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Monday, September 26, 2011
Diamond Valley Community Parade of Garage Sales
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
Hear ye, hear ye, Diamond Valley businesses and residents! It's time to start going through your closets, basements and garages! Put aside those things that you can no longer use but that someone else would be thrilled to pick up for a bargain...and get ready for the annual Diamond Valley Community – Parade of Garage Sales.
The 2011 event will be better than ever. Building on last year's incredible turnout, be ready for the massive crowds of bargain hunters roaming the streets of Turner Valley and Black Diamond on October 1st looking for bargains.
Anyone wanting to register their sale can download the registration form from turnervalley.ca or town.blackdiamond.ab.ca
When completed return the registration form to the Turner Valley Municipal office, 223 Main Street N.E., Turner Valley, before noon on Tuesday, September 20th.
A list of participating addresses will be available online at turnervalley.ca and town.blackdiamond. ab.ca and as a feature in the September 27th edition of the Gateway Gazette.
Hear ye, hear ye, Diamond Valley businesses and residents! It's time to start going through your closets, basements and garages! Put aside those things that you can no longer use but that someone else would be thrilled to pick up for a bargain...and get ready for the annual Diamond Valley Community – Parade of Garage Sales.
The 2011 event will be better than ever. Building on last year's incredible turnout, be ready for the massive crowds of bargain hunters roaming the streets of Turner Valley and Black Diamond on October 1st looking for bargains.
Anyone wanting to register their sale can download the registration form from turnervalley.ca or town.blackdiamond.ab.ca
When completed return the registration form to the Turner Valley Municipal office, 223 Main Street N.E., Turner Valley, before noon on Tuesday, September 20th.
A list of participating addresses will be available online at turnervalley.ca and town.blackdiamond. ab.ca and as a feature in the September 27th edition of the Gateway Gazette.
From My Bookshelf....by Lynn Willoughby
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
Prayers for Sale - Sandra Dallas
I have reviewed Dallas before and any of you who are quilters will especially like this book. I enjoyed it, but it was certainly missing the twisted plot, hidden agendas and unlikely consequences of "The Chile Queen".
This is the tale of two women trying to survive in the high country of the Rocky Mountains in a Colorado mining town. Hennie is in her eighties, but is drawn to the new comer, seventeen year old Nit Spindle, who is grieving the loss of a stillborn baby.
It is an unlikely friendship, but the two are kindred spirits who can share secrets, the pleasures of hiking and wildflowers and a love of quilting. Nit is desperately lonely, but once Hennie invites her to join The Tenmile Quilters, she is totally accepted into the little group.
Hennie's good heart has led her to enable many people to survive and continue their little lives in Middle Swan. She accepts and includes the store keeper's wife, who once had made her living at "the hook house;" she buys more winter coats from the Sears catalogue than anyone, and passes them on as "outgrown by my daughter Mae." She is generous in donating gifts of food, home made from her limited resources. She is wise and giving and forgiving - not always easy after 86 years of hard living.
This is "comfort fiction - like mac n' cheese or chicken pot pie...to be savoured and enjoyed." - Sherri Caldwell
The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag - Alan Bradley
I reviewed "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" - a first novel for Bradley and I said I couldn't wait for the next book. Here it is and I am not disappointed. This is a wonderful mystery with a plot that keeps you on your toes - in the style of Agatha Christie or Elizabeth George. However, Flavia de Luce - the bright centre of these novels, is only eleven.
"Bradley has once again created an engaging, whimsical, twisting tale that rewards readers...Flavia is...the sort of heroine that is too rare in fiction today; utterly realistic, yet compelling, larger than life." Edmonton Journal
Flavia hears a woman crying and finds her lying face down in the cemetery. She is the assistant and lover of master puppeteer Rupert Porson, whose van has broken down. The vicar persuades them to mount a pair of puppet shows for the villagers, and to make enough money to repair the van. Flavia is drafted as the 'gopher'. so is at the heart of all the action.
We have in this novel - a German prisoner of war who has decided to stay and make his home in England, a crazy woman who lives in the woods, a marijuana gro-op, a farm woman who worked in British Intelligence during WWII, the death of a five year old who hanged himself, an over zealous vicar and various other colourful characters, including the de Luce family and their staff. How could this not be the stuff of a great summer mystery?
This Canadian author plans to focus on Flavia de Luce novels after taking an early retirement. I'm delighted, and ready for the next read.
Who Knew?
Fraternization between German POWs and the local population was strictly forbidden in England during the war. When that ban was lifted - just in time for Christmas 1946, many people chose to put the war behind them and invited the POWs to join them for a family Christmas. 24,000 POWs decided to stay and make Britain their home.
Prayers for Sale - Sandra Dallas
I have reviewed Dallas before and any of you who are quilters will especially like this book. I enjoyed it, but it was certainly missing the twisted plot, hidden agendas and unlikely consequences of "The Chile Queen".
This is the tale of two women trying to survive in the high country of the Rocky Mountains in a Colorado mining town. Hennie is in her eighties, but is drawn to the new comer, seventeen year old Nit Spindle, who is grieving the loss of a stillborn baby.
It is an unlikely friendship, but the two are kindred spirits who can share secrets, the pleasures of hiking and wildflowers and a love of quilting. Nit is desperately lonely, but once Hennie invites her to join The Tenmile Quilters, she is totally accepted into the little group.
Hennie's good heart has led her to enable many people to survive and continue their little lives in Middle Swan. She accepts and includes the store keeper's wife, who once had made her living at "the hook house;" she buys more winter coats from the Sears catalogue than anyone, and passes them on as "outgrown by my daughter Mae." She is generous in donating gifts of food, home made from her limited resources. She is wise and giving and forgiving - not always easy after 86 years of hard living.
This is "comfort fiction - like mac n' cheese or chicken pot pie...to be savoured and enjoyed." - Sherri Caldwell
- The Chile Queen
- Alice's Tulips's
- Buster Midnight's Cafe
The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag - Alan Bradley
I reviewed "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" - a first novel for Bradley and I said I couldn't wait for the next book. Here it is and I am not disappointed. This is a wonderful mystery with a plot that keeps you on your toes - in the style of Agatha Christie or Elizabeth George. However, Flavia de Luce - the bright centre of these novels, is only eleven.
"Bradley has once again created an engaging, whimsical, twisting tale that rewards readers...Flavia is...the sort of heroine that is too rare in fiction today; utterly realistic, yet compelling, larger than life." Edmonton Journal
Flavia hears a woman crying and finds her lying face down in the cemetery. She is the assistant and lover of master puppeteer Rupert Porson, whose van has broken down. The vicar persuades them to mount a pair of puppet shows for the villagers, and to make enough money to repair the van. Flavia is drafted as the 'gopher'. so is at the heart of all the action.
We have in this novel - a German prisoner of war who has decided to stay and make his home in England, a crazy woman who lives in the woods, a marijuana gro-op, a farm woman who worked in British Intelligence during WWII, the death of a five year old who hanged himself, an over zealous vicar and various other colourful characters, including the de Luce family and their staff. How could this not be the stuff of a great summer mystery?
This Canadian author plans to focus on Flavia de Luce novels after taking an early retirement. I'm delighted, and ready for the next read.
Who Knew?
Fraternization between German POWs and the local population was strictly forbidden in England during the war. When that ban was lifted - just in time for Christmas 1946, many people chose to put the war behind them and invited the POWs to join them for a family Christmas. 24,000 POWs decided to stay and make Britain their home.
Faith Forum ~ Belief By Gloria Wessner
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
When it comes to talking about God, the word 'belief' is an action word. With God, one won't be able to sit on the fence forever when it comes to believing or not believing in Him. At some point along one's spiritual journey, a person will be making that choice about God. (When a person 'sits on the fence', they have in fact chosen not to believe at that point. By not making a choice, one has in essence made a choice through indifference.) Not head knowledge about God, but heart knowledge of Him. There is a huge difference. Many, if not the majority of people when asked, would say they believe in God. If you ask them to expand on that thought, it's usually a generalized belief that says,”Yeah, I believe there is a God.” That's often as far as it goes. Heart knowledge of God says, “I believe in God, I've given myself to Him, and I'm going to find out how He wants me to live.” Heart knowledge also knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that you or I belong to Him and He lives right inside me. If one seriously wants to believe in something or someone, they will do something about it.
One of the ironic things is that God, right from the beginning of time, believes in us. So much so, that:
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16, 17 NLT)
What he is asking of us is to reciprocate that and believe in Him, as he encourages us to do here:
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24 NIV)
Or, put in other words:
"It's urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living.” (John 5:24 The Message)
As this saying from dictionary.com says: “After all, the great enemy of belief isn't disbelief but indifference.” Are you ready to move from indifference to belief or are you wanting to find out further about a serious life (heart knowledge) with God? Feel free to write Gloria at: gloriawes@hotmail.com.
When it comes to talking about God, the word 'belief' is an action word. With God, one won't be able to sit on the fence forever when it comes to believing or not believing in Him. At some point along one's spiritual journey, a person will be making that choice about God. (When a person 'sits on the fence', they have in fact chosen not to believe at that point. By not making a choice, one has in essence made a choice through indifference.) Not head knowledge about God, but heart knowledge of Him. There is a huge difference. Many, if not the majority of people when asked, would say they believe in God. If you ask them to expand on that thought, it's usually a generalized belief that says,”Yeah, I believe there is a God.” That's often as far as it goes. Heart knowledge of God says, “I believe in God, I've given myself to Him, and I'm going to find out how He wants me to live.” Heart knowledge also knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that you or I belong to Him and He lives right inside me. If one seriously wants to believe in something or someone, they will do something about it.
One of the ironic things is that God, right from the beginning of time, believes in us. So much so, that:
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16, 17 NLT)
What he is asking of us is to reciprocate that and believe in Him, as he encourages us to do here:
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24 NIV)
Or, put in other words:
"It's urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living.” (John 5:24 The Message)
As this saying from dictionary.com says: “After all, the great enemy of belief isn't disbelief but indifference.” Are you ready to move from indifference to belief or are you wanting to find out further about a serious life (heart knowledge) with God? Feel free to write Gloria at: gloriawes@hotmail.com.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Gardens Galore: Pattern Makes Perfect by Karen Brewka
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
Last spring, I noticed that my species tulip (Tulipa tarda) was getting crowded in its cluster. The flowers were smaller than before. So, this fall, I'm going to dig up the cluster. They are just in front of the chives so I have an idea where to dig. I'm going to replant them in three to five new clusters, depending on how many bulbs I find.
I'll have to prepare the new planting locations by digging deep, adding some compost or peat moss and mixing the soil well. I'll screw the bulbs into their new locations at a depth of about three times the length of the bulb. They'll have to be watered in well after transplanting and then mulched. If squirrels or cats were a problem, I'd lay down some chicken wire on the mulch and stake it in place. The wire would have to be moved off as the tulipas grow in the spring as they grow tighter to the ground than most bulbs and the wire would inhibit growth.
But, where am I going to plant these new clusters? Tulipa tarda doesn't look as awful while the foliage is dying back as daffodils and regular tulips do. So, they can be closer to the front of a bed. They bloom later than regular tulips so look good with grape hyacinth. I know where some of the grape hyacinth are so I'll transplant some around the tulipa bulbs. Maybe some chives need to be transplanted, too. But, I'll move the chives in the spring.
What I'll try to do is set up a pattern with the bulb clusters so the eye is drawn along a line in the flower bed. Creating patterns in our beds is fun. We can make patterns with colour: yellow, blue, purple, blue, yellow, blue, purple, blue, yellow, etc. We can make patterns with size: small, medium, large, medium, small, medium, large, etc. And texture: fine, medium, coarse, medium, fine, medium, coarse, etc.
The rhythm created by pattern can be expressed on the drawing board with symbols:
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The symbols represent plants. Creating patterns in our flower beds include the dimensions of space and time and can span seasons. Way too much fun for the thoughtful gardener!
In this case, I have a cluster of tulipa tarda (yellow colour, coarse texture, medium height) with bits of grape hyacinth poking up beside the clusters (blue colour, fine texture, short height), interspersed with a background of chives (purple colour, medium texture, tall height), relatively. And. I'll have three to five of these combinations in a wavy line near the front of my corner flower bed.
The Valley Neighbors Garden Club welcomes new members. For information call Bea at 403–933–7131. The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. For information call Sheila at 403–931–3989.
Last spring, I noticed that my species tulip (Tulipa tarda) was getting crowded in its cluster. The flowers were smaller than before. So, this fall, I'm going to dig up the cluster. They are just in front of the chives so I have an idea where to dig. I'm going to replant them in three to five new clusters, depending on how many bulbs I find.
I'll have to prepare the new planting locations by digging deep, adding some compost or peat moss and mixing the soil well. I'll screw the bulbs into their new locations at a depth of about three times the length of the bulb. They'll have to be watered in well after transplanting and then mulched. If squirrels or cats were a problem, I'd lay down some chicken wire on the mulch and stake it in place. The wire would have to be moved off as the tulipas grow in the spring as they grow tighter to the ground than most bulbs and the wire would inhibit growth.
But, where am I going to plant these new clusters? Tulipa tarda doesn't look as awful while the foliage is dying back as daffodils and regular tulips do. So, they can be closer to the front of a bed. They bloom later than regular tulips so look good with grape hyacinth. I know where some of the grape hyacinth are so I'll transplant some around the tulipa bulbs. Maybe some chives need to be transplanted, too. But, I'll move the chives in the spring.
What I'll try to do is set up a pattern with the bulb clusters so the eye is drawn along a line in the flower bed. Creating patterns in our beds is fun. We can make patterns with colour: yellow, blue, purple, blue, yellow, blue, purple, blue, yellow, etc. We can make patterns with size: small, medium, large, medium, small, medium, large, etc. And texture: fine, medium, coarse, medium, fine, medium, coarse, etc.
The rhythm created by pattern can be expressed on the drawing board with symbols:
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The symbols represent plants. Creating patterns in our flower beds include the dimensions of space and time and can span seasons. Way too much fun for the thoughtful gardener!
