Kineto Enhances Smart Wi-Fi Application For Use In Public Wi-Fi Networks

by editor | Jan 1, 2012 | Lifestyle

Kineto Enhances Smart Wi-Fi Application

For Use In Public Wi-Fi Networks

     21 Dec 11

Kineto Wireless, the key innovator and leading supplier of Smart Wi-Fi solutions for mobile operators, today announced it has added new capabilities to its Smart Wi-Fi Application that enhance the end user service experience when connected to public Wi-Fi networks, or hotspots.

Smart Wi-Fi is an application provided by mobile operators to their subscribers that enables all mobile services (e.g. voice, SMS, MMS, RCS) to be delivered over existing Wi-Fi networks. To date, operators have focused the use of Smart Wi-Fi on private Wi-Fi networks, such as those at subscriber homes and offices, as a way to address indoor coverage challenges as well as offload their macro network.

However, many mobile operators are now looking to also leverage public Wi-Fi networks to realize additional offload and performance benefits. According to the Wireless Broadband Alliance, 47% of mobile operators surveyed believed further adoption of public Wi-Fi was “either very important or crucial” and that the number of public Wi-Fi access points could increase more than 400% to 5.8 units worldwide by 2015.

In response to this demand, Kineto has added capabilities that improve the Smart Wi-Fi user experience when subscribers connect to public Wi-Fi networks. These new features include:

–          Smart Connect – Frustrated smartphone users have learned the hard way that simply attaching to a Wi-Fi hotspot doesn’t necessarily mean they are given Internet access. Quite often, public Wi-Fi networks require additional log-on steps before providing full data connectivity. To address this challenge, Kineto has added a Smart Connect feature that assists users with accessing hotspots when additional log-on information is required.

–          Smart Offload –  Subscriber usage of public Wi-Fi networks is very different to usage of private Wi-Fi networks. For example, subscribers typically stay connected to home and office Wi-Fi networks for many hours at a time, while time spent connected to any given public network can be very brief. Performance of public and private Wi-Fi can also vary widely. Private Wi-Fi networks typically deliver very good and consistent performance, while public hotspot performance may not be as predictable.

To address these differences, Kineto has added Smart Offload capabilities that enable selective service offloading to specific Wi-Fi networks based on operator policy and subscriber preference. For example, a subscriber may choose to have all their services (e.g. voice, SMS, MMS, RCS-e, Internet) automatically offloaded to their home and office Wi-Fi network, but be asked what services they want offloaded each time they connect to a new public Wi-Fi network (e.g. all services, or just Internet access).

“To date, Kineto’s Smart Wi-Fi application has enabled mobile operators and subscribers to fully benefit from private Wi-Fi deployment at home and office,” said Ken Kolderup, chief marketing officer for Kineto. “With these new features, operators can now leverage Smart Wi-Fi to enhance the public Wi-Fi strategy as well.”

Smart Wi-Fi is available from leading mobile operators around the world, and the Smart Wi-Fi application is available for Android-based smartphones from leading handset manufacturers such as Samsung, HTC, Motorola, LG, Huawei and ZTE.

About Kineto Wireless, Inc. 

Kineto Wireless is the key innovator and leading supplier of Smart Wi-Fi solutions for mobile operators. The company’s solutions enable mobile operators to turn more than 200 million existing public and private Wi-Fi access points into seamless extensions of their mobile networks.

With Smart Wi-Fi, subscribers can receive all their mobile services over Wi-Fi instead of the macro network, boosting indoor coverage and improving the mobile data experience, while securely offloading the mobile network. The company’s Smart Wi-Fi products and services, based on the 3GPP GAN standard, have been deployed by mobile operators around the world. Kineto customers and partners include HTC, Huawei, LG Electronics, Motorola, Orange, RIM, Rogers Wireless, SFR, Samsung, T-Mobile and ZTE. For more information, please visit kineto.com, and follow Kineto at twitter.com/kinetowireless.

New Web Accessibility Solution For Disabled Users

by editor | Jan 1, 2012 | Lifestyle

Recite Helps Invate to Innovate

With New Web Accessibility

Solution For Disabled Users
     21 Dec 11

An innovative North East business that allows dyslexic and sight impaired users to access the web with ease has signed up another regional success story as one of its newest clients.

Gateshead-based Recite, which offers a simple and cost-effective platform that can help users with certain disabilities to use internet sites, is working with Invate, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of specialist products for disabled people, to make its website fully accessible and compliant with government regulations.

“I love the fact that one of our first clients is a business that shares a similar market and outlook to ourselves,” said Ross Linnett, Founder and Managing Director of Recite. “Invate offers a full range of products to people with all types of disability. By using the Recite platform, more of those people will be able to go online, explore the site and order the products for themselves.”

Recite is an easy to use and cost-effective web based solution which provides a set of tools like text- to-speech to read websites out aloud, and adjustable text-only-view to make sites easier to read. The system offers a simple solution to the issue of meeting W3C guidelines, which stipulate that reasonable steps must be taken to make all websites universally accessible. Unlike traditional products, which require downloading and installing of software, Recite can be added using a simple line of code on the client’s website, providing a simple off-the-peg solution.

“As a company that caters to the needs of disabled people, we are always looking for ways to improve the customer experience and I have been hugely impressed by the capabilities of the Recite platform,” said Chris Quickfall, Managing Director of Newcastle-based Invate. “It has not only enhanced the usability of the site, but has also increased our accessibility for visually impaired customers.”

Recite is accessed by a simple button, prominently placed on the client’s website. Once the user clicks on this, a bar will appear at the top of the page giving access to the Recite tools, including magnified plain text view, text-to-speech capability and translation into 52 languages. It’s even possible to change the colour and layout of text to suit certain specific conditions.

“There are over nine million people within the UK who have dyslexia and there are a further 2 million that are registered with visual impairment, so we’ve put a lot of thought into the Recite product, making it simple and intuitive for both website owners and their customers,” added Mr Linnett. “It’s really easy to use, has an intuitive user interface and works on a simple yearly subscription model. When it comes to assistive technology, using Recite could change the lives of people with dyslexia or visual impairment.”

To find out more about Recite, visit www.recite.me or call (0191) 432 8092.

Samsung Brings Exclusive Angry Birds Festive Cheer

by editor | Jan 1, 2012 | Lifestyle

Samsung Brings Exclusive Angry Birds

Festive Cheer With New Game

Experiences, Levels, Competitions And More

     21 Dec 11

Those loveable Angry Birds and the pesky pigs are celebrating the holiday season with fans across the globe, as their new Advent Challenge on Google Chrome launched 25 levels of Winter Wonderland fun. In the run-up to Christmas each day a new level is unlocked with a special 5th December level created thanks to the Samsung GALAXY Note.

Samsung and Rovio first worked together earlier in the year for the launch of the GALAXY S II and have once again come together to offer fans of Angry Birds even more chances to play. Visiting note.angrybirds.com will take you to a Winter Wonderland in which you can send Angry Birds greetings cards, win amazing prizes including a Samsung GALAXY Note and even play an exclusive Angry Birds puzzle game not seen anywhere else in the world.

“It’s so good to team up with Rovio again. Samsung has a had brilliant year and our Galaxy devices are popular all over the world, so to be able to launch a holiday experience inside the most popular mobile game in world is awesome!” said YH Lee, SVP of Global Marketing at Samsung Mobile Communications Business. “To all those Angry Birds fans out there: enjoy yourselves and check out the Galaxy Note for an even better mobile gaming experience!”

In just one week, over 500,000 fans have visited the specially created Angry Birds Winter Wonderland microsite and Samsung will continue to welcome guests throughout the festive period.

“The holiday season is all about giving back and giving thanks, and this year we wanted to thank our millions of fans by giving them some great Angry Birds experiences,” said Peter Vesterbacka, CMO and Mighty Eagle of Rovio. “Not only are they receiving 25 new levels in our Advent game, but they’re also getting a chance to win the best Samsung products around and participate in a fun advent challenge.”

