tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9482461386956959572024-03-14T05:03:58.809-07:00Judy WestcottFreelance writer and graphic designer. Collector of everything vintage.
This blog is a collection of thoughts and tidbits of knowledge picked up along the way.Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-87183726609501356412015-09-11T05:49:00.001-07:002015-09-11T05:58:01.586-07:00Time to Get Out and Enjoy Nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPDPODWOKIqM808lmFvIxmYjt4MY7dfv2nRXa0Gx29zMQSX8d-K7Y8JNAqQY_mjkWaV4JPYMdCKzqljrbljHJYWtxxuur3KRdy2f9oYurVLVN9Pn17Riz7bRl17i09e0pMf4HjKOFkxVj/s1600/Girls+on+trail+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPDPODWOKIqM808lmFvIxmYjt4MY7dfv2nRXa0Gx29zMQSX8d-K7Y8JNAqQY_mjkWaV4JPYMdCKzqljrbljHJYWtxxuur3KRdy2f9oYurVLVN9Pn17Riz7bRl17i09e0pMf4HjKOFkxVj/s400/Girls+on+trail+compressed.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Photo Courtesy of Helen Schuler Nature Centre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The beauty of autumn is beginning to show on the leafy trees in our neighbourhood and with it comes the crisp morning air. While researching an <a href="http://www.lethsuntimes.com/news/2015/09/09/interacting-with-nature/">article</a> on youth nature programs at our local nature centre, I learned a lot about how important the outdoors is for our wellbeing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Getting outdoors and enjoying nature is one of the best actions we can take towards to having a healthy body and mind, according to Coreen Putman, coordinator of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre in Lethbridge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lifelong Benefits</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Encouraging children from a very young age to engage with nature
can have lasting benefits for their physical and mental health, as well as
instilling a continued conservation ethic for the future of the natural world,
says Putman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Contact with nature is vital for every aspect of childhood development - it is
literally the best thing you can do for your child,” she says. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Putman says research shows children exposed to nature have decreased
stress levels, improved mental concentration in classroom settings and improved
self-control. And it’s been proven that the benefits tend to last well into
adulthood, as these children become the next generation of entrepreneurs,
corporate leaders and nature conservationists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Studies Show Many Benefits</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">According to Parks Canada documents, an emphasis on literacy and
numeracy during the past 20 years has pushed children into more indoor
activities and structured environments. Ongoing safety concerns by parents and
caregivers has also led to a reduction in outdoor free play leading to an
elimination of outdoor play structures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But studies show children who regularly interact with nature
receive numerous lasting health benefits, such as being more physically fit
with lower body mass index scores.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Time spent in nature can also be an important bonding opportunity
for the entire family because it removes the distractions of modern technology
or daily chores,” Putman says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lethbridge residents are fortunate to have the Oldman River valley
– with its abundant wildlife and diversity of habitats – available for
exploring in the heart of the city, she says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We’re just a short drive from any corner of the city,” she says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Unstructured exploration is available from dawn to dusk through a
system of the trails in the 200-acre nature reserve surrounding the centre. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Local Centre Offers Lots of Nature Programming</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Putman says the general public is welcome to join a
naturalist during guided nature walks from 2 pm to 3 pm every Sunday. For those
preferring to walk unguided, Centre naturalists are out on the trails between
1:30 pm and 2:30 pm on Sundays and are available to answer any nature
questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The newly-modernized nature centre, Lethbridge’s first designated
LEED Gold Facility, is open from 1 pm to 4 pm Tuesday through Sunday during the
Fall and Winter months for drop in visits. It features seasonal exhibitions and
interactive displays, and is also home to some living animal residents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Structured programming at the centre includes the Big Bird Little
Bird program, which begins in November. It’s designed for an adult relative or
friend to pair with a youngster two to five years old for one hour per week of
nature engagement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“The point is to get people out and get them excited about what
they’re seeing in nature,” Putman says. “The children are naturally drawn to
nature and have a lot of fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The adult participant is able to learn new ideas and take away
tools that they can use for ongoing nature exploration with the child
participant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The next level of programming – the Junior Naturalist Program – is
geared for youth age six to 10. Operated on a drop-in basis with parental sign-in
required, the program is held from 10 am to 12 noon on alternating Saturdays.
Each theme is limited to 20 participants and is offered for two consecutive
Saturdays to allow more youth to participate in smaller group sizes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“This program features nature themes that are explored through
fun, games and discovery,” says Putman. “At this age, we really start to see
their enthusiasm for nature grow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">September themes are River Wild, which focuses on the Oldman River
habitat, and Chomp & Chew, where participants search for visible signs of
animal teeth markings in the natural habitat surrounding the centre. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Extreme by Nature is designed for youth naturalists age 11 to 15
years. This month’s session is being held on September 24 from 6:30 pm to 8:30
pm and participants will create Bug Hotels out of natural debris to house
insects and beetles that seek shelter for the winter months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“It’s part art, part science and each participant will be able to
take their hibernating hut home,” says Putman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All programming is offered free of charge on a first come, first
served basis and the centre relies heavily on volunteers and donations to
operate, Putman says. The Centre receives more than 30,000 visitors and offers
nearly 1,000 different programs a year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We hope that people who can afford it will donate so no child is
left inside,” she says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Volunteers Welcome</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are many volunteer opportunities available, which can
include trail guiding, programming assistance, or looking after the centre’s
animal residents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Volunteers are also welcome to join the
Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society, which supports programming
at the Centre, for an annual fee of $10 per adult or $5 per youth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Putman says the Nature
Centre also coordinates a variety of volunteer conservation
projects throughout the year, which are intended to improve the natural
space and bring community members together over their mutual appreciation of
nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Knapweed Pull is being held on
September 17 from 7 pm to 9 pm and the Shoreline Clean-Up, in conjunction with
the Oldman Watershed Council, is being held on September 15 from 12:30 pm to
4:30 pm at Botterill Bottom Park and September 19 from 1 pm to 3 pm at Indian
Battle Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Putman says anyone interested in
participating in any of the programs and events should contact the centre for
more information or to register.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Information about the Centre, its
programming, volunteer opportunities and upcoming events can all be found on the
City of Lethridge website at
http://www.lethbridge.ca/Things-To-Do/Nature-Centre/Pages/default.aspx<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Parks Canada information about the benefits of connecting with
nature can be accessed at http://www.pc.gc.ca/APPS/CP-NR/release_e.asp?id=2082&andor1=nr</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=948246138695695957" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=948246138695695957" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-18435072402252183682015-08-20T14:04:00.000-07:002015-08-20T14:11:16.432-07:00Crush on Crushy<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Driving home from work recently, I
couldn’t resist turning into an estate sale not far from my home “just to look”
where I found this sweet little gem of a bottle to add to my vintage
collection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTtCVZw4N7jzq53GkBoD1Ca3iDTHZjpEuJy-v-4YsCC55xDn_pBrX0rELpLzndrtxfjH86o2bv1W7MfJIR8kM6EBZ0XpDLkwqVvfskGCjPNu2xn4uiC6yr0SaberbjsbqvIWibLr-vvzd/s1600/crush+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTtCVZw4N7jzq53GkBoD1Ca3iDTHZjpEuJy-v-4YsCC55xDn_pBrX0rELpLzndrtxfjH86o2bv1W7MfJIR8kM6EBZ0XpDLkwqVvfskGCjPNu2xn4uiC6yr0SaberbjsbqvIWibLr-vvzd/s320/crush+front.JPG" width="189" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7iK6wKFuSDlGjv8EnricYAngllnZd_UySFQowH3OcR0MZceGizBUZClNeMANKtZAByQkvEXn1y3jh6Z85TIT6tYhjTOE1DOQEZPDzkMYLvyY5Hk_VqEMTI8KsCbWJbntPMqhl_a58PT9/s1600/crush+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7iK6wKFuSDlGjv8EnricYAngllnZd_UySFQowH3OcR0MZceGizBUZClNeMANKtZAByQkvEXn1y3jh6Z85TIT6tYhjTOE1DOQEZPDzkMYLvyY5Hk_VqEMTI8KsCbWJbntPMqhl_a58PT9/s320/crush+back.jpg" width="220" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s an amber Orange Crush soda pop bottle
featuring the Crushy logo. Crushy, whose orange-shaped head was usually printed
in blue on signs, resembles ancient hieroglyphics or one of today’s emoticons
when printed in white on bottles such as this one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">According to <a href="http://www.collectorsweekly.com/advertising/orange-crush">http://www.collectorsweekly.com/advertising/orange-crush</a>,
Orange Crush was invented in Chicago in 1906 and founded as Ward’s
Orange Crush in 1916, the brainchild of a California chemist named Neil Ward
and entrepreneur Clayton Howel, who had already tried to make a go of it in the
orange-soda business with Howel’s Orange Julep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sales of Orange Crush in the 1920s outpaced its
competitors on the back of doctors recommending orange juice as an excellent
source of Vitamin C, because the soda contained orange juice and pulp rather
than the oils of the fruit’s peel, according to the 2013 book <i>Fizz: How
Soda Shook Up the World</i> by Tristan Donovan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Collectors Weekly also says from the end of <a href="http://www.collectorsweekly.com/military-and-wartime/world-war-two">World War II</a> until the mid-1970s, Orange Crush
was sold in a new amber-colored krinkly bottle, whose dark glass was advertised
in an ACL (applied color label) on the bottle’s back as being able to “protect
the fresh fruit flavor from the harmful effects of light.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I think it’s fantastic that this particular
bottle survived 40 to 70 years without getting chipped, cracked or broken. It
was quite dusty inside when I acquired it, leading me to think it sat on a
garage shelf for many, many years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My earliest memories of Orange Crush have it
bottled in clear bottles of the 1970s and being poured over vanilla ice cream
by my grandfather making Orange Floats on a hot, summer day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Those kind of memories are the type to make this
bottle “priceless” to a vintage collector such as myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today, the Crush brand and
trademark are owned by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr_Pepper_Snapple_Group">Dr Pepper
Snapple Group</a> of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plano,_Texas">Plano, Texas</a>.