In this case, I have a cluster of tulipa tarda (yellow colour, coarse texture, medium height) with bits of grape hyacinth poking up beside the clusters (blue colour, fine texture, short height), interspersed with a background of chives (purple colour, medium texture, tall height), relatively. And. I'll have three to five of these combinations in a wavy line near the front of my corner flower bed.
The Valley Neighbors Garden Club welcomes new members. For information call Bea at 403–933–7131. The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. For information call Sheila at 403–931–3989.
Household Hints By Rosemary ~ More Back to School Hints
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
Okay, so the children are on the bus and safely on their way to school, here are some more hints to make the school year easier for you and the little ones.
Have a designated in-box for school papers and communications, make sure it's in a convenient place and remind the children to put their daily papers in it.
Keep an extra box of supplies such as erasers, coloured pencils, markers, lined paper, geometry sets, at home for homework. Handy if the school supplies have been forgotten in class and also keeps down the amount of weight and items the children have to carry.
Save a couple of 35mm canisters to put in change for lunches, and extras, easier to find in a backpack.
Punch a couple of holes in a plastic zip bag and place it in a three ring binder for school supplies such as glue sticks, pencils, pens, post-it notes, etc. It won't hold a lot, but is handy and easier to carry specific supplies to class.
Hang a check list at the front door with reminders for lunch, the homework for the days classes, gym clothes, signed permission slips, etc. In the same area hang up the school calendar schedule so they, and you, can review what will be needed and done that day. Get the children in the habit of reading it before they leave home and maybe this good habit will continue into higher grades.
Under the check list and calendar at the front door put up pegs to hang the back packs on, make sure they're well anchored for the weight; keeps them tidy, handy and easy to grab on the way out in the morning.
When packing lunch for the children tuck in some wet wipes, enough so that they can clean their hands before and after eating.
If possible have a separate hamper for school uniforms, gym clothes and anything that needs priority laundry attention. Have the children change to play clothes when they get home.
Special art projects that the children are very proud of and want to keep can be stored in a cardboard paper towel or wrapping paper tube. All other projects can be displayed in a frame, or on the fridge for a week, then tucked into an under-the-(child's)-bed container. At the end of the school year review the papers with the children and decide which artwork or paperwork is to be kept in a scrapbook or photo album for that year. Everything else, even if you wish, the special projects, can be scanned on the computer, giving you the choice to reduce them to a specific size, then saved on a compact disc. Every now and again a piece of work should be given special attention or praise, in which case it can be framed and hung in their room until they decide to change it.
I hope any or all of these organizing and time saving hints are helpful and you can use any or all to make school days easier.
Okay, so the children are on the bus and safely on their way to school, here are some more hints to make the school year easier for you and the little ones.
Have a designated in-box for school papers and communications, make sure it's in a convenient place and remind the children to put their daily papers in it.
Keep an extra box of supplies such as erasers, coloured pencils, markers, lined paper, geometry sets, at home for homework. Handy if the school supplies have been forgotten in class and also keeps down the amount of weight and items the children have to carry.
Save a couple of 35mm canisters to put in change for lunches, and extras, easier to find in a backpack.
Punch a couple of holes in a plastic zip bag and place it in a three ring binder for school supplies such as glue sticks, pencils, pens, post-it notes, etc. It won't hold a lot, but is handy and easier to carry specific supplies to class.
Hang a check list at the front door with reminders for lunch, the homework for the days classes, gym clothes, signed permission slips, etc. In the same area hang up the school calendar schedule so they, and you, can review what will be needed and done that day. Get the children in the habit of reading it before they leave home and maybe this good habit will continue into higher grades.
Under the check list and calendar at the front door put up pegs to hang the back packs on, make sure they're well anchored for the weight; keeps them tidy, handy and easy to grab on the way out in the morning.
When packing lunch for the children tuck in some wet wipes, enough so that they can clean their hands before and after eating.
If possible have a separate hamper for school uniforms, gym clothes and anything that needs priority laundry attention. Have the children change to play clothes when they get home.
Special art projects that the children are very proud of and want to keep can be stored in a cardboard paper towel or wrapping paper tube. All other projects can be displayed in a frame, or on the fridge for a week, then tucked into an under-the-(child's)-bed container. At the end of the school year review the papers with the children and decide which artwork or paperwork is to be kept in a scrapbook or photo album for that year. Everything else, even if you wish, the special projects, can be scanned on the computer, giving you the choice to reduce them to a specific size, then saved on a compact disc. Every now and again a piece of work should be given special attention or praise, in which case it can be framed and hung in their room until they decide to change it.
I hope any or all of these organizing and time saving hints are helpful and you can use any or all to make school days easier.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Life of An Artist ...with a new laptop
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
So, here I sit on my deck writing my article on my new laptop! And I find myself wondering if it will also become attached to me like my Blackberry has. I plan to use it not only for my articles and documents, but also as another professional art tool, as I am way overdue. The last two art books I purchased both had tips on how to complete a pencil drawing with Photoshop. The art world is a very fast paced, cut throat place and I'm allowing myself to be left behind. I must accept the challenge and use my talents for good and not evil. Right? Or is it better to be feared?
You see, I worry that we humans will become so attached to our gadgets, the convenience of them and the gratification of the light speed results they represent - will actually be the downfall of our existence. Sounds a bit alarmist… but have you seen 'Escape from L.A.'? 'Wall-e'? 'Demolition Man'? 'I-Robot'? What are these writers trying to tell us? I would say it's pretty clear. As we get more and more dependent on our 'social devices', will we eventually become less and less attached to our real social world of family and friends? As an artist, technology means so much more than social networking and efficiency. Historically art-making had everything to do with the connection between the artist and their product/medium. Digital art is stunning and it has the ability to get a message across to the viewer with little exertion and extreme efficiency. The problem arises when ownership is questioned. I had a grade twelve student submit one particular digital piece as part of her entrance portfolio to university. The jury asked her to substantiate the claim that the work is in fact of her own creation. Anxiously, she came to her teacher, me, for help. I suggested she submit the pencil sketches from her sketchbook, and instead of emailing them her reply, I told her to call and speak to them directly. She did both, but her parents ended up flying her to Victoria so she could address the full jury in person. Due to her dedication to honesty, she was accepted.
RobiN Thibodeau
allseasonchick@gmail.com
So, here I sit on my deck writing my article on my new laptop! And I find myself wondering if it will also become attached to me like my Blackberry has. I plan to use it not only for my articles and documents, but also as another professional art tool, as I am way overdue. The last two art books I purchased both had tips on how to complete a pencil drawing with Photoshop. The art world is a very fast paced, cut throat place and I'm allowing myself to be left behind. I must accept the challenge and use my talents for good and not evil. Right? Or is it better to be feared?
You see, I worry that we humans will become so attached to our gadgets, the convenience of them and the gratification of the light speed results they represent - will actually be the downfall of our existence. Sounds a bit alarmist… but have you seen 'Escape from L.A.'? 'Wall-e'? 'Demolition Man'? 'I-Robot'? What are these writers trying to tell us? I would say it's pretty clear. As we get more and more dependent on our 'social devices', will we eventually become less and less attached to our real social world of family and friends? As an artist, technology means so much more than social networking and efficiency. Historically art-making had everything to do with the connection between the artist and their product/medium. Digital art is stunning and it has the ability to get a message across to the viewer with little exertion and extreme efficiency. The problem arises when ownership is questioned. I had a grade twelve student submit one particular digital piece as part of her entrance portfolio to university. The jury asked her to substantiate the claim that the work is in fact of her own creation. Anxiously, she came to her teacher, me, for help. I suggested she submit the pencil sketches from her sketchbook, and instead of emailing them her reply, I told her to call and speak to them directly. She did both, but her parents ended up flying her to Victoria so she could address the full jury in person. Due to her dedication to honesty, she was accepted.
RobiN Thibodeau
allseasonchick@gmail.com
Travel Tracks by Dave Heron ~ I'll take seats for $1,000, Alex!
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
No question - given the choice, a Business or First Class seat trumps an Economy Class seat every time. The ability to get in and out of the thing without the use of coconut oil and a shoe horn speaks volumes as to the benefits. And when the gods of reward points smile upon me with an upgrade opportunity, it's a happy day.
Let me digress for a minute with a bit of background information.
My brother Mike is one of those semi gifted people when it comes to technological gadgets. In the early 90's he developed a search engine for mere mortals looking for jokes and related gags.
Unfortunately, he called it Giggle, and as the name wasn't taken seriously, it went nowhere.
I on the other hand am considered a tad challenged when it comes to tech gizmos. The only reason I upgraded from VCR to DVD was due to not being able to stop the damn thing blinking 12:00 after 6 years.
I now have 4 remotes and still wind up getting out of the chair to hit the button on the big screen and only manage to switch away from the Discovery Channel when my wife enters the room and I suggest she switch to something she wants to see.
We recently had the opportunity to upgrade to the "lie flat" comfort of Business Class on a 9 hour overnight flight. Having tolerated more than my fair share of overnight flights where the fully reclined economy seat immediately in front of me served as a personal chin rest for 8 of those hours because mine wouldn't recline, I graciously accepted.
Entering the coveted cabin and settling into 3A, I have to say I was overwhelmed by the amount of legroom. About 80 inches, which if boredom were to set in would easily allow me to play tennis against the seat ahead.
Looking around at the various amenities I spot what looks suspiciously like a remote control.
Actually, it's a multi task type instrument which in addition to allowing me to order duty free and watch 90 channels of video, enables me seemingly to phone someone else on board the aircraft as long as I have their seat number.
Looking back into steerage, I mentally file away row 62C in case I want to ring him later in the flight and ask how HIS medium rare chateaubriand was.
With dinner service concluded, my charming bride in 3B gets her seat into the lie flat position and within minutes is borderline comatose.
Seems like a good idea and I fiddle with what I think should be the seat recline mechanism.
Other than my reading light flashing on and off - nothing happens.
Must be the other button.
The light stays off but within seconds a flight attendant is beside me asking if she can be of assistance.
I indicate I'm just trying to recline the seat at which point she hands me.......... THE REMOTE.
"Everything you need is controlled with this," she tells me and walks away.
How complicated can it be?
Hitting the 1st down arrow changes the audio from Bach to The Repulsive Warthog Fingers Live in Somalia and as I can't figure out how to get back to Bach, I yank the headphones and stuff them under a blanket.
The cabin lights have of course by now been dimmed and at the risk of hitting the call button again, I hold the remote toward the window where the odd strobe flash from the wingtip gives me a sense of how the remote's set up.
There's a button with what looks to be a diagram of a seat with a series of up, down, sideways and circular buttons beside it and even I can grasp that this is the one.
The instant I pressed down, I just knew I should have read the manual.
In a series of slow motion hydraulically activated shifts, 3A starts to transform itself into positions the human body was never designed to accommodate. I couldn't shake the image of Robert Downey Jr. in the film Ironman2 as this contraption began to morph into something other than a seat. As the movement stopped, I found myself in a prone position with my head some 10 inches lower than my feet and about six dollars in loose change from my pocket rolling down the aisle toward economy class.
Oops.
Maybe a little less action on the up arrow will correct things.
The feet lower, the head raises, and as this contraption also incorporates some type of ergonomic lumbar feature, the knees come up and by the time I'm done I resemble an accident victim.
I'm not brave enough to awaken my wife although the thought of phoning back to 62C crosses my mind.
Back to the gadget.
If I equalize the amount of pressure on the up button with that of the down button, I calculate it should go flat.
My feet and head are now level with each other - unfortunately my midsection is still up where my chest once was. The next maneuver brings both the head and feet up slightly, lowers the groin, and when it stops I look like the letter U.
It's time to seek assistance from my lovely bride. Problem is - I can't reach over far enough to tap her on the shoulder.
One more button.
Feet come way up, head goes way down, and I'm now laying flat albeit at a 150 degree head down incline. I'll live with it.
I know that about 40 minutes before landing the cabin crew will come over and request that all seats be returned to the upright position at which point my wife will awaken and prevent her idiot husband from creating any additional havoc. I will however look a little more closely at the seating options on future flights. If it looks like there's 80 inches of legroom, I think I'll use the additional Business Class carry on allowance and bring along my own fold up 72 inch long camp cot.
That way I can sit when sitting's called for and when the lights go out, I can stretch out with a good book and leave the damn remote as far away from temptation as possible.
Adios until next time
Dave Heron
Dave Heron is the owner and operator of: Pace Setter Travel & Tours (1995) Inc; P.O. Box 612,
70 McRae Street, Okotoks.
Tel: 403.938.5454
Toll Free: 1.800.206.7223.
Fax: 403.938.5568
Email: pacesetter@nucleus.com
No question - given the choice, a Business or First Class seat trumps an Economy Class seat every time. The ability to get in and out of the thing without the use of coconut oil and a shoe horn speaks volumes as to the benefits. And when the gods of reward points smile upon me with an upgrade opportunity, it's a happy day.
Let me digress for a minute with a bit of background information.
My brother Mike is one of those semi gifted people when it comes to technological gadgets. In the early 90's he developed a search engine for mere mortals looking for jokes and related gags.
Unfortunately, he called it Giggle, and as the name wasn't taken seriously, it went nowhere.
I on the other hand am considered a tad challenged when it comes to tech gizmos. The only reason I upgraded from VCR to DVD was due to not being able to stop the damn thing blinking 12:00 after 6 years.
I now have 4 remotes and still wind up getting out of the chair to hit the button on the big screen and only manage to switch away from the Discovery Channel when my wife enters the room and I suggest she switch to something she wants to see.
We recently had the opportunity to upgrade to the "lie flat" comfort of Business Class on a 9 hour overnight flight. Having tolerated more than my fair share of overnight flights where the fully reclined economy seat immediately in front of me served as a personal chin rest for 8 of those hours because mine wouldn't recline, I graciously accepted.
Entering the coveted cabin and settling into 3A, I have to say I was overwhelmed by the amount of legroom. About 80 inches, which if boredom were to set in would easily allow me to play tennis against the seat ahead.
Looking around at the various amenities I spot what looks suspiciously like a remote control.
Actually, it's a multi task type instrument which in addition to allowing me to order duty free and watch 90 channels of video, enables me seemingly to phone someone else on board the aircraft as long as I have their seat number.
