Are your white bunk beds safe for your kids? September 30, 2009
Posted by Pat in : my thoughts on stuff , comments closedMany parents consider utilising bunk beds for their children to alleviate a lack of space or via the request of the infant. The one up one down technique of bunk bed even though quite an thrilling venture for young children may be very hazardous; an average 85% of bed incidents are originated from bunk beds. There are numerous dangers families need to be aware of when buying a bunk bed.
Even though a tumble alone might considerably hurt a kid, obstacles surrounding the bunk bed could present a further risk. Objects such as blind cords are extremely dangerous; they can simply become wrapped around a child’s neck and several deaths have occurred because of the child’s dressing gown cord getting tied around the throat in the middle of the the fall. Such cases are quite unusual however they do cause the question of how secure our children are in metal bunk beds. However, metal bunk beds are an excellent approach of construing a certain accountability upon your infant and as stated recently they are a fantastic room saving device, so they shouldn’t be ignored completely.
Metal bunk beds are less dangerous now than ever. Enhanced equipment, superior build quality, and superior design have all factored into a considerably less dangerous bunk bed than more than a decade ago. Many bed bunk accidents are a result of horseplay, in fact, many injuries are from kids jumping around on the beds, in particular college dorm attics and bunk beds. As long as protected practices are contained, your teenager should be safe. Educate them to never jump on the top bunk and how to use the ladder correctly.
Selecting Your Photographer for Your Most Important Day September 30, 2009
Posted by Pat in : my thoughts on stuff , comments closedOne of the most important choices a couple will make is the selection of their wedding photographer.
There are so many important choices to make like the dress, decor, food, location, music, etc. Many couples feel the choice of a photographer is one of the most important since your pictures will be one of the most lasting and cherished memories from one of life’s major milestones.
We’ve all heard horror stories about photographers doing a less than perfect job, or not producing anything at all. By taking the time to do some research you can be assured of selecting a photographer who will not only deliver great pictures, but who can make you feel great about your choice and remove at least one worry from a day filled with stresses.
You may know someone who has been married in recent years , so find out who shot their wedding and if they were happy with the results. You’ll probably get some good references this way, so contact the photographers who did a great job for your friends.
It also pays to do some research yourself. Search Google or another search engine for photographers in your area – here in the capital city of Alberta Canada, you would search for Edmonton Wedding Photographers. You can also do a search for something like Edmonton photography. Either way, you’ll get hundreds of results, so look at those shown on the first few pages. By visiting the websites listed, you’ll get a feel for each photographer’s style. Send an email to as many as you like. Their response is a good indication of how professional they are. Are the replies professional and clearly written? Have they provided any other examples or references?
Next, set up interviews with those who seem like they’ll shoot the kind of pictures you want and who are in your budget. When you meet with the photographer, they’ll show you a portfolio of their work. How they treat you during this interview (when they are trying to sell you on their services) is a good example of what you can expect at your wedding. Are they friendly, or are they condescending? Do they seem warm, or are you uncomfortable working with them?
They should have an agreement for you to review. Take your time to read it, as it outlines what is expected of both parties. The agreement is for your protection, too. Even though your are committing to pay them, it also commits the photographer to provide the services you have agreed to.
Here are a few additional ideas that should help your photographer get the best photographs during your wedding:
1. Make a list of the most important shots you want and give it to the photographer before the wedding.
2. Make sure you know WHO is going to photograph your wedding. If the main photographer isn’t going to be the actual photographer at your wedding, find out who will – and be sure to see their personal portfolio before you commit to anything.
3. Assign a family member or close friend to be the photographer’s liason who can point out all the important family members who you want to be sure to get pictures of.
4. Ask the photographer to come to the rehearsal so they will be familiar with where they can get the best shots without getting in the way.
