Tag Archives: womenssuite

Barbie 60th Anniversary

Style & Fashion,
Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by the American toy company Mattel, Inc. and launched in March 1959. American businesswoman Ruth Handler is credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration.
 
Barbie:
 
First appearance: March 9, 1959.
Created by: Ruth Handler
 
Barbie is the figurehead of a brand of Mattel dolls and accessories, including other family members and collectible dolls. Barbie has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for over fifty years, and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parodies of the doll and her lifestyle.
Mattel has sold over a billion Barbie dolls, making it the company's largest and most profitable line. However, sales have declined sharply since 2014. The doll transformed the toy business in affluent communities worldwide by becoming a vehicle for the sale of related merchandise (accessories, clothes, friends of Barbie, etc.). She had a significant impact on social values by conveying characteristics of female independence, and with her multitude of accessories, an idealized upscale life-style that can be shared with affluent friends. Starting in 1987, Barbie has expanded into a media franchise, including animated films, television specials, video games, and music.
 
 

It’s National Sleep Awareness Month!

Health & Fitness,

It’s National Sleep Awareness Month!

Great days start with getting enough sleep

It’s easy to take a good night’s sleep for granted. But not getting enough sleep can cause health problems – from a higher risk of heart disease to a weaker immune system. We want you to make sure your body recharges each night for the next day. Check out this issue’s tips on how to help the whole household live healthier lives!

Everyone knows that sleep is important. Without it, you don't have the energy to get through your day. 

But sleep problems that go on for a long time can affect your health. 

How does sleep affect your health?
Most adults do best when they get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day. Sleep gives your brain a little vacation. During this break, your brain has time to:

*         Grow and repair cells. 
*         Form new pathways for learning, remembering, and processing information.
*         Rebuild your energy for the next day.

Although having a few sleepless nights may leave you feeling tired and grumpy, it probably won't affect your health. But when you don't sleep well night after night, you can have what's called sleep deprivation or sleep debt. 

Besides affecting your energy level and your mood, sleep debt affects your body in lots of other ways. For example:
*         You may feel pain more easily.
*         Your risk for heart disease is higher.
*         Your immune system has a harder time fighting infection.
*         You may have mood swings.
*         You may have trouble learning, solving problems, and remembering. 

And not getting enough sleep is linked with a number of chronic (long-term) diseases and conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and depression. While almost everyone feels sleepy in the daytime now and then, sleep debt can be the cause of serious problems like car crashes and work-related accidents.

What gets in the way of sleep?

The everyday stresses of lifeyour job, your family or relationships, money problems, jet lagcan keep you from sleeping well. It's also common to have trouble sleeping when you have a fever or an injury. These stresses are often temporary. 
Your habits and activities before bedtime, such as drinking coffee, watching TV, or using the computer, can also affect how well you sleep. 
And some medical conditions can cause sleep problems that last a long time. These conditions include:
*         Sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is breathing that stops during sleep. The problem can be mild or severe, based on how often your lungs don't get enough air. People with sleep apnea often have sleep problems. They also have a higher risk of high blood pressure. 
*         Restless legs syndrome. This is a problem that produces strong discomfort, aching, or twitching deep in the toes, ankles, knees, or hipsoften during sleep. The symptoms can wake you up, disturbing your sleep.
*         Heart failure. Many people with heart failure have trouble sleeping. This may be because of trouble breathing or because of depression or anxiety. Many people with heart failure also have sleep apnea.
*         Chronic pain. Pain can make it hard to sleep, and chronic pain can lead to sleep debt. Chronic pain has many causes, such as back problems or arthritis.
*         Mental health problems. Anxiety, depression, and mania can cause sleep problems. 
*         Medicines and other substances. Many medicines can cause sleep problems. Examples include antidepressants, cold medicines, steroids, and nonprescription diet aids. Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and illegal drugs can also interfere with your sleep.