Looking back into steerage, I mentally file away row 62C in case I want to ring him later in the flight and ask how HIS medium rare chateaubriand was.
With dinner service concluded, my charming bride in 3B gets her seat into the lie flat position and within minutes is borderline comatose.
Seems like a good idea and I fiddle with what I think should be the seat recline mechanism.
Other than my reading light flashing on and off - nothing happens.
Must be the other button.
The light stays off but within seconds a flight attendant is beside me asking if she can be of assistance.
I indicate I'm just trying to recline the seat at which point she hands me.......... THE REMOTE.
"Everything you need is controlled with this," she tells me and walks away.
How complicated can it be?
Hitting the 1st down arrow changes the audio from Bach to The Repulsive Warthog Fingers Live in Somalia and as I can't figure out how to get back to Bach, I yank the headphones and stuff them under a blanket.
The cabin lights have of course by now been dimmed and at the risk of hitting the call button again, I hold the remote toward the window where the odd strobe flash from the wingtip gives me a sense of how the remote's set up.
There's a button with what looks to be a diagram of a seat with a series of up, down, sideways and circular buttons beside it and even I can grasp that this is the one.
The instant I pressed down, I just knew I should have read the manual.
In a series of slow motion hydraulically activated shifts, 3A starts to transform itself into positions the human body was never designed to accommodate. I couldn't shake the image of Robert Downey Jr. in the film Ironman2 as this contraption began to morph into something other than a seat. As the movement stopped, I found myself in a prone position with my head some 10 inches lower than my feet and about six dollars in loose change from my pocket rolling down the aisle toward economy class.
Oops.
Maybe a little less action on the up arrow will correct things.
The feet lower, the head raises, and as this contraption also incorporates some type of ergonomic lumbar feature, the knees come up and by the time I'm done I resemble an accident victim.
I'm not brave enough to awaken my wife although the thought of phoning back to 62C crosses my mind.
Back to the gadget.
If I equalize the amount of pressure on the up button with that of the down button, I calculate it should go flat.
My feet and head are now level with each other - unfortunately my midsection is still up where my chest once was. The next maneuver brings both the head and feet up slightly, lowers the groin, and when it stops I look like the letter U.
It's time to seek assistance from my lovely bride. Problem is - I can't reach over far enough to tap her on the shoulder.
One more button.
Feet come way up, head goes way down, and I'm now laying flat albeit at a 150 degree head down incline. I'll live with it.
I know that about 40 minutes before landing the cabin crew will come over and request that all seats be returned to the upright position at which point my wife will awaken and prevent her idiot husband from creating any additional havoc. I will however look a little more closely at the seating options on future flights. If it looks like there's 80 inches of legroom, I think I'll use the additional Business Class carry on allowance and bring along my own fold up 72 inch long camp cot.
That way I can sit when sitting's called for and when the lights go out, I can stretch out with a good book and leave the damn remote as far away from temptation as possible.
Adios until next time
Dave Heron
Dave Heron is the owner and operator of: Pace Setter Travel & Tours (1995) Inc; P.O. Box 612,
70 McRae Street, Okotoks.
Tel: 403.938.5454
Toll Free: 1.800.206.7223.
Fax: 403.938.5568
Email: pacesetter@nucleus.com
Friday, September 23, 2011
Views on Vision By Dr. Charles A. Boulet
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
AlbertaConcussion.com - New Service to Help Lessen the Blow of Head Injury in Team Sports
Dr. Charles Boulet and Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond are proud and excited to launch a new service specifically designed to reduce risks associated with head trauma in amateur sports. The service, AlbertaConcussion.com, provides tools, information and training for coaches, parents and medical professionals to allow them to provide quick and accurate concussion screening measures on the sidelines. Dr. Boulet, an expert in abnormal eye movements, leads the training sessions and provides most of the content for the web site.
AlbertaConcussion.com, and its affiliated site, ConcussionDetection.com are the first stops to learning more. Interested parties can arrange for training sessions and learn how to obtain the testing materials for use with their teams or at their facility.
What is a concussion? A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding", “getting your bell rung” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. Concussions can also result from a fall or from players colliding with each other or with obstacles. The potential for concussions is greatest in athletic environments where collisions are common. Concussions can occur, however, in any organized or unorganized sport or recreational activity. As many as 400,000 sports and recreation related concussions occur in Canada each year, 10 times as many occur in the United States.
Recognizing a possible concussion: You can see a concussion happen and, unfortunately, some athletes may not report their symptoms. To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things among your athletes:
Of course, any player sustaining a significant blow to the head or showing any signs of concussion should be referred immediately for medical attention. The testing involved takes very little training, is fast and provides an objective measure to determine whether a player should be pulled from play, thereby minimizing risks associated with repeat injury.
The same techniques used in concussion testing can be applied for early detection of visual problems often associated with dyslexia and other reading concerns. More information is available at ConcussionDetection.com and
AlbertaConcussion.com.
Dr. Boulet is a former teacher and now operates Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond where he continues to work with children with learning difficulties.
Call 403-933-5552.
www.dvvc.ca and www.LearningManagement.ca.
AlbertaConcussion.com - New Service to Help Lessen the Blow of Head Injury in Team Sports
Dr. Charles Boulet and Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond are proud and excited to launch a new service specifically designed to reduce risks associated with head trauma in amateur sports. The service, AlbertaConcussion.com, provides tools, information and training for coaches, parents and medical professionals to allow them to provide quick and accurate concussion screening measures on the sidelines. Dr. Boulet, an expert in abnormal eye movements, leads the training sessions and provides most of the content for the web site.
AlbertaConcussion.com, and its affiliated site, ConcussionDetection.com are the first stops to learning more. Interested parties can arrange for training sessions and learn how to obtain the testing materials for use with their teams or at their facility.
What is a concussion? A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding", “getting your bell rung” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. Concussions can also result from a fall or from players colliding with each other or with obstacles. The potential for concussions is greatest in athletic environments where collisions are common. Concussions can occur, however, in any organized or unorganized sport or recreational activity. As many as 400,000 sports and recreation related concussions occur in Canada each year, 10 times as many occur in the United States.
Recognizing a possible concussion: You can see a concussion happen and, unfortunately, some athletes may not report their symptoms. To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things among your athletes:
- A forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head.
- Any change in the athlete's behavior, thinking or physical functioning.
Of course, any player sustaining a significant blow to the head or showing any signs of concussion should be referred immediately for medical attention. The testing involved takes very little training, is fast and provides an objective measure to determine whether a player should be pulled from play, thereby minimizing risks associated with repeat injury.
The same techniques used in concussion testing can be applied for early detection of visual problems often associated with dyslexia and other reading concerns. More information is available at ConcussionDetection.com and
AlbertaConcussion.com.
Dr. Boulet is a former teacher and now operates Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond where he continues to work with children with learning difficulties.
Call 403-933-5552.
www.dvvc.ca and www.LearningManagement.ca.
Millarville Saddle Sores
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
By Nicole Oliver, Club Reporter
Hope everyone has enjoyed a great summer. Now we are all back to school and looking forward to a new 4H year we have many events coming up starting with tack cleaning for the Foothills Therapuetic Riding Association on September 11th, followed by the 4H Stampede rodeo September 17th & 18th, then our kick off ride and registration on September 25th this should be a great year. I have to mention during the summer our members did awesome at the Regional 4H horse show in Olds - congratula-tions to all of you; I wish I could have been there with you. Now I would like to take the time to send a special thank you to UFA for sponsoring our achievement day in May, Sears for giving our club a grant and Sobey's in Okotoks for providing the food on highway clean up day. All of our sponsors are greatly appreciated.
By Nicole Oliver, Club Reporter
Hope everyone has enjoyed a great summer. Now we are all back to school and looking forward to a new 4H year we have many events coming up starting with tack cleaning for the Foothills Therapuetic Riding Association on September 11th, followed by the 4H Stampede rodeo September 17th & 18th, then our kick off ride and registration on September 25th this should be a great year. I have to mention during the summer our members did awesome at the Regional 4H horse show in Olds - congratula-tions to all of you; I wish I could have been there with you. Now I would like to take the time to send a special thank you to UFA for sponsoring our achievement day in May, Sears for giving our club a grant and Sobey's in Okotoks for providing the food on highway clean up day. All of our sponsors are greatly appreciated.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Sheep Creek Arts Council ~ Fall Classes Beginning Soon
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
Submitted by Muriel Dais
The fall classes being offered by the Sheep Creek Arts Council will be of particular interest to those who wish to begin creating in a variety of arts areas. Of the ten new classes being offered for the first time the majority have been specifically designed with beginning students in mind. They include: Beginner Decorative Painting taught by Evelyn Richmond; an introduction to Acrylic Painting instructed by Arlene Westen Evans; Karla Powell has a separate class for Beginner Belly Dancers and an "Art for Little Ones" to give toddlers and their moms a chance to be creative; Termari: Japanese Thread Balls offered by Sheila Virgo will introduce the art to beginners; Judith Cameron will use simple hand building techniques to make ceramic bottle toppers. Several of these classes will be offered as single day (Saturdays) workshops, others will be taught in a series of classes where techniques will be developed over four or more sessions. All classes will be taught in the gallery of the Sheep Creek Arts Council, located at 133 Sunset Blvd., Turner Valley.
In person registration will take place on September 15th, 2011 between 7:30 and 9:00pm. This open house provides students the opportunity to meet the instructors, see samples of their work and become familiar with the Arts Council facilities.
Several other courses will be offered on a continuing basis for students who wish to build on previous learning experiences. Decorative painting will be offered on Monday afternoons beginning on September 19th. The Scrapbook Club will recommence at 7:30pm on September 20th. The Quilt Club invites newcomers to join them on Wednesday at 10:30am on September 21st. The Knitting Club will begin again on Tuesday, September 20th at 1:00pm. The Camera Club will meet as usual, the last Tuesday evening of the month (September 29th). Karla Powell's advanced belly dance class will start again on Wednesday, September 2lst at 6pm. Vivian Wiebe will be offering two Saturday workshops, one is on Ladybugs (September 24th), the other, a snow scene with evergreens is on October 15th; as well as four classes for acrylic painters beginning Monday evening, September 19th. The Colours of Fall will be featured by Brent Laycock in a Saturday, November 5th workshop and a Christmas Outdoor Wreath will be taught by Bev Geier on another November Saturday, the 26th. Karla Powell will again be offering a dance and play class for Moms and Tots on Thursday mornings (10 to 10:30) beginning September 22nd.
The Decorative Painters Club of the Sheep Creek Arts Council is holding a Potluck on September 15th at 5:45pm. All Decorative Painters are welcome to come and see the projects for the coming fall.
Details, fees and contact phone numbers regarding these courses may be obtained from the Foothills Continuing Education Program Guide, from the website:
www.sheepcreekarts.ca or by phoning Jackie Brassard at 403-938-2032.
Submitted by Muriel Dais
The fall classes being offered by the Sheep Creek Arts Council will be of particular interest to those who wish to begin creating in a variety of arts areas. Of the ten new classes being offered for the first time the majority have been specifically designed with beginning students in mind. They include: Beginner Decorative Painting taught by Evelyn Richmond; an introduction to Acrylic Painting instructed by Arlene Westen Evans; Karla Powell has a separate class for Beginner Belly Dancers and an "Art for Little Ones" to give toddlers and their moms a chance to be creative; Termari: Japanese Thread Balls offered by Sheila Virgo will introduce the art to beginners; Judith Cameron will use simple hand building techniques to make ceramic bottle toppers. Several of these classes will be offered as single day (Saturdays) workshops, others will be taught in a series of classes where techniques will be developed over four or more sessions. All classes will be taught in the gallery of the Sheep Creek Arts Council, located at 133 Sunset Blvd., Turner Valley.
In person registration will take place on September 15th, 2011 between 7:30 and 9:00pm. This open house provides students the opportunity to meet the instructors, see samples of their work and become familiar with the Arts Council facilities.
Several other courses will be offered on a continuing basis for students who wish to build on previous learning experiences. Decorative painting will be offered on Monday afternoons beginning on September 19th. The Scrapbook Club will recommence at 7:30pm on September 20th. The Quilt Club invites newcomers to join them on Wednesday at 10:30am on September 21st. The Knitting Club will begin again on Tuesday, September 20th at 1:00pm. The Camera Club will meet as usual, the last Tuesday evening of the month (September 29th). Karla Powell's advanced belly dance class will start again on Wednesday, September 2lst at 6pm. Vivian Wiebe will be offering two Saturday workshops, one is on Ladybugs (September 24th), the other, a snow scene with evergreens is on October 15th; as well as four classes for acrylic painters beginning Monday evening, September 19th. The Colours of Fall will be featured by Brent Laycock in a Saturday, November 5th workshop and a Christmas Outdoor Wreath will be taught by Bev Geier on another November Saturday, the 26th. Karla Powell will again be offering a dance and play class for Moms and Tots on Thursday mornings (10 to 10:30) beginning September 22nd.
The Decorative Painters Club of the Sheep Creek Arts Council is holding a Potluck on September 15th at 5:45pm. All Decorative Painters are welcome to come and see the projects for the coming fall.
Details, fees and contact phone numbers regarding these courses may be obtained from the Foothills Continuing Education Program Guide, from the website:
www.sheepcreekarts.ca or by phoning Jackie Brassard at 403-938-2032.
Getting Educated In Technology at Sheep River Library
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
Do you sometimes feel like a salmon swimming upstream in the river of ever changing technology? As soon as we have figured out a new piece of equipment be it a cell phone, I-pod or computer it all changes. Never fear! You are not alone. The Sheep River Library has several courses designed to help you navigate your way around this technological whirlpool. On Monday September 26th come to our E-reader open house with Alison from Marigold. From 1-3pm, you can play around with a few different E-readers and learn about how they work and which ones are best for downloading library books. To follow this up, there will be a TRACpac and Overdrive Orientation on Sept 29th at 7pm. Learn how to use your computer to reserve titles, renew books and access E-resources. Classes on the Internet, on line language learning and other computer basics are being held in October. Details are in our flyer, on our website and in the Continuing Education brochure.
