New Zealand entrepreneur's big thinking leads him to open in New York

 

 

 





Success: Michael Hill opens a store in the US big smoke of New York. Photo retailnews.co.nz

Thinking about success this week brings me to the subject of New Zealand jewellery store owner, entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Hill opening a jewellery outlet in New York.

http://www.michaelhill.com/queens+center+store+openning.html?gclid=CjwKEAjwpYeqBRDOwq2DrLCB-UcSJAASIYLjsbFzdfuJCApiRf9ozhFfvwMoGjYMIJDL9cFA73NrfxoC5dPw_wcB

As one tv announcer said, like the words of the popular song, New York, New York: 'If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere, it's up to you, New York, New York.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Hill_(entrepreneur)

Mr Hill started from humble beginnings and also had some set backs over the years but he has certainly gone ahead and not let anything get in his way.

Are you inspired by someone who has done well in life?

Tell us about it in the comments!

BTO

Quotes to keep us in success mode

These quotes are obviously thought up by people who don't let much get in their way!

I am always encouraged by these kinds of thoughts and I wanted to reshare them on my blog.

What thoughts and ideas have encouraged you the most?

Share them in the comments box!

BTO

Positive affirmations may determine how we progress





Belief: This affirmation above you can try to beat the loneliness blues. Photo - prolificliving.com 

This website called Prolific Living has an amazing view and some great ideas about how we need to constantly build our mood and our belief in ourselves through positive affirmations. Have a look:

http://www.prolificliving.com/100-positive-affirmations/

I first came across positive affirmations when I began working freelance as a distributor with a health and nutrition company back in the late 1980s, early 1990s.

I was quite young, and when I first heard about positive affirmations at a sales conference and how they worked, I felt a whole new world had opened up to me.

I had a thirst to drink in this stuff and still do. I still believe that what is fed into our minds is what becomes reality. Because as it has been said; 'where the mind goes, the feet will follow.'

A bit like when my dad was giving me driving tips in my youth - telling me not to concentrate my gaze to the centre line, or the car would follow (or rather the driver of the car). Great tip!

It's like the saying; 'if you think you can't, you won't' but 'if you think you can, you will.'

What Prolific Living points out is, we can have all the love in the world for and from the people around us; our parents, extended family, friends, work colleagues and extended network.

But if our parents for instance, find/found it hard to believe in themselves even though they do their best to fill their child/children with confidence they, themselves don't have, in my experience, we have to find that confidence ourselves and start a 'self-talk' process.

My mother was an accomplished artist (drawer, painter, sketcher) and musician and my father was also a good musician, farmer and had many great things to impart.

But despite their accomplishments, I don't believe either of them believed in themselves. My mum would always play down her abilities and my poor dad struggled with his self-confidence all his life. So it's no wonder I do the same - even now in my latter middle age!

I just want to mention, that they were always encouraging to me and their love was totally unconditional. An only child (and not spoilt)! Not all children can say that, sadly.

Now, getting back to self-talk: I don't mean we go around babbling to ourselves, sounding like the men in white coats need to be called to haul us away to a padded cell!

But it's about what we say to ourselves. The language we use to ourselves, about ourselves.

Things like: 'I'm not good enough to try that.' 'They won't want me, I'm too old,' or 'what makes me think I could do that?'

All of these are negative self-talk statements that are so destructive to self-confidence, mood and even how we progress in life.

Here in the link below is more information about positive affirmations and how they affect the mind and eventually how we act: http://www.successconsciousness.com/index_00000a.htm

Do you struggle with positive thinking? Tell us about it in the comments. Thanks.

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Getting rid of the stinking thinking to realise your dreams



Pushing barriers: Motivator Paula Gosney believes we must push past how we feel to complete what we set out to do in life. Photo - LinkedIn and Paula Gosney.

I, like anyone, can be inhibited from going forward with a good idea, by invisible barriers mentioned in this excellent advice from motivation expert Paula Gosney:

http://www.beliefschool.com/the-sneakiness-of-comfort-by-paula-gosney-belief-school/#comment-38

I have found the fear of failure in going forward, can be really negative.

