after that. He got top comedians such as Tommy Tiernan, Des Bishop, Neil Delamere, Ardal O’Hanlon, PJ Gallagher, Fred Cooke, Colin Murphy, Deirdre O’Kane, Jon Kenny from D’Unbelievables, and Joe Rooney – to name a few – to add Gorey to their tours.
Many of these comedians were on stage with Dara in his stand-up days – “I was in that second wave with PJ Gallagher, Neil Delamere, David Doherty. In fact, Neil Delamere was on stage the first time I was on! And I managed a nationwide tour for PJ Gallagher – that was the last management gig I did!
Chaos and madness!
“Now, it’s a hobby that I love – I love the reaction of audiences on the night and chatting with people to see what they liked and didn’t. We have a core of regulars at the gigs – and the acts are treated well here at the Ashdown Park by manager Paul Finegan and events manager Catherine Murphy.”
What about his own taste in comedy? “My favourite comedian is Billy Connolly, at the height of his career, he was wonderful. I like the crazy madness of Jason Byrne and how he goes off track. PJ Gallagher is another one I love for his madness, he’s vocal and loud. Like Jason, it’s pure chaos with PJ, it’s actually close to slapstick.”
Keep ’em laughing
Interestingly, today, many comedians are coming to people’s attention online first, rather than the old route of honing the craft at clubs and pubs. Acts like Foil Arms & Hog and Enya Martin found fame on YouTube before moving to more traditional audience-facing gigs. Who knows, you could see them in Gorey some time!
Meanwhile, veteran comedian Karl Spain is the new resident MC in Gorey Comedy Club. In January, he survived his first gig, making his MC debut alongside comedian Fred Cooke. Dara also has plans to bring acts from the UK to Gorey. The plan is to keep ‘em laughing in Gorey – with other likely acts including Ardal O’Hanlon, Jason Byrne and Des Bishop. As Charlie Chaplin said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”
Interview: Deirdre O’Flynn


The Official Publication. Providing tournament highlights, fitness tips, stories and more
Pickleball Magazine (2016) is published by Dollard Publishing Company (1999) and is based in Canonsburg, PA, a suburb in the south hills of Pittsburgh. Each year, Dollard Publishing produces six print/mailed issues of the magazine as well as two digital-only, special edition, electronic issues.
The circulation of Pickleball Magazine has grown each quarter since the inception in the spring of 2016. There are several thousand hard-copy subscribers and roughly 100,000 additional people read each issue online.
Wayne Dollard (50) is the publisher and founder of Pickleball Magazine. He is an avid player and is rated as a 5.0 player. His wife, Lisa, is also a 5.0 competitor. Wayne and Lisa have won mixed gold medals at the US Open, Coeur d’Alene, Pittsburgh Gamma Classic and the National Championships. The pair also own and instruct LevelUp Pickleball Camps, the largest instructional pickleball program in the world.
📸 Pickleball Magazine


Interest Rates Are Near Historic Lows
Younger Canadian homeowners don't realize how good they have got it, according to the most recent consumer debt survey. The mistaken perception that current interest rates are the norm or even high may be setting them up for future financial difficulties and suggests their optimism for how soon they will be debt free is misplaced.
When asked how today's interest rates compared to historical norms, more than one in three Canadians aged 30-39 incorrectly responded that today's rates were about average or relatively high. At the same time,more than half of this group expects to be debt-free by the time they are 50 while fewer than one in five respondents aged 50-59 actually report being debt-free.
These younger homeowners may be taking on more debt than they will be able to afford if interest rates rise. While there is no expectation we'll see rates like those of the 1980s, a rise of even a few percentage points could have a significant financial impact on this younger generation of Canadians.


Orvis International Destination: of the Year 2019
by Mark Melnyk, producer and host of The New Fly Fisher TV show
Hawk Lake Lodge is in Sunset Country in Northwest Ontario, Canada, between Thunder Bay at the west end of Lake Superior and the Manitoba border. It is the only lodge on the lake and there is no public access, which means that the lodge has total control of the fishing. What they have created is a world-class fishery with significant chances of IGFA fly rod line-class records. Ted and his wife, Virginia, have taken full advantage of this, by imposing a strict catch-and-release policy. The result is a fishery replete with specimen-sized fish, especially walleye. Just over a month later, I was privileged to experience this first-hand.
Accompanied by my close friend Tom Rosenbauer, I pulled my truck into the parking lot at Hawk Lake Lodge in June 2019. Only seconds after we climbed out, we were greeted by two energetic and enthusiastic golden retrievers, who flopped on their backs, offering their bellies for a welcoming rub. It was an encouraging start. Tom and I were at the lodge to film a pre-spawn smallmouth bass show for The New Fly Fisher.
We managed this very satisfactorily, but what really blew us away was the “evening entertainment.” This was not the usual after-dinner movie or anecdotes from a local wildlife guru. Rather, it was another fishing expedition. As the sun was setting, we were ushered into boats, which headed out to one of the many narrows on the lake where walleye congregate at dusk and linger through the night.
These fish can be caught on the fly, using a short (3-foot) leader on a full-sinking line, with a fly soaked with floatant to lift it off the bottom, where it would be most likely to attract a foraging fish. Along with other lodge guests in other boats, with shouted camaraderie, we plied the bottom of the narrows in search of the giants.
I was messing around with my phone, trying to get a good night shot, when I was distracted by a friend. With my phone in my hand and my rod under my arm, I swung my body towards him, dragging my rod with me. At the end of the swing, I felt the unmistakeable pull of a fish. I dropped my phone. Stood on it and proceeded to do battle with what turned out to be the largest walleye I have ever caught. Ted netted it and exclaimed, “That’s a donkey,” before putting it in the live well prior to heading back to the lodge. The fish measured 30.32 in. and weighed approximately 11 pounds according to length/girth conversion charts. As it was caught on a 12-pound tippet, it would have qualified as an IGFA Fly Rod line class world record.
The following evening at the narrows, Tom took a 29-inch walleye, which impressed him so much that he created a podcast about fly fishing for walleye.
So if you’re on the hunt for a true trophy fish to add to your bucket list, be it smallmouth bass, or giant walleye on fly, Hawk Lake Lodge is one of those places where big fish dreams can legitimately come true. There’s a reason Hawk Lake Lodge was named International Destination of the Year 2019.
This article was previously posted on Ontario North Travel, January 2020