London’s First Free Public Nightlife Concierge Service

by editor | Dec 31, 2011 | Lifestyle

London’s First Free

Public Nightlife Concierge Service
     23 Dec 11

Design my night is the UK’s first ever price comparison site for nightlife with a search for over 1,800 venues, launched by two former City professionals, Nick Telson and Andrew Webster.

In the current economic climate, consumers are having to be more and more savvy about the way they spend their money. The hospitality sector is today worth £46 billion to the UK economy* showing that despite the economic doom and gloom, consumers are placing a high value on having a good time.

However, with individuals feeling the squeeze from low wages and high inflation, it’s never been more important to plan your evening’s expenditure.

The most savvy savers are 23 – 29 year olds, with a massive 73 per cent of designmynight users falling into this age category. And women are more likely than men to plan ahead when it comes to spending on going out – 57 per cent of all users of the price comparison service are female.

Price comparison is becoming an integral part of consumers’ spending decisions in so many areas, including gas, electricity, insurance, flights and holidays – so it’s no wonder that designmynight is having huge interest from the public who are looking to save money or plan budgets on nightlife expenditure. With the average price of a cocktail at a massive £8.00 in London, going out without planning can be an expensive affair.

In designmynight, Telson and Webster have harnessed the diverse potential of London nightlife to create the first bespoke search engine geared specifically towards price comparison. The search criteria uniquely include specific drinks drinks prices, the type of night you can expect to have there and even when to beat the bar queues, and when you find your ideal venue there will often be an exclusive discount voucher too.

designmynight’s portal is as indispensible for student misadventures as it is for luxuriant cocktail nights. The reach of the website expands to cover great daytime haunts for lazy afternoon drinks, the best spots to catch the big game, where to have that critical business lunch, and of course charting the ever-evolving line-up  of nightlife hotspots across the city.

Nick Telson comments: “Although Londoners can pride themselves on the sheer breadth of choice available in the city, often this eclecticism can become overwhelming, and costly. In today’s current climate, pre-planning spend before a night out is massively important so consumers can go to venues that fit their budget without any surprises.

With the price of a cocktail ranging from £4 to £17 in London, there is massive scope for unexpected overspending and we launched designmynight as an easy to use portal for tailored social planning, whatever your budget.”

designmynight’s comparative price search and booking service make it the definitive online destination for tailored social planning, using three different budget categories for their venue database.

designmynight also boasts a complementary Concierge Service, which brings Nick and Andrew’s expertise to all client briefs, from intimate parties to large-scale corporate events. Previous corporate clients of the designmynight Concierge have included, among others, Armani, L’Oreal and Garnier UK.

From basement Speakeasies to pop-ups, and East End warehouses to glorious rooftops, designmynight is the definitive source for the inside curve on all that’s new in one of the world’s most rapidly evolving capitals.

The multi-faceted draw of designmynight’s offerings will further diversify with the launch of designmynight Deals, an industry first for social buying, bringing group discounts across the board to a plethora of London nightspots. Details to be announced soon.

To have access to the concierge simply email requirements to [email protected] or find the form on the site’s homepage.

Explore! Launches Dedicated Cycling Adventures Brochure With 19 New Tours

by editor | Dec 31, 2011 | Lifestyle

Explore! Launches Dedicated Cycling
Adventures Brochure With 19 New Tours
     29 Dec 11

For the first time in two years, Explore has released a brochure dedicated to its cycling portfolio. The collection features trips for all experience and activity levels, but contains an increased focus on challenging tours for keen cyclists. As well as a number of new tours in Europe, Explore has responded to customer demand for more cycling trips further afield, with new trips in Burma, India, Cuba, Sri Lanka, as well as a trip that journeys through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. What’s more, Explore is offering 5% off any of the 19 new cycling tours, when booked by 31st January, 2012.*

For those inspired by Mark Cavendish’s recent award as the BBC Sport’s Personality of the Year, the challenging new Provence and the Ventoux eight-day tour journeys through the heart of the Provencal plains, incorporating the classic Tour de France hill climbs of Mont Ventoux and Col du Murs. Graded tough, this tour covers 430km with several steep sections. Departing in September 2012, the cost, from £955 per person, includes flights; seven nights’ hotel accommodation (mostly b&b); hire of a 21-gear Trek T10 Navigator bike; back-up vehicle and tour leader.

For something less physically challenging, but more off-the-beaten-track, Explore’s new nine-day Cycle Iceland tour explores some of Iceland’s most remote mountain tracks. From the wild centre to the South Coast, the route takes customers across black deserts, contrasted by towering, green volcanoes and white glaciers. This ‘rough and ready’ trip incorporates camping by remote mountain lakes and bathing in natural hot springs. Graded as moderate, 155km is covered on off-road and varied terrain. The price, from £1,689 per person, includes flights; b&b camping and guesthouse accommodation; 11 other meals; mountain bike hire; tour leader and support vehicle.

New tours in Eastern Europe offer exceptional value for money. As well as the new Cycle Ukraine and Cycle Serbia trips (detailed in the notes to editors), the unique Cycle Albania tour allows customers to get to the heart and soul of this fascinating and picturesque country, over eight days. Graded moderate to strenuous, 365km is covered on quiet, undulating roads, with some steeper sections. Costing from £997 per person, this includes flights; accommodation, mostly on a b&b basis; three dinners; hybrid bike hire; tour leader and support vehicle.

Further afield, the first Explore customers started returning to Burma last month, after a 16-year absence. The country is proving exceptionally popular and Explore now offers four different tours there, including the new and unique 16-day Cycle Burma trip. Cycling between the major highlights of Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay and Rangoon, this tour provides the opportunity to truly immerse in the local culture, passing from village to village. Graded moderate, 510km is covered on generally flat and quiet roads. With departures from January to March and October to December, the price, from £2,397 per person, includes flights; b&b accommodation; mountain bike hire; tour leader and support vehicle.

The Cycle Nicaragua to the Panama Canal tour takes a fascinating journey across three countries over 15 days. The tour passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Central America – past smoking volcanoes and lakes and through national parks. A particular highlight is cycling along the Panama Canal. Chill-out time is included in the tropical islands of Bocas del Toro. Graded moderate to strenuous, 650km is covered on undulating and sometimes mountainous roads. The price, from £2,570 per person, includes flights; b&b accommodation; hybrid bike hire; tour leader and support vehicle.

Ashley Toft, Managing Director of Explore, commented, “This new brochure contains our biggest and most innovative collection of cycling holidays yet. In addition to the 5% saving for new trips booked by 31st January, it should also be noted that our cycling trips offer exceptional value for money, due to the fact that the hire of high-quality bikes is included in the cost of all of our trips.”

For more information about Explore, or to book, visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844 499 0901.

A Japanese Calendar Of Culture For 2012

by editor | Dec 31, 2011 | Lifestyle

A Japanese Calendar Of Culture For 2012
     30 Dec 11

InsideJapan Tours recommends when to go to Japan for new openings,
festivals and fun in the Year of the Dragon.

January: See ancient sites, such as Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion Temple, sparkle with a dusting of snow or head to the Alps to watch snow monkeys bathe in hot spring pools; on Hokkaido, see the graceful Japanese red cranes perform dances as the orange sun sets over the pure white snowfields of Tsurui.

15 January – Nozawa Fire Festival, Nagano
This intense celebration of health and growth brings heat to the snowy slopes of Nozawa, the country’s oldest ski resort. Fireworks and bonfires light up the village and the skies above whilst large amounts of sake are consumed by the locals and visitors alike.

How to get there:
The ‘Alpine Winter Culture’ self guided adventure heads from Tokyo to the Japanese Alps for a 9 night trip taking in the exciting Fire Festival, visits the ‘Snow monkey’ of Yudanaka, stays in the atmospheric Zenkoji temple and the alpine castle town of Matsumoto. Costs £1,450pp (two sharing), departs 9th January.