It is so easy to get bogged down with the worry about failing and forget about how practicing your craft, eventually gets you to your desired destination in life.

Here's an example of letting the thinking negatise you: During the weekend, Facebook sent me a list of people who had not responded to my connection requests - people I know well in real life, outside Facebook, some of which really surprised me. And hey, that's quite ok.

There could be a number of reasons for their non-response, some of which I believe is more about a problem with Facebook than any problem with my personal and business connections!

Anyway, at the time, what do I immediately think? The stinking thinking starts to kick in doesn't it: You know the kind of thoughts called NUTs - Negative Unhelpful Thoughts, like: 'Nobody likes me', 'what the hell am I trying to do this for?', 'why do I think anybody wants to support me in this'.

The kind of stupid negative thoughts that plague all of us at times!

Then I turn to my blog page, which has just toppled over 1000 views and my Google+ page, which is now up to well over 40,000 views, not to mention the 'reach' numbers some of my posts on Facebook actually get!

Although there are pages with more views, my numbers are pretty good for online places of huge competition to get noticed.

And as a friend nicely reminded me: 'Well, you're not a pop star, you know'! Thanks. Really needed to be reminded of that. LOL.

Seriously, as funny a thought my being a pop star is, I actually appreciated being brought down to earth!

So, I need to just persevere with what I'm good at and stop the negativity and don't worry about some of the not so good things that happen. These happenings keep us grounded.

Do you doubt yourself sometimes?

Let us know, in the comments, what makes you feel doubtful about yourself. Is it people's comments, or your own confidence levels?

War time pieces as essential survival items



 

Returned time piece: Watch worn by L/Corpral Harold Flower of Maungaturoto, who served in WW1 with the 7th Reinforcements, 4th Batallion H Company, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, killed in action at Belgium on 7th June, 1917 - Generic photo - courtesy Mathew Ward @History Needs You and The Kauri Museum, Matakohe, Northland, New Zealand. www.nzmuseums.co.nz



 



I've been trying to find heartening and uplifting stories for this year's ANZAC commemorations, which marks the 100-year anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign in WW1 and the ANZACs that were involved there.

http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/2visiting/tgallipoli.html

But one general war story, which has been etched in my mind, is about a New Zealand gunner - a relative of mine by marriage, and his treasured time piece (not the soldier in the above photo).

His watch as I understand it, was a treasured item and had, of course, travelled with him to the battle fields with both surviving various combative events for a while before the soldier, sadly, eventually didn't survive but the watch did and was recovered some time later ... still ticking perfect time and given to family members ... still ticking perfect time, it had been hanging on display, on a nephew's dining-room wall for years ... still ticking perfect time and I understand it still keeps perfect time today.

We often talk about not trusting mechanical things but you can't help thinking this watch must have been created out of really sturdy stuff!

The website below has some interesting information about time pieces that survived wars, including  the watch worn by Maungaturoto soldier, L/Corpral Harold Flower, in the photo above:

http://www.timeforremembrance.com/

Do you have any heartening war stories about any soldiers' possessions that managed to be returned to family?

 

We would love you to tell us about them in the comments section!

Why do some people mistreat animals such as dogs?



Loving dogs: Television dog whisperer Cesar Milan with one of his equally well-known canine charges, pit bull, Daddy. Milan believes dogs behaving well and being well-treated comes down to who owns them, not the type of breed they are.

This story in the link below will break your heart:

http://hendrickboards.com/save-emily-jc?tracking=55237049df14b&utm_source=hb&utm_medium=hb-emily-jc&utm_campaign=emily-jc

I'm not an animal owner at the moment but do love animals and I get disgusted by stories like this. We are supposed to be creatures of reason and that means allowing the good side of our natures to rule our lives. There is no excuse; be it economics (using this hideous method of making a living), power or sport for treating animals like this. This is not what they are for.

Even these breeds, who are called 'fighting dogs', have a probable purpose for hunting but that doesn't mean they should be put in a ring with other like breeds and made to fight it out to the death.

People who have no compunction but to do this to an animal, it makes you cringe to think what they may do to other people and if they are parents, what kind of life do their children have?

In our country, I understand bad, dog owners only have to wait for about five years before their slate is clean and they can start again, owning animals!