If you want a break from speeding along the internet highway and you prefer more traditional modes of travel come hear Marlis Haage at our Terrific Tuesday Talk on September 27th at 2pm. She will be sharing her stories from The Route less Travelled about Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Turkmen-istan and Iran.
If learning about different cultures intrigues you come to the Dogtooth Mountain Film Group movie nights on the 3rd Monday of every month. This is a great opportunity to see films from around the world that are not available in mainstream theatres. September 19's offering is a screening of Okuribito (Departures) from Japan. This film will be shown with our new projector and sound system which we were able to purchase with a generous donation from the Okotoks Rotary Club.
The library is always adding to its collection and over the summer many new titles have found their way to our shelves. In anticipation of the arrival of our new telescope in October, we have greatly expanded our astronomy section to include books on exploring the solar system with binoculars, guides on astronomy and constellations and even a rather frightening title: Death From the Skies! You will have to come and take it out if you want to know the nine different ways our planet could be destroyed. (It's not just science fiction, you know).
If we haven't all been blasted away by an asteroid impact or burned up in a solar flare by October 1st, make plans to come down to the library for Flower Power. In our gallery room we will have a multi-media display of flower art featuring paintings, quilts and photographs. Join us from 10:00am to 2:00pm for a kids' class on making flower headbands, a demonstration on making a floral quilt and flower cake decorating.
The first PD day for the year is September 23rd. Don't forget to sign your child up for a fun-filled and informative day at the Library. The Pharmasave Friday Movie begins at 10:30 followed by a talk at 1:30 on Bees and Bugs by Alexandria Farmer from Mount Royal University. We look forward to seeing you at the library. In the VERY near future we will be on Facebook and Twitter. Follow the links on our Website. Remember, if you live in Black Diamond, Turner Valley or the surrounding area a single person can still purchase a membership for $10 (or $20 for a family) for a year. This is less than the cost of buying 2 paperback books!
Do you sometimes feel like a salmon swimming upstream in the river of ever changing technology? As soon as we have figured out a new piece of equipment be it a cell phone, I-pod or computer it all changes. Never fear! You are not alone. The Sheep River Library has several courses designed to help you navigate your way around this technological whirlpool. On Monday September 26th come to our E-reader open house with Alison from Marigold. From 1-3pm, you can play around with a few different E-readers and learn about how they work and which ones are best for downloading library books. To follow this up, there will be a TRACpac and Overdrive Orientation on Sept 29th at 7pm. Learn how to use your computer to reserve titles, renew books and access E-resources. Classes on the Internet, on line language learning and other computer basics are being held in October. Details are in our flyer, on our website and in the Continuing Education brochure.
If you want a break from speeding along the internet highway and you prefer more traditional modes of travel come hear Marlis Haage at our Terrific Tuesday Talk on September 27th at 2pm. She will be sharing her stories from The Route less Travelled about Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Turkmen-istan and Iran.
If learning about different cultures intrigues you come to the Dogtooth Mountain Film Group movie nights on the 3rd Monday of every month. This is a great opportunity to see films from around the world that are not available in mainstream theatres. September 19's offering is a screening of Okuribito (Departures) from Japan. This film will be shown with our new projector and sound system which we were able to purchase with a generous donation from the Okotoks Rotary Club.
The library is always adding to its collection and over the summer many new titles have found their way to our shelves. In anticipation of the arrival of our new telescope in October, we have greatly expanded our astronomy section to include books on exploring the solar system with binoculars, guides on astronomy and constellations and even a rather frightening title: Death From the Skies! You will have to come and take it out if you want to know the nine different ways our planet could be destroyed. (It's not just science fiction, you know).
If we haven't all been blasted away by an asteroid impact or burned up in a solar flare by October 1st, make plans to come down to the library for Flower Power. In our gallery room we will have a multi-media display of flower art featuring paintings, quilts and photographs. Join us from 10:00am to 2:00pm for a kids' class on making flower headbands, a demonstration on making a floral quilt and flower cake decorating.
The first PD day for the year is September 23rd. Don't forget to sign your child up for a fun-filled and informative day at the Library. The Pharmasave Friday Movie begins at 10:30 followed by a talk at 1:30 on Bees and Bugs by Alexandria Farmer from Mount Royal University. We look forward to seeing you at the library. In the VERY near future we will be on Facebook and Twitter. Follow the links on our Website. Remember, if you live in Black Diamond, Turner Valley or the surrounding area a single person can still purchase a membership for $10 (or $20 for a family) for a year. This is less than the cost of buying 2 paperback books!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Longview School - Let Learning Soar
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
What a great way to start the new school year with an opening day assembly and continental breakfast! The excitement and enthusiasm for the start of the school year from the students, parents and staff is amazing! It is obvious that this is going to be another spectacular year at Longview School!
A Great Big Welcome is extended to all the new students and parents who have joined our Longview School family this year! Thank you to all the parents that attended our opening day assembly and to our special guests who sent us well wishes for a fabulous year including Mr. Jerry Muelaner, School Board Trustee; Mr. Stacey Meyer, Assistant Superintendent; Mr. Ivor McCorquindale, Mayor of the Village of Longview and Michele Geistlinger, Longview ARC Society-Chair and Longview ACE Team Leader.
Parents are more than welcome to join us in enjoying our very entertaining Talent Show and Share Showcase on Friday, September 9th from 2:10 to 3:10pm. We celebrate the many talents of our students by giving them the opportunity to share these talents with the other students.
The Terry Fox Hill Climb will be held on Thursday, September 22nd starting at 12:30pm and everyone is encouraged to join the fun and make a donation! Donation jars are in each of the classrooms.
The grade 5/6 Outdoor Ed trip to Sandy McNabb will be held September 14th to 16th. All students will participate in an Outdoor Ed day at Sandy McNabb on September 16th which will include a variety of activities and fun for students and parents.
Our Autumn Open House will be held on Tuesday, September 20th from 4 to 6pm. Parents will have the opportunity to meet the teachers and learn more about class and school programs and activities, the Longview School Handbook, the Alberta Education Parent Handbook, Curriculum at a Glance, the Learner Profile and Student Achieve and the Overview of Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting of Student Learning. The School Council AGM will follow the Open House from 6:00 to 7:30pm. Your attendance and support is always greatly appreciated.
What a great way to start the new school year with an opening day assembly and continental breakfast! The excitement and enthusiasm for the start of the school year from the students, parents and staff is amazing! It is obvious that this is going to be another spectacular year at Longview School!
A Great Big Welcome is extended to all the new students and parents who have joined our Longview School family this year! Thank you to all the parents that attended our opening day assembly and to our special guests who sent us well wishes for a fabulous year including Mr. Jerry Muelaner, School Board Trustee; Mr. Stacey Meyer, Assistant Superintendent; Mr. Ivor McCorquindale, Mayor of the Village of Longview and Michele Geistlinger, Longview ARC Society-Chair and Longview ACE Team Leader.
Parents are more than welcome to join us in enjoying our very entertaining Talent Show and Share Showcase on Friday, September 9th from 2:10 to 3:10pm. We celebrate the many talents of our students by giving them the opportunity to share these talents with the other students.
The Terry Fox Hill Climb will be held on Thursday, September 22nd starting at 12:30pm and everyone is encouraged to join the fun and make a donation! Donation jars are in each of the classrooms.
The grade 5/6 Outdoor Ed trip to Sandy McNabb will be held September 14th to 16th. All students will participate in an Outdoor Ed day at Sandy McNabb on September 16th which will include a variety of activities and fun for students and parents.
Our Autumn Open House will be held on Tuesday, September 20th from 4 to 6pm. Parents will have the opportunity to meet the teachers and learn more about class and school programs and activities, the Longview School Handbook, the Alberta Education Parent Handbook, Curriculum at a Glance, the Learner Profile and Student Achieve and the Overview of Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting of Student Learning. The School Council AGM will follow the Open House from 6:00 to 7:30pm. Your attendance and support is always greatly appreciated.
Oilfields High School ~ Welcome Families of Oilfields!
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It's already September and another school year is into full swing! Whether you are a brand new family to our school or preparing to be part of the graduating class of 2012, we are delighted to have you as part of the Oilfields learning community.
To start, we would like to remind everyone of the changes to the school calendar and bell times for the school year. With the modified calendar, school and system development days will be occurring about every other Friday. These days will give our staff a greater opportunity to work together and develop professionally. On days when classes are occurring on Friday, classes will go until 3:21pm. For more information please check our website: oilfields.fsd38.ab.ca.
We also have some new faces on our staff that I would like to briefly welcome. Mrs. Christine Crane, will be sharing her workload between Oilfields and Education Plus, teaching Senior Sciences. Mr. Robert Gallacher is joining us from Education Plus in High River and will be teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies. Mr. Chase Sillito is joining us from Highwood High School and will be teaching Humanities and Social Studies. Mr. Gord Pedscalny is joining us from C. Ian McLaren and will be teaching in our Quest Program. Mrs. Tanis Klein, a recent graduate from the University of Calgary, will be teaching Foods and Fashion as well as Home Economics. Mr. Aaron Mouser is also joining us to teach our HUB and BEST programs. Finally, Mr. David Toews is joining us from Jack James High School in Calgary to teach Industrial Education. We are very excited about the new members of the Oilfields team, please stop in and introduce yourself to our new staff.
The school year has just begun and there is already a lot going on at Oilfields. Fall athletics are underway, featuring Boys and Girls Volleyball, Flag Football and Cross Country Running. Come out and cheer on your Drillers as we start another fantastic year of athletics. Our Quest program is starting their year with a four-day expedition at Camp Horizon. We are looking forward to another outstanding year of Quest experiences. On September 18th, the Dryland Sailors head out for their expedition on the West Coast; it should be an amazing experience. Finally, mark September 29th in your calendar, as we will be having a Meet the Teacher Night at the school from 5:30-7:30. Please come out and meet the staff and see what your children have been up to during the first month of school.
On a final note, we would like to remind everyone about the importance of regular communication between school and home. In the coming weeks, login information will be made available for Students' Achieve (Grades 7-8) and Maplewood (Grades 9-12). Both Maplewood and Students' Achieve allow you regular access to your child's academic progress and attendance. Also, we will continue sending information regarding upcoming dates and events through a regular mass-email. If you would like to receive these emails, please ensure that Carol Gauzer in the office has a current email address. Our school website:
(oilfields.fsd38.ab.ca) is also a valuable source of information to keep up-to-date on the happenings of our school. We strive to keep the information on our webpage as current and accurate as possible. Finally, when in doubt, please feel to call the school or pop into the office if you have any questions about Oilfields.
Once again, we would like to welcome everyone to another exiting year at Oilfields!
Yours in Learning,
Scott Carey
Cynthia Glaicar
It's already September and another school year is into full swing! Whether you are a brand new family to our school or preparing to be part of the graduating class of 2012, we are delighted to have you as part of the Oilfields learning community.
To start, we would like to remind everyone of the changes to the school calendar and bell times for the school year. With the modified calendar, school and system development days will be occurring about every other Friday. These days will give our staff a greater opportunity to work together and develop professionally. On days when classes are occurring on Friday, classes will go until 3:21pm. For more information please check our website: oilfields.fsd38.ab.ca.
We also have some new faces on our staff that I would like to briefly welcome. Mrs. Christine Crane, will be sharing her workload between Oilfields and Education Plus, teaching Senior Sciences. Mr. Robert Gallacher is joining us from Education Plus in High River and will be teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies. Mr. Chase Sillito is joining us from Highwood High School and will be teaching Humanities and Social Studies. Mr. Gord Pedscalny is joining us from C. Ian McLaren and will be teaching in our Quest Program. Mrs. Tanis Klein, a recent graduate from the University of Calgary, will be teaching Foods and Fashion as well as Home Economics. Mr. Aaron Mouser is also joining us to teach our HUB and BEST programs. Finally, Mr. David Toews is joining us from Jack James High School in Calgary to teach Industrial Education. We are very excited about the new members of the Oilfields team, please stop in and introduce yourself to our new staff.
The school year has just begun and there is already a lot going on at Oilfields. Fall athletics are underway, featuring Boys and Girls Volleyball, Flag Football and Cross Country Running. Come out and cheer on your Drillers as we start another fantastic year of athletics. Our Quest program is starting their year with a four-day expedition at Camp Horizon. We are looking forward to another outstanding year of Quest experiences. On September 18th, the Dryland Sailors head out for their expedition on the West Coast; it should be an amazing experience. Finally, mark September 29th in your calendar, as we will be having a Meet the Teacher Night at the school from 5:30-7:30. Please come out and meet the staff and see what your children have been up to during the first month of school.
On a final note, we would like to remind everyone about the importance of regular communication between school and home. In the coming weeks, login information will be made available for Students' Achieve (Grades 7-8) and Maplewood (Grades 9-12). Both Maplewood and Students' Achieve allow you regular access to your child's academic progress and attendance. Also, we will continue sending information regarding upcoming dates and events through a regular mass-email. If you would like to receive these emails, please ensure that Carol Gauzer in the office has a current email address. Our school website:
(oilfields.fsd38.ab.ca) is also a valuable source of information to keep up-to-date on the happenings of our school. We strive to keep the information on our webpage as current and accurate as possible. Finally, when in doubt, please feel to call the school or pop into the office if you have any questions about Oilfields.
Once again, we would like to welcome everyone to another exiting year at Oilfields!
Yours in Learning,
Scott Carey
Cynthia Glaicar
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Longview Link ~ Longview's “Xtreme Makeover” Seeks Volunteers and Donations
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Longview is lucky to have dedicated volunteers like Jubilee and Saje Muraski. On the last long weekend of summer when everyone was off searching for that last camping experience, Saje and Jubilee were holding a village yard sale. Many residents donated items for the sale and stopped by to pick up a few items. The amazing thing about this is that Saje and Jubilee donated all proceeds to the playground build that we are working towards. As of Sunday evening on the long weekend our hard working pair was able to donate $230.00 to the playground fund. Due to the 50/50 match we are receiving from the “Let Them Be Kids” award this donation automatically becomes $460.00 towards our equipment! Bravo to both Jubilee and Saje and everyone who donated goods or funds to the sale. The children of Longview thank you for caring.