Big Trigger warning: Depression/suicide
There is a thought that has snuck up on me several times since I started entertaining the idea of this blog. Sharing stories about mental health can be risky for several reasons. My biggest perceived risk is that people will jump to two conclusions: 1) they think I’m being overly dramatic and am just looking for attention, or 2) they assume the only option is to send me away to the ER on a mental health hold, where I will be forced to ingest three-day old sandwiches and tiny cans of Shasta cola. (note: to anyone who ever has been on a mental health hold in the ER, I do not say that to make light of your experience. I worked in an ER for several years and saw so many kindred spirits – others suffering from mental illness who had nowhere else to turn or were hanging on by a thread. I see you.) (second note: to anyone who works in an ER: now would be a good time to check the expiration dates on the sandwiches. They’re gross. I don’t think that’s even real meat.)
Two memes popped up on my Facebook feed within a few hours of each other. I took it as a sign that I should share what’s on my heart regarding this topic. Both pictures hit close to home on so many levels. They are similar, yet different. Both have to do with our society’s affinity for jumping to conclusions.
The first one speaks to me on a very personal level due to recent happenings in my life. It also speaks to me from the perspective of someone with a blossoming passion for mental health awareness and education. The subject of suicide is just about as welcome in everyday conversation as Lord Voldemort is at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For those of you who aren’t Harry Potter nerds…that is very unwelcome indeed. Psychotherapist Stacey Freedenthal (2018) states, “I don’t fault those who avoid naming suicide. Instead I fault society and social conditioning for teaching us to treat suicide as unspeakable. If we can’t acknowledge suicide when a person has died, then how can the living expect to talk openly with friends and family about their urges to end their life? It’s awfully hard to help suicidal people – and for them to ask for help – if we treat suicide as if it is a dirty word.”
A dirty word.Because I love the power of definitions, I decided to look up “suicide” in the oh so tactful Urban Dictionary. I was curious to see how Joe Shmoe off the street might define this concept. Definition #7 tugged at my heart strings because it addresses the emotional side rather than the physical act of permanently stopping one’s breath. It says that suicide is “what people do when they start to fear life more than they fear death” (Suicide, 2016). Take a moment to absorb that.
Now imagine that sense of fear and despair magnified a million times over because this society makes it nearly impossible to be open about our struggles – it pours stigma on top of shame on top pain. It is naïve and reactive, rather than educated and proactive. Our vulnerability backfires! Instead of openly discussing depression, anxiety, PTSD, or any other illness that may lead to suicidal thoughts, society has done a damn good job of brushing feelings, and the people who feel those feelings, under the rug of social propriety. Then, when someone has the courage to ask for help, it’s far more comfortable for someone else to call 911 and have them carted off on a mental health hold than it is to see their pain…to feel their pain…to understand their pain. How tragic that “this silence about suicide can be deafening, making it exquisitely hard to hear those whose cries most need to be heard” (Freedenthal, 2018).
Obviously comments about suicide should not be taken lightly.Never assume they aren’t serious or that they are just looking for pity. By all means, call 911 if it is genuinely the right thing to do. But take a quick second to go back and reread that meme. Sometimes it’s a cry for help and empathy, so don’t jump to the conclusion that it is an egocentric plea for attention. Sometimes we just need to talk. Sometimes telling someone that you have entertained ideas or have formulated a plan provides the reprieve you need to NOT go through with it. Giving up that secret is a powerful motivator to survive, while harboring that secret only encourages it to grow and swallow you whole. If someone comes to you and says they are having suicidal thoughts, talk to them. Their fear of you jumping to conclusions may be what keeps them from asking you to pull them back from the ledge and to stop them from jumping themselves.
See the difference. See the similarity.
In her 2004 article Coming out about Mental Illness, Sarah Albert shares a powerful quote by Joyce Burland: “Our cultural understanding of mental illness is that you are just not trying hard enough. We never say that about cancer or heart disease. America thinks mental illness is something that can get self-corrected, and that is a vast misunderstanding.” Misunderstanding stems from ignorance. You know how they say ignorance is bliss? Yeah…not so much. Ignorance and misunderstanding cause humans to jump to conclusions. If you don’t take the time to educate yourself on the impact of chemical imbalances in the brain, for example, of course you might conclude that depression or anxiety is just an excuse to be lazy or to seek attention.
More and more I am realizing that surviving my ongoing battle with anxiety and depression is part of my identity. I have battle scars that run deeper than any physical wound. Like that meme says, I want you to understand what has led me to become the person I am. It’s what is actively making me into the person I will become. This blog, and any conversation that requires me to open up and show those ugly scars, is NOT a pity party. Each day I survive brings me one day closer to the real me. I want to take pride in my scars. I want to help others take pride in their scars. That is the purpose of my exercise in risky vulnerability.
One of my recent favorite authors, Jenny Lawson, wrote this incredible book called Furiously Happy(2015). I am going to share a paragraph from that book that literally turned my life upside down several weeks ago.
“When you come out of the grips of a depression there is an incredible relief, but not one you feel allowed to celebrate. Instead, the feeling of victory is replaced with anxiety that it will happen again, and with shame and vulnerability when you see how your illness affected your family, your work, everything left untouched while you struggled to survive. We come back to life thinner, paler, weaker…but as survivors. Survivors who don’t get pats on the back from coworkers who congratulate them on making it. Survivors who wake to more work than before because their friends and family are exhausted from helping them fight a battle they may not even understand. I hope to one day see a sea of people all wearing silver ribbons as a sign that they understand the secret battle, and as a celebration of the victories made each day as we individually pull ourselves up out of our foxholes to see our scars heal, and to remember what the sun looks like.”
Jenny Lawson’s words inspired me to permanently ink myself with the anxiety awareness ribbon. A lovely teal ribbon. It is a constant reminder that I am who I am because I have survived many battles and am surviving the war. I have some ugly scars because of it, but I would not be me without them. I am proud of who I am and want to share that.
You can jump to the conclusion that I’m crazy. You would be correct. But don’t jump to any other conclusions about people who want to – no, needto – feel they can safely talk about their suicidal thoughts or internal demons. It is risky. But you can make it worth their risk.
Albert, Sarah. (2004). Coming Out About Mental Illness. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/coming-out-about-mental-illness
Freedenthal, Stacey. (2018, June 14). Let’s (Really) Talk about Suicide. Speaking of Suicide. Retrieved from https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2018/06/14/lets-really-talk-about-suicide/
Lawson, Jenny. (2015, Sept. 22). Furiously Happy: A funny book about horrible things. Flatiron Books.
Suicide. (2016, August 18). In Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Suicide


Monday, September 11, 2006
"You can usually spot these imposters right away. Most of them are dressed inappropriately for court."
Juvie Journal vents about public pretenders in a recent post. The post rails against lawyers failing to appreciate the consequences of taking an "it's only juvenile court" attitude in juvenile cases. The focus is public defenders, but, I think, it really applies to any attorney who thinks they can "wing" an appearance in juvenile court.
The stakes in juvenile court are no longer small. "Get tough on crime" has morphed into "get tough on kids" without any regard for the fact that kids are just different than adults but they are now facing lifelong consequences in many cases. Our best juvenile court defense attorneys in Minnesota are public defenders, without a doubt. Most of the local private defense bar will refer well-heeled parents to our office rather than take a juvenile court case (which brings up the issue of whether public defenders should be representing kids of parents with resources to hire counsel - since the kid is the client, we should be on these cases so the client has an advocate independant of the wishes of the parent).
I liked the way the writer (who is, based on a response to a comment on her post, also a public defender) indentified dress and appearance as an indicator of an attorney failing to understand the importance of what they do. There are some attorneys that are incredibly brilliant legal minds and great with clients but they undercut their effectiveness by looking ridiculous.
I am completely sensitive to the fact that we make very little money to spend on clothes, precious haircuts, and whatever other fancy accessories pretty people wear. After housing and student loans there isn't a lot left at the end of the month to replace a suit with one that isn't worn in the knee. I'm no fashion plate so I'm hesitant to even raise this issue due to the risk of being labeled a hypocrite.
But, just dress as well as you can. Wear a clean suit, comb your hair, and use breath mints (we do so much whispering, you simply gotta have those - that mixture of coffee and cigarette smoke coupled with last night's booze just ain't appealing.)
Dress like Reed Hadley (pictured above) in "Public Defender." He looks just fine.
Posted by Southfew at 6:53 PM


Royal Windsor Horse Show UK
10th to 13th May 2012 – Royal Windsor Horse Show, Windsor, UK. For the first time in the UK, the Marwari horses of India are being displayed in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Anniversary. Royal Windsor Horse Show is the largest outdoor equestrian Show in the UK, with over 3000 horses and ponies taking part in more than 164 jumping, showing, championship and carriage driving classes. The event has been running for over 65 years and takes place in Her Majesty The Queen’s private grounds at Windsor Castle.
Major International equestrian displays from the Pageant will also be taking part in the Horse Show during the day, offering visitors to the Horse Show the unique opportunity to see these displays, some of which have never been seen before in the UK.
For further information, http://www.rwhs.co.uk


New world‐class Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center Hospital coming to Fairlawn
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center will break ground on its much anticipated flagship orthopedic hospital this Spring of 2019. The announcement was made following the Fairlawn City Planning Commission’s unanimous approval of the final site plan for the replacement orthopedic hospital on Embassy Parkway.
Construction of the new hospital represents a major advancement for the region, providing access to truly world‐class orthopedic and reconstructive care right here in the community. The hospital will feature 12 operating rooms, 60 inpatient beds, advanced medical technologies, imaging, and other essential patient support services including Crystal Clinic QuickCare where patients can be seen the same day for orthopedic and sports injuries.
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center CEO, Dr. Ron Suntken and hospital architects HGA and IKM presented comprehensive plans and drawings of the new state‐of‐the‐art hospital to the Planning Commission at its regularly scheduled Thursday, March 14 evening meeting. Plans thoughtfully captured valuable community input that had been collected over several months. “On behalf of Crystal Clinic’s more than 1,000 outstanding medical care professionals, we are excited to bring this advanced, state‐of‐the‐art new hospital to the local communities and to the greater region we serve. Our unwavering commitment to provide world‐class orthopedic care, renowned surgeons, top medical professionals, and advanced procedures and technology continues to earn Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center national ranking and distinction. We are grateful for the mutually supportive and collaborative relationships with the communities we
serve and we thank the Fairlawn Planning Commission,” stated Dr. Suntken.
Chief Nursing and Operations Officer Holli Cholley, RN, BSN, M.B.A. expanded on the distinctions of this new facility. “Our mission is to provide the quality of care that people have come to expect from our physicians and clinical staff in an environment that is designed around the needs of our patients and the loved ones who care for them. This new hospital will be a destination facility like no other in Northeast Ohio. Family waiting rooms and patient rooms will feel more like a comfortable hotel than a traditional hospital. This new facility will bring true ‘hospitality’ to the hospital experience for patients and their families.”
Specific to the hospital’s clinical enhancements, Ms. Cholley added, “In our surgical and imaging areas, we will have state‐of‐the‐art technology and equipment to complement our physicians’ ability to diagnose and perform surgical procedures. The impressive facilities and advancements found in this new hospital design further demonstrate our commitment to providing exceptional care for those in the community, while also growing as one of the top orthopedic health systems in the nation.”
Expected completion date for the new hospital is summer 2021.