February: In the north, after a day in the sublime snow, relax in outdoor hot spring pools, surrounded by snow-covered rocks; meanwhile, in the southern sub-tropical Okinawa islands, bathe in warm sea waters as the cherry tree blossom awakens.

6-12 February – Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido
One of the country’s most sense-assaulting festivals with spectacular snow sculptures, bright lights, traditional and pop music, and a vast array of food, beer and sake.

How to get there:
The 14-night ‘Winter Highlights’ small group tour incorporates the excitement of the snow festival and a host of winter wildlife-watching opportunities including dancing Japanese cranes and sea eagles on the remote Shiretoko Peninsula. Costs £3,250 pp (two sharing), departs 3 February, see details here.*

March: Plum tree blossom provides the first sign of the transition to spring and is a pretty prelude to the more celebrated cherry tree blossom.

11 March – first anniversary of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami

24-25 March – Tokyo International Anime Fair
This quirky fair brings some of the most famous artists, film studios, manga characters and creators from the animation world together and is visited by fanatics in their hordes.

How to get there:
The 13-night ‘Spring Elegance’ small group tour takes in pulsating Tokyo, followed by time in the Alps to appreciate pristine nature and to see the cherry blossom. Costs £2,650 pp (two sharing), departs 25 March, see details here.*

April: As the country looks pretty in pink, the country enters the ‘hanami’ season, when the nation gathers in groups under the cherry blossom to drink, eat and be merry.

14-15 April – Takayama Festival
The ancient castle town of Takayama hosts this most popular celebration of spring. The streets are lined with magnificent floats (yatai) crafted by local artisans and are crowded with people carrying colourful portable shrines (mikoshi).

How to get there:
The 14-night ‘Traditional Japan’ self-guided adventure winds through the heart of the Japanese Alps and includes a stay in a traditional ryokan in Takayama. Costs £2,370 pp (two sharing), see details here.*

May: The ideal time to see Japan, when the temperature is perfect for sightseeing. The foliage in temple gardens, castle grounds and vast public parks is stunning at this time of year.

22 May – opening of The Tokyo Sky Tree
This 643 metre-tall structure will ensure a seamless transition to digital broadcasting. The Tokyo Sky Tree will be one of the tallest towers in the world, providing unforgettable views over and beyond the metropolis.

How to get there:
A new signature tour from InsideJapan Tours’ guide Tom Orman, the 11-night ‘Emperor’s Footsteps’ itinerary takes participants into the mountains, along the parts of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path and to ancient shrines, with stays in traditional Japanese ryokan and dips in hot springs along the way. Costs £2,150 pp (two sharing), departs 22 May, see details here.*

June: As the snow melts away across Hokkaido, this remote wilderness, unaffected by the rainy season, becomes a little-known haven for hikers, cyclers and campers. Walk amidst tulips, pink moss and lavender, and savour local seafood dishes and Hokkaido cheeses.

1-2 June – Takigi Noh
Head to the Heian Shrine in culture-rich Kyoto to see graceful Takigi Noh theatre performances taking place by flaming torch-light

How to get there:
The 16-night ‘Hokkaido Fly Drive’ self-guided adventure is highly recommended for those who wish to appreciate the panoramic beauty of Hokkaido. Costs £2,830 pp (two sharing), see details here.*

July: As the level of humidity soars during the Japanese summer, head to fresh air at altitude with a climb up Mt Fuji. The official climbing season is from 1 July – 31 August, and is popular with pilgrims who aim to reach the sacred mountain’s summit of 3,776 metres in time for sunrise.

27-29 July – Fuji Rock festival
Japan’s answer to Glastonbury – without the litter-strewn surroundings – takes place in the mountains of Niigata.  2012’s line-up includes The Stone Roses.

How to get there:
The 7-night ‘Fuji Rock’ self-guided adventure starts in Tokyo and includes the Fuji Rock festival experience. Costs £902 pp (two sharing), including accommodation in Tokyo, festival ticket, tent and transfers. Departs 24 July, see details here.*

August: Matsuri (festival) madness sets upon Japan in August with the Aomori Nebuta, Akita Kanto and Sendai Tanabata Festivals in the Tohoku region. Fireworks, kimonos, takoyaki (fried octopus), taiko drummers, flute players and floats create an unforgettable and kaleidoscopic picture of Japanese culture.

29 July – 17 September – The triennial Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival
A sprawling display of modern art covering 760km2 across the Echigo region in the mountainous Niigata prefecture – nearly 600 artists from 40 countries scatter their works across terraced rice fields, amidst forested hills and throughout tiny rural villages.

How to get there:
The ten-night ‘Festivals of Japan’ self-guided adventure is designed to give travellers a taste of Tohoku’s summer extravaganzas and more. Costs £1,254 pp (two sharing), see details here*. Meanwhile, the 14-night ‘A Northern Soul’ small group tour heads up through the rural Tohoku region at £2,650 pp (two sharing), departs 12 August, see details here*

September: Stay in the samurai castle city of Matsumoto and spend time in the mountains, where you might catch a glimpse of the rare Asiatic black bear that inhabits the forests of central Honshu.

22-23 September – Tokyo Game Show
Welcoming a record number of visitors last year (over 222,668), the Tokyo Game Show is an awesome forum for computer gamers and geeks to try out the latest innovations, including products for smart phones, future phones and PCs.

How to get there:
A new signature tour from InsideJapan Tours’ guide Liam Chawdhary, the 14-night ‘Hands on Japan’ itinerary includes a plethora of cultural experiences from kimono-wearing, pottery-making and the tea ceremony, to a trip to a wasabi farm, taiko-drumming and the chance to see a Sumo wrestling match, plus foodie experiences. Costs £2,700 pp (two sharing), departs 9 September, see details here.*

October: The ‘koyo’ (autumn leaf viewing) season sees Japan ablaze with colour. Steeped in history and home to the Toshu-gu-shrine, the national park of Nikko, located at 1,269 metres above sea level, boasts glorious ‘koyo’ opportunities near the Chuzenji Lake.

23-30 October – Tokyo Fashion Week
A feast for the eyes but in a completely different format – the world’s top designers and fashionistas descend upon the capital city for this week of global glamour.

How to get there:
The 14-night ‘Essential Honshu’ small group tour heads to the stunning Kamikochi National Park for an appreciation of autumnal aesthetics, to the hot springs in Hakone National Park plus Osaka and then Tokyo, in time for fashion week. Costs £2,400pp (two sharing), departs 13 October, see details here.*

November: The district of Arashiyama is one of the most cultural parts of Kyoto and, in the autumn, the most colourful, too, as the mountain-covering maple trees turn red, gold and yellow.

1-10 November – Gion Odori (autumn dances)
Tickets to these enchanting performances by Kyoto’s geisha are highly sought after.

How to get there:
The nine-night ‘Tokaido Trail’ incorporates the classic sights of Tokyo and Kyoto, including ‘Gion Odori’, Mt Fuji, the Hakone National Park and the coastal temple town of Kamakura, with smooth transfers by shinkansen. Costs £1550pp (two sharing), departs 3 November, see details here.*

December: Join the Japanese as they wind down for the most important annual celebration – New Year. Bonenkai (literally translated as ‘parties to forget the year’) are held amongst colleagues and friends, and on New Year’s Eve itself, families eat buckwheat noodles symbolizing longevity and visit temples at midnight.

31 December – shogatsu (Japanese New Year)
New Year (shogatsu or oshogatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan. Most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families typically gather to spend the days together.

How to get there:
The ‘7 Night Price Cruncher’ covers the classic sights of Japan on a budget taking in Tokyo, the Hakone national Park and the cultural capital of Kyoto on a self guided adventure. Costs £648pp (two sharing) departing throughout the year. See details here*

TALKING IT OUT

by editor | Dec 31, 2011 | Lifestyle

TALKING IT OUT

“Anger blows out the lamp of the mind,” said Robert Ingersoll.