We need to see more of this kind of community fund raising over the coming weeks as we approach our build day scheduled for Saturday, October 15th. Please sign up now if you plan on volunteering that day. Go to our website at www.longview.ltbk.ca and click on the sign up now button. It will take you directly to a simple sign up page which will take only a minute to fill out. By signing up you will get regular email updates on how we are progressing.
We have a big fund raiser for the playground scheduled to take place in conjunction with Alberta Arts Days. There will be free family events and displays at the Longview School on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, September 30th and October 1st. The Longview ARC Society will be hosting “A Night of Foolishness” at 6pm on Saturday, October 1st at the Longview Community Hall which is located on Morrison Road beside the Twin Cities Hotel. The event will be a celebration of local talent including a cowboy poet, a revised rendition of an old Joplin tune and much more! There will be a meal and a silent auction and all profits will go to the playground build! Tickets are $20.00 and will be available starting September 13th at the Village office and through local ARC members or call Michele at 403-558-2158. Tickets are limited so please get yours early so you are not disappointed.
Please remember this is a fund raiser to help build our kids a new, safe, modern playground and to purchase skate park equipment for the rink as well as fitness equipment geared to every age for Centennial Park. Let's show Alberta (and our kids) what the residents of Longview can do when we all work together for a common cause!
Longview is lucky to have dedicated volunteers like Jubilee and Saje Muraski. On the last long weekend of summer when everyone was off searching for that last camping experience, Saje and Jubilee were holding a village yard sale. Many residents donated items for the sale and stopped by to pick up a few items. The amazing thing about this is that Saje and Jubilee donated all proceeds to the playground build that we are working towards. As of Sunday evening on the long weekend our hard working pair was able to donate $230.00 to the playground fund. Due to the 50/50 match we are receiving from the “Let Them Be Kids” award this donation automatically becomes $460.00 towards our equipment! Bravo to both Jubilee and Saje and everyone who donated goods or funds to the sale. The children of Longview thank you for caring.
We need to see more of this kind of community fund raising over the coming weeks as we approach our build day scheduled for Saturday, October 15th. Please sign up now if you plan on volunteering that day. Go to our website at www.longview.ltbk.ca and click on the sign up now button. It will take you directly to a simple sign up page which will take only a minute to fill out. By signing up you will get regular email updates on how we are progressing.
We have a big fund raiser for the playground scheduled to take place in conjunction with Alberta Arts Days. There will be free family events and displays at the Longview School on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, September 30th and October 1st. The Longview ARC Society will be hosting “A Night of Foolishness” at 6pm on Saturday, October 1st at the Longview Community Hall which is located on Morrison Road beside the Twin Cities Hotel. The event will be a celebration of local talent including a cowboy poet, a revised rendition of an old Joplin tune and much more! There will be a meal and a silent auction and all profits will go to the playground build! Tickets are $20.00 and will be available starting September 13th at the Village office and through local ARC members or call Michele at 403-558-2158. Tickets are limited so please get yours early so you are not disappointed.
Please remember this is a fund raiser to help build our kids a new, safe, modern playground and to purchase skate park equipment for the rink as well as fitness equipment geared to every age for Centennial Park. Let's show Alberta (and our kids) what the residents of Longview can do when we all work together for a common cause!
Longview Library Literally Speaking
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Hi there everyone! Welcome to another season at the library. Joan, our librarian, has plans for lots of programs and workshops over the coming winter months. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements of these events on the bulletin board at the village office. Don't forget our hours of operation are 10am to 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 12 to 7pm on Wednesdays. Our phone number is 403-558-3927.
The Seniors Crib players will meet every Thursday afternoon at 2pm beginning September 12th in the library. Feeding Tiny Tummies will be held Tuesday, September 20th as a Video-conference. This will be of special interest to young mothers and maybe grandmas.
We had a very successful used book sale at the Arts and Music Festival in August. We were in the tent with the artists, which was very special. Look for us again next year at that very spot.
Some books I enjoyed over the summer months. Say When by Elizabeth Berg. It is the story of a middle aged couple contemplating divorce. It is wry, wise and peppered with brilliant insights. Their seven year old daughter is portrayed with compassion and warmth. It is a moving story of a phenomenon that is gripping our society and shows the far reaching effects of divorce on so many people in the family. Berg is the winner of the 1997 New England Booksellers award.
Another is Summer Friends by Holly Chamberlin. It is a moving story about the reunion of two childhood friends who grew up on the coast of Maine and are now in their mid-forties. The reunion prompts them to reflect upon their choices and compromises that they have made down through the years. They think about what they have become and what they want to be. This book will strike a chord with every woman.
We have a brand new, beautifully furnished room at the library. It is to be used for programs, video-conferences, meetings and social events. Please drop by and have a look! Erika Smith is to be credited with most of the planning and work getting this off the ground. Thank you Erika!
Happy Reading
Sylvia Binkley
Hi there everyone! Welcome to another season at the library. Joan, our librarian, has plans for lots of programs and workshops over the coming winter months. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements of these events on the bulletin board at the village office. Don't forget our hours of operation are 10am to 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 12 to 7pm on Wednesdays. Our phone number is 403-558-3927.
The Seniors Crib players will meet every Thursday afternoon at 2pm beginning September 12th in the library. Feeding Tiny Tummies will be held Tuesday, September 20th as a Video-conference. This will be of special interest to young mothers and maybe grandmas.
We had a very successful used book sale at the Arts and Music Festival in August. We were in the tent with the artists, which was very special. Look for us again next year at that very spot.
Some books I enjoyed over the summer months. Say When by Elizabeth Berg. It is the story of a middle aged couple contemplating divorce. It is wry, wise and peppered with brilliant insights. Their seven year old daughter is portrayed with compassion and warmth. It is a moving story of a phenomenon that is gripping our society and shows the far reaching effects of divorce on so many people in the family. Berg is the winner of the 1997 New England Booksellers award.
Another is Summer Friends by Holly Chamberlin. It is a moving story about the reunion of two childhood friends who grew up on the coast of Maine and are now in their mid-forties. The reunion prompts them to reflect upon their choices and compromises that they have made down through the years. They think about what they have become and what they want to be. This book will strike a chord with every woman.
We have a brand new, beautifully furnished room at the library. It is to be used for programs, video-conferences, meetings and social events. Please drop by and have a look! Erika Smith is to be credited with most of the planning and work getting this off the ground. Thank you Erika!
Happy Reading
Sylvia Binkley
Monday, September 19, 2011
The Legacy Community Foundation
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Legacy Oil + Gas Inc. (“Legacy”) and the Town of Okotoks are pleased to announce the formation of The Legacy Community Foundation (the “Foundation”), a non-profit organization created to benefit the communities where Legacy operates within the Sheep River and Highwood River drainage areas. The mission of the Foundation is to assist with funding projects aimed at promoting education, health, recreation and the environment in the communities in which Legacy does business.
The Foundation has formed an advisory committee with representatives from the Towns of Okotoks, Black Diamond and Turner Valley, the Village of Longview and the MD of Foothills. These members will assist the Foundation in achieving its goals by identifying needs and concerns within these communities as well as identifying community initiatives for funding that meet the Foundation's mission.
“Legacy is committed to the well-being of the communities where we operate and being a good neighbor to those communities through understanding and supporting their needs.” said Trent Yanko, President and CEO of Legacy. Mayor Bill Robertson added “We appreciate Legacy assisting us with our water license needs and that the agreement also provides additional benefits to the citizens of these communities in the foothills.” Legacy agreed to donate their water license in the Turner Valley area to the Town of Okotoks in exchange for a donation receipt in June 2010. Legacy and the Town agreed that equivalent funds in the amount of $1 million would be paid to the Foundation, a non-profit organization created and managed with Legacy's assistance. Appointments to the advisory committee have been made and the Foundation is now ready to begin its analysis of community needs, which is expected to take several months. Organizations with funding needs may contact their municipality office to obtain an information package.
Legacy Oil + Gas Inc. (“Legacy”) and the Town of Okotoks are pleased to announce the formation of The Legacy Community Foundation (the “Foundation”), a non-profit organization created to benefit the communities where Legacy operates within the Sheep River and Highwood River drainage areas. The mission of the Foundation is to assist with funding projects aimed at promoting education, health, recreation and the environment in the communities in which Legacy does business.
The Foundation has formed an advisory committee with representatives from the Towns of Okotoks, Black Diamond and Turner Valley, the Village of Longview and the MD of Foothills. These members will assist the Foundation in achieving its goals by identifying needs and concerns within these communities as well as identifying community initiatives for funding that meet the Foundation's mission.
“Legacy is committed to the well-being of the communities where we operate and being a good neighbor to those communities through understanding and supporting their needs.” said Trent Yanko, President and CEO of Legacy. Mayor Bill Robertson added “We appreciate Legacy assisting us with our water license needs and that the agreement also provides additional benefits to the citizens of these communities in the foothills.” Legacy agreed to donate their water license in the Turner Valley area to the Town of Okotoks in exchange for a donation receipt in June 2010. Legacy and the Town agreed that equivalent funds in the amount of $1 million would be paid to the Foundation, a non-profit organization created and managed with Legacy's assistance. Appointments to the advisory committee have been made and the Foundation is now ready to begin its analysis of community needs, which is expected to take several months. Organizations with funding needs may contact their municipality office to obtain an information package.
Nanton Resident Receives Most Votes In My Alberta Southwest Video Contest
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Phillip Lacoste's winning video about miniature trains received 1,300 votes.
With votes from around the world, Phillip LaCoste, 16, won the My Alberta SouthWest Video Contest top prize with his submission titled Ultimate Trains. Accepting the prize on Phillip's behalf will be his father, Mr. Guy LaCoste, at a presentation in Nanton on September 7th.
Lacoste's short video captures the day in the life of a miniature train. When asked why he chose Ultimate Trains as the location for his video, LaCoste says, “Without a car, I couldn't get around to a lot of places in the region and the Garden Railway was a visually cool place to shoot a video.”
With the help of family and friends in the Nanton area and as far away as Montreal, Japan, Korea and Egypt, Lacoste received 1,300 votes. “We had a fun time contacting people we knew,” says LaCoste. “I used my Facebook account. I used my cell phone. My parents emailed all their work friends. Together, we emailed friends across the country and my dad even invited the provincial and national train model associations to vote.”
As for what inspired him to enter the contest, LaCoste explains it was his passion for video editing. The 16-year-old has a knack for IT and computer work and can now add videography to the list. Regarding his son's accomplishments, Phillip's dad, Guy LaCoste says, “I'm proud of what Phillip can do with video editing. He enjoys the challenge and wants to make 'over the top' videos.”
Lacoste plans to use the $1,000 in prize money to buy graphic design software and save the rest for school. When asked which of the prizes he plans to experience first, he said the Waterton Shoreline Cruise was at the top of his list.
The My Alberta SouthWest Video Contest began June 20th, 2011, an initiative of the Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance. The contest invited residents of Alberta to submit a video to “Show us your Alberta SouthWest”. Bev Thornton, Executive Director of the AlbertaSW Regional Alliance adds, “We are delighted with all of the video entries that show what is personally special to each entrant, and were thrilled to see how involved everyone was – particularly the young people.”
In addition to the $1,000 cash, prize packages were provided by:
Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance (AlbertaSW) is a group of 16 communities, working together for regional economic development. The collaborative initiatives focus on creating the right environment in which balanced growth can occur, increasing prosperity for all members. Alberta SouthWest is one of twelve regional economic development alliances (REDAs) in Alberta and represents a total membership population of 36,792 and covers an area of 16,705 square kilometres. These facts reflect where we are and who we represent. But what defines AlbertaSW is our love for our rural communities and the pride we take in living here. We want to see each other succeed, not only because we support each other but also because when one community thrives, there is the potential for every community to benefit. This is what drives us; and this is the key to our success as a REDA.
www.albertasouthwest.com or www.myalbertasouthwest.com
Phillip Lacoste's winning video about miniature trains received 1,300 votes.
With votes from around the world, Phillip LaCoste, 16, won the My Alberta SouthWest Video Contest top prize with his submission titled Ultimate Trains. Accepting the prize on Phillip's behalf will be his father, Mr. Guy LaCoste, at a presentation in Nanton on September 7th.
Lacoste's short video captures the day in the life of a miniature train. When asked why he chose Ultimate Trains as the location for his video, LaCoste says, “Without a car, I couldn't get around to a lot of places in the region and the Garden Railway was a visually cool place to shoot a video.”
With the help of family and friends in the Nanton area and as far away as Montreal, Japan, Korea and Egypt, Lacoste received 1,300 votes. “We had a fun time contacting people we knew,” says LaCoste. “I used my Facebook account. I used my cell phone. My parents emailed all their work friends. Together, we emailed friends across the country and my dad even invited the provincial and national train model associations to vote.”
As for what inspired him to enter the contest, LaCoste explains it was his passion for video editing. The 16-year-old has a knack for IT and computer work and can now add videography to the list. Regarding his son's accomplishments, Phillip's dad, Guy LaCoste says, “I'm proud of what Phillip can do with video editing. He enjoys the challenge and wants to make 'over the top' videos.”
Lacoste plans to use the $1,000 in prize money to buy graphic design software and save the rest for school. When asked which of the prizes he plans to experience first, he said the Waterton Shoreline Cruise was at the top of his list.
The My Alberta SouthWest Video Contest began June 20th, 2011, an initiative of the Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance. The contest invited residents of Alberta to submit a video to “Show us your Alberta SouthWest”. Bev Thornton, Executive Director of the AlbertaSW Regional Alliance adds, “We are delighted with all of the video entries that show what is personally special to each entrant, and were thrilled to see how involved everyone was – particularly the young people.”
In addition to the $1,000 cash, prize packages were provided by:
- Alpine Stables
- Bayshore Inn
- Bluebird Motel
- Brown Creek Wild Rags
- Centre Peak High Country Adventures
- Chimney Rock B & B
- Cottonwood Village Retirement Residence
- Eldorado RV
- Lucasia Ranch Vacations
- Prince of Wales Hotel
- Ramada Inn & Suites Pincher Creek
- Sierra West Cabins & Ranch Vacations
- Southern Alberta Historic Sites
- Steeped Tea
- The Fort Museum
- Trail of the Great Bear
- Waterton Lakes Golf Course
- Waterton Natural History Association
- Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co.