Seeing the joy and excitement of these campers when they get the chance to spend some face time with the ASC actors they’ve been watching onstage and working with in master classes is always one of the most rewarding moments of camp. The actors have always been beyond generous with their time and talent, and the campers have always been beyond thankful for the opportunity to chat with their heroes.
After last Saturday’s performance of Peter and the Starcatcher, the campers got a special treat – their very own meet ‘n greet with the very people they’ve been watching perform on the Blackfriars Playhouse stage, learning from in Workshops and Master Classes, and generally idolizing since camp began: the actors!
It’s both endearing and entertaining to watch these young thespians interact with their professional counterparts. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.
We had new campers meeting veteran actors, like Elliot and Josh Innerst (above) — and we also had veteran campers meeting new actors, like Carina and Lucy with and Allie Babich (below).
All in all, it was a pretty great night. Wasn’t it, Shawn?
Right on, Shawn. Toodles!


Raised on the mud banks of the Avon River, Nova Scotian funeral director-turned-songwriter Terra Spencer was recruited as a backup singer while scooping ice cream at a music festival. She can make you feel knee-to-knee with her in a room of 5 or 500 with her butterscotch voice, deft fingerstyle guitar, church bench piano, sly humour, and ‘70s wood-paneled warmth.
Her startling knack for unraveling intimate stories caught the attention of Canadian musical mentors like David Francey and Matt Andersen (who chose their co-write Other Side of Goodbye to launch his recent album) and she has become a sought-after studio musician, co-writer, and workshop facilitator.
Terra’s self-produced second album Chasing Rabbits won Music Nova Scotia’s Folk Recording of the Year and received nominations for ECMA Folk Recording of the Year and CFMA Contemporary Singer of the Year. Her song “Feels Like Home” was named the 2021 Blues and Roots Radio International Song of the Year. Following a full-band tour celebrating the golden anniversary of the music of 1971, Terra is currently touring Canada and the UK with Ben Caplan in support of their upcoming joint album, Old News, set for release in October 2022.
“The real deal.” – Ron Sexsmith


Connie Blount, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Kentucky, and Park City, Utah resident was murdered by a hit-and-run driver, April 13th, 2008, as she walked home to her apartment on the campus at the University of Kentucky. This horrible tragedy has brought to light the fact that there were three states in the United States where hit-and-run is a misdemeanor rather than a felony – Kentucky, Utah, and Montana.
On April 28, 2008, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed a law that makes it a felony to leave the scene of an accident. The Blount Family has now initiated a campaign to change the hit-and-run laws in Utah and Montana.
Please help us in urging the legislatures of Utah and Montana to strengthen hit-and-run laws in their states, by contacting your local representatives. We have provided the following letter that you can easily download and send.
Use the following links to find e-mail and postal mail addresses to contact the appropriate legislators in Utah and Montana:
News Article about Connie’s Law


SAE Institue Vienna
Concept & Design
Capturing the spirit of several Austrian artists on the walls of the new SAE audio engineering studios.
by Christian Ruff, Campus Manager SAE Institute Vienna
Studying as a prelude to a career in the media industries – that is what the SAE Institute Vienna is all about. As the European SAE flagship campus and an advocate for „anything is possible“ in the creative industry, we transformed the entire mezzanine of our seven-story campus building into a unique sound engineering landscape.
A total of seven control rooms and four recording studios are much more than a technological show off: We wanted the entire campus to be a respectful tribute to the city of Vienna, which inspired us to dedicate each room to an Austrian artist.
With our alumni and Art Director Petra Gradwohl, we created seven individual worlds inside a small space: A studio of opulence and splendour for Mozart; a control room on the edge to excess for Falco; a relaxed ambiance for Kruder & Dorfmeister; a club-turned-nightlife studio for Camo & Krooked; deliberate exaggeration in a glittering control room for Bilderbuch; the darkness in its most beguiling form for Soap & Skin; and an entire cinema in the ephemeral elegance of Romy Schneider.
The mezzanine of the new SAE Institute Vienna has become more than just the sum of its studios and control rooms: I invite you to dive into a world of music – in every sense.
Every project is a team effort and we were very happy to work on this together with:


Ducati continues successful ride through the UAE
Ducati. the high performance bike gurus, are making their presence known in the Middle East, and with some style.
The flagship Abu Dhabi showroom was launched on Saturday the 8th of September by none other than three-time World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss in front of VIP’s, media and fans. Troy cut the ribbon to announce the opening of one of the world’s biggest Ducati dealerships.
The massive 1,300sqm venue played host to bike fans and top tier Middle East media attendance included TV crews from Al Jazeera and CNBC Arabia. Fans had the chance to explore the showroom and after service facilities, and take photos of the legendary motorcycle rider.
Among the high level visitors was His Excellency Abdulla Al Masaood, Chairman of Abdulla Al Masaood & Sons Group, owner of the UAE Ducati franchise, while Roberto Righi, Sales Director of Ducati Motor Holding, flew in from head office in Bologna, Italy.
The Abu Dhabi showroom comes following the 2012 launch of the brand’s first dedicated UAE showroom in Dubai and reaffirms the company’s dedication to the region.


You might already know that Cleveland is the birthplace of Superman, conceived by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1933.
Since then, Superman has become one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in the world, a beacon of inspiration and hope for many, and, of course, a generator of billions of dollars of revenue.
Superman is supposed to represent the best qualities we aspire to as people, and he was created right here in Cleveland, Ohio.
So why isn't there a truly permanent statue for Superman downtown?
Sure, there's a little Superman exhibit at the airport near the baggage claim. And yes, there is a Superman display at the Cleveland Public Library (which is occasionally much bigger). And in Glenville, there is a plaque and "S" sign in front of Siegel's childhood home.
But it sure doesn't seem like the city does nearly enough to truly embrace the fact that it is Superman's original hometown. So why don't we have a statue of Superman along the lakefront, or perhaps in Public Square?
The History of a Superman Statue in Cleveland
There has been a movement to build a Superman statue in the past. Back in 1988, a group called Neverending Battle Inc. planned to erect a 40-foot Superman statue along Cleveland's lakefront, which would have included a museum to go with it. But by the end of the year, the company was $200,000 in debt and mismanagement torpedoed the project.
And in recent years, the Siegel Shuster Society has begun to lobby Cleveland City Hall to consider building a monument to the greatest superhero of all.
Though there hasn't been a ton of movement on it, something tells me the statue - a permanent one - will eventually get done.
At Least Cleveland Is Getting a Superman Conference
An upcoming two-month Superman festival is a great start to celebrating the hero's heritage. From September 6th to November 2nd, Superman will be celebrated at a wide variety of locations all over Cleveland, highlighting his connection to the region and the influence the character has had on pop culture for so many decades. It's considered the first major Superman festival to take place in Cleveland in the past 35 years.
With the Superman celebration and a renewed interest in the character within the region, there's a real chance we could see a Superman statue in downtown Cleveland in the next few years, especially as Cleveland looks to reimagine its lakefront. If Philadelphia can have a Rocky Balboa statue, and Detroit can have a RoboCop statue (even if they can't figure out where to put it), then Cleveland can certainly work together to get a Superman statue done.
(Image source: Tim Evanson)


By The Department of Innovation
7 October 2010
Powering Ideas- An innovation Agenda for the 21st Century is the Government's response to the review of the national innovation system undertaken by Dr Terry Cutler in 2008. This is a ten year blue print for the support of innovation in Australia. As Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry Science and Research states in his forward "Tough times demand creative solutions. Powering Ideas will help us find those solutions. It will help us transform challenges into opportunities, risks into rewards." This report presents some exciting opportunities for the future of the Australian craft and design industry.


Garage Door Replacement Boasts 90% Return
Remodeling Magazine recently published their Cost Versus Value Report for 2016. In it, they compare the average cost of a number of remodeling projects with the value retained at resale in 100 US markets. They also list the difference between projects on a mid-range scale and upscale level.
Garage Door Replacement
According to their national data, Garage Door Replacement projects in the mid-range scale cost an average of $1,652. Of that investment, $1,512 is recovered at resale, making the return on the investment a major 91.5%.
In an upscale project Garage Door Replacement projects cost $3,140, of which $2,830 is recouped at resale. That’s another return just over 90%.
These numbers indicate that a new garage door can positively impact the sale of a home and indicate that they are well worth the investment of time and money to obtain.
(Note: you can also break down the trends into nine predefined regions other levels of detail.)
For more information about the Cost Vs. Value Report, watch this 2-minute video also published by Remodeling Magazine.
There was an error retrieving the YouTube video ID for the url you entered, please verify that the url is correct.