It may be true. I heard a story about one woman who ran a classified
ad in order to sell her brand new car. It had only 3,000 miles.

“Like new,” the ad boasted. “Mint condition. $75.00.”

He laughed to himself, and said, “There goes the newspaper, making
another mistake.” But he decided to call the number anyway and ask
about it.

“Is it really brand new?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Three thousand miles?”

“Yes.”

“The price?”

“Seventy-five dollars,” she answered.

“Seventy-five dollars! Lady, what’s wrong with it?” he asked.

“Nothing is wrong with it. And, amazingly, you’re the first to call.
I suppose nobody else believes the ad.”

He decided to look at it. She let him take a test drive. The car
looked exquisite and ran perfectly. He just couldn’t believe his
luck.

“The car is yours for $75.00. Just drive it away.”

He paid her and took the keys. “Please tell me, lady,” he persisted.
“You could have sold this car for $35,000, at least.
What is going on?”

She told her story: “I bought the car for my husband on our fortieth
wedding anniversary. Two weeks later he ran off with somebody else.
Last week I got a text from him. They are in a resort in Miami
Beach, Florida. The text said,
‘Need money, sell car, send cash.’
I did.”

What do you do when you are angry?

Some people “act it out.” They break something. Or they say
something they later regret. They strike back. Or they sell the car
for $75.00.

Other people “wait it out.” Waiting it out seemed to be her husband’s
strategy. Let her cool down – it will blow over. But the avoidance
of conflict usually never ends well. It just doesn’t go away by
itself.

Others “take it out.” They kick the dog or scream at the kids. They
lash out at the next unlucky person they come across.

Still others “fight it out.” Humorist Bob Orben says, “Who can ever
forget Winston Churchill’s immortal words: ‘We shall fight on the
beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in
the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills’? It
sounds exactly like our family vacation.” With friends and family,
fighting it out becomes bickering. On a larger scale, it’s called
warfare.

Of course, the best idea is to “talk it out.” Nothing new here – we
have to bring it up before we can get it out. But talking it out isn’t
shouting it out. I think some people believe that if they just say
it loudly enough, they can make it so.

Talking it out is about bringing it up – saying what needs to be
said clearly, calmly and kindly. But it is also about listening. I
think it’s interesting that the word “listen” contains the same
letters as the word “silent.” I know that I can’t listen when I’m
talking. I can’t listen when I’m figuring out what I want to say
next. I have to be still. I have to be silent.

And when I’m silent, something almost magical happens. Walls come
down and I can begin to see my way through. When I’m silent I create
space for something new to grow between us.

ACT IT OUT and your actions will become a block to good
communication.

WAIT IT OUT and you just let it build up inside.

TAKE IT OUT and you cause more hurt and anger.

FIGHT IT OUT and you create winners and losers.

But TALK IT OUT and you can get it out. Be honest. Be clear. But, be
reasonable. And then be silent. Let the magic of the moment ferment
so that understanding can grow.

Maybe then you can keep the car.

Find Steve Goodier here: http://stevegoodier.blogspot.com/.
Newsletter:
http://LifeSupportSystem.com

Leading South East Attraction Announces 2012 Events

by editor | Dec 31, 2011 | Lifestyle

Leading South East Attraction

Announces 2012 Events
     23 Dec 11

 The latest events list for the Kent & East Sussex Railway has been released.
With plenty of new events added and many of the Railways most popular events continued
there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy this coming year,
whether it is a trip with Thomas the Tank Engine or a step back to times gone by at the 1940’s weekend.

A Day Out with Thomas 11-12 & 18-19 February

Thomas will be making exclusive appearances at Tenterden station with some of his friends including ‘Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller’. Tickets include a 1 hour train ride, the chance to enjoy “Thomas & Friends” station scenarios as well as a daily fun packed programme of children’s events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown. Adult £13.50 1st Class supp £3, Child £10.50 1st Class Supp £2

Kids for a Quid 14-17 February

The Kent & East Sussex Railway and Bodiam Castle have collaborated on a special promotion to offer great days out for families at affordable prices this half term.  Available between 14 and 17 February 2012, Kids for a Quid offers families the chance to enjoy rides on the Kent & East Sussex Railway whilst paying just £1 for each child. Passengers can board the beautifully restored vintage steam trains at Tenterden Station, which will take them along the 10 ½ mile line to Bodiam station, passing through the Rother Valley. Vouchers, available from the Railway’s website, are required.

Mother’s Day 18 March

A special Mother’s Day treat can be booked for £22.50 with the Kent & East Sussex Railway where the whole family can enjoy the service and style from a more gentle time. An age when opulent surroundings and attentive staff made our railways the envy of the world.  This special Mother’s Day treat includes a two-hour return journey on one of the Railway’s restored steam trains, a reserved table for your family for either a hearty Ploughmans Lunch or a delicious Cream Tea together with a surprise gift for every Mum to take home to remember her special day.  Relax on board and enjoy some quality time with Mum, as you take in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding countryside, interrupted only by the gentle chug of the steam engine. Mothers Day Treat £22.50, Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10 plus catering

Rock With The Tots 31 March

Families will enjoy a 25 minute steam train journey on the Kent & East Sussex Railway along the picturesque line from Tenterden before alighting to see two of children’s TV’s favourite characters. Featuring popular pre-school television characters FiFi Forget-me-Not and her best friend Bumble, ‘Rock With The Tots’ is a high energy, sing-along stage show designed to entertain the whole family and encourage young family members to join in!

Adult £13.50 1st Class supp £3, Child £10.50 1st Class Supp £2

Family Ticket Offer Easter 2-5 & 10-13 April

Families can purchase a reduced ticket when travelling on the Kent & East Sussex Railway between these dates. Tickets reduced from £42 to £35.  A Family ticket is valid for 2 Adults and up to 3 Children OR 1 Adult and up to 4 Children

Grandparents Weekend 14-15 April

Children can treat grandparents to a nostalgic day out for FREE on the Kent & East Sussex Railway during a special grandparents’ weekend, when every child rover ticket purchased entitles a grandparent to travel for free.  The unlimited day travel tickets allow visitors to hop off the train and explore the many activities each destination has to offer such as the shops in Tenterden or the magnificent Bodiam Castle.  Or why not visit the new Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum which can be found directly opposite Northiam station.

  

Spring Walks 28-29 April

On 28 and 29 April 2012 everyone can take advantage of the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s special weekend summer promotion which combines a walk with a nostalgic steam train ride.  Over the weekend, keen walkers can take advantage of a 25% discount on all single train fares along with a free copy of the glossy “Railtrails” guide book, featuring six different walks with maps. Those wishing not to walk can still purchase full price rover tickets and a standard train timetable will be operating over the weekend.

Steam Train Gala 5-7 May

All aboard for the annual 3 day Steam Train Gala at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden starting on Saturday 5 May 2012. The event promises visiting locomotives, plenty of excitement with a range of one-off workings and special events spread across the three days of the bank holiday weekend. Gala prices – adult £17.50, Senior £15, Child £12.50, family £50, member £10. Two day tickets: adults £30, senior £25, child £20, member £20. Three day tickets: adult £35, senior £30, child £25, member £25.

1940’s Weekend 19-20 May

On 19 and 20 May 2012 the Kent & East Sussex Railway will be hosting their annual 1940’s weekend when visitors of all ages can re-live the forties lifestyle along the line. This historical railway is the ideal location for this unrivalled event, when period features including steamers, bunting, spivs and characters in authentic costume create a nostalgic atmosphere for visitors enjoying the variety of activities on offer. Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Family Ticket Offer 6-10 June

Families can purchase a reduced ticket when travelling on the Kent & East Sussex Railway between these dates. Tickets reduced from £42 to £35. A family ticket is valid for 2 Adults and up to 3 Children OR 1 Adult and up to 4 Children.