- Wow and Then
Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance (AlbertaSW) is a group of 16 communities, working together for regional economic development. The collaborative initiatives focus on creating the right environment in which balanced growth can occur, increasing prosperity for all members. Alberta SouthWest is one of twelve regional economic development alliances (REDAs) in Alberta and represents a total membership population of 36,792 and covers an area of 16,705 square kilometres. These facts reflect where we are and who we represent. But what defines AlbertaSW is our love for our rural communities and the pride we take in living here. We want to see each other succeed, not only because we support each other but also because when one community thrives, there is the potential for every community to benefit. This is what drives us; and this is the key to our success as a REDA.
www.albertasouthwest.com or www.myalbertasouthwest.com
Friday, September 16, 2011
THOSE BLOOMIN' BOXES
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Bloomin' Boxes is a friendly competition that was initiated to help beautify the towns of Turner Valley and Black Diamond while encouraging local shopping. Business owners plant and care for a floral display to enhance the look of their store, which contributes to the overall appearance of the community.
The floral displays are judged by members from the Valley Neighbours Gardening Club.
Again this year the judges have commented that the containers have improved in their “wow” factor and creativity and they would like to commend all who took part.
And the winners are:
NEW CONTAINER:
CONTAINER:
GARDEN:
PEOPLE'S CHOICE:
HONOURABLE MENTION:
Congratulations must go out to all those that participated as the gardens and containers were outstanding this year in spite of the many challenges presented by Mother Nature.
As the 2011 Bloomin' Boxes wraps up, a huge thanks goes out to the Town of Turner Valley for sponsoring this event and to the many businesses that planted and cared for their displays. As well, thanks to all the residents and visitors that took the time to cast a vote for their favourite Bloomin' Box. From all the ballots cast, several prizes were awarded and very special thanks go out to the local businesses that sponsored prizes. A warm thanks also to the volunteers from the Valley Neighbours' Gardening Club for sharing their time and expertise. All of your support is greatly appreciated. Again this year kudos goes to Carole Knight, as her hard work and dedication make the whole program possible.
In closing, thanks to everyone that contributed to the success of the 2011 Bloomin' Boxes.
Bloomin' Boxes is a friendly competition that was initiated to help beautify the towns of Turner Valley and Black Diamond while encouraging local shopping. Business owners plant and care for a floral display to enhance the look of their store, which contributes to the overall appearance of the community.
The floral displays are judged by members from the Valley Neighbours Gardening Club.
Again this year the judges have commented that the containers have improved in their “wow” factor and creativity and they would like to commend all who took part.
And the winners are:
NEW CONTAINER:
- Fired Up Auto
CONTAINER:
- 1st - Valley Liquor Store
- 2nd - Black Diamond Gallery
GARDEN:
- 1st - Black Diamond Gallery
- 2nd - Lions Campground
PEOPLE'S CHOICE:
- Western Financial Group
HONOURABLE MENTION:
- Planet Auto
Congratulations must go out to all those that participated as the gardens and containers were outstanding this year in spite of the many challenges presented by Mother Nature.
As the 2011 Bloomin' Boxes wraps up, a huge thanks goes out to the Town of Turner Valley for sponsoring this event and to the many businesses that planted and cared for their displays. As well, thanks to all the residents and visitors that took the time to cast a vote for their favourite Bloomin' Box. From all the ballots cast, several prizes were awarded and very special thanks go out to the local businesses that sponsored prizes. A warm thanks also to the volunteers from the Valley Neighbours' Gardening Club for sharing their time and expertise. All of your support is greatly appreciated. Again this year kudos goes to Carole Knight, as her hard work and dedication make the whole program possible.
In closing, thanks to everyone that contributed to the success of the 2011 Bloomin' Boxes.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Collector Fest Coming to the Foothills!
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This is the third year that the Foothills Lions Club has hosted a trading event for kids but this year there are a few changes. There will be pins once again but there will be other collectibles, such as trading cards. If you are a collector this is the event for you. Do you have branded items from companies such as McDonald's or Coca Cola? What about that box of comics? All you need to do is get a table at this event and start trading! There is a new venue this year, so you will find your fellow traders at the Oilfields High School in Black Diamond on September 24th from 10am to 4pm. To book a table just email Tim at: foothillsliontim@gmail.com.
The first 50 kids through the door will receive a free collector's starter kit and the fun doesn't stop there. All kids that come in uniform, such as Scouts, Guides, Cadets, etc, and anyone who brings a donation for the Food Bank, will also receive a free gift. If you aren't currently a collector, this is the place to get your start. What interests you? Pins from countries of the World, Olympic pins or other memorabilia from the Games, game cards (Pokemon, Magic, Yugioh), Coca Cola glasses, McDonald's Happy Meal toys, comic books……the possibilities are endless. Check out the silent auction for some more collectibles. A special feature to watch for this year is the Limited Edition Pin made just for the Collector's Fest! So, get there early if you want a chance to add this special pin to your collection or, who knows, this could be the start of a new hobby for you!
The Foothills Lions Club
“Serving Our Community”
This is the third year that the Foothills Lions Club has hosted a trading event for kids but this year there are a few changes. There will be pins once again but there will be other collectibles, such as trading cards. If you are a collector this is the event for you. Do you have branded items from companies such as McDonald's or Coca Cola? What about that box of comics? All you need to do is get a table at this event and start trading! There is a new venue this year, so you will find your fellow traders at the Oilfields High School in Black Diamond on September 24th from 10am to 4pm. To book a table just email Tim at: foothillsliontim@gmail.com.
The first 50 kids through the door will receive a free collector's starter kit and the fun doesn't stop there. All kids that come in uniform, such as Scouts, Guides, Cadets, etc, and anyone who brings a donation for the Food Bank, will also receive a free gift. If you aren't currently a collector, this is the place to get your start. What interests you? Pins from countries of the World, Olympic pins or other memorabilia from the Games, game cards (Pokemon, Magic, Yugioh), Coca Cola glasses, McDonald's Happy Meal toys, comic books……the possibilities are endless. Check out the silent auction for some more collectibles. A special feature to watch for this year is the Limited Edition Pin made just for the Collector's Fest! So, get there early if you want a chance to add this special pin to your collection or, who knows, this could be the start of a new hobby for you!
The Foothills Lions Club
“Serving Our Community”
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Around The World In How Many Years??
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By Pam Jones
I can’t personally imagine cycling from Black Diamond to Longview, never mind around the world. However, in January 2006 that is exactly what Salva Rodriguez decided to do when he left his teaching post in Spain and loaded up his bicycle with a tent and all the basics.
Now, five and half years later, Salva took a much needed rest in Longview to dry out from the recent rains and enjoy Longview Mayor, Ivor McCorquindale’s hospitality.
He said, “The most unique place I have slept was in a border police watch tower between Ethiopia and Kenya.” Afghanistan was interesting but the war didn’t touch him. The victims of the war were the people who befriended him.
A journal of his journey and many photographs can be viewed at:
www.unviajedecuento.weebly.com.
Brush up on your Spanish first though!
By Pam Jones
I can’t personally imagine cycling from Black Diamond to Longview, never mind around the world. However, in January 2006 that is exactly what Salva Rodriguez decided to do when he left his teaching post in Spain and loaded up his bicycle with a tent and all the basics.
Now, five and half years later, Salva took a much needed rest in Longview to dry out from the recent rains and enjoy Longview Mayor, Ivor McCorquindale’s hospitality.
He said, “The most unique place I have slept was in a border police watch tower between Ethiopia and Kenya.” Afghanistan was interesting but the war didn’t touch him. The victims of the war were the people who befriended him.
A journal of his journey and many photographs can be viewed at:
www.unviajedecuento.weebly.com.
Brush up on your Spanish first though!
Diamond Valley Calls For Volunteers For Annual Sheep River And Friendship Trail Fall Cleanup
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The towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley are asking volunteers to come out and help with the annual Sheep River and Friendship Trail cleanup on Saturday, September 17th from 9:00am to 12 noon. This event will also be held in conjunction with a national eco-friendly initiative, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. “The hard work that goes into every cleanup results not only in cleaner communities, but it also contributes to our larger goals of conservation, stewardship and increased volunteer involvement,” says Monique LeBlanc, Community Services Manager for the Town of Turner Valley.
Volunteers from both communities are asked to register at the Scott Seaman Sports Rink in Black Diamond starting at 8:45am for their work assignments.
A volunteer appreciation BBQ will be served around noon by the Foothills Lions Club after all the work is done. Eco-friendly door prizes and displays will also be a part of the morning's activities. Sponsors of this event include the Town of Turner Valley, the Town of Black Diamond, Country Food Mart – AG Foods, Foothills Lions Club, Turner Valley Family and Community Support Services and Diamond Valley Disposal. For more information or to pre-register, please look for the link at one of the towns' websites at: www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca/ or:
www.turnervalley.ca
The towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley are asking volunteers to come out and help with the annual Sheep River and Friendship Trail cleanup on Saturday, September 17th from 9:00am to 12 noon. This event will also be held in conjunction with a national eco-friendly initiative, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. “The hard work that goes into every cleanup results not only in cleaner communities, but it also contributes to our larger goals of conservation, stewardship and increased volunteer involvement,” says Monique LeBlanc, Community Services Manager for the Town of Turner Valley.
Volunteers from both communities are asked to register at the Scott Seaman Sports Rink in Black Diamond starting at 8:45am for their work assignments.
A volunteer appreciation BBQ will be served around noon by the Foothills Lions Club after all the work is done. Eco-friendly door prizes and displays will also be a part of the morning's activities. Sponsors of this event include the Town of Turner Valley, the Town of Black Diamond, Country Food Mart – AG Foods, Foothills Lions Club, Turner Valley Family and Community Support Services and Diamond Valley Disposal. For more information or to pre-register, please look for the link at one of the towns' websites at: www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca/ or:
www.turnervalley.ca
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Top 10 Classic Games or Toys That Kids Today Should Be Playing With
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
What To Do With The Kids™ (WTDWTK™) is pleased to release the results of our latest Special Report: The Top 10 Classic Toys or Games That Kids Today Should Be Playing With.
WTDWTK™ polled a number of parents from around the world using Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and old fashion email and unlike our past Special Reports, contributors were more than happy to recall their fondest childhood memories of playing these games or with these toys.
Many commented on how these games and toys helped to develop their creativity, motor and cognitive skills and in this age of social media, their social skills. After all, there is no need to wait for someone to type their response back to you when you're sitting right next to them.
In the age of electronics that were unheard of over 25 years ago, none of the top 10 uses electronics or needs batteries.
The Top 10 Classic Toys or Games That Kids Today Should Be Playing With:
1. Jump/Skipping Rope
2. Lego
3. Building Blocks
4. Monopoly
5. Tinker Toys
6. Jacks
7. Chutes & Ladders
8. Chinese Checkers
9. Scrabble
10. Jigsaw Puzzles
We've received so many responses with so many different “classic” toys and games that the WTDWTK™ staff has created the “Unplug the Electronics and Let Them Play With These As Well” list.
Active Toys & Games: Bicycles, Pogo Stick, Hula Hoop, Hop Scotch, Hide and Seek, Tag, Swing Set.
Table Top & Board Games: Candyland, Mastermind, Sorry, Junior Scrabble, Clue, Yahtze, Checkers, Mouse Trap.
Other Toys & Games: Bubbles, Marbles, Hangman, Kites, Crokinole.
Although this Special Report is not scientific, the over 100 respondents and WTDWTK™ staff feel it's a pretty good list.
All brand names are owned by their respective companies.
Unlike other websites, What To Do With The Kids™ is more than just a directory. The website features games, crafts, special events, party ideas and downloads including activity sheets, birthday cards, party invitations and personalized awards. There is also a resource section with links to non-commercial websites that parents would be interested in with such topics as toy safety, counseling and internet safety. Unlike other similar websites, the content is original and there is no cost to use or download.
For more information, contact Brian Presley, Director of Marketing at brian@whattodowiththekids.com.
Visit our website at www.whattodowiththekids.com.
What To Do With The Kids™ (WTDWTK™) is pleased to release the results of our latest Special Report: The Top 10 Classic Toys or Games That Kids Today Should Be Playing With.
WTDWTK™ polled a number of parents from around the world using Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and old fashion email and unlike our past Special Reports, contributors were more than happy to recall their fondest childhood memories of playing these games or with these toys.
Many commented on how these games and toys helped to develop their creativity, motor and cognitive skills and in this age of social media, their social skills. After all, there is no need to wait for someone to type their response back to you when you're sitting right next to them.
In the age of electronics that were unheard of over 25 years ago, none of the top 10 uses electronics or needs batteries.
The Top 10 Classic Toys or Games That Kids Today Should Be Playing With:
1. Jump/Skipping Rope
2. Lego
3. Building Blocks
4. Monopoly
5. Tinker Toys
6. Jacks
7. Chutes & Ladders
8. Chinese Checkers
9. Scrabble
10. Jigsaw Puzzles
We've received so many responses with so many different “classic” toys and games that the WTDWTK™ staff has created the “Unplug the Electronics and Let Them Play With These As Well” list.
Active Toys & Games: Bicycles, Pogo Stick, Hula Hoop, Hop Scotch, Hide and Seek, Tag, Swing Set.
Table Top & Board Games: Candyland, Mastermind, Sorry, Junior Scrabble, Clue, Yahtze, Checkers, Mouse Trap.
Other Toys & Games: Bubbles, Marbles, Hangman, Kites, Crokinole.
Although this Special Report is not scientific, the over 100 respondents and WTDWTK™ staff feel it's a pretty good list.
All brand names are owned by their respective companies.
Unlike other websites, What To Do With The Kids™ is more than just a directory. The website features games, crafts, special events, party ideas and downloads including activity sheets, birthday cards, party invitations and personalized awards. There is also a resource section with links to non-commercial websites that parents would be interested in with such topics as toy safety, counseling and internet safety. Unlike other similar websites, the content is original and there is no cost to use or download.
For more information, contact Brian Presley, Director of Marketing at brian@whattodowiththekids.com.