I think, once you've been deemed a bad, dog owner then you should be considered to always be a bad owner until you jump through some pretty big hoops to prove yourself to be otherwise, to be perfectly honest!

The animal rights website below gives some very interesting and educational information about breeds used for fighting and why they are used:

http://www.animal-rights-action.com/dog-fighting.html

The website says Pit Bull and Staffordshire Bull terriers are often considered to be 'nanny dogs' because of their good and gentleness with children.

Well known international dog whisperer Cesar Milan says, the dog fighting issue has, 'nothing to do with the size [of the dog] or the breed, it has to do with who is behind the dog'.

Dog fighting isn't the only mistreatment of animals.

It comes down to people being serious before getting an animal as a pet - that they think about whether that animal will become an important part of the family and be cared for and loved, just like all humans in the group, because getting bored with an animal and giving up caring for it, is not acceptable, as any vet, RSPCA and animal advocacy groups will tell you.

What do you think about dog fighting and mistreatment of animals?

Why is there so much abuse of children?

This 8-year-old girl, in the story link below, has survived a horrifying experience and lived to write a letter of gratitude to detectives and social workers who took on her case and obviously won:

http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/year-abuse-survivors-heart-wrenching-inspirational-letter-social/story?id=30313656

It's really hard to imagine and thank goodness it is to good people, how someone can be abusive to children.

But it is heartening and encouraging to see one so young, like this, who is not afraid to speak up and tell what happened to her and to recognise the people who saved her life.

So, what is behind the actions of people who abuse children physically, or in any way?

The Australian website Department of Human Services, below, explains the various aspects of life that can add up to why people abuse children:

http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/children,-families-and-young-people/child-protection/about-child-abuse/what-is-child-abuse/what-are-the-causes-of-child-abuse

The sad thing is, child abuse is one of the largest and growing problems in some countries including New Zealand.

Many dedicated organisations, groups and individuals such as Child, Youth and Family Services and the Ministry of Social Development, social workers and police are given the mandate to try to assist children and families where child abuse is rife.

The above example of the little girl thanking her helpers, has been reported on as not being a usual occurrence.

Many children don't get to live to tell their story.

What do you think about child abuse generally?

Are you a current, or former police officer, social worker or child advocate who would like to give your general view about child abuse from your wide level of experience? (We realise individual cases cannot be commented on but you might have something to contribute in comments that might help the abused or those who deal with it on a daily basis).

Are vaccines safe?

There are many varying opinions on vaccines and whether they should be used or not.

Here is a harrowing story about a mum who had to re-evaluate her former anti-vax stance when her children became hospitalised with whooping cough which can be life-threatening:

http://www.kidspot.com.au/learning-the-hard-way-my-journey-from-anti-vax-to-science/

The website for the United States Centre for Disease Control, below, talks about the compounds used in many vaccines and also talks about what vaccines are strong enough to not need the extra compounds to effect an immune response in the human body:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/Index.html

The Science-based Medicine website tries to put minds at rest regarding compounds in vaccines, one being thimerosal, which is apparently now, only found in influenza vaccines:

https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/reference/vaccines-and-autism/

Let's look at compounds in vaccines, to see what all the fuss is about:

http://www.ncirs.edu.au/immunisation/fact-sheets/vaccine-components-fact-sheet.pdf

It would appear that the vaccine compound thimerosal is NOT used in National Immunisation Schedule vaccines in New Zealand. See the immune.org.nz website below:

http://www.immune.org.nz/category/tags/thimerosal

For myself, as someone who has to almost be held down to have ANY medication administered to me, I have had to succumb to the dreaded flu vaccine because of having mid-life onset asthma.

However, I have to say and just my view of course, is that I'm quite glad I've been given the hard word by my doctor to have the flu shot annually, because when the flu hits, I've found the strains each year, seem to be getting harder and harder to shake off - especially with any respiratory issues.

I've also found many other people I've spoken to, experiencing the same thing.

So although we kick and scream against having our shots to prevent disease in our own countries and especially when we travel overseas, maybe there are people who are knowledgeable about these things and like the mum's debilitating experience in the first link above shows, perhaps we need to consider our options more, including vaccination.