Crush is also popular in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada">Canada</a>,
where it is distributed by subsidiary <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Dry_Motts">Canada Dry Motts</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I haven’t added to my collection for a while and
I’m not sure what made me attend this particular estate sale. I guess sometimes
our intuition takes us places we wouldn’t normally go and where there might be
a gem just waiting to be discovered. </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Follow your heart.</i></span></div>
Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-77120435652209004832015-08-15T17:55:00.000-07:002015-08-16T09:05:24.301-07:00Digital Content Galore!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A few years ago, I invested in a tablet computer and a public library membership and I've never looked back!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Books, Books, Books</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I mainly use my membership for digital content, and through the Overdrive App for iPad, I can spend hours exploring which books I want to read next. Bestsellers in categories such as fiction, self help, autobiographies, classics, and youth/children's literature, are all at my fingertips. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hmmm, How to Choose?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The software works intuitively and provides recommendations for future reading based on past selections as well as providing newly added materials. It makes the selection process a little less time consuming than browsing through a complete digital library of books on your own. Plus, the nerd in me gets a kick out of seeing what the artificial intelligence "thinks" I'll like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Researchers and History Buffs</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There's newspaper archives, as well as the entire National Geographic library to browse for research. Older Consumer Reports are also available for product research. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tons of Magazines</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In addition to all the above, I can also flip through current and back issues of hundreds of popular magazines in every genre imaginable through the Zinio App for iPad. This alone can eat up a good portion of the afternoon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Get the Popcorn</span></h2>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Movie content is also available for streaming, however with a Netflix membership and cable TV, I haven't really explored all this category has to offer. I did test drive it just to see if it would stream through my Apple TV, which it did just fine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I think I'll make exploring this section a project for the winter months when the yard work chores are put to rest for a few months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)</span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My latest love affair is with the Gale Courses. These free, six-week online courses are available in a variety of subjects from business training and accounting to writing and designing - plus much, much more. Whether you're looking for professional development or personal enrichment, these courses can get you on track. The ones I have taken are upbeat, current, fun and very rewarding. I have also taken several Coursera university level courses, and the Gale Courses compare very favourably to these. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't worry about becoming too reclusive if you submerge yourself into an online education, because you can talk to like-minded people through message board discussion topics. These discussion boards - which the instructors monitor and participate in - offer their users fresh ideas, support, assistance and even companionship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tablet, Desktop, Smart Phone Compatible</span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't despair if you don't have a tablet computer. The content works just as well with the modern web browsers on most desktop computers. Just log in with your membership card and password wherever you have computer access and stay connected as long as you want.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">World Class Content at Dollar Store Prices</span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Being a frugally-minded person, I have a hard time believing all this content is available through my Library card. Renewing the card annually is less than the cost of two glossy magazines at the grocery store checkout counter. Factor in the costs of physically getting to the library or stores to get magazines, movies and books in person or purchasing online subscriptions, and the savings of a accessing digital content with a library card really begin to add up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fresh Content to Pick From</span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">New digital content is being added all the time and there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to take advantage of all that is offered. I have to admit our house is a little less clean, our yard work needs doing and the dog doesn't get walked quite as often, but for me, the trade off is worth it.</span>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0Lethbridge, AB, Canada49.69349 -112.8418399999999949.529126999999995 -113.16456349999999 49.857853 -112.5191165tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-18319872040662536322014-08-30T07:45:00.001-07:002014-08-30T07:45:31.954-07:00World Class Cyclists Wheeling Into Town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKODOZmFbARnBpbM4i7lkmfEvxRHvWWr3scLh1HLu2uAq_VoC0JGpJyLEg7aWJuBJQbCwiGOXpa6QXYmdgLR7DvWrq_fYXCmMWhAuXdqFFCdDtT3McIuV8fiUG1nKBZguixRQcAQ9VcW2m/s1600/tourwheat_peloton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKODOZmFbARnBpbM4i7lkmfEvxRHvWWr3scLh1HLu2uAq_VoC0JGpJyLEg7aWJuBJQbCwiGOXpa6QXYmdgLR7DvWrq_fYXCmMWhAuXdqFFCdDtT3McIuV8fiUG1nKBZguixRQcAQ9VcW2m/s1600/tourwheat_peloton.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Tour
de France heroes, big-race winners and top Canadian talent are among the field
of 120 racers wheeling into the city for the first leg of the <a href="http://www.lethsuntimes.com/Cover-Story/pedals-to-the-metal.html">Tour of Albertacycling event</a> on September 3.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
Lethbridge course, spanning 142 kilometers in six laps through the city, was
planned to provide maximum viewing options for local residents hoping to cheer
on their favorite rider and team or for those just wanting to see some of the
top cyclists in the world close up in action.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The
Lethbridge event, designed as a circuit race with several laps, is a very fan
friendly style of race where spectators can stay in one spot and see a lot of
race action,” says Duane Vienneau of Edmonton, executive director of the Tour
of Alberta. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The
Lethbridge segment is also unique because it features a later afternoon start,
as local organizers wanted residents to be able to watch when they finished
work for the day,” he says.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Although
this is the first time Lethbridge has hosted a stage of the race, it is the
second year Vienneau’s team has organized the Tour of Alberta. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Touted
as being the only event of its kind in Canada, last year’s event attracted 15
of the world’s top cycling teams and was viewed by 200,000 live spectators. It
was televised to 41 million viewers in more than 162 countries. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
economic impact for Alberta was estimated at $24 million, he says. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Cycliste_Internationale"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Union
Cycliste Internationale</span></a> (UCI), the world's governing body in the
sport of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_racing"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">bicycle
racing</span></a>, has given the event a 2.1 rating.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">“We
were very, very happy with last year’s race,” he says. “The feedback from the
racers was tremendous – many of them were shocked it was a first time event
because the communities really got behind it.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This
year’s Tour of Alberta is expected to do as well or even better than last year.
It will kick off with the Calgary Prologue, a four-kilometre time trial, on
September 2. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Vienneau
says the Tour of Alberta team – consisting of about 1,000 stage, course and
support personnel - will then travel to Lethbridge and join about 300 local
volunteers in conducting Stage 1 of the event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A
festival – complete with a family section, food vendors, live entertainment and
retail vendors - will begin at 11 am in Galt Gardens. A beer garden will start
at noon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The
team buses will all be lined up at Galt Gardens and will be humming with
activity,” says Local Organizing Committee Co-Chair, Chris Witkowski. “Anyone
can go and see them, ask questions and get autographs – not just VIPs.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
field of 120 cyclists will include Belkin Pro Cycling’s Dutchmen Bauke Mollema,
the 10th place finisher, and Steven Kruijswijk, the 15th place finisher, at
this year’s Tour de France, the 2014 Tour de France stage winner Ramunas
Navardauskas of Lithuania, Americans Tom Danielson and Tom-Jelte Slagter,
two-time Tour of Italy stage winner Matthew Goss and Dutchman Tom Dumoulin of
Team Giant-Shimano, who placed 5th overall in the 2014 Tour of Switzerland and
2nd overall at 2014 Tour of Belgium.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Canada
will be represented by a composite National Team, Garneau-Quebecor, and Silber
Pro Cycling, led by 2012 Canadian National Champion Ryan Roth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The
downtown festival is also a good time to figure out what jersey your favorite
rider will be wearing in the race, which makes spotting them easier as they
whip down Scenic Drive,” adds Rob Kossuth, Local Organizing Committee
Co-Chair. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Aside
from team jerseys, there will be a number of special jerseys worn by leaders in
various categories. Kossuth says to keep an eye out for the yellow jersey that
will be worn by the winner of the first day’s racing in Calgary. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A
complete guide to the team colours and the special jerseys is included in the
official Event Guide, which will be available at no cost at sponsor locations
around town in the days before the race and at Galt Gardens and the ENMAX
Centre on race day, he says.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Witkowski
says the racers will start from an area in front of the Southern Alberta Art
Gallery downtown and will take Scenic Drive to the Enmax Centre. They will then
race north on Scenic Drive to Peenaquin Park on the north side of the city and
then take Stafford Drive south to 5th Avenue North, turning west back to Scenic
Drive and the downtown area. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This
route is expected to take the cyclists about a half hour to complete and will
be taken a total of six times, with racers expected to cross the finish line in
Galt Gardens in about three hours, he says.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“What
we love about our course is all the great viewing areas for spectators all
along the way,” Witkowski says. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Hosting
an event of this caliber is such a fantastic opportunity for our community to
take part in.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sportsnet
will be televising two hours of live coverage daily from each stage of the Tour
of Alberta and spectators in Galt Gardens will be able to watch the live action
as it unfolds on large screen TVs, says Kossuth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Food,
entertainment and race viewing will also be at the turn-around at the ENMAX
Centre starting at 2 pm and will include baby back ribs, pulled pork
sandwiches, a beer garden, and Johnny Korthius doing bike stunts to the music
of Gray Matter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Because
the local course utilizes major roadways in the city, residents can expect road
closures and detours. The organizing committee recently held two open houses to
explain the event and the changes residents can expect on race day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Most
people, including businesses along the route, have been very supportive and we
would like to thank them in advance for their patience,” says Witkowski.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Driving
on the route will not be allowed, but selected intersections will be opened up
for 10-15 minutes to allow motorists to cross the route. A parking ban will be
enforced beginning at 7 p.m. on September 2 for the entire route and will last
for 24 hours or until the race is over on September 3.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Please
plan ahead and expect delays if you will be driving near the race that
afternoon and evening,” says Witkowski, adding parents should also expect
possible delays with school buses after school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To
help ease traffic woes on race day, free shuttles to the downtown core will be
operating every half hour starting at 7 am from Exhibition Park until 8 pm. The
Lethbridge Transit hub will be relocated to City Hall from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Upon
the completion of the Lethbridge event, the Tour of Alberta participants will
travel to Innisfail for Stage 2 on September 4. <a href="http://tourofalberta.ca/Stages/Stage-3"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Wetaskiwin to Edmonton Garrison</span></a>
will be the route for Stage 3 on September 5, while<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://tourofalberta.ca/Stages/Stage-4"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Edmonton
Northlands to Strathcona County</span></a> on September 6 will be the route for
Stage 4. The Tour of Alberta wraps up with the Stage 5 circuit race in Edmonton
on September 7.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For
more information about the event or to volunteer on September 3, sign up at <a href="http://www.tourofalberta.ca/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.tourofalberta.ca</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">or email
<a href="mailto:%20tourofabvolunteerla@gmail.com"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">tourofabvolunteerla@gmail.com </span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For
information about road closures, traffic flow and local festival events, check
the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>City of Lethbridge website at