CAMRA Beer Festival 16 June

Celebrate the arrival of summer with a visit to the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden on Saturday 16 June 2012 for the annual CAMRA’s Real Ale & Cider Festival. This popular social event takes place between 11:00am and 10:30pm (or until the beer runs out!) and is organised by the Ashford, Folkestone and Romney Marsh Branches of CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale. On the day visitors can partake in a wide range of activities, from trying a diverse range of some of the finest Ale, Cider and Perry in the exclusive beer tent, or relaxing and listening to an eclectic mix of live music. There will be a delicious selection of food from a BBQ or the licenced refreshment room. Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

 

Father’s Day 17 June

On Father’s Day (Sunday 17 June) why not treat Dad to a day out at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden for just £24.50. This special Father’s Day treat includes a return journey on one of the Railway’s stunning vintage steam trains and dad can choose from a delicious homemade ploughmans lunch or cream tea, served to your reserved table and complimented with a bottle of the railway’s very own beer, “Dad’s Delight” Fathers Day Treat £24.50.  Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10 plus catering.

Pensioners Treat, £10 a seat 26-28 June

Take a nostalgic steam train journey with the Kent & East Sussex Railway between 26 and 28 June 2012 and if you are over 60 take advantage of the special price all day rover ticket for seniors which is only £10.   Everyone travelling on the railway can enjoy a 21-mile relaxing steam train ride in beautifully restored carriages travelling through picturesque countryside between Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam stations.

WWI Event 30 June – 1 July
“Goodbye Dolly!” A Great War extravaganza featuring 30 living historians in appropriate military uniforms supported by 10 period interpreters portraying civilian personnel. Support equipment includes General Service Wagon, Lewis Machine Gun Cart, Water Cart, Dispatch Rider Motorcycle, Pedal Cycles, Casualty Reception Facility, Recruitment Tent and Period Photography Booth, Bell Tent encampment.  Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

 

Summer Walks 7-8 July

On 7 and 8 July 2012 everyone can take advantage of the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s special weekend summer promotion which combines a walk with a nostalgic steam train ride. Over the weekend, keen walkers can take advantage of a 25% discount on all single train fares along with a free copy of the glossy “Railtrails” guide book, featuring six different walks with maps. Those wishing not to walk can still purchase full price rover tickets and a standard train timetable will be operating over the weekend.

A Day Out with Thomas 21-23 July

Families are invited to come along to The Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden between 21 and 23 July 2012 to meet everyone’s favourite steam engine Thomas the Tank Engine. Thomas will be making exclusive appearances at Tenterden station with some of his friends including ‘Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller’.  Tickets cost from £13.50 per adult and £10.50 per child and include a 1 hour train ride behind one of the Railway’s engines, the chance to enjoy “Thomas & Friends” station scenarios as well as a daily fun packed programme of children’s events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown. Adult £13.50 1st Class supp £3, Child £10.50 1st Class Supp £2

1960’s Event 4-5 August

Become immersed in the sounds, sights and fashions of one of the most iconic decades of the last century.  Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Hoppers Weekend 8-9 September

On the 8 and 9 September, visitors to Bodiam station can enjoy a whole weekend of “opping nostalgia” as the Kent & East Sussex Railway hosts its annual Hop Pickers Weekend.  Bodiam was an important area for hop picking and the weekend re-lives the days when Londoners came ‘dahn ‘opping’ for a summer break. Each summer hop pickers used to arrive in specially timetabled trains from London and this year the railway is celebrating 54 years since the last Hop Pickers Special arrived at Bodiam station.  Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Pensioners Treat 18-20 September

Take a nostalgic steam train journey with the Kent & East Sussex Railway between Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20 September 2012 and if you are over 60 take advantage of the special price all day rover ticket for seniors which is only £10. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Bodiam Castle, which is a short walk from Bodiam Station, or The Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum, which can be found directly opposite Northiam station. Enjoy reduced admission to either attraction on production of your train ticket. Allow time to see the restored Cavell Van at Bodiam Station. This historic carriage is an important railway legacy from the Great War era and carried Nurse Edith Cavell’s coffin, that of Captain Charles Fryatt and the Unknown Warrior.

 

A Day Out with Thomas 29-30 September

Families are invited to come along to The Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden between 29 and 30 September 2012 for a fun packed fantastic day out. Everyone’s favourite steam engine Thomas the Tank Engine will be making exclusive appearances at Tenterden station with some of his friends including ‘Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller’. Tickets include a 1 hour train ride to Wittersham Road and back behind one of the Railway’s engines, the chance to enjoy “Thomas & Friends” station scenarios as well as a daily fun packed programme of children’s events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown.

Adult £13.50 1st Class supp £3, Child £10.50 1st Class Supp £2

 

The 20th Tenterden Folk Festival 6-7 October

Tenterden Folk Festival is a four day long festival of folk song, music and dance. Tenterden, situated in the ancient Weald of Kent, about 12 miles west of Ashford, is an ideal setting for this friendly, family folk festival.  It features one of the widest high streets in the country lined with historic and listed buildings, numerous friendly pubs and restaurants and green verges.

Austin Counties Car Rally 13-14 October

See a selection of these vehicles on show at Tenterden Station in what is the 20th year of this popular rally.  Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Halloween Half Term Fun Week 29 – 31 October and 1 & 2 November

There will be plenty of spine tingling tricks and treats during ‘Halloween fun week’ from Monday 29 to Friday 2 November. Enjoy spooktacular entertainment at Tenterden station and join in the ‘make and take’ activities, including the pumpkin carving workshop. All activities are included in the ticket price.

Fright Night Trains 31 October and 2 November

As the clock strikes 6pm on Wednesday 31 and Friday 2 November take the Halloween Howler steam train ride from Tenterden Station on the popular ‘Fright Night’ Train. Enjoy scary face painting, ‘make and take’ activities and pumpkin carving at Tenterden Station from 4:30pm. Once on board, be prepared to be frightened silly with ghostly goings on at stations with a firework display and a few surprises along the way. Every child will also receive a delicious snack box for the all-inclusive ticket price of £16 Booking essential.

Families are encouraged to come in fancy dress, the scarier the better!

Cavell Van 11 November

On Sunday 11 November 2012, take part in a rare and exclusive opportunity and travel to Bodiam on the 11.30am steam departure from Tenterden station. A Terrier locomotive will make this special journey with a train formed of the Cavell Van, Birdcage and other historic vintage stock. The departure from Tenterden station will follow a Service of Remembrance at 10.45am and two minutes silence at 11.00am. Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Santa Specials Selected Dates in December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-24 December

Meet Santa at one of Kent’s best loved attractions this Christmas when you take a magical steam train journey at The Kent & East Sussex Railway’s popular Santa Specials, now in their 38th year!  When you arrive at Tenterden Station you’ll be greeted by the sound of Christmas Carols and you can enjoy as many free rides on the Victorian carousel as you can fit into your day. On board the beautifully decorated steam train families will meet Santa Claus during the hour long return journey to Wittersham Road. Children should also look out for the pixies whose sacks are full of lovely presents. After your train ride the fun continues at Tenterden Station. Plans are being made for one of the most exciting and unexpected entertainment events ever at a steam railway. All will be revealed! All £17.50, 1st Class £21, Early Bird (1&2) £14.50 + 1st class Supp £3, Christmas Eve Supp £1 on all fares.

This year is set to be an exciting one for the Kent & East Sussex Railway so be sure to not to miss out!

For more information on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and the listed events visit www.kesr.org.uk

Crystal clear – Umbria in winter

by editor | Dec 28, 2011 | Lifestyle

Crystal clear – Umbria in winter

Of all the places I’ve ever visited in the world – and I’ve visited a lot, believe me – my favourite is Umbria in Italy.