Of course there are some people who seem to have reactions to them though and that's a problem.

It's about getting as clued up as we can about these things and our options available.

Tell us your story.

What do you think?

Have you had a bad reaction to a vaccine?

Another amazing animal story



Clever dog: Wendy the performing dog from Britain's Got Talent proves animals have more intelligence than humans sometimes think. Photo - courier.co.uk

This is another example of animals that defy belief and prove that they are much more intelligent than we sometimes give them credit for.

This dog, Wendy, performs superbly in a Britain's Got Talent act with her owner.

http://dailydip.tv/peculiar-audition-has-simon-in-utter-disbelief-ive-never-seen-anything-like-it/

Animals such as dogs help humans in so many ways, even save lives.

Some situations that come to mind include; dogs who help the blind, deaf and in law enforcement like the police and customs.

Do animals enhance the lives of humans?

 

 

Man's best friend: Dogs and other pets are great mates to their owners and carers.

Photo generic - extraordinarydogs.org



 

 



This video below is so adorable and heartening, when a beautiful dog tries to get the attention of its heartbroken owner:

http://www.caringdog.venuspets.com/caring-dog-comforts-owner/#

Apparently, if you are a dog owner, it all comes down to the fact that you are the centre of your dog's life and all your behaviours affect them.

So they can pick up when you are upset, happy, applying favouritism or distracted by a new baby in the family or even a new pet coming into the house!

A dog's intellect is equal to that of a 2-year-old child they say, so they can pick up on what humans do.

That put together with a more than keen sense of smell and hearing, means we probably don't give them the recognition for their abilities, that they deserve.

Some clever dogs have been known to draw their owners' attention to possible disease in the human body, such as cancer.

http://www.dognotebook.com/15-amazing-things-your-dog-can-sense-about-you/8/

I remember a time when I arrived at my best friend's house one lunch hour, really upset from hearing some bad news at work, that morning.

Her two dogs, one in particular, came up to me and whined, placed her large head on my lap, looking lovingly up into my eyes and the smaller one settled herself down at my feet, also looking up at me.

I remember asking my friend, 'why are your dogs crowding me?'

She said, 'they can sense that you're upset and they're comforting you'.

I was touched by their actions and while still snivelling, I patted and stroked the large canine head that was on my lap and leaned down and patted the smaller body hunched down on the floor at my feet.

After a while, I noticed that as my mood lifted, after talking with my friend, the dogs' moods appeared to change also and they both began to move quickly around near where I and my friend were sitting at her kitchen table and wagging their tales.

My friend also used to tell me, from time to time, that one or the other of her dogs were smiling. I couldn't tell if a dog was smiling or not but she was an avid animal person and she said there was a definite way of telling when a dog was smiling... I don't know, maybe!

But they are definitely man's best friend in so many ways and it would seem that pets generally, not just dogs, do seem to enhance the lives of humans.

Beating the odds would love to hear your animal interaction stories! Tell us them in the comments section.

Can positive thinking change the brain?













Humour: A stray curmudgeon in a field of perennial optimists that are saying things like, 'what a great day to be alive', 'things always turn out for the best' 'attitude is everything' and then this voice comes up from among the field of flowers saying, 'oh give it a rest!' Photo - cartoonstock.com

'Postive thinking' has almost become a buzz phrase.

It is something that seems hard to achieve when the chips are really down.

But there are people who can push past the negativity that accompanies the rotten times in life.

This website looks at a brain science that kicks in, which was largely disbelieved by early scientists:

http://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog/how-positive-thinking-re-wires-your-brain/

Neuroplasticity! What is it and how does it affect our thinking?

This is a science in relation to the brain.

In the above website, it says that neuroplasticity means that our thoughts can change the structure and function of our brains.

The website article called How Positive Thinking Rewires Your Brain, says the idea of neuroplasticity was first introduced by William James in 1890, and was soundly rejected by scientists who uniformly believed the brain is rigidly mapped out, with certain parts of it controlling certain functions.
If that part is dead or damaged, the function is altered or lost. Well, it appears they were wrong.