If you have an illness that's keeping you from sleep, it can sometimes become a bad cycle. The illness keeps you from sleeping well. And without enough sleep, your body can't fight the illness as well.

Getting help
If you have trouble sleeping for a week or more, talk with your doctor to find out if any medical or mental health problems are causing your sleep problems. And let your doctor know what medicines you take that might be keeping you awake. 
A counselor or therapist can help you cope with stress and may offer techniques for falling sleep. There are also steps you can take on your own to manage your stress.
To help you fall asleep, you may need to change your routine before you go to bed. Try limiting caffeine. And avoid using technology devices such as smartphones, computers, or tablets before bedtime.

For more information please visit the following link:  https://sleepfoundation.org/SAW

48th Lake Wales Arts Festival 2019

Schedule of Events,

The 48th Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival 2019 presented by Citizens Bank & Trust is the premier event to attend. Centrally located in the Heartland of Florida the more than 100+ participants compete for more than $22,000. The competition is fierce!

Dates:

Saturday (2/23/19), 10am to 5pm

Sunday (2/24/19), 10am to 4pm

This is a 47-year-old tradition of unique, quality works of art by fine artists and artisans from around the world.  Hosted by the Lake Wales Arts Council, the history and the diversity of this critically acclaimed two-day Festival attracts thousands of people each year eager to purchase original, one-of-a-kind works of art.  Price points for every level of collector or eclectic lover of precious & unique collectables.

A sampling of categories:

Clay & Porcelain
Digital
Drawing & Pastels
Fiber
Fine Crafts
Glass
Graphics & Print Making
Jewelry
Mixed Media
Painting (oil and acrylic)
Painting (watercolors)
Photography 
Sculpture 
Wood

Live entertainment all weekend and a variety of delicious food will be available. A family event to be treasured for years. Welcome to a vibrant cultural arts destination held in the scenic outdoors on the shores of Lake Wailes. Conveniently located only minutes away from Tampa, Orlando, Melbourne, & Vero Beach.

The annual ART-B-Que Kickoff Party starts it all on Friday, February 22nd. Admission tickets are required for this Special Event: $15 for adults, $10 for students. Purchase your ticket(s) early as this Special Event traditionally sells out year after year. ART-B-Que Kickoff Party advance ticket sales; (863) 676-8426 or https://centralfloridatix.com/events/artbque .
Free Parking, RV’s Welcomed

#LWArtFest2019

Event Contact Information:

Andrew Allen – (863) 676-8426 –  aallen@lw-arts.org

High-Protein Diets and Cancer

High-Protein Diets and Cancer

Health & Fitness,

Think a diet high in protein is the road to good health? You may have to think again, according to a new study done for Cell Metabolism. Cancer could lurk around the corner. Valter Longo, the lead scientist, showed that while a diet high in protein may still be good for elderly subjects, it might be almost as bad as smoking for those in middle age, between 50 and 65. The Inquisitr reported on the data Sunday, March 16.

Longo suggested that a problem developed when people trying to lose weight went to a diet super-high in protein-rich foods, while pushing fats and carbs right out of the kitchen. No one had ever studied the effect this kind of eating could have, long-term. But now the results are in, and they aren’t pretty. “On a high-protein, high-fat diet you can lose weight, but in the long run you may be hurting yourself.” The risk of early death goes way up.

The main finding of the study is that high-protein foods lead to an increased production of a growth hormone called IGF-1, which stands for insulin-like growth factor. It promotes muscle-building, and a lean body, but a shorter life span, in both mice and in human subjects. Cancer becomes four times more common. The overall mortality rate increased a whopping 74%

More studies need to be done, and they will be. In the meantime, go for a little balance in your menu planning. It could just save your life.

From: www.examiner.com

Low Carb Ketogenic Diets to Battle Cancer?

Health & Fitness, ,

Alix Hayden has brain cancer, but instead of undergoing surgery and grueling chemotherapy, she's fighting it with the low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet and has been doing great so far.In an exclusive interview March 14, Hayden discussed her metabolic diet therapy and navigating cancer with a positive attitude.