Behind the Mirror: A Journey into Authentic Beauty with Paje Honor
In today's beauty landscape, the pressure to keep up with the latest trends is overwhelming, fueled by glossy advertisements and enticing influencer promotions. However, amidst this whirlwind of consumerism, there's a powerful alternative: embracing mindful beauty and de-influencing our purchasing habits.
As a professional makeup artist, I'll be the first to admit that the overconsumption of beauty products not only strains my finances but also harms the environment. Excessive packaging, single-use plastics, and harmful chemicals contribute to pollution and waste. By mindlessly purchasing products we don't need, we perpetuate this cycle, sacrificing sustainability for fleeting trends. Let's be real, who actually needs seven different tinted moisturizers or mascaras!?
The financial burden of keeping up with influencer-endorsed products adds up quickly. Influencers, often sponsored by brands, create an illusion of necessity around new releases, leading us to believe we must own every item they promote in order for our makeup routine to remain relevant. However, this mindset is not only unrealistic but also unsustainable.
It's time to reclaim control over our beauty routines by de-influencing our purchasing decisions and embracing mindful consumption. Instead of succumbing to the pressure to own every trendy product, let's focus on purchasing with purpose. By prioritizing quality over quantity and investing in multipurpose products and mindful brands that align with our needs, we can reduce waste and save money.
De-influencers play a significant role in reshaping the beauty industry by advocating for mindful consumption, self-expression, and embracing imperfection. De-influencers promote authenticity and individuality, they encourage their followers to reject the notion that worth is tied to material possessions or external validation.
At its core, being a de-influencer means embracing authenticity and self-awareness, all while being mindful of our consumption of products. De-influencers challenge the culture of consumerism by promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and conscious consumerism.
For me, embracing mindful beauty and de-influencing our purchasing habits allows us to prioritize sustainability, save money, and reclaim control over our beauty routines. Let's challenge the culture of excess and opt for a simpler, more intentional approach to beauty. By doing so, we can create a more harmonious relationship with ourselves, our wallets, and the planet, while also redefining beauty on our own terms. Let's join the movement and become agents of change in the pursuit of true beauty and self-empowerment!
Here are some things to consider when making a purchasing decision:
Is their packaging minimalistic or sustainable?
Do they sell refills instead of purchasing the entire package over again?
Do they give back to their community in any way?
Are they cruelty-free or have vegan options?
Do they have a small line of products vs. coming out with products all the time?
Do I often see their products being used in paid partnerships with well-known beauty influencers?
Do their products include harmful ingredients?
Are they a small-owned brand vs. being owned by a larger corporation?
What is the brands mission or their "why"?
With love and brushes,


Earlier this month, famed environmentalist David Suzuki was interviewed by the French newspaper L’Express. When asked about Australian environmentalists’ concerns that continued population growth would be unsustainable for that country, Suzuki said:
Oh, I think Canada is full too! Although it’s the second largest country in the world, our useful area has been reduced. Our immigration policy is disgusting: We plunder southern countries by depriving them of future leaders, and we want to increase our population to support economic growth. It’s crazy! (July 1, 2013)
His comments did not go down well with our then Minister of Immigration, Jason Kenney, who tweeted the following, “Suzuki's views are toxic & irresponsible”. (July 10, 2013)
A flurry of media articles then followed. In an Ottawa Citizen article about Kenney’s tweet, the reporter commented, “Name-calling, someone once said, is the last refuge of the intellectually bankrupt”. (July 13, 2013) Sun News was even more blunt, calling Suzuki’s remarks “stupid”. (July 15, 2013) The public also commented. In a letter to the editor (Ottawa Citizen July 16, 2013), one person called Suzuki, “… not only wrong, but misguided”. Another letter said “Bless prominent environmentalist David Suzuki for daring to question Canada’s immigration emperor’s “wardrobe”… it is high time indeed to reframe the immigration debate away from predominately quantitative argument to its qualitative implications of economic, environmental, social, cultural and demographic concerns."
I followed the debate with much interest. Frankly, I don’t understand the arguments concerning the environmental impact of immigration. Moving people from one country to another just shifts the geographical location of the impact those people are having on the environment. They are simply burning fossil fuels in Canada instead of their country of birth. Immigration has no impact on the total world’s population and the effect of that population on the environment.
But Suzuki and his proponents have a point regarding the social impact of immigration. How are third world countries affected when we lure their best and brightest to Canada? What impact is immigrant settlement, which is primarily to Canada’s largest cities, having on those cities?
I’d love to hear your views on this debate. Send me an email!


Samui Summer Jazz 2022 a resounding success
Celebrated international and Thai jazz and world music artists play to packed houses at some of the island’s leading 5-star resorts and beach clubs
(Koh Samui, Thailand – June 20, 2022) — The return to Koh Samui of its celebrated annual jazz festival following an 8-year hiatus was a declared resounding success by organizer SKÅL International Koh Samui and its partners, with all 6 venues sold-out to an appreciative audience of jazz fans earlier this month.
Top international jazz and world music performers from the Netherlands, USA and Thailand gathered on the island from June 7-12 as part of an Asia tour, to entertain packed houses at some of the island’s leading 5-star resorts and beach clubs.
The Samui weather played ball and sold-out shows included Thai and expatriate locals, as well as domestic and international tourists.
Headlining the week-long Samui Summer Jazz Festival 2022 was the New York Round Midnight Orchestra which kicked things off at the celebrated Woo Bar at the W Resort Koh Samui. The band was joined on stage by local Thai celebrity and festival artistic director Koh Mr. Saxman while W owner, Khun Sunny welcomed the performers and audience to the debut night of the festival. Proceeds from the night’s Lucky Draw were donated to the Sisters on Samui [SOS] Foundation, a partner of SKÅL International Koh Samui in presenting the festival.
Next up was one of the island’s newest resorts, U Samui where Paul van Kessel performed a dinner show of easy listening classics by the likes of Frank Sinatra in a chilled, beachfront setting.
A short walk down the beach saw the whole group of international artists joined by 10 local artists in a free ‘jam session’ at the popular beachside music venue Secret Garden where people danced until way after midnight to a sensational sound.
Cool new beach club SEEN saw the dynamic Dutch trumpeter Saskia Laroo and her Jazz band playing ‘Jazz Meets Hip Hop’ to a delighted crowd who danced against the spectacular palm-fringed backdrop of Chaweng Beach.
The stunning beachfront lawns of the Sala Chaweng were the scene of an outstanding session by award-winning sax supremo Ben van den Dungen and his quartet jazz featuring celebrated jazz vocalist American Deborah Carter. Well known for their swinging, danceable, blues style, the audience soaked up a special evening of feel-good sounds on a beautiful balmy Samui evening.
Meanwhile, the island’s celebrated Santiburi Resort overlooking Maenam Beach served up a sumptuous buffet-style dinner as tenor powerhouse Alexander Beets and his Quintet accompanied by Thailand’s own Koh Mr. Saxman, entertained guests to an outstanding show in one of the island’s most celebrated island paradises.
The final event was held at the stunning Melia Koh Samui on Choeng Mon Beach which saw over 200 guests enjoying the resort’s popular Sunday Buffet lunch to the sounds of jazz vocalist and double-bassist Natalie Schaap accompanied by Thailand’s Koh Mr. Saxman who together presented timeless jazz classics. At the grand finale, all artists gathered on stage to the delight of the crowd, with people dancing on the beach and around the pool to the fabulous jazz music.
Following the show, musicians and guests took off on the island’s sensational party cruiser ‘Nauti Beats’ for a fabulous sunset jazz cruise to official close the festival.
Commenting on the week’s events, Jane Soergel, Acting President of SKÅL Samui and Chairman of the Samui Summer Jazz Festival organising committee said, “We’re absolutely delighted that we did our musical guests proud here in Samui. It was a long shot after several challenging years but once things got underway, many people who enjoyed the first shows came back for more attending all shows in the end. All venues were ultimately sold out to a fantastic audience of local and international jazz enthusiasts, it was a great atmosphere for the island.”
Meanwhile, Alexander Beets, leader of the group of 20 musicians said he and his colleagues were … “absolutely delighted to be back in Samui playing their music in one of the world’s most beautiful settings.”
On the back of this year’s success, plans are already in the pipeline for a reprise next year.
Thanks went to the key sponsors without which it would not have been possible, including, Imagine Samui, Brother Thailand, Ferma Lights, Nauti Beat and ContineWM.
Summing up the six-night festival,Vincent Vichit-Vadakant said, “It was fantastic to see an international event of this caliber on Samui. The quality and variety of the music on offer was top class. Congratulation to the organizer SKAL International Koh Samui and its partners and sponsors on pulling something like this off just as things are starting to get back to normal..”
(Koh Samui, Thailand July 23, 2022) — The recent ‘Samui Summer Jazz Festival 2022 held in June and organised by SKÅL International Koh Samui, has donated Thai Baht 100,000 to its charity partner, the Sisters on Samui Foundation (SOS).
Funds raised through ticket sales, venues, generous sponsors and the musicians themselves contributed to this donation.
The Samui Summer Jazz Festival 2022 ran from June 7-12 and featured a line-up of top jazz and world music artists from the Netherlands and USA, performing alongside Thai jazz celebrities at some of the island’s leading 5-star beachfront resorts and clubs.
Hailed as a resounding success, with over 500 residents and visitors enjoying sold-out concerts over 6 nights, the music festival was making a return to Samui after a hiatus of 8 years. This initiative is part of the SKÅL International Koh Samui – www.rediscoversamui.com tourist promotion campaign.
Alexander Beets, a renowned Dutch tenor saxophonist and leader of the group of 18 guest artists said, “Not only were we delighted to be back in Samui playing in one of the world’s most beautiful settings, I am proud that we were also able to make a contribution to this wonderful community through SOS.”
SOS ambassador Yvonne Roberts responded by saying, “We are grateful to our partner SKÅL International Koh Samui for the opportunity to collaborate on this fabulous event. This amazing donation will go a long way towards the work we do to help the underprivileged people of Samui.”
Meanwhile, hotel GM Jane Soergel, Acting President of SKÅL Samui and Chairman of the Samui Summer Jazz Festival organising committee said: “We are delighted that we did our musical guests proud here in Samui and deeply grateful to them for their commitment to making this event an enormous success for Koh Samui. This outcome makes me proud we were able to pull this off after a difficult couple of years for the island.”
Special thanks also to key sponsors without which it would not have been possible, including, Imagine Samui, Brother Thailand, Ferma Lights, Nauti Beat and ContineWM.
On the back of this year’s success, plans are already underway for a reprise of the Samui Summer Jazz Festival in 2023!
In 2010, as celebration of the first Samui Jazz Festival, Koh Mr Saxman recorded an album together with the Dutch Saxophone Quartet Artvark, the trio Peter Beets and Alexander ‘The Hurricane’ Beets. The album contains several songs from the kings songbook. The organization and the musicians received appreciation from the Royal Palace for this initiative in 2011.
The Samui Jazz Week brings both Thai and International Jazz players together to share their love for this music on stage. During the week there also will be blend concerts, workshops, children concerts and beach concerts for the local community of Samui.