This would be true when you see some stroke victims that defy their circumstances and strive to get as much of their mobility back, after such a huge assault on the brain.

Some people just push past expected negative thinking when they are challenged by some of life's most debilitating events, which leads you to believe that there is something going on in the brain that smarts at views that victims will continue to be victims and mentally, can't get past the schtook the event has thrown them into.

Many people come to mind in my own community, who have defied the expected negative thinking and they go on to shine in their own special way, inspiring others to look at the more positive side of life.

Positive stories to make you smile







Overcoming the odds: The story about the donkey that overcame being buried alive is one that will make you hopeful again. Generic photo - en.wikipedia.org

This cool blog had some amazing stories that really made my day. Enjoy: http://www.livin3.com/blogs/positive-life-blog/7790767-5-motivational-and-inspiring-short-stories?comment=2347036977#comments

There is a gorgeous story about a donkey that beat the odds in this collection of stories, hence the picture above.

The morals of these stories are heartening and get you believing in human nature.

We can get a bit down about life at times and sometimes it's great to be reminded that if we can see the positive and hope in all experiences, no matter how harrowing sometimes, then perhaps we are that much further ahead in life.

 

 

 

 

Bachelor and Bachelorette TV shows harmful for some?

 

Happy couple: Desiree Hartsock and Chris Siegfried tie the knot in California after meeting on the Bachelorette television show in 2013. Photo - Fameflynet.uk.com and mailonline.

 



US psychologist Dr Shauna H Springer has said in a post on a psychology website that the Bachelor and Bachelorette reality TV shows could be damaging to contestants.

See her comments here: https://www.psychologytoday.com//blog/the-joint-adventures-well-educated-couples/201206/three-disturbing-new-developments-abcs-the

The thing that seems to stick out a mile in these shows on my view, is how quickly these contestants all become involved romantically and yet there are about 10 - 12 people, that ONE person has to choose from for a possible life partner through a process of elimination, over weeks.

I can't help thinking that the experience must be fairly shallow for some and must be an emotional roller-coaster ride for the more serious perhaps?

One recent series that we have just finished viewing on our screens in New Zealand, the Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock whose journey through the programme in 2013, saw her unceremoniously dumped by her intended choice, Brooks Forester - the depths of her emotional destruction from the 'let down' filmed after she was obviously buoyed up by the anticipation of a proposal, was for full international viewing.

Her words at the time were; 'I just want to go home,' and who would blame her!

But, I had to take my hat off to her, she managed to recover well from the disappointment and was able to carry on with the show, ending up chosing Chris Siegfried, a guy who was obviously really into her.

She has ended up marrying Siegfried in a lavish wedding ceremony in California earlier this year. A happy ending and that's wonderful!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2920216/Desiree-Hartsock-says-Chris-Siegfried-vintage-themed-wedding-extravaganza.html

But again, I can't help thinking that what she thought was real feelings for the guy who let her down, she must have been wise and kept a little bit back as self-preservation, in order to recover relatively quickly and move on to greener pastures.

It is realised of course that a lot of what goes on, on these shows is for the effect.

But this is people's actual feelings and emotional well-beings we are talking about here.

I'm certainly no expert, but I can see Dr Springer's point about whether these shows are good for people's emotional and general well-being, happy endings and all?

Just a view.

What do you think?

The joy of a marriage proposal

 

Sandy proposal: Messages in the sand is just one of many ways men are proposing to their beloveds. Generic photo - discoveremg.com

This heartening video below of a young guy giving his girlfriend a surprise marriage proposal in a photo booth is the kind many girls would probably hope for. Click on the link and have a look!

http://fb-213.sfglobe.com/2014/12/19/this-girl-gets-the-surprise-of-her-life-in-this-photo-booth/?src=fbfan_30128#comments

People propose in all sorts of places; on beaches, on the top of tall buildings, on bridges, botanical gardens.

They are all lovely.

But how romantic are men today?

Surveys run by marriage information website Chillisauce has found some interesting facts:

http://www.chillisauce.co.uk/news/marriage-proposal/#sthash.ZYhpQpmO.dpuf

They ask the question, are men popping the question too early?

Of course, men and women might not always be on the same wavelength and it seems some men are peaking too early with when they pop the question.