Visit our website at www.whattodowiththekids.com.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Options Abound For Aspiring Guitarists
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
The popularity of the Guitar Hero® video game series has reconnected music fans with their favourite musicians of yesteryear and introduced adults and children alike to generations of artists they might otherwise never have heard.
While the video games have proven fun to gamers of all ages, they have also inspired some to pick up a real guitar and learn to play. For those hoping to become the next legendary guitarist featured in a wildly popular video game, consider the following guitar types to get you started.
Acoustic: Fans of acoustic guitar afficion-ados like Bob Dylan or Dave Matthews might prefer these hollow guitars made of thin wood. Acoustic guitars aren't plugged in, so parents paying the bill for a child's newfound passion for guitar won't have to worry about buying an amplifier. Country and folk music are popular music genres that feature the acoustic guitar.
Electric: The electric guitar is ideal for those who love guitar greats from Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Page. To make the most of an electric guitar, aspiring guitarists will, at the very least, need an amplifier. And parents might want to invest in a pair of earplugs, as genres like hard rock and heavy metal are known for electric guitar riffs that can break the windows.
Acoustic-electric: Most acoustic guitars used by professional musicians are acoustic-electric guitars, which utilize pre-installed pickups that allow them to be plugged into amplifiers. Aspiring guitarists unsure of which style they prefer might want to consider an acoustic-electric model, which gives them some leeway when they start learning some songs from different genres of music.
Hollow-body: Aspiring bluesmen should consider a hollow-body guitar. Made similarly to traditional electric guitars, hollow-body models have a chamber cut in the body that provides more sonic resonance, making them ideal options for those who just need to sing the blues.
Classical: Not necessarily ideal for beginners, classical guitars are most commonly used in classical and folk music. Shoppers will notice classical guitars use nylon strings instead of steel and have slightly wider necks than traditional acoustic models.
Happy Strumming!
The popularity of the Guitar Hero® video game series has reconnected music fans with their favourite musicians of yesteryear and introduced adults and children alike to generations of artists they might otherwise never have heard.
While the video games have proven fun to gamers of all ages, they have also inspired some to pick up a real guitar and learn to play. For those hoping to become the next legendary guitarist featured in a wildly popular video game, consider the following guitar types to get you started.
Acoustic: Fans of acoustic guitar afficion-ados like Bob Dylan or Dave Matthews might prefer these hollow guitars made of thin wood. Acoustic guitars aren't plugged in, so parents paying the bill for a child's newfound passion for guitar won't have to worry about buying an amplifier. Country and folk music are popular music genres that feature the acoustic guitar.
Electric: The electric guitar is ideal for those who love guitar greats from Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Page. To make the most of an electric guitar, aspiring guitarists will, at the very least, need an amplifier. And parents might want to invest in a pair of earplugs, as genres like hard rock and heavy metal are known for electric guitar riffs that can break the windows.
Acoustic-electric: Most acoustic guitars used by professional musicians are acoustic-electric guitars, which utilize pre-installed pickups that allow them to be plugged into amplifiers. Aspiring guitarists unsure of which style they prefer might want to consider an acoustic-electric model, which gives them some leeway when they start learning some songs from different genres of music.
Hollow-body: Aspiring bluesmen should consider a hollow-body guitar. Made similarly to traditional electric guitars, hollow-body models have a chamber cut in the body that provides more sonic resonance, making them ideal options for those who just need to sing the blues.
Classical: Not necessarily ideal for beginners, classical guitars are most commonly used in classical and folk music. Shoppers will notice classical guitars use nylon strings instead of steel and have slightly wider necks than traditional acoustic models.
Happy Strumming!
The Life of An Artist Refining Success
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
Believe it or not, despite my positive nature I too have my cloudy days. But they only rear their ugly heads when I’m judging my successes based on material things. It’s so weird isn’t it? We start to evaluate our current situations at particular times in our lives, and we always look at the superficial ‘assets’, the things we depend on to keep us happy. Things like the car we drive, the residence we live in, the balance in our bank accounts, the jobs we have and the social status of them. Now, let’s imagine that a massive natural disaster takes place and throws all of them out of reach. What are we supposed to depend on now? That’s when you’re forced to realize that those were never really assets at all. The people we love in our lives are. I know, it’s hard to accept that the things we work so hard for, don’t really mean much when Mother Nature has her way.
This summer I took a trip with friends to Vancouver Island and we saw many mansions, luxury cars, sports cars and yachts. At the spa we stayed at, the menu was absolutely delectable. Some people actually stay there for weeks! How could they afford it? Consider this, the same exact yummy bottle of $25 Cedar Creek Merlot I bought in Okotoks was double at the restaurant... GASP! … so instead I opted for the $7 Fresh Lime with Fresh Mint Leaves, Mojito and the $10 Dark Chocolate Mousse Sea Escape. They were: utterly scrumptious. I mean really, why yearn? Just go for it! So… all in all. I've come to appreciate that I have a pretty awesome life. No my car is no luxury vehicle… it’s dependable. My residence is no mansion, it’s cozy. My job is not ‘high powered or well paid’.. it’s rewarding. My bank account is not limitless, it’s supportive. What about social status? Let’s leave that decision up to ourselves, and the people in our lives whom we love. Because they are our true assets and they deserve the recognition.
RobiN Thibodeau
allseasonchick@gmail.com
Believe it or not, despite my positive nature I too have my cloudy days. But they only rear their ugly heads when I’m judging my successes based on material things. It’s so weird isn’t it? We start to evaluate our current situations at particular times in our lives, and we always look at the superficial ‘assets’, the things we depend on to keep us happy. Things like the car we drive, the residence we live in, the balance in our bank accounts, the jobs we have and the social status of them. Now, let’s imagine that a massive natural disaster takes place and throws all of them out of reach. What are we supposed to depend on now? That’s when you’re forced to realize that those were never really assets at all. The people we love in our lives are. I know, it’s hard to accept that the things we work so hard for, don’t really mean much when Mother Nature has her way.
This summer I took a trip with friends to Vancouver Island and we saw many mansions, luxury cars, sports cars and yachts. At the spa we stayed at, the menu was absolutely delectable. Some people actually stay there for weeks! How could they afford it? Consider this, the same exact yummy bottle of $25 Cedar Creek Merlot I bought in Okotoks was double at the restaurant... GASP! … so instead I opted for the $7 Fresh Lime with Fresh Mint Leaves, Mojito and the $10 Dark Chocolate Mousse Sea Escape. They were: utterly scrumptious. I mean really, why yearn? Just go for it! So… all in all. I've come to appreciate that I have a pretty awesome life. No my car is no luxury vehicle… it’s dependable. My residence is no mansion, it’s cozy. My job is not ‘high powered or well paid’.. it’s rewarding. My bank account is not limitless, it’s supportive. What about social status? Let’s leave that decision up to ourselves, and the people in our lives whom we love. Because they are our true assets and they deserve the recognition.
RobiN Thibodeau
allseasonchick@gmail.com
Saturday, September 10, 2011
HISTORY OF GYOKKO RYU Jeweled Tiger School Kosshijutsu
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
During the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 AD - 907 AD), Cho Busho and Yo Gyokko supposedly left warring China and arrived in Japan, bringing with them the foundation upon which the Gyokko Ryu would later be based. Some say that the original techniques from the school were created by a princess in the Chinese Imperial Court who used quick body movements to attack specific targets on the body. Which correlates with the Kosshijutsu striking techniques of this school. History and our research tells us that the oldest martial art schools from India, Tibet and China where called tiger striking (kosshijutsu) schools and Gyokko Ryu is the jeweled tiger school.
The Kihon Happo is made from the first two levels of the Gyokko Ryu, Ki Gata and Torite Kihon Gata, which are also the basic techniques of the school. Typical for the Gyokko Ryu are the powerful blocks and balance taking. The school specializes in techniques that involve Kosshijutsu (attack against muscles) and Shitojutsu (use of thumbs and fingers). Kosshijutsu means "to knock down the enemy with one finger". Koshi could also mean 'backbone', as Kosshijutsu is the backbone of martial arts. Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu is a distant branch of the Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu.
The Gyokko Ryu uses "Ten Ryaku Uchu Gassho" (heaven and universe prayer), Chi Ryaku Futen Goshin Gassho (circle of wind prayer), Jin Ryaku Chi Sui Ka Fu Henka Ryaku (circle of earth, water, fire, wind prayer).
Gassho Kuji Kiri is Kongo (cloud), Suirin (water ring), Kaku Gassho (fire and winds). These are also called the 'Sanpo Gassho' (three treasures) and they also appear in the Koto Ryu.
The Gyokko Ryu is broken down into five levels:
1) Ki Gata ~ 5 techniques
2) Torite Kihon Gata ~ 10 techniques
3) Jo Ryaku no Maki ~ 12 techniques
4) Chu Ryaku no Maki ~ 8 techniques
5) Ge Ryaku no Maki ~ 8 techniques
The katas of the Koppo San Ryaku Hiden are also known as Jo Ryaku no Maki (higher level), Chu Ryaku no Maki (intermediate level) and Ge Ryaku no Maki (lower level). Each is written as a separate scroll.
Also in the Gyokko Ryu is Kurai Dori (sizing up the situation), Shin Shingan (God's heart, God's eyes), Tenmon Chimon (heaven, earth tactics).
The Gyokko Ryu has one fundamental rule: destroy the enemy's power, but leave his life. The Gyokko Ryu states that when a fight is about to start, do not let the opponent win, but take him down with a technique that is only as strong as is needed to match the situation. They also have another saying in the Gyokko Ryu, "Bushigokoro wo motte totoshi no nasu" (The warrior's heart is precious and essential).
The Sanshin no kata is one of the hiden (secret transmissions). Takamatsu taught this only to Hatsumi Sensei.
The following are nine rules of the Gyokko Ryu:
1) The character 'nin' means to guard the nation with one's life
2) Forget the self, be patient and do not fear dying
3) When in danger say or show nothing
4) As a strong enemy comes, keep an indomitable spirit
5) Serve and protect the master as you must your own parents
6) Vices dissipate your proficiency
7) Being drunk affects your judgment
8) Destroy your enemy's power but not his life
9) Don't teach to others without the master's permission.
Watch future issues for more school histories.
During the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 AD - 907 AD), Cho Busho and Yo Gyokko supposedly left warring China and arrived in Japan, bringing with them the foundation upon which the Gyokko Ryu would later be based. Some say that the original techniques from the school were created by a princess in the Chinese Imperial Court who used quick body movements to attack specific targets on the body. Which correlates with the Kosshijutsu striking techniques of this school. History and our research tells us that the oldest martial art schools from India, Tibet and China where called tiger striking (kosshijutsu) schools and Gyokko Ryu is the jeweled tiger school.
The Kihon Happo is made from the first two levels of the Gyokko Ryu, Ki Gata and Torite Kihon Gata, which are also the basic techniques of the school. Typical for the Gyokko Ryu are the powerful blocks and balance taking. The school specializes in techniques that involve Kosshijutsu (attack against muscles) and Shitojutsu (use of thumbs and fingers). Kosshijutsu means "to knock down the enemy with one finger". Koshi could also mean 'backbone', as Kosshijutsu is the backbone of martial arts. Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu is a distant branch of the Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu.
The Gyokko Ryu uses "Ten Ryaku Uchu Gassho" (heaven and universe prayer), Chi Ryaku Futen Goshin Gassho (circle of wind prayer), Jin Ryaku Chi Sui Ka Fu Henka Ryaku (circle of earth, water, fire, wind prayer).
Gassho Kuji Kiri is Kongo (cloud), Suirin (water ring), Kaku Gassho (fire and winds). These are also called the 'Sanpo Gassho' (three treasures) and they also appear in the Koto Ryu.
The Gyokko Ryu is broken down into five levels:
1) Ki Gata ~ 5 techniques
2) Torite Kihon Gata ~ 10 techniques
3) Jo Ryaku no Maki ~ 12 techniques
4) Chu Ryaku no Maki ~ 8 techniques
5) Ge Ryaku no Maki ~ 8 techniques
The katas of the Koppo San Ryaku Hiden are also known as Jo Ryaku no Maki (higher level), Chu Ryaku no Maki (intermediate level) and Ge Ryaku no Maki (lower level). Each is written as a separate scroll.
Also in the Gyokko Ryu is Kurai Dori (sizing up the situation), Shin Shingan (God's heart, God's eyes), Tenmon Chimon (heaven, earth tactics).
The Gyokko Ryu has one fundamental rule: destroy the enemy's power, but leave his life. The Gyokko Ryu states that when a fight is about to start, do not let the opponent win, but take him down with a technique that is only as strong as is needed to match the situation. They also have another saying in the Gyokko Ryu, "Bushigokoro wo motte totoshi no nasu" (The warrior's heart is precious and essential).
The Sanshin no kata is one of the hiden (secret transmissions). Takamatsu taught this only to Hatsumi Sensei.
The following are nine rules of the Gyokko Ryu:
1) The character 'nin' means to guard the nation with one's life
2) Forget the self, be patient and do not fear dying
3) When in danger say or show nothing
4) As a strong enemy comes, keep an indomitable spirit
5) Serve and protect the master as you must your own parents
6) Vices dissipate your proficiency
7) Being drunk affects your judgment
8) Destroy your enemy's power but not his life
9) Don't teach to others without the master's permission.
Watch future issues for more school histories.
Gardens Galore: Today is a Good Day to Dye by Karen Brewka
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
I've been dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. No more free TV – now I have satellite. I didn't think this would change my watching habits but it has. I seem to be a bit stuck on Animal Planet. Particularly the animal hoarding shows. YIKES! There's a fine line between two cats and eighteen!
What I like to collect and hoard is dyestuffs: plant parts that can be used to colour natural fibres and fabrics such as cotton, wool, silk, ramie, etc. One of my favourites is black hollyhock. As the flowers fall off the spikes, I pick them up and keep them in a basket to air dry. Once I have four or five handfuls, I wrap them up in a cotton square and immerse them in a big pot of boiling water, immediately turning the heat down to a simmer. It takes about ten to twenty minutes to extract a most lovely lilac colour.