5. Pre-plan where the formal and informal photographs will be taken.
6. Find out if the photographer provides finished prints, albums, thank-you cards and similar services after the wedding. These can be valuable extras that will enhance your wedding day memories and many photographers have excellent resources for these items that are of higher quality than the public can get.
By following these suggestions you won’t have to worry about your photographer. Just enjoy your wedding day knowing you’ll have many wonderful photographs to enjoy for the rest of your life.
The author is an accomplished professional photographer who specializes in wedding and portrait photography in Edmonton, Alberta.
We All Have Heard of Weight Watchers September 30, 2009
Posted by Pat in : my thoughts on stuff , comments closedA Closer Look
Well, they say that it is not a diet. However, they do believe that it is a way of life. Sounds interesting enough! You basically get to eat what you like while putting your main focus on the nutrition intake. Basically, you choose foods that you like and Weight Watchers also provides you with a wide variety of recipes that you can choose from. Some of the plans include whole grains and low fat foods with fruits and vegetables. There are two main plans that you can choose from and stick to. You have the choice of the Flex Plan where you basically eat anything while keeping track of the point values. Then there is the Core Plan where you can eat as much nutritional food as you want to because they help to keep you fuller for a longer period of time.
More than Just Food
You would probably think that, just like with any other diet, all you basically have are the instructions laid out for you. Maybe a couple of books that you probably would never read and the choice of foods and supplements that you will need all conveniently written on a list. Well, think again because, with the Weight Watchers Diet, you get more than all of that. There are actual meetings that you can attend, even online. There is a newsletter as well as several recipes. Have you ever noticed that there is also a line of Weight Watchers foods in your grocers freezer? Well, that is another great thing about this ‘diet’. They offer frozen foods but they are not required to be eaten for this diet.
Is this the Right Diet for Me?
Consider this: being able to prepare foods that your family can even eat. There is no more special dinner preparations for you. That is one thing that you can consider. Are you willing to continue the diet as a way of life and not just some short term fad diet? Are you willing to count calorie intake and keep up with balancing your nutritional intake as well as calories and fat? As with most diets, exercise is important; so, are you willing to add exercise to your diet as well? Consider the meetings and undivided support that you will have. There is no doubt that a combination of 45 years of expertise and leaders will be there to walk you through anything that you need help with. The leaders have been successful with the diet, so they aren’t just a so called expert, they actually have hands on experience and a success story to share with you.
Maybe it isn’t the Right Diet?
Well, that is definitely something that you will want to talk to your doctor about first. Perhaps it is overwhelming because of all it entails and you don’t know whether you can handle it. Keeping up with all of the calories, weight, fat intake or counting everything; who has the time for all of that? You don’t think that you could continue this for any length of time? These are questions that you will definitely want to ask yourself. Your answers will help you decide.
So What Can I Eat?
There are so many recipes to choose from that there is bound to be something that you will like. Not to mention the wide variety of Weight Watchers frozen food. You have a choice to pretty much eat what you want but keep up with counting calories and fat that you consume. Then, of course, there is another plan in which you choose to eat nutritional foods and eat as much as you like to eat because they are nutritional. There is even a plan for men. This is a program designed specifically for men because their structure is different than a woman’s. They tell you the proper exercising to follow, etc.
There are many things that you should take into consideration when you are initiating a diet. First of all, be sure that you are fully aware of all that is entailed in the diet. Make sure that you understand what is expected of you as well. Then, of course, you are going to want to talk with your doctor about it. This may not be the right one for you and he will help you make that decision. Know their philosophy and the ins and outs of the diet. Speak to others who have tried it. Keep in mind that like with any diet, it is wise to exercise while on it. This may just be the right diet for you considering the great support system that they have. When considering this diet, the pro’s may have out done the con’s.
The author of this article runs a web site devoted to fireplace door and freestanding fireplace and napoleon fireplace.