http://www.lethbridge.ca/Things-To-Do/Events/Pages/Tour-of-Alberta.aspx<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-71863425938782765012014-02-05T13:02:00.000-08:002014-02-05T13:02:03.250-08:00Future grim for bears<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwIEm3JQWRxYuQr0_rxTXk3RzofygXUsuIie02CCEBammCfdpsdc0DTXaRbAMDcttkDDjaquwUyytwPelAVJ67PC0HUz1kxFMYjSlo8I6AGkl6im0lF_m_30czzxOdkJky3E8HiYabwae/s1600/charlie+walking+with+cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwIEm3JQWRxYuQr0_rxTXk3RzofygXUsuIie02CCEBammCfdpsdc0DTXaRbAMDcttkDDjaquwUyytwPelAVJ67PC0HUz1kxFMYjSlo8I6AGkl6im0lF_m_30czzxOdkJky3E8HiYabwae/s1600/charlie+walking+with+cb.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Grizzlies and black bears in southern Alberta face a grim future if public perception of them doesn’t change soon, according to local bear expert Charlie Russell.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“These are wonderful, beautiful animals that are trying their best to get along with us,” says Russell, a Pincher Creek area author and photographer who has been studying bears in Canada and Russia for more than 50 years. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“It’s almost like bears have been deliberately given the reputation of being highly ferocious animals because then it’s easier to justify hunting and killing them.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Russell will be presenting his insights into bear behaviour on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the University of Lethbridge after spending the past 52 years closely observing the nature of these animals in their natural habitat. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />His experience includes an 18-year exploration of how grizzlies used and shared his ranch situated on the boundary of Waterton/Glacier International Park near the border between Alberta and Montana. During this time he developed systems that allowed his cattle and the bears to co-exist.</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />He also lived on Princess Royal Island in British Columbia among the Kermode “Spirit Bears” for two years creating a film with award-winning wildlife filmmakers Jeff and Sue Turner and authoring a book chronicling his time spent with the animals.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Following that experience, he lived at the heart of a dense population of brown bears in the wild and remote area of Kamchatka, Russia. For 10 years, he pioneered raising orphaned cubs rescued from a Russian zoo, along with research partner Maureen Enns. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Russell says they managed to develop bonds with the cubs, as well as several wild bears living in the region. He says the cubs grew into peaceful, trustworthy adult bears that demonstrated no signs of violence or aggression toward humans.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Some of our photographs show me quite close to the bears — I don’t recommend that this is how everyone should approach bears, but it does demonstrate what is possible when trust is built,” he says.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Russell’s latest book, “Grizzly Heart — Living Without Fear Among the Brown Bears of Kamchatka,” recounts his Russian experience and has been published in five languages. Several films have also been made about the experience, including a 1997 PBS documentary titled “Nature: Walking with Giants, the Grizzlies of Siberia” and a BBC film titled “Bear Man of Kamchatka.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />A 90-minute theatre production entitled “The Edge of Eden,” by Jeff and Sue Turner, which has won 12 awards in both European and North American film festivals, is also based on the Kamchatka research.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Russell, who still lives on the family ranch that was pioneered by his father — well-known conservationist Andy Russell — says bears have suffered from being poorly managed in the past. He attributes this to the “hunting culture” of our society, as well as the perceived need to protect the public from danger.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Bear managers have taught the bears to be fearful of humans in order to keep them away by using rubber bullets, bean bags, chasing them with dogs, and making a lot of noise,” he says. “This constant conflict eventually builds up a lot of bad feelings and mistrust and bears treated this way should be avoided because they have a long memory.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Russell says the public has been sold on the concept that bears are dangerous and need to be avoided. “If we fear an animal, we don’t much care about what happens to it,” he adds.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />He says his experience with bears has been much different and shows what is possible when mutual trust and respect is built between the humans and bears.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“I went to Russia to study two questions — are bears unpredictable and are they dangerous if they lose their fear of humans,” he explains. “I found neither to be true. Man is by far more unpredictable. A bear has no idea what to expect when it meets a human and many a bear has died because it lacked fear.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Russell says bears don’t do well where we want them to be, which is up high in the mountains away from people on land that is very unproductive food wise for the bear.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“It’s a tremendous advantage for them to be social with us because they need to share the land with us in order to access food sources so they can survive,” he says. “It’s a matter of life and death for them.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Bears need to double their body weight of about 180 kilograms during the warmer months in order to survive a five-to seven-month hiberation when they don’t consume food. It is also during this time that the young are born. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“They are not highly successful predators — they don’t hunt very well, so they really need the plant-based food,” Russell says, noting that bears will scavange dead animals if happened upon. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Recently, a larger number of grizzly bears have been coming down out of the southern Alberta mountains to co-exist among the ranchers and farmers in southern Alberta, notably along the Milk River Ridge, he says.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“They’re quite at home on the prairies and it is part of their natural habitat,” he says, noting that it was documented by officials at Fort Walsh in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan in 1873 that about 760 grizzly bears had been killed that year near the fort.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />They are moving further east again, with the number of sightings in the Milk River town site and in the grain fields around Del Bonita on the rise, he says.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“People aren’t hunting them or shooting them on sight as often as they did in the past, but they are still unwelcome by the majority of landowners,” Russell says. “Unless we learn how to get along with them better, I’m afraid the bears are in trouble.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Besides educating the public through his presentations, Russell is working to bring co-existence home through the Pacific Rim Grizzly Bear Co-Existence Study.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Russell’s presentation will be held at the First Choice Savings Centre at the U of L in Room PE250 beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 (regular) and $15 for students.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />For more information, visit his website at http://charlierussellbears.com/.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">- See more at: http://www.lethsuntimes.com/Cover-Story/bears-face-uncertain-future.html#sthash.3FQT9ZJl.dpuf</span>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-33363235673454170152014-02-05T12:58:00.000-08:002014-02-05T12:58:36.927-08:00U of L Fosters Research<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWA30VrsFSnjg-scR4nVLF5kPR8BoBoYCTMJHcOn0vSWJmg6oKH-3OAJE1Psv4cuhhtKd-i8pEPNaScTkWt_OD4qPyzqWagtuVsT3bOPXvNwkqaHbShig8Xk_SiaJsnKSLXvPMJDdKfb9b/s1600/stewart+rood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWA30VrsFSnjg-scR4nVLF5kPR8BoBoYCTMJHcOn0vSWJmg6oKH-3OAJE1Psv4cuhhtKd-i8pEPNaScTkWt_OD4qPyzqWagtuVsT3bOPXvNwkqaHbShig8Xk_SiaJsnKSLXvPMJDdKfb9b/s1600/stewart+rood.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Since its establishment in 1967, the University of Lethbridge has been building a reputation for research excellence around the world while maintaining its focus on giving its students the tools they need to achieve success.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“It’s all for our students,” says Dr. Dan Weeks, U of L Vice-President (Research). “The reason we, as faculty members, do research is to teach our students how to do research.” </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Spanning numerous disciplines across five faculties that include Health Sciences, Arts and Science, Management, Fine Arts and Education, the U of L provides more than 75 undergraduate programs and graduate degrees at both the Master and Doctoral levels for a student body of about 8,600.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“The U of L is excellent in a wide range of fields from the humanities to the sciences,” says Weeks. ”Having faculty members that are highly regarded in their field really benefits the student because they have access to so much more information than what is available just from lectures and textbooks.”</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Also, he notes the majority of research projects require funding to proceed, and these research dollars directly benefit the student because of the supplies, equipment, or travel opportunities that they may provide. Many U of L undergraduate students are involved in research activities often only available to graduate and PhD students at other institutions. </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Research opportunities are available through research and independent studies, applied studies, co-operative education and internships.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Recently, the annual Maclean’s University Rankings for 2014 shows the U of L held its second overall ranking in medical/science grants received by faculty, resulting in a third overall ranking of 19 schools in the Primarily Undergraduate classification.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“We’re very pleased that the ranking indicators reflect many of the University’s fundamental priorities, notably our philosophy of creating a supportive atmosphere for our students in a setting that fosters academic excellence and engaging research opportunities,” says U of L President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“All of this would not be possible without the contributions of our faculty and staff who have embraced the U of L’s vision and made the University a destination of choice for our students.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The U of L is now ranked third in the percentage of its operating budget devoted to student services, rising three spots from last year’s rankings, while maintaining its strength as a leading undergraduate research institution.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The U of L also showed steady increases in some of Maclean’s underlying indicators, including the percentages of students coming to the University from outside of the province and country.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Weeks says the U of L is “a good fit for students from all over the world” because of its location in a rural, agricultural setting. The majority of the student body, greater than 70 per cent, come from outside the southern Alberta area, with more and more coming from outside the province of Alberta and beyond.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Our rural setting lends itself to studies in water, energy resources and agriculture, as well as population health and health sciences,” he says. “Because of this, we are able to attract students from countries like India, China and Africa, just to name a few.”<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />With recent funding announcements from the provincial government and accolades coming in for several of its top researchers, the university has entered “an exciting time for research” as it nears its 50th anniversary, he says.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The provincial government announced in late 2013 that it would provide about $200 million for the Destination Project — a three-phase development that will realize the creation of a new academic/science building, new central utility plant and a revitalization of University Hall.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The Destination Project will bring an additional 35,000 square metres to the campus footprint. Once a site is selected, the rest of the planning funds will take the project through to the completion of schematic designs by December 2014. If all goes well, construction could begin 10 to 15 months later, eventually culminating with an opening date for the academic building sometime in fall 2019.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“The Destination Project will be transformational, the most significant development of our Lethbridge campus since University Hall was completed in 1972,” says Mahon. “Beyond the massive physical changes that will take place, the project is a means through which our collective aspirations can be realized. The new facility will be more than a teaching and research space, but a place for community engagement and outreach.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />By building new science facilities, Weeks says the University is further able to create links between high school learning experiences and those found at the U of L.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Already, through programs such as High School iGEM (which earlier this year finished first at an international competition for young synthetic biologists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, MA), the university provides valuable opportunities for high school students to take their learning to another level.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“The U of L’s iGEM program has introduced these world-class high school students to leading faculty, as well as graduate and undergraduate student mentors. This early exposure to University researchers helps students make smooth transitions from high school to post-secondary study and potentially to entrepreneurial endeavours,” says Weeks. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The Destination Project will allow the U of L to give even more Alberta high school students the chance to participate in outstanding research experiences such as these. Eventually, we will see graduates poised to flourish in Alberta’s ever diversifying economy.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />With so many faculty members involved in such a variety of research projects, the U of L recently launched a new website that serves as the public face of research at the institution.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“As one of Canada’s most influential research institutions, we are home to world-renowned researchers, and we are fostering the next generation of researchers and innovators,” says Weeks. “With this website, we are thrilled to be able to showcase the calibre of research that takes place at the U of L with audiences around the world.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Aimed at an external audience (academia, government, industry, media, students and members of the general public), the new website will raise the profile of research at the U of L through digital storytelling. The site will feature stories on faculty and students while highlighting research news and connecting users to U of L faculty members via the Expert’s Database, which lists faculty members, their contact information and their areas of research expertise.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“We now have a tool to effectively engage stakeholders and tell the U of L’s research story,” says Weeks. “But this is just the beginning. The site will evolve as fresh content is continually added.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“We are incredibly proud to share the world-class work that is happening here with our stakeholders and with communities around the world.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />More information about research at the U of L can be found on its website at http://www.uleth.ca/research/ or http://www.uleth.ca/experts-database/.</span></div>
Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-81145846050954220902013-11-27T15:31:00.002-08:002013-11-27T15:31:54.994-08:00All Decked Out for Christmas<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lethsuntimes.com/Cover-Story/getting-into-the-holiday-spirit.html">Downtown merchants</a> are pulling out all the stops to make their shopping area the place to be this holiday season.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Hay rides, old-fashioned carolers, bright lights and seasonal promotions combine with historical charm to create a hard-to-resist festive mood in the weeks leading up to Christmas.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6pogpuyK6Xa4wvfrbZxXxLVBf-n3PQASZ6tIeWGXhCKAqDzRn_IXuFGBDTLWdPMAFBgNnV6Pql82dPBI9-WLpePYsmdbIamwDu8b0vjacnPjSFEXi4Ix9HI8awsSv701rb4_IXOcUxu3/s1600/Stilson+w:posters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6pogpuyK6Xa4wvfrbZxXxLVBf-n3PQASZ6tIeWGXhCKAqDzRn_IXuFGBDTLWdPMAFBgNnV6Pql82dPBI9-WLpePYsmdbIamwDu8b0vjacnPjSFEXi4Ix9HI8awsSv701rb4_IXOcUxu3/s640/Stilson+w:posters.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“We encourage everyone to bring the family downtown to enjoy a more relaxing, nostalgic way of holiday shopping,” says Ted Stilson, executive director of the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“You can park the car and spend the day exploring the many merchants downtown — we have such a great variety of retailers,” he says. “Then you can cap it off with a visit to one our fantastic restaurants, coffee shops or pubs.” </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The downtown core has an abundance of restaurants with a variety of cuisines from around the globe, as well as several fast food restaurants and coffee shops.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Many of the cultural attractions, including the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Galt Museum, Casa, Bowman Arts Centre, Lethbridge Public Library, and Trianon Gallery, are also offering unique seasonal promotions.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. Stilson says the number of venues offering live music in the downtown core has also increased in the recent years, giving rise to a more vibrant and eclectic music scene.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Stilson says this is the busiest time of year in the downtown core and several seasonal events have been planned around the holiday season, with last weekend’s Bright Lights Festival kicking off the festivities.</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />This will be followed by the first ever Black Friday promotion on Friday, Nov. 29, when participating retailers will be offering discounted merchandise in an attempt to compete with the popular annual online shopping event.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“We would like shoppers to think local and shop local, rather than see those dollars leave our community,” says Stilson. “The advantages are that you are supporting local merchants who pay taxes here, hire employees here, and in turn support local clubs and charities.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />He says it’s a win/win situation for both the retailer and the consumer. By supporting local merchants, the shopper is supporting the local economy and gets the benefit of quality merchandise and expert product knowledge.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Following on the heels of Black Friday will be the annual Plaid Days promotion on Dec. 6 and 7. By wearing plaid while shopping downtown during the event, residents will be able to show their support for downtown businesses and shopping locally.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Plaid Days is all about customer appreciation and thanking them for supporting local merchants,” Stilson says. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Like the Bright Lights Festival, Plaid Days will also feature hay rides, Victorian-esque carolers, and refreshments in Galt Garden, as well as discounts in many of the stores.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Plaid Days will be held in conjunction with December’s First Friday event, a monthly promotion that has “really been gaining momentum,” he says. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Held on the first Friday of each month, the promotion often features discounts on merchandise, street performers, and chances to win prizes at various shops throughout the downtown core.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“First Friday was designed as a way to get citizens to think about shopping local throughout the year, rather than just during the holidays,” he says.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Stilson says the downtown core provides a “good mix” of existing and new businesses, many of them one-of-a-kind shops. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Many of our downtown businesses are family-owned operations, some being passed down from one generation to another, and then we have some new, boutique shops recently opening up,” he says. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Downtown has really become the place to be. Rents are still reasonable and good store front space is getting harder and harder to find.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Stilson’s organization — the Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) — was formed in 1987 to promote the downtown business community as a viable economic district, while retaining its historical flavour. A non-profit organization, the BRZ is funded by the more than 350 businesses it represents through a tax levy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />It has undertaken initiatives such as the Wednesday’s Farmer’s Market, the Historic Plaque program, the Lethbridge Main Street Project, a meter-plugging program, a mural program and movies in the park at Galt Gardens.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />While some shoppers may find the parking meters of the downtown core a deterrent, Stilson says they serve to keep the traffic moving and notes Lethbridge has some of the least expensive downtown parking in Western Canada. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“People can usually park right in front of the business they want to visit, and many find they are actually walking less than they would at the larger, commercial centres,” he says. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Increasing the safety of the downtown core has also been a priority, and Stilson says the BRZ works closely with the City of Lethbridge and its police department to ensure the area is patrolled and monitored. A beat patrol has been dedicated to the downtown area and security has been assigned to Galt Gardens, he says.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“People have to be careful and aware no matter where they shop in the city and it’s no different downtown,” he says. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Information about the Downtown BRZ and the holiday promotions can be found on its website, http://www.downtownlethbridge.com/.</span></div>
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Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-50465111114239256792013-11-07T05:17:00.000-08:002013-11-07T05:17:00.241-08:00Grandmother to Grandmother Campaign<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">An international exhibit of 40 art works currently touring 15 cities in western Canada is coming to Lethbridge on Saturday as part of a <a href="http://www.lethsuntimes.com/Cover-Story/aiding-africa-with-art.html">local fundraising event</a> in support of African grandmothers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The event is being organized by the Harambee Grandmas, which is the Lethbridge chapter of the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. This campaign was launched in 2006 in response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers as they struggled to care for millions of children orphaned by AIDS.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcYeRgJVp-LNa3x5IZcaBRlB_IdTDUQaA6y2bT2_gnWxUufgvJEb-GlUSuxOFLWXDtBYUInL1EgXltPI6vFFEAL6lXEANQ3-Hpc8gtnw9_TuyI473MwRjcGjAr9BcAssvbYl-fIQndQU1/s1600/JudyScott+Art1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcYeRgJVp-LNa3x5IZcaBRlB_IdTDUQaA6y2bT2_gnWxUufgvJEb-GlUSuxOFLWXDtBYUInL1EgXltPI6vFFEAL6lXEANQ3-Hpc8gtnw9_TuyI473MwRjcGjAr9BcAssvbYl-fIQndQU1/s400/JudyScott+Art1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Across Canada, there are about 250 grandmother groups that have raised $19 million since 2006. In Alberta, $1.7 million has been raised, with the Lethbridge group contributing more than $100,000.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Our group name — Harambee — means ‘working together to ease the burden’ in Swahili,” says Judy Scott of the Harambee Grandmas. </span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The group has 25 members that meet monthly, with new members encouraged to join, she says. While having a passion to help is a prerequisite, being a grandmother or even a female is not. Grand “others” are more than welcome to join, she says. </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />This event is the main fundraiser for the year, replacing an annual Good Words for Africa Scrabble event that was previously held in the fall months.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“When we were offered the chance to host this exhibit, we felt it would be a wonderful way of raising awareness and funds in support of the grandmother campaign,” she says.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The exhibit, which consists of a variety of mediums ranging from textiles to oil paintings, is the third annual exhibit put together by a fellow grandmother group based in New Westminster, B.C., but the first one being hosted by the Lethbridge group.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The 40 artworks tell a story of hope and small triumphs that light the way to victory over the AIDS pandemic in Africa. The pieces will be installed in an order to represent the categories of loss and despair, compassion, resilience, heroes of the continent, strength in the community, hope at the grassroots, advocacy in Africa and ending with pieces representing the turning of the tide of AIDS in Africa.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Each piece is featured in an online auction with bids being accepted through to the show’s return to its New Westminster home. The final chance to bid will be in March 2014 during a closing Gala event.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In addition to the touring exhibit, local artists have contributed works available through a silent auction during the one-day show, says Scott. These works represent a variety of techniques including painting, fibre art and photography. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“The local artists and artisans have really gotten behind the cause,” says Scott. “We’ve also been fortunate with all the local businesses who have contributed to helping our event be a success.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Also on display and for sale will be unique and beautiful Kazuri Jewellery, handcrafted by women in Kenya. The ceramic bead jewellery is made at a factory located on the estate of Karen Blixen, who was featured in the film Out of Africa. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Started in 1975, Kazuri Jewellery has been on a mission to provide sustainable employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan society. It pays above average wages and provides safe working conditions.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Scott says that members of the Harambee Grandmas will also be selling some of their own handicrafts during the fundraising event. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />One of these items is called the African Angels. The small cloth angels are suitable for holiday décor and come with a printed card featuring a child’s name in both English and an African dialect, each one representing a child who has died as a result of the AIDS epidemic.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Other items available during the event include a companion book for the Heroes of the Continent art exhibit, sets of cards designed by one of the show’s artists’, Jan Sinclair of Coquitlam, B.C., and a companion book for last year’s travelling art show of textiles, which will be sold at a reduced price.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The art show and sale is being held at the University of Lethbridge’s Dr. James Foster Penny Building located at 324 5 St. S. from 1 - 6 p.m. Admission is free.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Scott says all money raised through the silent auction and jewellery sale will be donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation to support the African grandmother campaign. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The support will help children attend school, access proper nutrition and receive counseling to cope with the loss of their parents. In addition, it will help train community health workers who travel from house to house to distribute medication and nurse those who are too sick to leave home. Women who are victims of sexual violence will receive emergency treatment, HIV testing and care, and counselling support.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />To view the artwork exhibit online or to place and monitor the bids, visit http://www.royalcitygogos.org/art-exhibit-tour.html</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Information about the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign can be found online at the Stephen Lewis Foundation website at: http://www.stephenlewisfoundation.org/get-involved/grandmothers-campaign</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">- See more at: http://www.lethsuntimes.com/Cover-Story/aiding-africa-with-art.html#sthash.x070xJAx.dpuf</span>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-76170912078265449972013-10-04T05:22:00.000-07:002013-10-04T05:22:33.025-07:00Making Wishes Come True<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lethsuntimes.com/Cover-Story/making-wishes-come-true.html">Lethbridge Sun Times</a>, October 2, 2013</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Lethbridge residents will have the opportunity to make dreams come true for children undergoing treatment for illness through the first ever local <a href="http://www.lethsuntimes.com/Cover-Story/making-wishes-come-true.html#sthash.jJGzIyJi.dpuf">Wishmaker Walk for Wishes</a>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The walk, being held Oct. 20 at Henderson Lake Park, is for all ages and abilities and will raise funds for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Nationally, it is the single most important fundraising event of the year for us,” says event organizer Elisha Jackson. While the walk has been held for many years in communities across Canada, this marks the first time it is being held in Lethbridge.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />She says the organization grants three wishes every day across Canada, which translates to about one wish every three days in Alberta. </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In 1984, the organization granted its first wish to a young boy who wanted to meet Mr. T from the hit TV show “The A-Team.” </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Almost 30 years later, it granted its 20,000th wish with the help of the Toronto Blue Jays, when Kelsey Panton threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game against the Baltimore Orioles recently.