After taking the bag of hollyhock flowers out of the dye pot, the dye water (liqueur) is ready to use. I'm usually dying silk that I've patterned using a Japanese resist technique called 'shibori' (tie-dye on steroids). I bend and fold and clamp the silk to create spaces where the dye can't penetrate.
After dipping the silk pieces into the liqueur many times (drying between dips), I can turn the silk to anywhere from pale lilac to deep purple. If I have to wait overnight for the silk pieces to dry, I decant the liqueur into a clean, plastic jug, screw on a top and refrigerate. I pour the liqueur back into the dye pot and warm it up when I'm ready to dip again.
Fixing the colour to the fibre or fabric requires dipping in a mordant. I usually use alum (available at the drugstore), 2 - 3 teaspoons dissolved in a large bowl of water. Metals like copper, iron, tin, etc. can be used as mordants and they change the lilac colour to bronze, purple black and other colours. After drying and unfolding the silk pieces, I then steam them to further set the dye. Steam ironing with a warm iron is the final step in the process.
Goldenrod, marigold flowers, yarrow, curled dock root and a host of other plants can be used to make dyes. These are all easy to pick, dry and store for later use. I have a bag of brazil wood sawdust that still, after many years, produces anything from deep orange to a vibrant reddish orange colour. Cloves, turmeric, red onion skins and even tea bags can be used as dyestuffs. A great reference is Wild Color by Jenny Dean (Watson-Guptill Publications, New York, 1999)
The Valley Neighbours Garden Club welcomes new members. For information call Bea at 403–933–7131. The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. For information call Sheila at 403–931–3989.
I've been dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. No more free TV – now I have satellite. I didn't think this would change my watching habits but it has. I seem to be a bit stuck on Animal Planet. Particularly the animal hoarding shows. YIKES! There's a fine line between two cats and eighteen!
What I like to collect and hoard is dyestuffs: plant parts that can be used to colour natural fibres and fabrics such as cotton, wool, silk, ramie, etc. One of my favourites is black hollyhock. As the flowers fall off the spikes, I pick them up and keep them in a basket to air dry. Once I have four or five handfuls, I wrap them up in a cotton square and immerse them in a big pot of boiling water, immediately turning the heat down to a simmer. It takes about ten to twenty minutes to extract a most lovely lilac colour.
After taking the bag of hollyhock flowers out of the dye pot, the dye water (liqueur) is ready to use. I'm usually dying silk that I've patterned using a Japanese resist technique called 'shibori' (tie-dye on steroids). I bend and fold and clamp the silk to create spaces where the dye can't penetrate.
After dipping the silk pieces into the liqueur many times (drying between dips), I can turn the silk to anywhere from pale lilac to deep purple. If I have to wait overnight for the silk pieces to dry, I decant the liqueur into a clean, plastic jug, screw on a top and refrigerate. I pour the liqueur back into the dye pot and warm it up when I'm ready to dip again.
Fixing the colour to the fibre or fabric requires dipping in a mordant. I usually use alum (available at the drugstore), 2 - 3 teaspoons dissolved in a large bowl of water. Metals like copper, iron, tin, etc. can be used as mordants and they change the lilac colour to bronze, purple black and other colours. After drying and unfolding the silk pieces, I then steam them to further set the dye. Steam ironing with a warm iron is the final step in the process.
Goldenrod, marigold flowers, yarrow, curled dock root and a host of other plants can be used to make dyes. These are all easy to pick, dry and store for later use. I have a bag of brazil wood sawdust that still, after many years, produces anything from deep orange to a vibrant reddish orange colour. Cloves, turmeric, red onion skins and even tea bags can be used as dyestuffs. A great reference is Wild Color by Jenny Dean (Watson-Guptill Publications, New York, 1999)
The Valley Neighbours Garden Club welcomes new members. For information call Bea at 403–933–7131. The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. For information call Sheila at 403–931–3989.
Friday, September 9, 2011
From My Bookshelf....by Lynn Willoughby
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
A Good Indian Wife - Anne Cherian
This novel is a joy to read and we wonder how successful the melding of two different cultures will be.
Heel is a successful doctor in San Francisco, for all intents totally Americanized, complete with a beautiful, blonde girlfriend. However, when he returns to India to visit his sick grandfather, he is outmaneuvered by his family, and finds himself standing next to Leila at a traditional wedding.
Leila is thirty years old and has long ago resigned herself to spinsterhood. She has no idea what to expect when she and Neel are alone in San Francisco. Her sheltered family life has not prepared her for marriage to a virtual stranger, nor for a life in a strange country far from her extended family.
However, Leila shines in this story. She moves beyond doubting herself at every turn and constantly trying to please her new husband. She begins to explore her inner resources and finds her integrity and innate honesty undiminished by Neel's behaviour. Characters with their flaws and uncertainties on display give us a believable tale and expose us to the concept and experience of an arranged marriage.
This is Cherian's debut novel and I look forward to her next.
Brick Lane - Monica Ali
This novel deals with the life of immigrant girls. In particular, we meet Nazeen, an Indian teenager forced into an arranged marriage with a much older man, who is living in London's East End, on Brick Lane.
She depends totally upon her husband as she speaks no English. The issues of love, cultural differences and the vagaries of the human spirit are drawn with complexity throughout the novel. As her husband, Chanu, has no expectations in life, her future stretches long before her and only her correspondence with her sister, Hasina, sustains her at times. On the whole, though, it is Nazeen who is the true survivor, and her developing friendship with Razia is the conduit to understanding the ways of her new homeland. Nazeen is the one who sews to achieve financial security for her family. Chanu becomes increasingly indebted to Mrs Islam, who arrives with her vast bag of patent medicines and easy money, charging huge interest rates to the desperate failures. When she visits, she always comes with her enforcers - her dimwit sons.
The family troubles transcend national boundaries and traditions. It is what makes this a universal story.
In a Far Country - Linda Holeman
This novels has some interesting history and insight into India in the late 1890's, when missionary zealots were trying to convert the multitudes. We catch glimpses of native food, flora, smells, weather and sometimes people, but much of the story line is wasted on banalities.
Pree Fincastle is the daughter of impoverished missonaries working near Lahore. It is the only home she has ever known and when both her parents die she must find her own way in the world. She travels to Peshawar to find Kai, the Ayah's son who has been her only friend, only to find he has another, secret life of rebellion and danger.
The characters are well defined, but I found myself annoyed at Kai's character and the role he plays in this work of historical fiction. What I did like was the descriptions of India. The kindness of Cook at the mission - to Pree, and to the beggar with leprosy. The right of entitlement shown by all the English - whether sending children to be educated in England, their distrust of all things Indian, was graphic and disturbing.
If you like historical fiction you may want to read this, but I have read better books with stronger story lines.
Who Knew?
The Sepoy Rebellion of 1857 was the result of many complex issues, but the final spark was the controversy over ammunition for the new Enfield Rifle. To load the rifle, the Sepoys had to bite the cartridge open. Cartridges were greased and sealed with lard and tallow - regarded as anathema by both Hindu and Muslim Sepoys.
A Good Indian Wife - Anne Cherian
This novel is a joy to read and we wonder how successful the melding of two different cultures will be.
Heel is a successful doctor in San Francisco, for all intents totally Americanized, complete with a beautiful, blonde girlfriend. However, when he returns to India to visit his sick grandfather, he is outmaneuvered by his family, and finds himself standing next to Leila at a traditional wedding.
Leila is thirty years old and has long ago resigned herself to spinsterhood. She has no idea what to expect when she and Neel are alone in San Francisco. Her sheltered family life has not prepared her for marriage to a virtual stranger, nor for a life in a strange country far from her extended family.
However, Leila shines in this story. She moves beyond doubting herself at every turn and constantly trying to please her new husband. She begins to explore her inner resources and finds her integrity and innate honesty undiminished by Neel's behaviour. Characters with their flaws and uncertainties on display give us a believable tale and expose us to the concept and experience of an arranged marriage.
This is Cherian's debut novel and I look forward to her next.
Brick Lane - Monica Ali
This novel deals with the life of immigrant girls. In particular, we meet Nazeen, an Indian teenager forced into an arranged marriage with a much older man, who is living in London's East End, on Brick Lane.
She depends totally upon her husband as she speaks no English. The issues of love, cultural differences and the vagaries of the human spirit are drawn with complexity throughout the novel. As her husband, Chanu, has no expectations in life, her future stretches long before her and only her correspondence with her sister, Hasina, sustains her at times. On the whole, though, it is Nazeen who is the true survivor, and her developing friendship with Razia is the conduit to understanding the ways of her new homeland. Nazeen is the one who sews to achieve financial security for her family. Chanu becomes increasingly indebted to Mrs Islam, who arrives with her vast bag of patent medicines and easy money, charging huge interest rates to the desperate failures. When she visits, she always comes with her enforcers - her dimwit sons.
The family troubles transcend national boundaries and traditions. It is what makes this a universal story.
In a Far Country - Linda Holeman
This novels has some interesting history and insight into India in the late 1890's, when missionary zealots were trying to convert the multitudes. We catch glimpses of native food, flora, smells, weather and sometimes people, but much of the story line is wasted on banalities.
Pree Fincastle is the daughter of impoverished missonaries working near Lahore. It is the only home she has ever known and when both her parents die she must find her own way in the world. She travels to Peshawar to find Kai, the Ayah's son who has been her only friend, only to find he has another, secret life of rebellion and danger.
The characters are well defined, but I found myself annoyed at Kai's character and the role he plays in this work of historical fiction. What I did like was the descriptions of India. The kindness of Cook at the mission - to Pree, and to the beggar with leprosy. The right of entitlement shown by all the English - whether sending children to be educated in England, their distrust of all things Indian, was graphic and disturbing.
If you like historical fiction you may want to read this, but I have read better books with stronger story lines.
Who Knew?
The Sepoy Rebellion of 1857 was the result of many complex issues, but the final spark was the controversy over ammunition for the new Enfield Rifle. To load the rifle, the Sepoys had to bite the cartridge open. Cartridges were greased and sealed with lard and tallow - regarded as anathema by both Hindu and Muslim Sepoys.
Household Hints By Rosemary ~ School Bus Behavior
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Once again the children are getting ready to go back to school and once again, we're back to the basics of preparing them. Although it's been said before, I think it's important to repeat the fact that they must be taught safety procedures.
It's so convenient to have the children picked up and brought home by bus, however with all the excitement of returning to school, meeting up with new friends and reconnecting with old ones they are inclined to be inattentive and grow careless. We are strong believers in walking the children to the pickup point and staying with them until the bus arrives, then being there when it returns. Most road accidents with children occur while waiting on a school bus or when embarking/debarking. While you're there, watch to see what their behavior is for the first couple of days and then make them aware of the things that they have been doing that are not safe. Also be aware of the vehicles that normally pass the stop at that time of day, how many and which direction they come from. Follow the Pause, Point and Proceed rules: when they arrive at a crossroad, pause to look both ways (when you teach this exaggerate your movements while explaining aloud what you're doing), point across the road in the direction you're going and then proceed when safe.
There should always be an adult supervisor with younger children. Older children should travel in groups as it's easier for drivers to spot groups and there is safety in numbers. For those older, there should be no rough housing, they should be strongly advised about talking to strangers or anyone who stops near their vicinity. Many games, or electronic devices are not permitted on school grounds, so it's best not to allow the children to take them with them to play with on the school bus; they also encourage the children to be inattentive to what's going on around them. There have been instances on my grandson's bus where the items have been damaged, lost or confiscated.
All scarves, laces, drawstrings should be secured out of the way so as not to catch on the bus rails or seats. The children must be instructed to stand at least ten steps away from the bus until it's stopped and the doors are opened. When returning home they must stay seated until the bus stops and the doors opened. They must be taught that they must wait on the sidewalk and not be anywhere near the front, rear or offside of the bus. They should make eye contact with the driver and be sure he sees them and is aware of their position. Enter the bus one step at a time and hold the rail.
If an object is dropped near, or under the bus, they mustn't try to pick it up, but advise the driver and he will give instructions or he will retrieve it for them. If they were late and missed the bus they must never run after it. More information can be found on the Government of Alberta Ministry of Transport Site. Keep the children happy and safe and instill good safety procedures.
Once again the children are getting ready to go back to school and once again, we're back to the basics of preparing them. Although it's been said before, I think it's important to repeat the fact that they must be taught safety procedures.
It's so convenient to have the children picked up and brought home by bus, however with all the excitement of returning to school, meeting up with new friends and reconnecting with old ones they are inclined to be inattentive and grow careless. We are strong believers in walking the children to the pickup point and staying with them until the bus arrives, then being there when it returns. Most road accidents with children occur while waiting on a school bus or when embarking/debarking. While you're there, watch to see what their behavior is for the first couple of days and then make them aware of the things that they have been doing that are not safe. Also be aware of the vehicles that normally pass the stop at that time of day, how many and which direction they come from. Follow the Pause, Point and Proceed rules: when they arrive at a crossroad, pause to look both ways (when you teach this exaggerate your movements while explaining aloud what you're doing), point across the road in the direction you're going and then proceed when safe.
There should always be an adult supervisor with younger children. Older children should travel in groups as it's easier for drivers to spot groups and there is safety in numbers. For those older, there should be no rough housing, they should be strongly advised about talking to strangers or anyone who stops near their vicinity. Many games, or electronic devices are not permitted on school grounds, so it's best not to allow the children to take them with them to play with on the school bus; they also encourage the children to be inattentive to what's going on around them. There have been instances on my grandson's bus where the items have been damaged, lost or confiscated.
All scarves, laces, drawstrings should be secured out of the way so as not to catch on the bus rails or seats. The children must be instructed to stand at least ten steps away from the bus until it's stopped and the doors are opened. When returning home they must stay seated until the bus stops and the doors opened. They must be taught that they must wait on the sidewalk and not be anywhere near the front, rear or offside of the bus. They should make eye contact with the driver and be sure he sees them and is aware of their position. Enter the bus one step at a time and hold the rail.
If an object is dropped near, or under the bus, they mustn't try to pick it up, but advise the driver and he will give instructions or he will retrieve it for them. If they were late and missed the bus they must never run after it. More information can be found on the Government of Alberta Ministry of Transport Site. Keep the children happy and safe and instill good safety procedures.
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