Alix, director of operations at biochemistry research firm Phenomenome Discoveries in Saskatoon, Canada, was diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2012.She has been following the ketogenic diet (which is a very low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet) since February 2013, which cancer researcher Dr. Dominic D'Agostino confirmed starves cancer cells.

This is because all the cells in our body can use both fat and glucose (a carb), but cancer cells thrive on glucose and cannot survive on ketones. So by limiting carbohydrates — which turns into glucose inside the body — we can starve cancer cells.

 

FEBRUARY PET HOLIDAYS

Schedule of Events,

FEBRUARY PET HOLIDAYS

  • Beat the Heat Month.
  • Dog Training Education Month.
  • National Cat Health Month.
  • Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. (Humane Society of the United States)
  • Pet Dental Health Month.
  • Responsible Pet Owners Month.
  • National Prevent a Litter Month.
  • Unchain a Dog Month.
  • 2nd week in Feb.: Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week.
  • Feb. 11-12, 2019: Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show.Held at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, this event is televised. Each breed has an associated rescue group.
  • Feb. 14, 2019: Pet Theft Awareness Day.
  • Feb. 20, 2019: Love Your Pet Day.
  • Feb. 22, 2019: Walking the Dog Day.
  • Feb. 23, 2019: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day.
  • Feb. 24-Mar. 2, 2019: National Justice for Animals Week.
  • Feb. 26, 2019: World Spay Day. Annual campaign by the Humane Society International and The Humane Society of the United States; held the last Tuesday of February.

 

World Cancer Day – Every Year on 4 February.

Health & Fitness,

About World Cancer Day.

What it is

World Cancer Day is the one singular initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. It takes place every year on 4 February.

World Cancer Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.

UICC continues to expand on the success and impact of the day and is committed to ensuring that year-on-year the event is seen and heard by more people around the world. We do this through working directly with our members to develop a campaign that serves their differing organizational priorities; this is achieved through a two-pronged strategic approach:

  • UICC provides support through the development of tools and guidance to encourage its member organisations to run local cancer awareness campaigns that are aligned and adapted to the global World Cancer Day message.
  • On an above-country level, we work to secure and support digital, traditional and social media opportunities to raise public awareness of the day. Through the continued support of our membership and key partners, World Cancer Day is beginning to firmly cement itself in calendars across the world.

To learn more about World Cancer Day, please visit the World Cancer Day website

 

The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil: Technical Information for the most Extravagant, Immersive Feast for the Senses.

Style & Fashion, ,
The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil: Technical information for the most extravagant, immersive feast for the senses.
 
The Beatles LOVE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As officially the biggest-selling band or artist of all time, at more than 271 million RIAA-certified albums sold partnered with Cirque du Soleil together have created “The Beatles LOVE” at The Mirage hotel in Las Vegas, NV.
 
The LOVE theater at The Mirage houses 6,351 speakers and 2,013 seats set around a central stage. Each seat is fitted with three speakers, including a pair in the headrest. The stage includes 11 lifts, 4 traps, and 13 automated tracks and trolleys. Each lift is capable of lifting 20,000 pounds. The LOVE theater features 32 digital projectors. The theater is set up as a circular theater in the round, with seats 360 degrees around the stage. 
 
The LOVE theater, at The Mirage, cost more than $100 million.
 
The LOVE theater is filled twice a night, 7 days a week for 10+ years. The people to our left were from Canada, people to the right were from South America, folks behind us were from France.
 
Please do yourself a favor and see this show before it is gone.
 
The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil: Technical information for the most extravagant, immersive feast for the senses.
 

What’s New on the Boeing 737-800?

News,
Had the good pleasure of flying on a brand new 737-800 aircraft. 
 
Largest Southwest plane ever: Southwest’s 737-800s are outfitted with 175 seats — nearly 30% more than their 137-seat earlier 737’s and about 44% more seating than their 737-500s.
 