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Each wish typically costs $10,000, so the more money we raise the more wishes we can give,” says Jackson.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Jackson says the Wishmaker Walk will also help the organization keep its profile in the community following the cancellation of another Children’s Wish fundraiser — the Giant Pumpkin Festival, which has been held at Green Haven Garden Centre for the past 24 years.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“We’re certainly going to miss the pumpkin festival — it was a wonderful event,” Jackson says. “However, we’re hoping we can keep a strong presence in the community with the Wishmaker Walk.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Registration for the walk will start at 1 p.m., but participants can register beforehand online at the Children’s Wish website if they want. Walkers can register as individuals or teams for either one- or five-kilometre distances.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The walk will kick off at 2 pm, led by a three-year-old Lethbridge resident who had his own personal wish come true this past March.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Jackson says the boy, Gunner, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia a month before he turned three years old. This form of cancer causes white blood cells to multiply, at a rapid rate, within the bone marrow, and spread to other organs. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Gunner’s illness required him to undergo chemotherapy, which led to his love of the movie “Cars” from watching it while having treatments. Gunner’s mother requested that her son be given the opportunity for a wish, which was to meet the Lightning McQueen and Mater characters from the movie. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Through the Children’s Wish Foundation, Gunner’s dream came true as he travelled to Anaheim with his family to meet the characters in Carsland, and visit Legoland and Sea World. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“He’s a wonderful ambassador, who will kick off this race with his mom,” says Jackson. “It’s going to be a fun-filled day for the whole family.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Walkers will be eligible for various prizes such as gift cards and hats for every $100 they raise during the event. And as a grand prize, Alberta walkers will have their names entered into a draw for a $1,000 Visa gift card for every $100 raised.</span></div>
Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-43895812531789117372013-09-25T05:50:00.000-07:002013-09-25T05:50:54.211-07:00Word on the Street is 'literacy'<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Outdoor festival lovers are in for a treat this weekend as the third annual The Word on the Street gets underway Sunday at the Lethbridge Public Library.</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Held on the streets surrounding the downtown library, the festival celebrates literacy and the power of words in every form — written, sung, spoken and read — through live author readings, musical performances, vendors and street theatre.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQIvipk6otZIEyLc3rhNtzQdnA-ybH_2t3ke5I1WsUpBpGxqVwFWmSMT6W1L5vxqZhjQBd6vif1xtj3WKcaK6cooSgA3uSEpPtIPe7Mu2RLVX-01oFiEB9CciSfVFVZtoRYkw6VrxyMxl/s1600/62f2666b729095bc31a6b1e71209c111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQIvipk6otZIEyLc3rhNtzQdnA-ybH_2t3ke5I1WsUpBpGxqVwFWmSMT6W1L5vxqZhjQBd6vif1xtj3WKcaK6cooSgA3uSEpPtIPe7Mu2RLVX-01oFiEB9CciSfVFVZtoRYkw6VrxyMxl/s400/62f2666b729095bc31a6b1e71209c111.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“This is the third year that the Library will be hosting the festival; it definitely provides an opportunity for the Library to connect with the community in a fun way,” says library CEO Tony Vanden Heuvel. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The local festival is part of a national campaign to promote literacy and is held in five cities — Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Kitchener, Toronto and Halifx — on the same weekend across Canada.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />It has become one of the world’s largest literary celebrations. In 2012, almost 270,000 visitors attended 440 programmed events featuring 650 authors, workshop presenters and arts performers. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In addition, the festivals showcased 590 book and magazine exhibitors, many of them small press operators, independent authors and writing associations who benefit from their exposure at the festival. </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />As part of the festival’s commitment to literacy, 10 per cent of the total exhibit space is dedicated to literacy organizations.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“It gives us a chance to work together with national and local sponsors and volunteers and to showcase authors and talent to highlight the festival’s theme: advocating literacy and celebrating reading,” says Vanden Heuvel.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />About 3,100 people attended the local festival last year, which was a 42 per cent increase from the first time the event was held in 2011. This year, about 4,500 are expected to attend the one-day event.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Bonnie Mikalson-Andron, programming officer with the public library and WOTS co-ordinator, says organizers have ensured there will be something of interest for people of all ages at the free event running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“With such a wide variety of activities for everyone, you never know what’s going to spark a new interest,” she says. “There will be so much going on from storytelling to song writing to poetry.” </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />For the first time, organizers have included some pre-festival events to encourage festival goers to get in the spirit. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />These include an evening book club discussion of author Marina Endicott’s The Little Shadows, a screenwriting workshop with Bob Cousins, and Romancapalooza, a celebration of the romance genre complete with chocolate tasting, dramatic readings, trivia, and a Romance Cover Pose Off. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Mikalson-Andron says an impressive line-up of storytellers will be performing at the festival with stories, songs and fun for the whole family, including Gail de Vos, Storytelling World Award winner. Robert Heidbreder, an Albertan children’s author and puppeteer, and Celia Barker Lottridge, a Canadian storyteller and author, whose stories have inspired generations of readers and listeners. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Other authors participating are Cassie Stocks, Ali Bryan, Annette Lapointe, Audrey Whitson, Jani Krulik, Lise Gaboury-Diallo, Terry Anne Carter, Douglas Barbour, Richard Stevenson, Ken Sears, Katie McGarry, Marissa Meyer, Caanan Grall, Norah McClintock, Erin Dingle, Paul Finkleman and Andrew Prefontaine.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Paige McGeorge, the library’s Teenbrarian, says in addition to live presenters in the Teen Zone, some special guests will be joining the festival via Skype.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“We’re starting the day with an hour-long comics creation workshop, followed by conversations about teen mysteries, romances, science fiction and more. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“We’ve got a songwriter and a storyteller, and some great hands-on book crafts. And remember — the more sessions you come to, the better your odds of winning special prizes from our authors!” says McGeorge.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />This year, two new workshops being held include Words Sung: Song Writing Workshop with Karen Romanchuck and a Haiku and Prayer Flag Workshop with Terry Ann Carter.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Local talent performing at the festival includes Hippodrome, Junkman’s Choir, Bryant & Watson Duo, Karen Romanchuk, HB30, Young Medicine and Hibikiya. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />There will also be performances by the Canadian Bhutanese Society Dancers, These Hips Can Hoop, the Medieval Society and Gorilla Poetry by the League of Canadian Poets. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Mikalson-Andron says about 40 vendors will be featured in the Marketplace, with the University of Lethbridge Bookstore providing a retail outlet that gives festival goers the opportunity to have newly purchased books signed by the authors in attendance. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“And we can’t forget the food, come down and enjoy the Smokehouse BBQ, Hawaiian Ice, M & M Meats, Mini Melts, Two Guys and a Pizza Place, and a crowd favorite, Westwinds Kettle Corn,” Mikalson-Andron says.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />For a complete list of authors, performers, vendors and schedule of events, please visit the Lethbridge Word on the Street website at: http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/lethbridge.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">- See more at: http://www.lethsuntimes.com/Cover-Story/word-on-the-street-is-literacy.html#sthash.p0n197mZ.dpuf</span>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-76037435216160578352013-09-11T14:47:00.001-07:002013-09-11T14:47:21.224-07:00Exciting Research into Parkinson's Disease<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lethsuntimes.com/Cover-Story/making-progress-on-parkinsons.html">Local researchers</a> are stepping up their studies into Parkinson’s disease in hopes of improving the safety and quality of life for those afflicted with the incurable illness.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“We’re looking at balance and fall prevention in people at risk, particularly those affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD),” says Dr. Lesley Brown, kinesiology professor and associate vice-president research at the University of Lethbridge.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Brown says her team has been studying how listening to music while walking can benefit people with PD and they are expecting to expand their work to include participants from across the province this fall.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of Dr. Lesley Brown <br />courtesy of University of Lethbridge</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“One of the trademarks of PD can be a slow, shuffling walk, which increases the risk for falling and we hope to be able to reduce some of the dangers associated with that.”</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">She says her team is undertaking the new study as a follow-up to a five-year project that concluded in 2011. That study was made possible by a five-year research grant from the Canadian Institute for Health Research and involved around 40 participants.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“The bottom line was the participants found the music therapy enjoyable and said they felt it a compelling reason to get outside and walk,” says Brown. “And we know there are many benefits derived from muscular fitness so if they get out walking it will provide some protection against a worsening of the symptoms.”</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">She says the new study will be more sophisticated and involve a broader scope of participants from around the province. Researchers at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta will be assisting with the study.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“This time, the music is the reward. Participants will walk outside with an iPod and they will have to step with a steady and regular gait in order to hear the music,” she says. “The music will stop if their walking pattern goes wrong. To get the music back, they’ll have to focus on stepping correctly.”</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, degenerative neurological disease which affects approximately 100,000 Canadians. PD develops with the loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce a chemical called dopamine. The symptoms of PD can vary person to person and have an impact on many aspects of patients’ lives. As dopamine levels fall, symptoms such as uncontrollable shaking, stiffness or muscle tensing, and slowness and loss of spontaneous movement can progress.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“We know that vigorous exercise can slow down the progression of the disease and possibly even reverse some of its effects,” says Jon Doan, a U of L kinesiology professor who is involved in Brown’s walking study, along with Natalie DeBruin, a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Kinesiology.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Doan is also researching the benefits ice skating may have for PD patients and will be presenting his findings at the World Parkinson’s Congress in Montreal in October. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Right now we want to see if ice skating is a reasonable activity for neuro research,” he says. His study currently involves 17 patients in Lethbridge, Red Deer, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Vancouver and Vernon. He wants to expand the research into Saskatchewan this winter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Ice skating is a very novel Canadian therapy for PD patients with mild to moderate symptoms,” he says. “The results so far are very positive. They are skating faster, improving their posture and doing some stick handling which helps coordination.”</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Doan says some PD patients withdraw socially upon diagnosis or as symptoms worsen and getting out to exercise can have a positive effect on them physically and mentally.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Because of the increasing awareness of PD and better screening, many more people are being diagnosed at a younger age,” he says. “For them, the exercise studies could have a huge impact, not only in slowing or reversing the disease, but helping them socially as well.”</span></span></div>
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Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-83330814808156134782013-09-05T05:27:00.002-07:002013-09-06T04:48:53.560-07:00Power Mantras for Stress<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Change can bring a lot of stress and fear into our lives and learning how to cope positively has been a journey of mine for awhile now. <br /><br />I found a wonderful <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9873/5-power-mantras-to-get-you-through-any-tough-time.html">article</a> on using power mantras to help with stress. The author, <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9873/5-power-mantras-to-get-you-through-any-tough-time.html">Shannon Kaiser</a>, suggests repeating the following five mantras when those feelings of self doubt begin to overcrowd your purposeful thoughts:<br /><br />1. "I believe in myself and know that I'm worthy of all that I truly desire. I accept my true self and live it fully."<br /><br />2. "My playing small does not serve the world. I have the courage to live the life beyond my wildest dreams."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">3. "My dreams are important and are coming true."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">4. "I have the courage to step into my future gracefully with ease."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">5. "I feel excited about the possibilities I am creating."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />Kaiser's article describes very well how I've been feeling lately so I thought I'd give this a try and see if it can keep me from reaching for another piece of pie when times get rough. <br /><br />So far the pie - using my grandmother's pastry recipe and baked with Nanking cherries grown in my own backyard - is winning! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But I have hope and I'll</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> be sharing some other interesting stress busting strategies soon!</span></div>
Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-3281932362217846122013-09-02T15:05:00.000-07:002013-09-06T08:39:17.224-07:00Japanese Garden Seeks National Heritage Designation<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The following article appeared in the July 24, 2013 edition of the Lethbridge Sun Times newspaper and <a href="http://www.lethsuntimes.com/Cover-Story/garden-seeks-heritage-designation.html">website</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">By Judy Westcott</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden has been providing a
sanctuary of inner peace and serenity to visitors from around the world for 46
years and now plans are underway to have it designated a national heritage site
by 2017.</span></div>
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<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8JwaQoBtrbCXmBRGHJUyhuvhvlyKZvrqe5NoQFBGsAASeu6GjeyEweXtf5-sA2SE0c2HRg45Dj6ahG8iTUbN2zhGzR8jYa5LKdJlvfyrKWSnA0x2-auY6Q5ZJabj9iF2MfoZOd9P_9CF/s1600/nikka-yuko-tom-buchanan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8JwaQoBtrbCXmBRGHJUyhuvhvlyKZvrqe5NoQFBGsAASeu6GjeyEweXtf5-sA2SE0c2HRg45Dj6ahG8iTUbN2zhGzR8jYa5LKdJlvfyrKWSnA0x2-auY6Q5ZJabj9iF2MfoZOd9P_9CF/s400/nikka-yuko-tom-buchanan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Tom Buchanan</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“We have a fiftieth anniversary committee working on plans
for 2017,” says Lindy Rollingson, executive director of the Lethbridge and
District Japanese Garden Society, which operates the Garden for a fee on behalf
of the City of Lethbridge. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“We are also in the process of applying for municipal
heritage status, which will lead to applications for provincial and then
national heritage designations,” she says.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #262626;">The heritage designations will be the
icing on the cake for Nikka Yuko, which has received numerous awards from
Communities in Bloom over the years and has been voted as one of the top 10
Canadian gardens to see by MSN’s Canadian travel website. It is also ranked 21
out of 330 Japanese gardens in North America by Sukiya Living Magazine, </span>a
bi-monthly English-language print publication dedicated to the special world of
Japanese gardens and Japanese architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Nikka Yuko also received a Commendation from Susumu
Fukuda, Consul-General of Japan in Calgary during its 46<sup>th</sup>
anniversary celebrations this month for its achievements in contributing to the
mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Canada. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“This was very special for us and we feel very
honoured to have received this,” says Rollingson, noting each Consul-General is
allowed only one Commendation per year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Opened in 1967 to celebrate Canada’s centennial,<span style="color: #262626;"> Nikka Yuko was built to recognize contributions made by
citizens of Japanese ancestry to southern Alberta and as a symbol of
international friendship. Its name was created from the Japanese words Ni (from
Nihon meaning Japan), ka from Kanada or Canada, and Yuko, which translates as
"friendship" to mean “Japan-Canada friendship”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Nikka Yuko is rich in symbolism,
capturing elements of the southern Alberta landscape while simultaneously
integrating traditional Japanese philosophy and symbols. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Every tree, shrub and rock has been
carefully chosen and placed to create perfect harmony,” says Rollingson. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Japanese garden designer and
landscape architect Tadashi Kubo, of Osaka Prefecture University was
commissioned in the 1960s to design the 1.6 hectare (four acre) garden. His
colleague, Masami Sugimoto, also of Osaka Prefecture University, oversaw the
construction, evaluating and adjusting each detail on site until every aspect
of the garden was harmoniously balanced. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Utopia-Regular; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Now professor emeritus of Kobe Design University, </span><span style="color: #262626;">Sugimoto recently made his 10<sup>th</sup> visit to the Garden
to celebrate the 46<sup>th</sup> anniversary and to provide guidance to the
three full-time staff arborists. Masa Mizuno, a master arborist from Portland,
Oregon who visits annually to provide guidance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Rollingson says all the structural
components of Nikka Yuko were handcrafted in Kyoto, which includes the teahouse/pavilion,
bell tower, azumaya shelter, gates, benches and bridges. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were built of aromatic wood from
yellow cypress and cedar, dismantled, and shipped across the ocean to Canada.
Five master tradesmen from Kyoto travelled to Lethbridge to reassemble the
structures on the garden site with assistance from Canadian tradesmen. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Rollingson says the bronze Friendship
Bell, which hangs in the bell tower, was commissioned specifically for Nikka
Yuko and cast in Kyoto. Artisans in Kyoto carved the stone lanterns and pagoda
(composed of five tiers to represent earth, water, fire, wind and sky) that are
located in the Garden.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Originating from the Crowsnest Pass,
the rocks throughout the Garden play an important role. Each one, weighing
several tons, was carefully chosen, transported and then lifted into the garden
by crane. Water elements are also present through a musical waterfall, gurgling
stream, and reflective pond. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Even adjacent Henderson Lake Park has
been incorporated into the garden by providing the “shakkei” borrowed view
valued in Japanese garden philosophy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Rollingson says visitors come from
all over the world and range from seniors on bus tours to local schoolchildren.
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Our role here is to provide a glimpse
of Japanese culture and interpret it for any one who visits here,” she says.
“Last year we had 2,200 children on organized school trips go through the
gate.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Marketing Coordinator Chris Kapusta
says a full calendar of events and cultural activities are offered each weekend
from Mother’s Day in May to Thanksgiving Day in October and although the garden
closes during the winter, a Visitor Centre/Gift Shop is now open year round. It
features many unique items from Japan, as well as items created by local artisans.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Upcoming events include a Summer
Celebration that is planned for August 10. All day events will include Minyo
Dancers, Hibikiya Taiko Drummers, a traditional Tea Ceremony, an Iaido sword
demonstration, as well as Japanese karaoke and bonsai demonstrations.
Lighthouse Restaurant, which features Japanese cuisine, will be operating a
food tent on site and teas will be available to sample from local retailer
David’s Teas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Another special event this year is
Artists in the Garden on September 14,” says Kapusta. Local artists have been
invited to visit the garden throughout the season and create art representing
their interpretations. This art will be on display in the pavilion from
September 1 to 14 and then sold at an art auction on September 14. A portion of
the proceeds will go to Alberta flood relief charity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In conjunction with this event, Young
Artists in the Garden is also being held to encourage local youth to create art
representing their views of the Garden. Sketching workshops are being held and
prizes will be awarded on September 7th for the three age categories of under 7
years, 8-11 years and 12-14 years. The art will then be on display and included
in the art auction on September 14.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Kapusta says while many out of town
visitors come to the Garden each year, local residents are offered the
advantage of buying a season pass which gives them unlimited visits to view the
Garden as it changes through the seasons. New exhibits are featured in the
pavilion each month and traditional Japanese flower arrangements (Ikebana) are
changed weekly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Other special events include the
Japanese Tea Ceremony, Japanese storytelling, yoga in the Garden, moonlight
viewings, origami and paper lantern workshops, and a popular New Year’s Eve
event involving the ringing of the Friendship Bell 108 times to represent a
cleansing of mankind’s 108 vices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Rollingson says besides the three
arborists, Nikka Yuko has a small staff comprised of hosts and hostesses,
maintenance, caretaking and administration. The Society has a local board of
governors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“We also have a hundred highly
qualified volunteers,” she says. “We simply couldn’t run these events at the
Garden without them.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A full listing of events and hours of
operation can be found on the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden <a href="http://www.nikkayuko.com/index.asp">website</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-36384047517503410992013-09-01T08:04:00.001-07:002013-09-01T08:05:26.599-07:00Changing Focus of Blog<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If there's one thing I've learned about life, it's that nothing ever stays the same and this blog is no exception.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Effective immediately, the Retro Junction blog is changing focus to better showcase those who are involved in my freelance writing and designing business and I will be blogging under my own name.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This all comes about as the result of a decision I made about a year ago to close my vintage shop on Etsy because of the problems arising from shipping. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It was very frustrating that no matter how well I padded, bubble wrapped and planted boxes inside boxes, it seemed too many of my vintage (sometimes valuable antique) items were arriving crushed and broken at the customer's doorstep. One package even looked like it had been run over by a delivery truck. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Of course, the only way to keep a happy customer and maintain an impeccable reputation on Etsy is to completely reimburse the entire item cost - plus the charges for shipping. Unfortunately, the mail service doesn't cover breakage, only lost packages.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So you can see where shipping was impacting my bottom line and turning an enjoyable hobby of buying and selling into a losing, stressful enterprise. Items that had survived 30, 40, 50 or more years were being shipped off by me to their quick demise. I felt like an assassin. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Raising the shipping charges to add insurance coverage was not an option, as customers simply won't pay the rates needed to cover the losses. I decided I'd rather keep the item than have it destroyed. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But that's okay too. I think I was ready to move from online retailing back to what I was really good at - writing and designing. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The bonus is now I have a lot of really cool items dispersed throughout my home for my own enjoyment, thanks to my golden rule of collecting only items I would like to get stuck with if they didn't sell. Items that inspire creative thought, bring back wonderful memories or simply make me smile at their whimsy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And so, while this blog takes on a new life - one thing that won't be changing is my love for vintage!</span></div>
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Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-13830141794598480742012-11-25T05:25:00.000-08:002013-09-06T19:57:58.427-07:00Vintage Comic Books<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today's post is dedicated to all the artists, illustrators and writers who worked in the vintage comic book industry during the last century.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKMULO05RzIHvUm4kVUIvOTLBOYPaUuMKNzoJ2E79odEcZbJweByDq0spqrkDkllg4_e8X93Izgczj2JMt4d5Dwto7Muwv9_JIF1FVXIcJmWL4VcNPoJnoAJSeyKZyIQA5mMsOIZvK5m7/s1600/doc+savage6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKMULO05RzIHvUm4kVUIvOTLBOYPaUuMKNzoJ2E79odEcZbJweByDq0spqrkDkllg4_e8X93Izgczj2JMt4d5Dwto7Muwv9_JIF1FVXIcJmWL4VcNPoJnoAJSeyKZyIQA5mMsOIZvK5m7/s640/doc+savage6.jpg" width="513" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's amazing to think this artwork was created well before computers revolutionized the graphics industry. I imagine an illustrator sitting at a huge drawing desk with a colored pencil kit close by, one behind the ear and a coffee cup close at hand. Amazing!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are a few samples from a box full I recently acquired at an estate sale. Enjoy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhkIezkT3MWV7rIfAft3c6pmsR1A5s7MHRJktnhyphenhyphen8soedVFmAOMF9LLqs8xRSdtzHpAnupiczZZyk46usbckuACoKV7-PMH5w46nTpChvADxZU33yyD706snV-0g3Szr8Zs55yRLWT5bb/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhkIezkT3MWV7rIfAft3c6pmsR1A5s7MHRJktnhyphenhyphen8soedVFmAOMF9LLqs8xRSdtzHpAnupiczZZyk46usbckuACoKV7-PMH5w46nTpChvADxZU33yyD706snV-0g3Szr8Zs55yRLWT5bb/s400/IMG_1821.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-10442498939802487352012-06-09T05:42:00.000-07:002012-06-09T05:42:11.178-07:00Results Are In!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Just wanted to give an update on the previous "Earth Day" post. </span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The first monthly water bill has arrived from our municipality and we have officially dropped our water usage by more than half with the install of our new Stealth toilet! This amounts to a savings of $25 per month! At this rate the unit will pay for itself in a year. It also flushes smoothly, quickly and quietly!</span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Saving energy and resources is proving addictive, but it could also get expensive as we're now looking all around our home to see where we could improve our energy footprint. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'll keep you posted!</span></div>