Of course, “favourite” is a subjective thing. Comparing Iceland to Greece, for example or Thailand to Canada is a little deciding which is preferable; chalk or cheese? And if you ask me what my favourite destination is in the depths of January, I’m far more likely to go for sunnier climes than I am at the end of August after a particularly hot summer.

Nevertheless, Umbria’s gently rolling hills in a warm September golden light remains the most beautiful countryside I’ve ever seen – for my own personal tastes.

I enjoyed New Zealand’s dramatic scenery, and I love the vineyards of “Le Sud-Ouest” of France. I love the Cotswolds, the Lake District and I love some of America’s dramatic city-scapes – in which New York stands out, of course.

I also love the beaches and islands of Thailand, the Greek white-walled islands glistening in what always seems to be a brilliant white summer light, but still, Umbria ultimately carries the day for me.

I don’t know exactly why this is – and it’s easy to like somewhere in a warm September glow – so I decided, last winter, to see if I would still love the mountainous undulating Italian middle country in the depths of December.

And to cut a long story short; I did. Umbria isn’t as accessible in December of course. But with a good guide book, safe and warm in North Face  gear from head to toe and my favourite old walking boots with a good pair of ice grips for shoes handy in case needed, I set off on a few days’ magical walking through the most beautiful frosted landscape I think I’ve ever seen.

Clearly, my love for Umbria is deeper than a mere summer dalliance!

JUST CHILL

by editor | Dec 28, 2011 | Lifestyle

JUST CHILL

An Appalachian folk story tells of two friends who went coon
hunting. They treed a coon but could not get him down. So one
decided he’d climb the tree and shake the coon loose. To his
surprise, he found it wasn’t a coon at all, but a wildcat.

In a little while, his friend heard an awful commotion up in the
tree. Then he heard a voice screaming down at him, “Help! Help!”

“What’ll I do?”

“Just shoot up here amongst us,” his friend said. “One of us has got
to have some relief.”

Does your life ever feel like you’re wrestling with a wildcat and
somehow, somewhere, you have to get some relief? If so, you’re not
alone.

Psychologist Richard Wiseman asserts that people actually need more
relief now than ever before. We are living more stressful,
faster-paced lives than ever. He cites the results of an
international study conducted in collaboration with the British
Council to measure the speed of life.

The experiment was conducted by researchers who secretly timed how
fast thousands of pedestrians walked in city centers across the
globe, including London, Madrid, Singapore and New York. Granted,
this is not the most scientific experiment, but it is fascinating
nevertheless.

Prof. Richard Wiseman says, “This simple measurement provides a
significant insight into the physical and social health of a city.”

Where do the fastest walkers live? In order of speed, they are found
in Singapore (Singapore), Copenhagen (Denmark), Madrid (Spain),
Guangzhou (China) and Dublin (Ireland).

According to this study, we live about 10% faster now than twenty
years ago, when a similar experiment was conducted. The biggest
changes are found in and around Asia, where the pace of life in
Guangzhou (China) increased by over 20% and where Singapore showed a
30% increase.

A common American expression is, “Chill.” Are you anxious and
uptight? Chill. Need to de-stress? Just take it easy? Chill.

Chilling is pretty good advice, actually. Especially if the word
“chill” is spelled this way:

C – Calm down. When you’re anxious, frenzied or pressed, stop. Take
a deep breath and ask yourself, “Why?”

H – Hold back. Set a reasonable pace. Life is a marathon, not a
sprint. If you want to last, pace yourself. And take time to rest.

I – Indulge your desire for fun. Do something fun everyday and try
to put fun in your usual activities.

L – Learn how to just be. You already know how to DO. Take time to
BE. Don’t measure your life by what you accomplish, but by who you
are. Be present. Be attentive. But be.

L – Let it go. You are not responsible for everything and everybody.
In the immortal words of poet Robert Browning, “God’s in His Heaven;
all’s right with the world.” You don’t have to do it all yourself;
you don’t have to do it all right now. And some of it you may not
have to do at all.

You may feel like you’re wrestling with a wildcat. Or maybe you just
feel as if you’re living too fast. But if you need some relief,
“chill” is a good word to remember. Spell it right and you just
might get something you don’t expect. Happiness.
__________

Find Steve Goodier here: http://stevegoodier.blogspot.com/.
Newsletter: http://LifeSupportSystem.com <http://lifesupportsystem.com/

Christine Bleakley Gives Lucky Shoppers The Chance To See London 2012

by editor | Dec 24, 2011 | Lifestyle

Christine Bleakley Gives Lucky Shoppers
The Chance To See London 2012

With just 220 days to go until the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games there has never been a better time to get involved. Unsuspecting shoppers were given a spectacular surprise when presenter Christine Bleakley pulled the string on The Cadbury Giant Party Popper live at Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford, giving passers by over 100 chances to win London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games tickets and other exciting prizes.

Cadbury Spots v Stripes is bringing people closer to the games with some of the lucky winners even getting the chance to watch the London Olympic Games in VIP style, with special VIP prize packages. The VIP packages will include tickets for events such as Athletics finals, plus accommodation at a top London hotel and luxury travel to the games, available over the next few months. If people aren’t lucky enough to win this time there are 4 pairs to be had at the weekly ticket draw at spotsvstripes.com.

Climbing in El Chorro

by editor | Dec 23, 2011 | Lifestyle

Climbing in El Chorro
One of the classic winter climbing locations in Spain is El Chorro.  It’s easy to get to, as it’s only 50 km from Malaga, and there’s a huge range of climbing there – for beginners through to experts.
The big attraction at El Chorro is the limestone gorge. There’s multi-pitch climbing and other crags suitable for all kinds of climbers. There are more than 650 different routes – both bolted single and multi-pitch.
Handily close to El Chorro village, climbers can easily walk to the gorge, so there’s no need to think about transport at the beginning and end of each climb.
It’s best to get your climbing equipment  before arriving at El Chorro – you’ll have a wider choice available than buying on the spot.
The climbing routes are accessed by a walkway called ‘Camino Del Ray’. It’s a manmade structure that travels the length of the gorge a hundred metres above the valley floor. It is a bit rickety as it’s been there for more than eighty years. Recently though, it has been strengthened with via ferrata cables and bolts. Most of the multipitch routes are above or below the Camino Del Ray.
As you go deeper into the gorge, you used to be able to use railway tunnels to get access, but they are now patrolled by guards. Climbers have to use another route in – either by the Camino Del Ray or walking over the top of the gorge.  In this part of the gorge, most of the climbing is single pitch.
Highlights of the gorge include El Polvorin with its really steep wall and 6th grade routes and Los Cotos which has slab climbing at the lower grades.
If you’ve done plenty of climbing before, you’ll know exactly what equipment you need to take with your climbing shoes.  However, if you’re a novice, you should play it safe and go on a guided climb for your first venture in the El Chorro gorge.

Adorable apartment next Belém Gardens Portugal

by editor | Dec 22, 2011 | Lifestyle

Adorable apartment next Belém Gardens,

8 min to downtown

R. Vieira Portuense, 1300 Lisbon, Portugal

Staying in this apartment gives you the chance to experience the Portuguese Age of Discovery. It was from Belém riverfront that Vasco da Gama and other explorers departed to their voyages, events celebrated today by grand monuments and museums in the neighbourhood.

Enjoy history and charm but in a modern, candy and sweetly decorated apartment, with a living room overlooking the Belém gardens, one bedroom with a double bed and an individual sofa bed, another room with a double sofa bed, 2 WCs (one with bathtub, other with shower) and a fully equipped kitchen.

This cozy apartment will make you feel at home after a day in Lisbon, a city full of charm and places to discover.

Ideal for families or group of friends.

At 5 min walking there is a train station with trains to downtown (it takes 8 min to get to Cais do Sodré, in the old city center, where you have a connection with the metro line) and also to the famous beaches of Cascais and Estoril (30 min). To the old city center you can also take the typical and traditional trams (nr. 15) or the bus (nr 714, or 28) and in less than 20 min you will be there!