Comfort: The new plane features the Boeing Sky Interior: Larger, easier-to-use pivoting overhead bins, larger windows, LED mood lighting, a higher ceiling, and improved passenger service units (the reading lights, call buttons and personal air control.) Plus, they’re outfitted with the consumer facing-features of which include an improved color palette and more  seats.
 
That makes them more comfortable. Most importantly, while the cushion on the old seats sits on top of the frame, these new ones sit on top of a springy hammock-looking thing.
 
First Aircraft Featuring Split Scimitar Winglets
 
What’s New on the Boeing 737-800?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
737-800 Cost: $102.2 million dollars 
 

NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA from January 24-27

Schedule of Events,
Come visit the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA from January 24-27. 
 
Uniting the world’s music, sound and event technology communities.
 
The NAMM Show is the global crossroads of the music, sound and event technology products industries with more than 115,000 registrants from 139 countries and regions commanding $11+ billion in buying power.
 
The NAMM Show is an annual event in the US that its organizers describe as "the world’s largest trade-only event for the music products, pro audio and event tech industry". 
 
Dates: January 24-27 
Attendance: 115,085
 
Anaheim Convention Center
800 W Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802
 
The NAMM Show, the global crossroads of the music products, pro audio, and event technology industries, returns to Anaheim, California January 24-27, 2019. The NAMM Show will be hosted in the newly-expanded Anaheim Convention Center and will offer you a dynamic way to cover all aspects of music: from products, to pro sound and live production. Preview new products from 7,000+ brands, enjoy special events set to live music, celebrity appearances, dozens of educational sessions tied to today's trends, and interviews with the world's top innovators, artists and professionals in the music world
 
Exhibits:
Anaheim Convention Center, ACC North Hall & Anaheim Marriott
Education:
Hilton Anaheim, Anaheim Convention Center (Lobby C & Arena)
Stages:
 
Grand Plaza – Live Music All Day & Nightly Headliners
Arena Plaza – live music all day
Marriott – live music all day
Hilton – live music nightly
Sheraton – live music nightly
 
Thursday, January 24
10 am–6 pm
Friday, January 25
10 am–6 pm
Saturday, January 26
10 am–6 pm
Sunday, January 27
10 am–5 pm
*Hall E and Levels 2 & 3 open at 9:30 am
 

100th Anniversary of Prohibition Starting in the United States

Schedule of Events,
100th Anniversary of Prohibition Starting in the United States
 
Prohibition in the United States was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933. 
 
A resolution calling for a Constitutional amendment to accomplish nationwide Prohibition was introduced in Congress and passed by both houses in December 1917. By January 16, 1919, the Amendment had been ratified by 36 of the 48 states, making it law. Eventually, only two states—Connecticut and Rhode Island—opted out of ratifying it. On October 28, 1919, Congress passed enabling legislation, known as the Volstead Act, to enforce the Eighteenth Amendment when it went into effect in 1920.
 
Origins of Prohibition
In the 1820s and ’30s, a wave of religious revivalism swept the United States, leading to increased calls for temperance, as well as other “perfectionist” movements such as the abolition of slavery. In 1838, the state of Massachusetts passed a temperance law banning the sale of spirits in less than 15-gallon quantities; though the law was repealed two years later, it set a precedent for such legislation. Maine passed the first state prohibition law in 1846, and a number of other states had followed suit by the time the Civil War began in 1861.
 
Start of national prohibition (January 1920)
 
Prohibition began on January 17, 1920, when the Volstead Act went into effect. A total of 1,520 Federal Prohibition agents (police) were tasked with enforcement

Estas Tonne (Ukrainian): a self-styled “modern day troubadour”

Style & Fashion,

Estas Tonne

Listen to:
The Song of the Golden Dragon
 
Estas Tonne (Ukrainian: born 24 April 1975) is a self-styled "modern day troubadour" who primarily plays the classical guitar in a style derived from Gypsy music.