It is very exciting and meaningful for me to present “Story of a Young Pianist” in Newport, one of my most beloved places to play in the world.
This is a celebration of my new CD release, “Polonaise-Fantasie, Story of a Pianist,” a hybrid of recital and autobiographical monologue. It is my hope that, in sharing this story, I offer audiences a glimpse into a life of a performing musician, as well as into my very personal story – the story that makes me the artist I am today.
Five years ago, when I was pregnant with my son Nathaniel, I started writing down vivid memories of my childhood in Odessa, the former Soviet Union, and of immigration to the US. Gradually, these started to take the shape of a book about a life in music. At that time, I was living in NYC, performing, and curating my series, Music/Words, where poets read between musical performances. Poetry inspired me for as long as I can remember, and influenced my first CD (Sound of Verse, MSR Classics.) I hadn’t written in years. It was profoundly satisfying to be writing once again.
A few years later, after I had moved to Los Angeles to head the piano department at UCLA, the chapters of the book found their way into the hands of one Cynthia Comsky, an incredible producer and magnificent lady. She insisted that I use them to create a recital-monologue. Many of the memories described in the book had musical pieces inexorably connected to them. I chose pieces that had been with me since childhood, as well as those that found their way into my repertoire, to connect and illuminate the narrative. The format, play-read-play-read, echoes the format of my Music/Words programs, where the poems and the music create an arch that is, hopefully, emotionally resonant. Cameron Watson, a brilliant director, directed me and wonderful actress Rebecca Mozo, in a performance of the work at the Ebell of Los Angeles, in 2015, just a few months after my daughter Frida was born.
I know that I am the artist that I am now, partially thanks to growing up in the Odessa of the past – seven people in a three-room apartment, surrounded by books, music, ideas and friends (one of whom is Misha. You will meet him in the story. He is my husband and the father of my two children).
Recording this story, and this music, is the most personal project I have ever done.
I dedicate the recording to my family: my parents, Irene and Simon Faliks, who were brave enough to leave when they did; my husband and best friend, then and now Misha Shpigelmacher; and my two children, Nathaniel and Frida Shpigelmacher.
I dedicate this performance to all who have left a home behind, in search of a better life.


DearMKE is a love letter to Milwaukee from Milwaukeeans.
The project began with 14 authentic, unscripted documentaries by Milwaukee film makers and has expanded to include photos, experiences, memories, and stories shared by locals.
The brand was in need of a refresh to correspond with the launch of their mobile and social-friendly website, so I worked with the project's leaders at Visit Milwaukee to create a custom logo and brand elements that would grow with the initiative over time.
Ready to begin your project?
Fill out the contact form to get started!


Discovery Life Pays Out R12 Billion
On 8 June 2022, Business Day issued a report that Discovery Life had paid out a record-breaking R11.79 billion on claims in 2021 for those belonging to their various life scheme plans.
A large portion of the total amount, 9.1 billion to be exact, was paid out on claims for the 10 000 members for incidents relating to severe illness, funeral benefits, disability as well as death.
Discovery have since issued a statement indicating that the total amount of life cover claims it paid out in the year 2021 was just shy of three times the amount paid out in the year 2020. This number of claims was greatly associated with the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating effects it has had on the lives of our people.
Discovery Life’s collected data has also pinpointed frightening trends in areas such as mental health among its members. In 2021 alone, they noted an 18% increase in suicides. Discovery paid out R405 million in claims all relating to behavioural and mental conditions, as well as suicides.
With the virus being so contagious, many are still afraid of being out in closed and public spaces, fearing that they might catch the virus not knowing how their body will react. This has been an extremely mentally and physically challenging time for many.
This article was first published in:
Check Out Our Facebook Here: https://www.facebook.com/XpedientMBS
Check Out Our Partners here: https://xpedient.co.za/our-partners/


Poor vision while driving motor vehicle is one of the significant reasons for tragic accidents on Highways. On this National Road Safety Week (11th to 17th January), MGEHRI conducts an exclusive eye check-up camp for drivers to reduce road crash casualties and mortality.
Recognising Road Traffic Accidents as the leading cause of death, Mahatma Gandhi Eye Hospital & Research Institute in association with R.T.O, Balasore has called for a joint effort to facilitate safe driving on National Highways.
An eye screening camp, specially for drivers, is organized at Shergarh Toll gate, Balasore. Senior Optometrist Sarbeswar Das and Kanaklata Naik have teamed up to check the visual acuity and eye-sight of drivers commuting through the toll gate.