Staying in this apartment gives you the chance to experience the Portuguese Age of Discovery. It was from Belém riverfront that Vasco da Gama and other explorers departed to their voyages, events celebrated today by grand monuments and museums in the neighbourhood.

Anais Print Party Dress by Rise Fashion

by editor | Dec 22, 2011 | Lifestyle

Anais Print Party Dress

by Rise Boutique

Look a million dollars without breaking the bank!
Have all eyes on you when you walk into the room,
with one of the latest stunning fashion / party dresses from Rise Boutique.
Choose from a wide range of flattering styles,
from that little black dress to an enchanting cream lace 50?s design.
Great style with prices to suit your pocket.

When you look good you feel good!

Look drop dead gorgeous and have your man eating out of your hands
with one of these stunning dresses from the Rise Fashion Collection.

Chiffon smock dress with pretty floral print. Cut in a 70s style with billowing sleeves and empire line skirt, this dress looks fantastic with bare legs or tights. For the evening, complete the look with a long vintage style necklace and heels.

Go To Rise Boutique
for Affordable Style

Alexia Print Party Dress from Rise fashion

by editor | Dec 22, 2011 | Lifestyle

Alexia Print Party Dress

by Rise Boutique

Look a million dollars without breaking the bank!
Have all eyes on you when you walk into the room,
with one of the latest stunning fashion / party dresses from Rise Boutique.
Choose from a wide range of flattering styles,
from that little black dress to an enchanting cream lace 50?s design.
Great style with prices to suit your pocket.

When you look good you feel good!

Look drop dead gorgeous and have your man eating out of your hands
with one of these stunning dresses from the Rise Fashion Collection.

Black floral pattern lace dress with cream poly satin lining. 50’s prom shape with waist hugging silhoette. Tie front soft grosgrain belt and back zip fastening. Length: 92cm from shoulder to hem. 70% cotton, 30% polyester Care: Hand wash and cool iron on reverse. Do not tumble dry. UK sizes 8-16

Go To Rise Boutique
for Affordable Style

Quarter Of Pupils Avoid School Loos, Survey Finds: Time For A ‘Bog Standard’, Urges Leading Charity

by editor | Dec 20, 2011 | Lifestyle

Quarter Of Pupils Avoid
School Loos, Survey Finds:
Time For A ‘Bog Standard’,
Urges Leading Charity

     19 Dec 11

ERIC is working with the Paediatric Continence Forum, British Toilet Association, School Councils UK and the Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association to implement the campaign.

A quarter of pupils in England’s schools avoid using toilets, according to a new survey by a charity which today launches a campaign to get the Government to introduce new  regulations to make school toilets healthier and easier to use.

ERIC, the UK charity helping children with continence problems, points out that the limited regulations that do exist don’t include vital things like supply of toilet paper or soap. Netmums is backing ERIC’s campaign and people can support by signing an online petition for a new ‘Bog Standard’. Lobbying letters will be sent to Government Ministers, and the charity is seeking a meeting with the Schools Minister to press its case.

Regulations to ensure toilet and water facilities used by school staff meet proper standards do not extend to toilets used by pupils. School toilets have a big impact on health and wellbeing but many schools are failing their pupils with poorly maintained, dirty and smelly toilets.

The newly published survey was carried out by ERIC and Netmums in November, revealing

• a quarter of pupils said they avoid going to the toilet because they are dirty
• 31% pupils said they had toilets with broken locks
• 19% pupils avoid drinking so they don’t have to go to the toilet
• 53% parents felt their child does not drink enough at school
• 91% parents thoughts pupil toilets should be cleaned twice a day or more
• 91% parents thought that cleanliness/condition of pupil toilets should be a priority for schools

ERIC’s petition can be signed here: http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/bogstandard

Jenny Perez, ERIC Director said; “Schools should meet the needs of their pupils in this area. Smelly, dirty toilets and a lack of privacy are unacceptable. Adults don’t have to put up with these problems – so why should children?

“There is a strong link between poor toilet facilities and continence problems like wetting and soiling. These affect 1 in 12 children and young people, causing loss of self-esteem and bullying. For most, a cure can be found, but all treatments require access to proper water and toilet facilities.

“Poor toilets attract poor behavior and unpleasant school toilets, a lack of soap and toilet paper and other basics are a recipe for these young people’s continuing suffering. ERIC will be lobbying for these changes through our Bog Standard campaign. Please sign the online petition and help us ensure school toilets improve for good.”

Magic Memories Of Christmas

by editor | Dec 20, 2011 | Lifestyle

Magic Memories

Of Christmas

     09 Dec 11

Sue Atkins gives half a dozen tips to make this year’s family Christmas something to remember for all the right reasons.

 A friend of mine is having trouble sorting out the arrangements over Christmas Dinner with her ex. I thought that maybe I should encourage her to refocus her priorities, by reminding her of something important. Right now she is creating a blueprint of how she handles this magical time for her kids – and she is in the process of making and creating memories for them that will last for their lifetimes.

 So often people focus on the stress of Christmas but I like to focus on the positive things in life. You can leave creating a great time and wonderful memories to chance, or you can weave the magic tapestry of a wonderful experience of Christmas with your family through great design and planning.

 Here are six ideas to conjure up that extra bit of magic in your Christmas, or holiday time:

 IDEA 1: Imagine it

 Just take a little time now to close your eyes, take in a couple of deep relaxing breaths and visualise in a perfect world how you’d like your Christmas to look… and sound.. and feel… make the picture really colourful, brighter and really up close to you… and perhaps you could imagine just stepping into the picture or film that you have running in your head and really imagine being in there. Imagine I have waved a magic wand and have made things just as you would really want… and do this over and over again until it feels real. You’ll start to notice the difference in how much more relaxed you immediately feel and you’ll start to notice what seems to unfold as if by magic from now on!

 IDEA 2: Capture the Memories

 Take lots of digital photos during family get-togethers. Upload the photos to a family photo-sharing site (I recommend: www.DropShots.com; it’s safe and secure, and photos are not shared publicly or indexed by search engines) and send the link to everyone.

 During your get-togethers have family pictures and albums available from previous holidays. They can stimulate conversations and warm memories of Christmases past and – of important people who might no longer be around anymore.

 IDEA 3: The Sound of Music

Get the music cranked up and blaring in your house! From Christmas Carols to Slade or Leona Lewis! And ask everyone in your family what their favourite songs are and go online to i-tunes, find the songs, download them, make a copy for everyone to keep as a great memory and a personal little pressie to give to them. Everyone’s favourite Christmas holiday music all captured on one CD – what a special gift and memory!

IDEA 4: Box O’ Wishes

This idea comes from Oprah Winfrey… place a small box at everyone’s place setting containing an index card for each person. Ask everyone to answer one or more of these questions about each person there and put the answers into their box.

Example questions are:

• What I love about you is…

• Thank you for…

• My Christmas wish for you is…

Everyone will leave with perhaps the most meaningful gift they have ever received—a box of love and good wishes from everyone at the party. This is really a lovely moment as it also sets the tone and frame of mind for your entire time together!

IDEA 5: Box O’ Questions

Everyone thinks up and writes down 2 to 3 questions on topics they would like to know about each other or, as host, you can create a list of questions. The questions need to be general enough so they can be answered by anyone.

Put all the questions in a box and pass it around to each person to select and answer.

Example questions are:

• What is your favourite childhood memory?

• What is the most important life lesson you learned from your parents?

• Who was your childhood best friend and what made them so special?

• What was school like for you as a child? What were your best and worst subjects?

• Who were your childhood heroes and why?

• What accomplishments are you the most proud of?

• What is your most important goal for the next 3 to 5 years?