Nigeria, Lagos & Kano Climate, Temperature & Average Weather Information September 30, 2009
Posted by Pat in : my thoughts on stuff , comments closedMinna, Nigeria
In Minna, Nigeria the average temperature is 27.25C (81.05F). 19.00C (66.20F) is the lowest monthly average low temperature (occurring in December) while 37.00C (98.60F) is the highest monthly average high temperature which occurs in March. Thus the average temperature range is 5.50C (41.90F). Wet weather in Minna adds up to a total average rainfall of 1312.00mm (51.65in) per annum. That is equivalent to an average monthly rainfall of 109.33mm (4.30in). September is the month with the highest quantity of precipitation when 296mm (11.65in) of rain falls over a period of 21 days while in January only 2mm (0.08in) of rain falls over less than 1 days. Minna’s climate is furnished with 101 days per year with greater than 0.1mm (0.004in) of rainfall. Relative humidity at Minna, Nigeria averages 48.91666667% over the year. 21% is the lowest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in February and 73% is the highest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in August. Minna, Nigeria’s climate is furnished with 2672 hours of sunshine per year. That is an average of 7.32 hours per day. Daily hours of sunshine range from between 3.6 per day in August to 9.2 per day in November.
You can find more information about the Nigeria temperature by visiting the world climate averages website. Detailed and colourful climate graphs are available there that give further insight into how the climate is.
Lagos, Nigeria
In Lagos, Nigeria the average temperature is 26.42C (79.55F). 21.00C (69.80F) is the lowest monthly average low temperature (occurring in August) while 33.00C (91.40F) is the highest monthly average high temperature which occurs in February, March. Thus the average temperature range is 3.50C (38.30F). Wet weather in Lagos adds up to a total average rainfall of 1626.00mm (64.02in) per annum. That is equivalent to an average monthly rainfall of 135.50mm (5.33in). June is the month with the highest quantity of precipitation when 336mm (13.23in) of rain falls over a period of 20 days while in January only 40mm (1.57in) of rain falls over 2 days. Lagos’s climate is furnished with 121 days per year with greater than 0.1mm (0.004in) of rainfall. Relative humidity at Lagos averages 84.66666667% over the year. 80% is the lowest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in March and 88% is the highest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in June, July, September, October. Lagos’s climate is furnished with 1885 hours of sunshine per year. That is an average of 5.16 hours per day. Daily hours of sunshine range from between 3.0 per day in July & August to 6.7 per day in February. Get a comprehensive review of the Lagos climate by visiting the world climate averages website. Free Lagos climate graphs are provided that you can even embed in your webpages.
Kano, Nigeria
In Kano, Nigeria the average temperature is 26.17C (79.1F). 13.00C (55.40F) is the lowest monthly average low temperature (occurring in January & December) while 38.00C (100.40F) is the highest monthly average high temperature which occurs in April. Thus the average temperature range is 9.50C (49.10F). Wet weather in Kano adds up to a total average rainfall of 873.00mm (34.37in) per annum. That is equivalent to an average monthly rainfall of 72.75mm (2.86in). August is the month with the highest quantity of precipitation when 311mm (12.24in) of rain falls over a period of 21 days while in January & December only 0mm (0.00in) of rain falls. Kano’s climate is furnished with 76 days per year with greater than 0.1mm (0.004in) of rainfall. Relative humidity at Kano averages 31.08333333% over the year. 11% is the lowest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in March and 68% is the highest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in August. Kano’s climate is furnished with 3117 hours of sunshine per year. That is an average of 8.54 hours per day. Daily hours of sunshine range from between 6.0 per day in August to 9.8 per day in November. Find out more about the Kano climate at the average weather & climate website. Detailed and colourful climate graphs are available there that give further insight into how the climate is.