Contents

Tonne was born Stanislav Tonne in Ukraine, Soviet Union, where he spent his first six years. He has German and Jewish ancestry. He took up guitar aged eight. In 1990 his family moved to Israel, where he stopped playing for 11 years. Tonne served six months in Israel Defense Forces. In September 2001 he moved to New York, where he resumed playing guitar, in a duo with a violinist and street musician Michael Shulman. Since then Tonne performs at concerts, conferences, street festivals, yoga, art or other festivals worldwide. 

Tonne is vegetarian. Besides Ukraine, Israel and the United States he lived in Mexico, India, France, Germany and Austria, and he rarely stayed more than one year in one place as an adult. Besides guitar he can play flute.

 

Herbs For Your Garden

Herbs For Your Garden

Health & Fitness,

Basil — Great cooked or fresh, even prolific amounts of basil can get used. Makecaprese salads, toss it in pasta dishes and sauces, and whip up some fresh-from-the-garden pesto that you can use now or freeze for later. Basil likes light, but too much direct sun can scorch the leaves. Pinching it back (automatic if you use it often) promotes growth.

Rosemary — This hardy plant is good-looking and versatile. Use it in sauces, roasts, cocktails, and more, and watch it survive even through cold weather.

Thyme — I especially love thyme in potatoes (mashed or roasted) and in a lemon butter rub on roast chicken. This small-leafed herb packs a lot of flavor and is called for in many common recipes, and some lesson common ones, like the lemon-thyme bruschetta above.

Oregano — A kitchen staple, oregano from your herb garden will definitely get used in sauces, roasts, dressings, and more.

Chives — Chives are nice in eggs, breakfast casseroles, in mashed potatoes with sour cream, and more. I'm intrigued by these radishes with cream cheese and chives. Chives' pom-pom-like purple flowers give your herb garden a nice touch of interest as well.

Parsley — Throw it in sauces and salads, like the tabbouleh above. Parsley may well be one of the most ubiquitous herbs. It's a little more delicate than some of the others, but worth it to grow, for sure.

Cilantro — Cilantro is a cooler weather herb, so some zones may not be able to grow it in the thick of summer. But fresh cilantro from the garden is so fragrant and flavorful, you'll wish you could grow it all year round! Check out the Miso-Maple Sweet Potato Tacos pictured above.

Mint — Mint is an aggressive spreader, so be sure to contain it in its own pot. Use it in Mediterranean food, as a garnish for lemonade or iced tea, even in your coffee! As anyone fortunate enough to be familiar with Philz will tell you, it really nuances that morning (or anytime) pick-me-up.

 

From: www.apartmenttherapy.com

MICHELLE OBAMA ON FRONT COVER OF ‘ELLE’S DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE

Style & Fashion, ,

MICHELLE OBAMA COVERS 'ELLE'S DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE

Michelle Obama appears certainly radiant. The former First Lady spills about life post-White House in a glorious interview with Oprah. Michelle Obama is the kind of fashion icon we love best: one who seamlessly combines substance with style. So it was a distinct pleasure to wake up on Monday morning to find her on the cover of Elle.

 

Country-Music Icon Garth Brooks To Premiere Garth: Live At Notre Dame! On Dec. 2

Style & Fashion, ,
Watch Brooks' first-ever primetime television music special on Dec. 2 at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.
 
The best-selling solo artist in United States history, the one and only Garth Brooks, will premiere his new primetime television special, Garth: Live At Notre Dame!, on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access. 
 
The special will capture the award-winning country-music legend while he performs on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the first live concert ever held at the legendary Notre Dame Stadium, located at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana.
 
 
"After the sellout, I thought it could not get any more exciting than this," said Garth Brooks, who has received every accolade the recording industry can bestow upon an artist. "Then, CBS calls and in an instant, the show becomes bigger. This changes everything." 
 