IDEA 6: Time Versus Trinkets

For your close family and friends, instead of marching through the shopping centres to find the “perfect gift,” the most meaningful gift you can give is your time. Along with a card filled with thoughtful sentiments, enclose half-a-dozen experiences you are giving for them for the coming year.

Examples are:

• A picnic at a special place.

• A trip to the beach or the snowy mountains or a lovely river.

• A football game, a local fair, a film, a special lunch outing at their favourite restaurant, etc.

• An entire day when you will do anything they want you to do or accompany them anywhere—without complaint!

Explore, get creative and relax and I really wish you and your family a warm, wonderful and especially meaningful Christmas holiday!

Have a magical time!

Sue Atkins is a Parenting Expert, Broadcaster, Speaker and Author of the Amazon best selling book  “Raising Happy Children for Dummies” one of the famous black and yellow series and the highly acclaimed Parenting Made Easy CDs. She has also just launched her 1st Parenting Made Easy app for iPhones and iPads.

She is currently writing a new book for Random House called “Parenting Made Easy” which will be available in April 2012.

Sue offers practical guidance for bringing up happy, confident, well behaved children from toddler to teen.

She regularly appears on BBC Breakfast and The Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2 and is the parenting expert for many BBC Radio Stations around the UK. She has a regular monthly parenting phone-in on BBC Radio Surrey & Sussex and her parenting articles are published all over the world.

To receive Sue’s free ebook bursting with practical tips and helpful advice from toddler to teen log on to www.theSueAtkins.com and download it instantly today.

BPA Warns Against Baby ‘Bling’

by editor | Dec 20, 2011 | Lifestyle

BPA Warns Against

Baby ‘Bling’

     12 Dec 11

Recent news reports highlight the sales of potentially dangerous ‘bling’ baby soothers and other baby products such as feeding bottlesand the Baby Products Association (BPA) warns parents not to put their children at risk by purchasing such items, which are often sold on websites,  independent shops and market stalls.

Robert Anslow, managing director of the BPA comments: “These baby soothers and sometimes baby feeding bottles are manufactured by legitimate companies in accordance with the highest safety standards, but are then being adorned with glued on gems and beads by third party companies. The addition of ‘bling’ makes these products unsafe as the decorative pieces can easily fall off and cause choking if lodged in a child’s throat.

“While it may be tempting to purchase these products, particularly as they appeal to babies and toddlers as they sparkle and look fun, there are strict safety standards which prevent labels and decorations being stuck onto dummies for very good reason.  The addition of such decorations causes grave concern for the safety of the babies and young children for whom they are intended.”

Anyone caught selling ‘bling’ dummies or bottles could face fines of up to £20,000 and parents who come across such items are urged to call Consumer Direct on 0845 040506.

Verbal Attack On Nursing Mum Galvanises Public Support For UK’s 1st Breast-feeding Flash Mob!

by editor | Dec 20, 2011 | Lifestyle

Verbal Attack On Nursing
Mum Galvanises Public
Support For UK’s 1st
Breast-feeding Flash Mob!

     13 Dec 11

A Mum enjoying her lunch in a popular Brighton café was last week vilified by fellow diners who described her breast-feeding her baby daughter as ‘very unpleasant’.  The group made up of predominately middle-aged women continued with their verbal assault leaving Mum, Claire Jones Hughes in tears and visibly shaken until other customers came to her aid.

Claire commented ‘I felt extremely vulnerable, despite the support of another customer. I had been publicly bullied and intimated for doing something as natural as feeding my baby. It was shocking and upsetting’.

Management at Brighton’s ‘Wai kika Moo Kau’ café were swift to reassure Jones-Hughes that nursing mums were very welcome and that the behaviour of the group in question had been unacceptable. There remains however a lack of general awareness re public-breastfeeding and the law – it is in fact illegal to prevent mums breast-feeding in public and equally, women are not obliged by law to be ‘discreet’ or to ‘cover up’ although most choose to do so. The reality is however that throughout the UK, many nursing mums can encounter significant prejudice when feeding their babies in public places.

Suzanne Borrell, Director of the flagship BabyShow Event BabyExpo held annually in Brighton adds

‘There is an assumption that Brighton is generally seen as a very tolerant, broadminded community but as this (and previous) unpleasant episode shows, nowhere is safe from such bigotry. We actively promote breast feeding at all our events as one of my greatest concerns is the impact an unprovoked attack like this could have. For a new mum, lacking in confidence, maybe suffering from post natal depression or a mum struggling to successfully feed, comments like this could be the trigger to stop them nursing altogether’

Such has been the support for Claire and the right of mums to publically breast-feed however that Brightonmums.com, the online hub for parents in Brighton and Hove are hosting the UK’s first ‘Breast- Feeding Flash Mob’ on Thursday 15 in central Brighton at 1300 hours. Nursing mums and supporters of mum’s rights to publically feed are invited to join this celebration of breast-feeding and motherhood with the aim to send a strong, positive message to mums, babies and the wider community.

Strictly Fever Hits Toy World

by editor | Dec 20, 2011 | Lifestyle

Strictly Fever

Hits Toy World

     15 Dec 11

Queens of the ballroom Alesha Dixon and Alex Jones have tied in a poll on the best ever Strictly Come Dancing costume. Now a budding designer and graduate from Chelsea College of Art and Design, Beth Parry has recreated the top ten Strictly outfits on a girls’ fashion toy by crafting the stunning dresses on mini mannequins.

New research out today by girls’ fashion design toy Harumika showed that UK females voted the beautiful peach Waltz dress worn by 2007 winner Alesha in the series finale and Alex Jones’ white Halloween Paso Doble costume, worn in week five of the current series, as the best ever Strictly outfits.

The other top costumes included 2010 champion Kara Tointon in a sparkly peach dress that she danced the American Smooth to and the dress Destiny Child’s Michelle Williams wore when she danced the Waltz with Brendan Cole in the same series. Meanwhile, Holly Valance, who was voted off with Jones in this year’s semi final came eighth with her gold sequinned Cha Cha Cha dress that she wore for the show opening.

The top ten Strictly outfits were:

1. Alesha Dixon’s Waltz peach dress worn in the 2007 finale (10 per cent)

2. Alex Jones’ white Paso Doble dress from the Dracula story worn in the Halloween special this series (10 per cent)

3. Kara Tointon’s sparkly peach dress she danced the American Smooth to in 2010 series Final (9 per cent)

4. Michelle Williams’ pink ball gown she wore in show six in 2010 (8 per cent)

5. Jo Wood’s sequinned ball gown for the Strictly promotional pictures in the 2009 series (7 per cent)

6. Rachel Stevens’ turquoise dress for the Strictly promotional pictures in series six (7 per cent)

7. Ola Jordan, purple animal print number she danced the Foxtrot to in 2009 (6 per cent)

8. Holly Valance’s gold short Cha Cha Cha dress she wore in the first episode of the current series (6 per cent)

9. Christine Bleakley’s pink ballgown she danced the Waltz to in 2008 (6 per cent)

10. Flavia Cacace’s purple gown she danced the Tango to with Russell Grant in this year’s series (4 per cent)

The designs were made using the new Harumika Evening Gown Set, which has been a hit with fashion students as well as young girls designing their own ball gowns and party dresses. Since its launch in 2009, Harumika has gone from strength to strength with sales up 115% in 2011 versus 2010.1

Designer Beth Parry comments, “Strictly Come Dancing offers fantastic inspiration for designers with the glitz and glamour in the show, week in week out. The designers on the show have huge budgets and time to prepare each outfit, but with the Harumika collection it is possible to recreate these beautiful costumes on a miniature scale”.

Girls product manager at Bandai, maker of Harumika Vicki Elmer comments, “The designs options with Harumika are endless and we love seeing budding fashionistas using our wonderful sets to recreate dresses worn by celebrities, such as those who have appeared in Strictly Come Dancing. We are delighted with how well Harumika has performed this year and are excited about our plans to develop the range in 2012.”