Nestled in the heart of Ontario, Canada, lies the picturesque Georgian Bay, a region celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and abundant aquatic life. Among the numerous fishing opportunities it offers, one species stands out as a favorite among anglers – the crappie. Crappie fishing in Georgian Bay has garnered a reputation as an exhilarating and rewarding experience for both seasoned anglers and novices alike. In this article, we will delve into the world of crappie fishing in Georgian Bay, exploring the species, the best techniques, and why this region is a true sportsperson’s paradise.
Crappie: The Catch of Choice
Before diving into the specifics of crappie fishing in Georgian Bay, let’s get acquainted with the star of the show – the crappie. The two primary species of crappie found in Georgian Bay are the black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and the white crappie (Pomoxis annularis). These fish are characterized by their distinctively marked bodies, with dark vertical bars along their sides, giving them their common name.
Crappie are renowned for their delicious, flaky white flesh and are a popular target for anglers seeking both a thrilling fishing experience and a delectable meal. While crappie can be found throughout the year in Georgian Bay, they are especially active during the spring and fall, making these seasons the prime time for crappie fishing.
The Thrill of the Chase
Fishing for crappie in Georgian Bay offers an exhilarating experience for anglers of all skill levels. These fish are known for their voracious appetites and can be found in various habitats, including submerged structures, weed beds, and rocky shorelines. The challenge lies in finding their precise location, which often involves a bit of detective work.
One of the most effective techniques for crappie fishing in Georgian Bay is jigging. Anglers use small jigs, typically adorned with soft plastic bait or live minnows, to entice crappie into biting. This method requires patience and finesse, as crappie can be quite finicky. The feeling of a subtle nibble followed by the sudden surge of excitement as you set the hook is what keeps anglers coming back for more.
Georgian Bay’s Diverse Habitat
One of the primary reasons why Georgian Bay is a crappie fishing haven is its diverse aquatic habitat. The bay offers an array of environments that crappie thrive in, making it an ideal location for pursuing these elusive fish. From rocky points to submerged logs and weed beds, the bay’s underwater landscape provides ample hiding spots and feeding grounds for crappie.
During the spring, crappie migrate to shallow waters for spawning, making it an excellent time to target them. Anglers can explore the bay’s bays, inlets, and marshy areas where crappie gather to reproduce. This seasonal movement adds an exciting dimension to the sport, as it involves tracking their migration patterns and adjusting your fishing tactics accordingly.
Regulations and Conservation
While crappie fishing in Georgian Bay is undeniably rewarding, it’s crucial to adhere to local fishing regulations and practice responsible angling. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry sets guidelines on catch limits, size restrictions, and closed seasons to ensure the sustainability of crappie populations.
Catch-and-release practices are highly encouraged, especially for larger specimens that may be key to the continuation of healthy populations. Conservation efforts are vital to preserving the natural balance of the ecosystem, which is not only important for the future of crappie fishing but for the overall health of Georgian Bay’s aquatic life.
The Joys of Georgian Bay
Beyond the thrill of crappie fishing, Georgian Bay offers a plethora of experiences for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The bay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, which are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Its rugged shorelines are dotted with stunning vistas, providing endless opportunities for hiking and exploration. Camping enthusiasts can also find a range of campgrounds and backcountry sites for a truly immersive experience in this natural paradise.
Georgian Bay is not only a place for fishing but also a destination for those seeking serenity and connection with the great outdoors. Its tranquil beauty and vibrant wildlife make it a cherished gem in Ontario’s natural landscape.
Crappie fishing in Georgian Bay is a pursuit that combines the thrill of the chase with the joy of being immersed in one of Canada’s most stunning natural environments. The beauty of Georgian Bay, coupled with the challenge of tracking down and catching crappie, creates a unique and memorable angling experience. As anglers navigate the bay’s diverse habitat, they not only enjoy the sport but also contribute to the preservation of this pristine ecosystem.
So, whether you’re an avid angler seeking a new adventure or a nature enthusiast looking for a slice of paradise, Georgian Bay has it all. Crappie fishing in this captivating region is not just a hobby; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy the thrill of the catch, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.


A storm of controversy surrounds IMP 1991 Plus DOO Beograd, a Serbian entity engaged in the gold trading sector, as it faces allegations of defrauding investors, casting a shadow over its operations. Central to the unfolding drama is the firm’s CEO, whose repeated assurances to investors have failed to materialize, leaving many out of pocket and seeking justice.
IMP 1991 Plus DOO Beograd, once a promising name in the precious metals market, is now embroiled in a scandal that threatens to tarnish its reputation irreparably. Investors, lured by the prospect of lucrative returns and regular income streams, find themselves grappling with the harsh reality of broken promises and financial losses running into hundreds of thousands of euros.
The crux of the issue lies in the repeated assurances given by the company’s CEO. On numerous occasions, he has been reported to reassure investors of the safety of their investments and the certainty of their returns. However, despite these assurances, many investors remain empty-handed, their hopes dashed and their financial security compromised.
The allegations against IMP 1991 Plus DOO Beograd and its leadership paint a picture of a company that has not only failed to uphold its financial obligations but also engaged in a pattern of deception. The CEO’s assurances, now seen by many as empty promises, have led to a crisis of confidence among the investor community, with many calling for accountability and transparency.
Legal actions are now in preparation as investors seek to recover their funds and hold the company’s leadership to account. The situation underscores the importance of due diligence and regulatory oversight in international investment activities, particularly in markets as volatile as precious metals.
As the case against IMP 1991 Plus DOO Beograd unfolds, the focus remains on the actions of its CEO and the broader implications for trust and integrity in the investment world. The saga serves as a cautionary tale for investors, highlighting the risks associated with ventures that promise high returns without the necessary transparency and accountability.
Further updates on the legal proceedings and efforts to secure justice for the affected investors are anticipated. The investment community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will restore faith in the mechanisms of international trade and investment.


A poutine lover from a very young age, Yves Beaudoin has taken steps to make July 20 World Poutine Day, while reaffirming the origins of this Quebec culinary invention.
“There is a World Nutella Day, why not poutine? If there is a dish from our region that deserves a day, this is it!
Poutine has been taken to another level than the simple combination of fries, cheese and brown sauce, he said. There are chefs who have developed and improved it, it has become like a recognized dish that is no longer ordinary, it is more gastronomic. Some restaurants even offer several choices of cheeses, fries, proteins and sauces. You can now build your poutine however you want. For my part, I will therefore continue to push the cart, come what may! ”
Yves Beaudoin, author of the blog Poutine Spots, and his collaborators are committed to promoting this day every year and want global organisations to accept the new World Poutine Day. We therefore ask you, as poutine fanatics, to help us increase the visibility of the event.
This year we will be celebrating the second edition of World Poutine Day with even more participants from all over the world. We are very excited about the enthusiasm that is building around this day and we would be happy to be able to count you among us!
© World Poutine Day 2022. All rights reserved.


Skyler speaks to Ted Beneke (her boss) about some underreported income, which she found while analyzing the company’s accounting records. Initially, Ted labels this as an accounting error, but soon admits to underreporting income in an attempt to avoid paying more in income taxes. From this conversation, it’s clear that Ted purposefully engages in this illegal activity by taking into account the costs and benefits of his decisions. The scene is also useful for discussing the decline in tax receipts during a recession as well as its potential causes. Skyler also has to weigh the costs and benefits of reporting her boss (and friend) to the IRS.
In the background of the breakfast scene, a local news broadcast discusses the rapidly deteriorating American economy. This episode aired in May 2009 in the midst of the Great Recession. Interestingly, despite one of the worst time periods in American economic history, the White family seems unbothered by the news. The NBER is the agency responsible for classifying whether the economy experienced a recession, but they often don’t make the announcement until well after the recession has concluded. As a result, families often aren’t aware just how bad things will become in the middle of a recession.


I've had the distinct honor to provide many mugs to our local community radio station, KPOV, in Bend, Oregon over the past nine or ten years for pledge drive gifts. I've lost track of how many I have donated. It's got to be well north of 150 by now and it's one of the best causes I feel that my small business can donate to. All community radio stations are kept alive by countless volunteer hours contributed by some very talented and passionate people, and KPOV is no different. We are blessed in Bend to have this wonderful resource which has many wonderful programs, with local news, special interest and fantastic music shows comprising some of the offerings. (You can tune in locally at 88.9 FM, listen live online at kpov.org or you can download the free app for your mobile device or tablet.)
The mug in the photo is one of the ones I made for the 2017 spring pledge drive.
I'm proud to be a part (in a very small way) of helping our station stay on the air. The tagline at KPOV is "Radio by the people, for the people." So, do yourself and your community a favor, if you have a community radio station in your community, please help it keep going. There is truly some amazing, passionate radio going on around the country, and community radio fills a nice that commercial radio simply cannot.
This is Linda Spring, who does the Thursday morning show on The Point called Radio Active Art on KPOV. I took this shot right before she interviewed me on-air on April 27th, 2017. We had quite a blast!