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</div>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-59180923812596094232012-04-22T10:28:00.002-07:002012-04-22T10:29:12.374-07:00Happy Earth Day!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As much as I love vintage, sometimes it just makes sense to go modern. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our 1960s home has many of its original vintage features and fixtures that we've been carefully preserving as we go through minor renovations. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">However, we're very excited to be getting rid of one vintage feature that has been a source of constant frustration and costing us lots of money - the old 1960s American Standard toilet in the main floor bath. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It has been a water waster to the max using close to 23 litres of water per flush. Recent flapper valve problems and leaky seals have been plaguing us and parts have been impossible to find.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, in a few days we'll be replacing the world's most inefficient toilet with the world's most efficient. Soon we'll be sitting on a new <a href="http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Plumbing-Electrical/Plumbing/Kitch-Bath-Fixtures/Toilets/Two-Piece/Proficiency-16-3L-White-Round-Toilet/_/N-ntj8d/R-I3274001">Profiency</a> toilet (also marketed as the Stealth toilet) that uses a mere three litres of water per flush. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObNH1rX9xg74MTQ7kOCVzYGp4D33-fkniwbkKflGWUviJowkAZjoukL0Tn24bwgGfDnEVqGrh3DlSE5zwlw-sJngs7Qwq8xjVCIunxupa19H73oKgDYxZMeCszYQF7SReinNRodo90FmP/s1600/32740011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObNH1rX9xg74MTQ7kOCVzYGp4D33-fkniwbkKflGWUviJowkAZjoukL0Tn24bwgGfDnEVqGrh3DlSE5zwlw-sJngs7Qwq8xjVCIunxupa19H73oKgDYxZMeCszYQF7SReinNRodo90FmP/s400/32740011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's Canadian designed and qualifies for two LEEDs points. It's supposed to be quick, quiet and compact. Online reviews are extremely positive and it should pay for itself by reduced water charges in two years. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It might make me weird, but I'm really excited about our new toilet. And it's a fitting way to celebrate Earth Day 2012!</span></div>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-25355679514393276192012-03-17T08:44:00.000-07:002012-03-17T08:44:00.592-07:00Authentic 1970s Jean Purse<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I just had to share this awesome early-1970s purse made from a pair of GWG blue jeans! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Vintage items always have a past and when I dug into the history of GWG jeans, I learned some interesting facts.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Western_Garment_Co.">Wikipedia,</a> </span></span>the Great Western Garment Company (GWG) was a Canadian denim and western wear clothing company founded in 1911 in Edmonton, Alberta by Charles A. Graham and Alexander Cameron Rutherford (the first Premier of Alberta).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The jeans appealed to a working class demographic with their affordable pricing, which was usually 2/3 the price of red-tab Levi's jeans.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman;"> </span></span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">During the 1950s GWG's Donald Freeland developed the stone washed technique for its products, increasing the softness and flexibility of the rigid denim fabric. </span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">GWG became the largest clothing manufacturer in the British Commonwealth when it produced up to 100,000 pieces of military clothing per month for the Canadian and Allied armed forces during WWII.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In 1961 Levi Strauss acquired 75 percent of GWG, expanding these holdings to 100 percent in 1972, at a time when GWG held roughly 30 percent of the Canadian jeanswear market.<span style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Demand for designer jeans in the 1980s and beyond eventually resulted in the demise of the GWG brand. T</span></span>he Edmonton GWG factory, along with all remaining Levi Strauss factories in North America, closed for good in 2004.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><div style="font: 13.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What fun to find an authentic GWG pair of jeans preserved in this way! It's also great to see crafters continuing to re-purpose their old jeans into these wonderful hobo bags! Sew on!</span></div>
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</div>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-30666331951454626102012-02-12T08:50:00.000-08:002012-02-12T08:50:33.581-08:00Fabulous Package Arrived Today!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Don't you just love surprises? I do and today I got a super nice one!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It all started when I re-ordered some scrumptious lip gloss from an Etsy shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackbirdSoap?ref=seller_info">Blackbird Soap Company</a> of Colorado Springs. This stuff works wonders during these dry winter days (and I swear it healed a cold sore in less than 4 days, which usually takes 2 weeks). I use the Java Junkie flavor, but this time around I had ordered one in the Frost Bitten flavor too (yummy, tingly spearmint). Heather, the shop owner, emailed me to say the order was delayed but she was putting a little something extra in the package for me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well, I couldn't wait to rip into the package when it arrived and try my new lip gloss. To my surprise, Heather had sent not only the two lip glosses I had ordered, but a full size bar of her Goldilocks soap and a container of Padrona del Venice creamy body mousse to try out as well! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What great customer service! And an excellent marketing technique as well, because if these other products are half as good as her lip glosses, I know I'll be coming back to her shop again and again. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is also a prime example of why I love shopping on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/?ref=si_home">Etsy</a>. It's been my experience that the shop owners give great personalized service and the products are second to none at great prices. It's a huge marketplace set up so both the customer and the shop owner can find success. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As of this month, there were <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">290,877 sellers with millions of items available. </span>If you haven't already, you should <a href="http://www.etsy.com/?ref=si_home">check it out</a> soon for its handmade, vintage, and supplies merchandise. Many items are one of a kind and I hope you experience the great customer service that I've been receiving.</span>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-65415269631724489852012-01-29T06:51:00.000-08:002012-01-29T06:51:00.643-08:00A Burst of Energy<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A fantastic way to add "pop" to your home decor is with a splash of color and Pantone's <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/category.aspx?ca=88">2012 color pick of the year</a> - Tangerine Tango - will certainly do that! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Its an orangy-red that evokes a burst of energy and it looks great in all shades. Picture a feature wall this color or perhaps a vase or even a coffee set arranged on a dining room buffet. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN9KyO2MZnADYBdykU83iiElmin-sh4eKAuNxzAp8_5CJljiuHtr2iwkYSCwzFewDYL9q3bqI0_W0fvq2wS-CeCMWozO_JWg0j9piNZ748d2ilFVGrcW12F4EaL0Ri6sed7GTSK_XGjGf/s1600/VW2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN9KyO2MZnADYBdykU83iiElmin-sh4eKAuNxzAp8_5CJljiuHtr2iwkYSCwzFewDYL9q3bqI0_W0fvq2wS-CeCMWozO_JWg0j9piNZ748d2ilFVGrcW12F4EaL0Ri6sed7GTSK_XGjGf/s320/VW2.JPG" width="180" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPjeAeTYAmdFarZYJ1-XCecvCSFfCunsFqPZH210gcGnGXlnwt6Il3kpoREHU3Qp2p2GsDpM1woG9vPcptXls5eHBWEKxKDpYt8s3cmrSJ6yQGnZTMaRJfummuXjLJXqNGl-0SGHZ82Kv/s1600/sadler4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPjeAeTYAmdFarZYJ1-XCecvCSFfCunsFqPZH210gcGnGXlnwt6Il3kpoREHU3Qp2p2GsDpM1woG9vPcptXls5eHBWEKxKDpYt8s3cmrSJ6yQGnZTMaRJfummuXjLJXqNGl-0SGHZ82Kv/s320/sadler4.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Or how about a great enamel pitcher full of flowers on the dining room table? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Pantone is famous for its color selections and designers everywhere take notice. According to Wikipedia, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantone">Pantone Inc.</a><span id="goog_139575113"></span><span id="goog_139575114"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> is a corporation headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey, USA. The company is best known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS), a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries, primarily printing, though sometimes in the manufacture of colored paint, fabric, and plastics. This system has been widely adopted by graphic designers and reproduction and printing houses for a number of years now.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Watch for the exciting Tangerine Tango to show up in home decor (including personal electronics and home appliances), both women and mens fashion, and the cosmetic industry during 2012!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>(For more information on any of the items pictured, please visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroJunction?ref=pr_shop_more">Retro Junction</a> on Etsy)</i></span><br />
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<br /></div>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-44600685276692306042012-01-07T06:42:00.000-08:002012-01-07T06:42:22.439-08:00Exploding Photo Album<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Much to my surprise and delight, I was chosen to receive this beautiful photo album from a fellow blogger and Etsy store owner, <a href="http://englishlavenderstudios.blogspot.com/">English Lavender Studios</a> of Calgary, Alberta.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgrIDNNNRw8Az-PhEdF-INmZsLW6XsThpBfGe_nnUWoKQtKuK8gsEQyctJdI9a7yrxiIqSNhqrsbpMeMq6n24DyGOj4tr6FFbdvz_3H61Lhg6rK0wPsrGNRJD7PSt0mPvvYxoygenw0kx/s1600/IMG_1408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgrIDNNNRw8Az-PhEdF-INmZsLW6XsThpBfGe_nnUWoKQtKuK8gsEQyctJdI9a7yrxiIqSNhqrsbpMeMq6n24DyGOj4tr6FFbdvz_3H61Lhg6rK0wPsrGNRJD7PSt0mPvvYxoygenw0kx/s400/IMG_1408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It measures about 4 inches square and ties with a creamy satin ribbon. Unfolded, it spreads to 22 inches wide and 11 inches high with lots of spots to display my prints. It's beautifully handcrafted and I love the subtle colors. The first photo is the back of the album, followed by a front view.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Debbie mailed my gift just before Christmas, along with a package of her divine red and cream gift tags. I have to say they are both absolutely stunning! What a lovely gift just in time for the Holidays! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">She was celebrating the one year anniversary of her blog with the prize giveaway. If you haven't discovered her blog already, you really should <a href="http://englishlavenderstudios.blogspot.com/">check it out</a>. There's lots of great ideas and tutorials on paper crafting projects, baking, decorating, etc. If you're interested in viewing (or purchasing) more of Debbie's items, please visit her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EngLavenderStudios?ref=ss_profile">Etsy shop</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thank you so much, Debbie! Keep on blogging! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Happy New Year!</span></div>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-42987225399602214682011-12-08T04:52:00.001-08:002011-12-08T05:19:34.482-08:00Golden Pine Holiday Promo 1961<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It came up fast but the holiday season is definitely in full swing in my home town!</span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I would like to share a beautiful carafe from my vintage shop that was introduced as a holiday promo in 1961 by Pyrex. It was collected by my mother, who would have been a 21 year old farm wife with 2 small toddlers underfoot and a holiday season to prepare for. Nice job, Mom!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I love the tall, lean lines and the delicate gold painting of pine cones and fir tree branches. The pattern looks like starbursts and fireworks. The carafe itself is heat proof for serving coffee, tea or hot apple cider. I think it would also be very festive for serving egg nog or fruit juice.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In 1961, Pyrex also released the pattern on a milk glass casserole dish with a clear glass lid and milk glass mixing/serving bowls with the gold pattern painted on a bright red background. If you know of other items with the pattern, please let me know.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays, everyone!</span></div>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-80570275109450672882011-11-25T11:55:00.001-08:002011-12-08T05:20:30.296-08:00Perfect Pair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you're like me, coffee gets you up and keeps you going through the day. During the cold winter months, it's nice to switch it up a bit and have something different once in awhile. I recently tried this homemade Swiss Mocha Coffee mix and give it two thumbs up! It tastes just like the store bought version and it costs a lot less to make! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Swiss Mocha Coffee Mix</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup instant coffee </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup sugar </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup instant dry milk powder </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup powdered coffee creamer </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup vanilla flavored instant pudding mix (optional, but very good) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Measure all of the ingredients into a clean, dry bowl. Use a fork to combine everything evenly. Powder everything in a blender. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To Prepare: Measure 3 or 4 tablespoons into a coffee cup. Fill it up with hot water (about 3/4 cup) and stir to dissolve.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is a very sweet and chocolaty coffee. I like to have a cup after lunch as my "dessert". Decaffeinated instant coffee, instead of regular, could also be used. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And when you store it in a fancy container like the vintage canister featured below, it would be a beautiful gift for someone this holiday season or as a special way to pamper yourself. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Such a perfect pair!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68a42klUxgKqiwGxishTneUMBwBacwIeU6yp2Df-VMvJTjC6GEADVGXAI7GkLC6Xc10fCnx5WGG5uAo_LDQiAknwQUva0fhff2wkCO3POfz_57u31mGhN_OQbmOIOCFWC0A7_YWXa_24x/s1600/insta+coff7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68a42klUxgKqiwGxishTneUMBwBacwIeU6yp2Df-VMvJTjC6GEADVGXAI7GkLC6Xc10fCnx5WGG5uAo_LDQiAknwQUva0fhff2wkCO3POfz_57u31mGhN_OQbmOIOCFWC0A7_YWXa_24x/s640/insta+coff7.JPG" width="508" /></span></a></div>
<br />Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-39060631354289951302011-11-03T12:12:00.000-07:002011-11-03T12:12:14.666-07:00A Crafty Good Time!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My son's Deadmau5 costume created for Halloween.</span><br />