Yola, Nigeria
In Yola, Nigeria the average temperature is 27.92C (82.25F). 16.00C (60.80F) is the lowest monthly average low temperature (occurring in December) while 39.00C (102.20F) is the highest monthly average high temperature which occurs in March, April. Thus the average temperature range is 6.50C (43.70F). Wet weather in Yola adds up to a total average rainfall of 948.50mm (37.34in) per annum. That is equivalent to an average monthly rainfall of 79.04mm (3.11in). September is the month with the highest quantity of precipitation when 224mm (8.82in) of rain falls over a period of 15 days while in January, February, December only 0.5mm (0.02in) of rain falls. Yola’s climate is furnished with 80 days per year with greater than 0.1mm (0.004in) of rainfall. Relative humidity at Yola averages 40.91666667% over the year. 15% is the lowest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in February and 68% is the highest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in August, September. Yola’s climate is furnished with 2954 hours of sunshine per year. That is an average of 8.09 hours per day. Daily hours of sunshine range from between 5.5 per day in August to 9.7 per day in December.
Kiev City Profile September 30, 2009
Posted by Pat in : my thoughts on stuff , comments closedDespite numerous invasions and devastating destruction, the Ukrainian capital of Kiev is still one of the most beautiful cities of Eastern Europe. The Communist period, which lasted barely seventy years, did it little harm. On the contrary, the new potentates of the post-WW-II era built parks and created green spaces, along with the inevitable television tower found in every former Soviet city.
Cradle of the Slavs.
The earliest mention of Kiev dates to the early sixth century. Three brothers founded it as a fortress, naming it the “City of Kyi” (Kyjiw) after the eldest brother. Over the course of many centuries Kiev has been the administrative, political and religious centre for numerous different rulers and empires One of these was the medieval state Kievan Rus, which included parts of what are now Russia, the Ukraine and Belarus. In light of this, Kiev has justifiably been called the cradle of the Slays.
A Russian culture.
Kiev was one of the great centres of medieval Europe in its ninth, and tenth-century golden age under the leadership of the grand dukes Sviatoslav, Vladimir and Yaroslay. Through its valuable commercial agreements with Constantinople, Kiev was always in close contact with the Byzantine Empire. This led, in 988, to the conversion of Kievan Rus to the Orthodox faith. This brought not only new sacred structures, but also an influx of Russian culture.
This influence continued during the Middle Ages when nearly all of south-eastern Europe was under the yoke of the Mongol invasion (12401569). In 1667, Russia annexed Kiev, the “mother city of Russia”, which in the meantime had been reduced to a simple provincial capital. Following its annexation, Kiev quickly made up for lost time, becoming the commercial and cultural centre of the Ukraine and, with the dissolution of the Soviet Union. in 1991, the capital city of an independent Ukrainian state.
The cave cloister.
Currently, Kiev is the undisputed centre of Ukrainian life, with its theatres and museums defining the cultural landscape. Kiev is also home to a number of sites that relate to its long history. The old city includes buildings and other structures built over a period of 1,500 years.
The greatest of these is probably the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin), built in the year 1050 by immigrant monks who dug caves into the Dneiper escarpments. Eventually, the monastery was expanded to include a complex of churches and cloisters both above and below ground.
This spiritual and cultural centre of the early Kieven Rus Empire is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1991, St. Sophia Cathedral was also added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Begun in the eleventh century, the expansion and decoration of this exceptionally ornate church with its opulent frescoes and mosaics was completed in the seventeenth century. The cathedral was a focal point of cultural and political life during the early years of the Russian State.
Kreschatik.
In comparison to Kiev’s many magnificently decorated historical facades, those along Kiev’s main thoroughfare, the Khreschatyk, are no less impressive despite their more recent vintage. Completely destroyed during World War II and rebuilt since, many of the newer buildings, while conspicuously Stalinist in style, are somehow less staid, and perhaps more southern, than buildings from this period elsewhere in Eastern Europe. The street is lined with sidewalk cafes where young and old gather to share a drink and some conversation. Kiev’s own particular variety of joie de vivre is most palpable along the Khreschatyk, and one even runs into the occasional tourist.
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