As a child, I used to think of coffee as something adults drank to make them less tired and boring. I decided that I would never drink it because I didn’t want to be dependent on a stimulant to think clearly and get things done. I thought that surely there would be downsides to drinking caffeine, and that it would be silly to sacrifice my health just to feel more awake.
However, I had completely misunderstood coffee, caffeine, and their effect on the human brain. While most drugs, stimulant or otherwise, offer minimal benefits in comparison to their overwhelming side-effects, coffee is a bit of a convenient miracle. Caffeine, apart from helping you feel awake in the morning, has also been shown to improve memory and focus. Like most stimulants, it can generally improve your mood and even go so far as to help combat depression.
The unusual thing about caffeine is that while most mind-altering substances, even tame ones, can be tied to negative effects down the road coffee, however, has no known serious repercussions, so long as it is not consumed in excess. Large amounts, perhaps more than 4 or 5 cups per day, may cause stomach problems or jitters, but such experiences are not so much dangerous as they are mildly unpleasant, and can be easily remedied. While caffeine overdose is possible, the amount needed to do so is over 750 mgs, which is far too much for a person to realistically consume through simply drinking coffee. As a result, coffee is arguably the safest stimulant, and available to the average person with little hassle involved. In fact, there is more evidence to support potential health benefits as a result of coffee consumption than health risks.
While definitive evidence is difficult to obtain, studies show that coffee can potentially lower the risk of heart disease, defend against dementia, reduce a person’s risk of cancer, improve cases of patients with heart rhythms, lower the risk of stroke, and also reduce the risk of a person having type 2 diabetes or Parkinson’s disease. While such studies do not necessarily indicate that these health benefits occur as a direct result of caffeine intake, there is a correlation present, and considering most stimulants have a reputation for causing heart problems rather than helping to defend against them, coffee is a very effective method of improving mental performance with very little backlash.
While coffee may be incredibly convenient as far as stimulants are concerned, there are some downsides to regular consumption. In particular, a sudden drop in caffeine intake can cause uncomfortable sensations, such as headaches, nausea, and general lethargy. This sort of withdrawal is expected of a sudden halt of the intake of any stimulant. Luckily, in the case of caffeine, only small amounts are needed to effectively combat the withdrawal, making it easier to give up than most substances if needed. A gradual decrease in consumption should be more than effective to make sure a person can stop drinking coffee without feeling sick as a result.
Overall, coffee is an effective way to get your brain working more quickly without having it come back to bite you in the future. The way caffeine works, explained in simple terms, can be compared to removing tolls from a highway. While the brain usually has a natural sort of monitoring system charged with the task of evaluating your actions, causing pauses in your thinking process, caffeine keeps the involved receptors occupied, allowing the rest of your brain to move freely and quickly. In my humble opinion, the ability to think uninhibited is definitely worth the risk of a potential headache down the road, especially if I may be reducing my risk of heart disease in the process.


In a digital age saturated with images of sculpted bodies and fitness mantras, the #fitspo movement has taken center stage, often steering individuals toward a narrow perception of health and well-being. Amidst the flood of messages encouraging us to "push harder," "look better," and "never rest," it's time to redefine our approach to exercise. Let's explore exercise as true empowerment, an alternative narrative that celebrates the body for its strength, resilience, and individuality.
Breaking Free from #Fitspo Constraints
The #fitspo movement, short for "fitness inspiration," bombards social media with images of seemingly perfect bodies, accompanied by messages promoting extreme workout regimens and restrictive diets. While it aims to motivate, it often leaves many feeling inadequate, fostering a culture of comparison and unrealistic expectations.
True empowerment through exercise begins by breaking free from these constraints. It's about understanding that fitness is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each body is unique, and its capabilities are to be celebrated, irrespective of whether it aligns with societal norms.
Embracing Diversity and Individuality
Exercise as empowerment thrives on diversity and individuality. It's about acknowledging that bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities, and that each person's fitness journey is deeply personal. Instead of chasing a standardized ideal, individuals can embrace their unique strengths and explore activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.
Whether it's a dance class, hiking in nature, or practicing yoga, the key lies in finding what resonates with one's own body and soul. Empowerment through exercise is not about conforming but about liberating oneself from the shackles of comparison and unrealistic expectations.
Shifting the Focus to Well-Being
While #fitspo often fixates on external appearances, true empowerment through exercise shifts the focus to holistic well-being. It's about nourishing the body, mind, and spirit. Regular physical activity has been linked not only to physical health but also to improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced cognitive function.
Empowerment comes from recognizing exercise as a tool for self-care rather than punishment. It's about engaging in activities that contribute positively to mental health, fostering a sense of balance and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Cultivating a Positive Mindset
Empowerment through exercise is intrinsically tied to cultivating a positive mindset. Instead of viewing workouts as obligations, individuals can approach them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Setting realistic goals, celebrating progress, and appreciating the journey are crucial components of this paradigm shift.
Moreover, true empowerment encourages self-compassion. It involves acknowledging that rest and recovery are integral parts of a well-rounded fitness routine, and pushing the body to its limits is not a sustainable or healthy approach.
In a world inundated with unrealistic fitness ideals, the true power of exercise lies in its capacity to empower, uplift, and celebrate the diversity of the human body. By moving away from the restrictive confines of #fitspo and embracing a mindset centered on well-being, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-love, and holistic health. Let's redefine exercise not as a means to an end but as a lifelong commitment to nourishing our bodies and minds, embracing the uniqueness that makes each of us powerful in our own right.


A whopping 95 percent of Americans own a mobile phone, and nearly two-thirds have a smartphone. That extra layer of communication should keep us safer in emergency situations, says Mike Montgomery, but only if first responders can trace our calls to our locations, and if warning systems are robust enough not to fail when we need them most.
(The wildfires that ravaged California last year with insufficient warning to some residents spring to mind as an example.)
“It is mind-boggling to think that more often than not, your pizza delivery person has more accurate location information than the paramedics — especially when you consider the fact that upwards of 80% of 911 calls originate from a mobile device,” says Montgomery, who argues that the first step in resolving the communications gap is updating our wireless infrastructure — in particular by deploying a network of small-cell antennas. Read what that entails here.


With the use of aerial drones becoming more widespread and better accessible to the public, drone flying has evolved into a variety of specific fields. Whether you’re just using a cheap drone for fun or competing with a streamlined racing drone, there’s a wide variety of products out there to suit various needs. One industry that has seen a big benefit from the advent of drones is photography, and aerial photography using special drones is becoming a hot topic. How much does it cost to get pictures taken using a drone? How much would it cost to get into drone photography yourself? This article gives an overview of aerial drone photography with a focus on the financial aspect of getting the memorable shots you need.


Making the Most of Your Interviews
(on any media platform)
Online - Thursday, August 6th
1pm to 2pm Eastern Time
Landing an interview with an important spokesperson or expert or 'a great source' is a key part of any story you're working on, whether it's for a podcast, a magazine or newspaper, or that corporate content you've been asked to provide. But performing that interview and getting the most out of your subject is another skill worth developing. In this exclusive CFG webinar, join long-time interviewing trainer and fellow member Paul McLaughlin for tips on how to get 'the right stuff' out of your subjects.
Paul is one of Canada's most experienced interviewing trainers. He wrote the widely used text, Asking Questions: The Art of the Media Interview, and is the former interviewing trainer for CBC Radio and TV. An interviewer himself, he has conducted thousands of interviews for both broadcast and print over many decades. He taught interviewing as part of his many courses at the Ryerson School of Journalism and in York University's Professional Writing program.
This one-hour webinar will be conducted using the Zoom platform. It is free for Canadian Freelance Guild members and costs just $25 for non-members.
*Your link to the Zoom-webinar platform session will be sent to you shortly before the start time. Please be on time.


I know many of you may not trust some of these news outlets so I included THREE different ones that are talking about the SAME cause of Death – I know because you USE steroids to make your body “look” healthy you are clearly rotting it from the inside – Sorry but make all the excuses you want to – it wont change the facts. And Yet While I agree with you about the media outlets not knowing anything stop closing your eyes and sticking it in the sand and maybe you live to see your grand kids!
Bodybuilder who ate 10,000 calories a day and drank eight cans of energy drink died of cancer caused by years of steroid abuse
- Dean Wharmby took steroids for several years to improve his physique
- To gain weight he would also gorge on junk food and calorific snacks
- He first developed health problems when tumours were found in his liver
- Mr Wharmby, 39, stopped taking steroids and turned to natural medicine
- He continued to fight illness but it was too aggressive and he died in July
- Coroner said that his use of steroids was a ‘direct cause’ of his death
A bodybuilder, who gorged on junk food and drank eight cans of energy drink to gain weight, died of liver cancer caused by years of steroid abuse.
Fitness enthusiast Dean Wharmby, 39, from Rochdale, died in July after a five and a half year long battle with with his illness.
Obsessed with gaining size, to obtain the perfect bodybuilder’s physique, he survived on a 10,000 calorie a day diet of burgers, pizzas and bacon sandwiches – washed down with seven to eight cans of energy drink.
Scroll down for video
Popular Rochdale bodybuilder Dean Wharmby died as a ‘direct cause’ of taking steroids, inquest hears
Dean Wharmby’s misuse of anabolic steroids caused his death from liver cancer on July 19 this year, coroner Lisa Hashmi ruled
A popular body builder died as a ‘direct cause’ of taking steroids, an inquest heard.
Dean Wharmby’s misuse of anabolic steroids caused his death from liver cancer on July 19 this year, coroner Lisa Hashmi ruled.
The inquest was told fitness fan Dean, 39, of Brookland Street, from Rochdale’s Buersil area, first developed health problems in 2010, when multiple tumours were found in his liver.
The fitness enthusiast, who had been taking steroids for several years, later developed liver cancer with the drugs cited as the ‘direct cause’ of his death by Mrs Hashmi.
His partner Charlotte Rigby said that when she first met Dean eight years ago, she had suspicions he had used steroids because of his muscular build, but said when they got together in 2010, he was trying to stop taking the drugs.
A fitness fanatic who ate 10,000 calories a day and drank eight cans of energy drink to bulk up, died of liver cancer caused by ‘misusing’ steroids for years.
Dean Wharmby, 39, from Rochdale, died on July 19 as a ‘direct cause’ of taking steroids, an inquest heard. He had been battling liver cancer for five and a half years.
The inquest heard that Dean was obsessed with gaining size in order to get the perfect bodybuilder’s physique.
His daily diet included burgers, pizzas and bacon sandwiches, along with seven to eight cans of energy drink. The dad of one also took anabolic steroids to help sculpt his muscles.
Speaking at his inquest, coroner Lisa Hashmi said that Dean’s death should act as a reminder to people of the dangers of using steroids.
She said: ‘I find on the balance of probabilities that in such a fit, health-conscious young man the most probable cause of his liver tumours was the misuse of anabolic steroids.
‘To my mind, there is a direct, causal link with Dean’s death.’
Ms Hashmi added: ‘I would urge all those using and abusing such drugs to reconsider their position and ask whether it is really worth it given the life-threatening risks.’
Dean had been a body builder for 20 years before he became ill and at his biggest, he was 20 stone.