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<br />Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948246138695695957.post-90703331437831846722011-10-14T06:47:00.000-07:002011-10-14T08:13:50.921-07:00Fall Sale 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's the annual Fall Sale! What a great time to do a little shopping! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Starting today until October 21, 2011 participating members of the <a href="http://www.etsyalberta.blogspot.com/">Alberta Street Team</a> are offering discounts from 10% to 40% off many items in their shops. This is truly a wonderful time to get started on your holiday shopping, or if you're like me, to pick up that item you may have been ogling for the past few weeks!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Just to bring you up to snuff, my online shop Retro Junction, is hosted on a website called Etsy. Etsy is a vibrant community of shop owners selling vintage goods, handmade items and supplies for those handmade items. Many of these shop owners choose to join "teams" for support and companionship. The Alberta Street Team is for members that either reside in the province of Alberta, Canada or have a link to this province. It's a very active, vibrant team of which I'm proud to be a member!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The first treasury list to the right of this blog post is a fine example of a few of the treasures being discounted!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">To help you out, here's the list of shops and the discounts being offered. Please check all Shop Announcements for specific sale details and don't forget to use the coupons mentioned to get the discounts!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">ALBERTA TEAM FALL SALE, from October 14-21st - check us out!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Accessories, Clothing, Bags and Purses</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0192b5; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dearange">www.etsy.com/shop/dearange</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code teamsale)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EdesBeadsandBling">www.etsy.com/shop/EdesBeadsandBling</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLS)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/j2studios">www.etsy.com/shop/j2studios</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barefootclips">www.etsy.com/shop/barefootclips</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FallSale)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/amecreations" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/amecreations</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckylucystyle" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/luckylucystyle</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code 2011FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/snottub" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/snottub</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cindylouwho2" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/cindylouwho2</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (prices will reflect discount)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Art, Fine Art, Photography, Home Decor and Housewares</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">www.etsy.com/shop/jenndphotography</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroJunction" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/RetroJunction</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLSALE11)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SpiderwoodHollow" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/SpiderwoodHollow</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off (code ALBERTA20)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/trekkerjen" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/trekkerjen</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">40% off (code pumpkin)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/glassenthusiast1" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/glassenthusiast1</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CoconutPalmDesigns" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/CoconutPalmDesigns</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off excludes shipping (code ALBERTASALE10)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ljangphotography" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/ljangphotography</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">30% off all prints (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off all items (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Bath, Beauty and Edibles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Maplecreeksoap" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/Maplecreeksoap</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">35% off (code FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyFrostingDesigns" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/MyFrostingDesigns</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Ceramics, Pottery , Glass, Crochet, Knitting, Needlecraft and Quilts</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWackyWindmill" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/TheWackyWindmill</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code WACKY15)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BarefootTams" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/BarefootTams</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FallSale)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MagpieQuilts" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/MagpieQuilts</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALL2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyMomandMeDesigns" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/MyMomandMeDesigns</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Irishknitz" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/Irishknitz</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off all items (code ALBERTA)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mosaicsbymargo" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/mosaicsbymargo</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thewickedpotter" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/thewickedpotter</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code WICKEDSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hdawnparratt" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/hdawnparratt</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code fallsale2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Children and Toys</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nanabrowns" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/nanabrowns</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off (code TWENTY)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/piggyandbear" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/piggyandbear</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code SALE10)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CoconutPalmDesigns" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/CoconutPalmDesigns</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off excludes shipping (code ALBERTASALE10)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BarefootTams" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/BarefootTams</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FallSale)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barefootclips" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/barefootclips</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FallSale)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Jewelry</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cindylouwho2" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/cindylouwho2</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (prices will reflect discount)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stonewillowjewellery" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/stonewillowjewellery</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code SALE15)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dearange" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/dearange</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code teamsale)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelsbyJasmin" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/JewelsbyJasmin</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/frogprincessdesigns" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/frogprincessdesigns</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sunshineindustries" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/sunshineindustries</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EdesBeadsandBling" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/EdesBeadsandBling</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLS)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/glassenthusiast1" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/glassenthusiast1</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FunkyMaMaJewelry" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/FunkyMaMaJewelry</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off refund through paypal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShowingMyAge" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/ShowingMyAge</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off refund through paypal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrishaFlanagan" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/TrishaFlanagan</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off all items (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/junquete" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/junquete</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off all items (code fallsale10off)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HereTodayBeadworks" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/HereTodayBeadworks</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off (code TEAMALBERTA2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mosaicsbymargo" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/mosaicsbymargo</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WickedPendants" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/WickedPendants</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off (code WICKEDMOVINGSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Paper Goods</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mygrandpaspen" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/mygrandpaspen</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off excludes custom (code FALLSALE20)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/StampedTreasures1" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/StampedTreasures1</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off excludes shipping (code FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftedbylindy" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/craftedbylindy</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EngLavenderStudios" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/EngLavenderStudios</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/j2studios" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/j2studios</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code FALLSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KiwiTiniCreations" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/KiwiTiniCreations</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code KIWITINI10)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WickedPendants" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/WickedPendants</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off (code WICKEDMOVINGSALE)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hdawnparratt" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/hdawnparratt</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code fallsale2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Supplies, Vintage, Bridal, Wedding and Celebrations</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWackyWindmill" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/TheWackyWindmill</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code WACKY15)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrashMaMa" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/TrashMaMa</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off refund through paypal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Breakables" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/Breakables</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off refund through paypal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/junquete" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/junquete</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off all items (code fallsale10off)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mygrandpaspen" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/mygrandpaspen</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off excludes custom (code FALLSALE20)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/suzie2q" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/suzie2q</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code SALE15)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KiwiTiniCreations" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/KiwiTiniCreations</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off (code KIWITINI10)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">And others...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sixbabygirls" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/sixbabygirls</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off all items excluding shipping (code fallsale)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/taibossigai" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/taibossigai</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off all items</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/maceme" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/maceme</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off all items refund via paypal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Squirrelstock" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/Squirrelstock</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10%off, code Fallsale</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sybillinart" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/Sybillinart</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10%off, code Fallsale</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/xheather" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/xheather</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sassysteampunk" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/Sassysteampunk</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off all items (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ivrydwillow" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/ivrydwillow</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off excludes marked down items (code FALLSALE2011)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tooaquarius" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/tooaquarius</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off (code HALLOWEEN)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/claychicks" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/claychicks</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off (code HALLOWEEN)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaisiesforDesi" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/DaisiesforDesi</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">20% off (code ABSale20)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JubileeImagery" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/JubileeImagery</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">10% off excluding shipping (code FALLSALE10)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/3UrbanMonkeys" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/3UrbanMonkeys</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">15% off (code FALLSALE2011)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">www.etsy.com/shop/jenndphotography<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/barefootclips">www.etsy.com/shop/barefootclips</a></span>Judy Westcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743064655205146630noreply@blogger.com4