"We have an amazing history with Garth… we've partnered with him at some extraordinary venues: from the enormity of an aircraft carrier to the intimacy of his one-man show in Las Vegas," said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Music, Specials & Live Events at CBS Entertainment. 
 
"Now, we are joining forces to bring viewers Garth at his best—a full-blown stadium-sized event for television from renowned Notre Dame Stadium. Garth Brooks. Notre Dame. Two icons. One night," Sussman added. "It will be a television event to remember."
 
Garth: Live at Notre Dame! is a production of Picture Vision Pictures. Executive Producer is Garth Brooks; Supervising Producer is Jillian Ellis.
 
The special is produced and directed by Jon Smalls.
 
Stay tuned to CBS.com for more information and watch Garth: Live At Notre Dame! on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.
 
Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday

News, Style & Fashion,

Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is a marketing term for the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. The term "Cyber Monday" was created by marketing companies to persuade people to shop online. The term was coined by Ellen Davis and made its debut on November 28, 2005 in a Shop.org press release entitled "'Cyber Monday Quickly Becoming One of the Biggest Online Shopping Days of the Year. 
 
Observed by    Australia, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Brazil, Romania, Portugal, Uganda, Germany, UAE, Egypt, Netherlands, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Japan.
 
Celebrations    Shopping / Consumerism

Date    Monday after U.S. Thanksgiving
2015 date    November 30
2016 date    November 28
2017 date    November 27
2018 date    November 26
Frequency    annual
 
Related to Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Giving Tuesday
Classic Tablescape

Classic Tablescape

Health & Fitness, ,

We can’t resist a great tablescape—or the excuse to put our Pinterest musings into practice! If there’s any time to pull out all the tabletop-styling stops, it’s Thanksgiving. This food-centric kickoff to the holiday season provides the perfect chance to impress visiting friends and family with your flawless décor taste and expert cooking skills (or expert ordering and reheating skills—we won’t tell!). Of course, for those of us who aren’t professional stylists, designing a lovely tablescape may not come naturally. Luckily, a slew of gifted stylists continue to create more than enough inspiration for the rest of us. Check the slideshow for a few of our favorite Thanksgiving tabletops—we guarantee you’ll emerge eager to tackle your own!

From: theglitterguide.com

Meet Dr. Albert Hofmann, chemist, and creator of LSD

Health & Fitness, ,

Meet Dr. Albert Hofmann, chemist, and creator of LSD

Hofmann first synthesized LSD on 16 November 1938. The main intention of the synthesis was to obtain a respiratory and circulatory stimulant (analeptic) with no effects on the uterus in analogy to nikethamide (which is also a diethylamide) by introducing this functional group to lysergic acid. It was set aside for five years, until 16 April 1943, when Hofmann decided to reexamine it. While re-synthesizing LSD, he accidentally touched his hand to his mouth, nose or possibly eye, ingesting a small amount, and discovered its powerful effects.

Twenty Days to Good Mental Health Action List:

Health & Fitness,
Twenty Days to Good Mental Health Action List:
 
Day 1: Go to bed 1 hour earlier than usual
Day 2: Journal 10 things you're grateful for
Day 3: Take a walk outdoors
Day 4: Call someone you love
Day 5: De-clutter your room or desk
Day 6: Take a social media sabbatical
Day 7: Make a list of short term goals
Day 8: Make the most epic, creative salad you can think of
Day 9: Slow down. Sit & watch the sunset.
Day 10: Get rid of 5 things you never use
Day 11: Enjoy the sun. Eat lunch outside.
Day 12: Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails
Day 13: Send an encouraging text to 5 people
Day 14: Wake up 30 minutes earlier to pray or meditate
Day 15: Plan a tea/smoothie date with a friend
Day 16: Go the entire day without complaining
Day 17: Buy yourself flowers
Day 18: Make time for a wholesome breakfast
Day 19: Do one thing you've been putting off
Day 20: Don't overthink. Practice being present