The month of March 2020, will go down as one of the most volatile and also one of the worst performing months in the short history of digital assets. On March 12th the S&P 500 recorded one of the quickest declines in prices ever and ended up losing about 9.5% on that day alone. The following 15 hours saw most digital assets losing value in the region of 50%. The beginning of the month was looking up after the sell-offs in February, with ETH close to regaining 10%, however that didn’t last long. Around March 8th assets across the board went on a nosedive.
The initial drop wiped out about 10-20% of value for most projects, however the fall a few days later was of even larger magnitude. During that time we can see that volatility has spiked to levels that are rarely seen, even in the crypto markets. The 15 hours after the S&P started falling led to one of the biggest drops in the recent months, with some attributing this to rumours about a wire being unplugged at BitMex. Others blame it on the heavy leverage offered on some crypto exchanges, potentially resulting in cascading margin call liquidations. In either case major liquidations happened during those times with many of them heavily leveraged. It is common to have leverage in traditional finance as well, however most of the time that leverage is in the 2-3x region with only a select few brokers offering higher leverage. However, in crypto it has become the norm to see leverage in the 50x or even 200x region.
Many traders use leverage to increase their upside potential, but a large number are not managing the downside properly. In times of extreme volatility, many get wiped out and will see their positions liquidated, starting a frenzy of sell-offs from like-minded traders. The amount of leveraged positions on Bitcoin alone had spiked in mid February to about $5.4 billion with many of them being wiped out in March. It is safe to assume that traders across the board will be more careful in including leverage into their trades in the future.
Most digital assets were able to recoup some of their losses during the remainder of the month, with Bitcoin leading the recovery. Spreads widened throughout the remainder of the month as well, potentially indicating that another period of uncertainty is on the horizon. At the end of the month, BTC and XRP were the top performers, by only losing roughly 30% of their value.


In the enchanting land of Kerala, where backwaters weave tales of timeless beauty and cultural diversity, the solemn echoes of love find their resonance in the sacred symphony of Nikah. "Kerala's Nikah Melody: Love's Sacred Symphony" invites you to delve into the heart of Muslim matrimony in God's Own Country, where each ceremony is a note, and every ritual is a harmonious chord in the eternal symphony of love.
Setting the Stage:
Amidst the lush greenery, swaying palm trees, and the gentle rustle of the breeze, Kerala sets the stage for Nikah, a sacred union that transcends earthly realms. The vibrant tapestry of this coastal paradise becomes the backdrop for a celebration that marries tradition with the tranquility of nature, where love blooms like the fragrant jasmine that adorns the bride's hair.
The Prelude of Preparations:
As the sun paints the sky in hues of gold, the Nikah journey begins with meticulous preparations. "Kerala's Nikah Melody" captures the hustle and bustle of families adorned in vibrant attire, homes adorned with fragrant flowers, and the air filled with anticipation. The joyous chaos is a prelude to the sacred vows that will bind two souls in a lifelong commitment.
The Betrothed Ensemble:
In the symphony of Kerala's Nikah, the bride and groom emerge as the central notes, donned in attire that reflects both cultural elegance and religious modesty. The bride's intricate lace hijab and resplendent gown, and the groom's traditional Islamic attire, embody a perfect harmony of cultural identity and sacred solemnity.
A Spiritual Crescendo:
The heart of Kerala's Nikah is the sacred ceremony that unfolds within the walls of the mosque. "Nikah Melody" captures the spiritual crescendo as the bride and groom, surrounded by loved ones, exchange vows under the watchful gaze of Allah. The Imam's words become a melody, resonating with the divine blessings that sanctify the union.
The Melodic Exchange of Rings:
As the couple exchanges rings, "Kerala's Nikah Melody" lingers on this poignant moment. The rings, shimmering with significance, are not just tokens of material value but symbols of the eternal circle of love and commitment. The melodies of joy and anticipation echo in the air, uniting hearts and sealing fates.
The Symphony of Thalak and Dua:
The symphony continues with the Thalak, a ceremonial gesture where the groom lovingly unveils his bride, revealing her beauty to the world. "Nikah Melody" immerses in the moment of profound symbolism as the groom, guided by tradition, unveils the beauty that lies within the sacred commitment they have undertaken. The heartfelt Dua, or prayer, becomes a soothing refrain, seeking blessings for the couple's journey ahead.
The Eclat of Wedding Feast:
Following the solemn ceremony, "Kerala's Nikah Melody" transitions to the celebratory eclat of the wedding feast, where flavors dance and aromas mingle in a gastronomic celebration. The Sadhya, a delectable array of dishes served on banana leaves, becomes a feast for the senses. Guests partake in the communal dining experience, strengthening bonds and celebrating the union with joyous hearts.
Thalappoli: A Dance of Joy:
As the symphony reaches its zenith, the Thalappoli dance emerges as a joyful crescendo. "Nikah Melody" captures the grace of women clad in traditional attire, swaying in unison to the rhythmic beats. The Thalappoli becomes a visual expression of joy, symbolizing the collective happiness that envelops the gathering.
The Crescendo of Joyous Traditions:
Beyond the formalities, "Kerala's Nikah Melody" explores the joyous traditions that follow. From the playful stealing of the groom's shoes to the endearing exchanges of gifts, each moment is a playful note in the grand symphony of Kerala's Nikah celebrations. Laughter, camaraderie, and the spirit of togetherness weave seamlessly into the melody.
A Harmonious Union of Families:
In Kerala's Nikah, the union is not just between two individuals but a harmonious blending of families. "Nikah Melody" captures the warmth of familial bonds, as elders bestow blessings upon the newlyweds, and younger generations contribute to the festive atmosphere with their exuberance.
Preserving Cultural Harmony:
As the final notes of Kerala's Nikah symphony linger, there is a profound acknowledgment of the role this sacred ceremony plays in preserving cultural harmony. The rituals, customs, and joyous traditions are not just a celebration of love but also a testament to the unity in diversity that defines Kerala's cultural landscape.
"Kerala's Nikah Melody: Love's Sacred Symphony" is more than a glimpse into the rituals of Muslim matrimony; it is an invitation to witness the depth of love and cultural richness that envelops this sacred union. In God's Own Country, where nature and tradition coalesce, Kerala's Nikah stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of love—a melody that resonates through time, echoing the sacred vows exchanged under the watchful eyes of Allah.


Welcome to this wiki. This wiki is about the new TV show Aquarius that is premiering January 1st. If you have new information about this show, please contribute to this wiki.
It's 1967 and the era of free love, drug experimentation and Vietnam is in full effect. When the teenage daughter of a respected lawyer goes missing, LA Police Sergeant Sam Hodiak (David Duchovny, "Californication," "The X-Files") starts asking around. He soon discovers that the hippie kids he's questioning don't take kindly to cops, especially one with hair as short as his. Needing the help of someone they trust, he partners with rebellious undercover cop Brian Shafe, a man who's more comfortable rolling a joint than patrolling a beat. It's not long before they stumble upon a small-time cult leader seeking out vulnerable women to join his cause. From there, they follow this man's trail down a rabbit hole of drugs, sex, murder and cultural revolution. Little could they know, however, the guy they're hunting will eventually become the killer we now recognize as Charles Manson. He was a lost soul who desperately wanted to get into the music scene of the '60s until something snapped. This is the show that will explore the cat-and-mouse game between him and the police, which will go on for several seasons ultimately ending with the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders.
THIS TEXT IS FROM: http://www.nbc.com/aquarius
Are you looking forward to the show?