Almost a quarter of the men surveyed, or around 24 percent think Christmas Eve is the best time to do the proposal deed, whereas 22 percent of women actually want their man to put a ring on it, on Valentine’s Day.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/northern-beaches/the-woman-who-arranges-marriage-proposals-for-men-and-the-girls-always-say-yes/story-fngr8hax-1227152872240

Apparently men are feeling more and more pressure to make the perfect proposal and are spending up large to ensure to make the right impression, according the an article in the above Daily Telegraph article.

An example of thousands of dollars being spent on treats and large quantities of roses as well as organising lavish trips with special events planned and messages of love is not unusual for some men.

The website article said the attention to detail was what women loved, complete with love notes, personalised menus, love songs and photos of the actual proposal, which can be placed on Facebook to announce an engagement.

So it would appear men of today are incredibly romantic!

Post It art brightens working area

Clever art: Art on walls using Post It notes, a resource probably used in most offices all over the world. Generic photo - designswan.com

Some people can see the opportunity for art in anything and everything around them.

This office worker in the link below, decided to take what has probably become an essential piece of office stationery and put it to another good use to brighten up his and his co-workers' surroundings:

http://www.sunnyskyz.com/blog.php?blogid=766%2FHe-Was-Tired-Of-Looking-At-Boring-Office-Walls-So-He-Bought-9-000-Post-It-Notes-The-Result-Is-Amazing

It would appear he and friends/colleagues did it in their down time. A great idea!

How does a happy workplace help people in their work?

http://gbr.pepperdine.edu/2010/08/putting-performance-and-happiness-together-in-the-workplace/

The Performance – Happiness Matrix

In the context of performance management, “performance” refers to actions that drive the achievement of key results.

A “high performer” is an individual (or work group) that performs the actions necessary to drive key results. “Happiness” is the experience of frequent, mildly pleasant emotions, the relative absence of unpleasant feelings, and a general feeling of satisfaction with one’s life.

People who are happy in the work setting are generally having more positive experiences than negative ones in connection with the work place and their job. 

BTO - In the case of the above example of the Post It note art, the staff got involved in brightening up their own surroundings and contributing to improving a working environment they previously considered drab and boring.

Apparently about 30 percent of our life time is spent at our workplace, so that environment being a place to be glad to go to everyday, must be important you would think?

What is your workplace like? Let us know here at Beating the Odds blog!

Cultural Easter in Kaipara New Zealand

Cultural ritual: The Dalmatian cross bearing Easter tradition that harks back to early years has been passed down from father to son over generations. Photo - Croatia.hr 

 

There are several main cultures that make up the Kaipara district in Northland New Zealand.

The main ones would be Maori, British, Dalmatian, Netherlands, Pacific Island, Indian and Chinese.

How does each culture observe Easter in their traditional settings?

Maori:

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/102621/maori-catholics-to-attend-annual-easter-celebration

Catholic kapa haka groups have been practising to go to Hokianga Harbour this year for the annual Maori Catholic Easter Celebration, the Hui Aranga.

The event has been held every Easter since 1946. It attracts a mainly rangatahi (younger) audience who compete in cultural performances, oratory, debates, quizzes and sports.

Opononi Area School is the venue this year and manuhiri (visitors) will be welcomed with a powhiri ceremony on Thursday morning.

 British:

http://easter.fundootimes.com/easter-across-the-world/easter-in-new-zealand.html

Easter is a major religious Christian festival observed throughout the world.

While marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it also welcomes the spring season. The occasion is celebrated with great joy, zeal and enthusiasm throughout the world and New Zealand is no exception.

Easter in New Zealand is known by the Easter bunny. Though the festival is celebrated to commemorate Jesus Christ’s resurrection, for Kiwis Easter is all about chocolate eggs and bunny rabbits. For most of them, the festive occasion calls for a long lovely weekend with lots of treats and holidaying.

Easter falls in autumn in New Zealand, since it lies in the Southern Hemisphere.

Most of the retail stores and hospitality industries are closed on either Good Friday or Easter Sunday as it is considered illegal for them to be open on these religious occasions.

In earlier times, Kiwis are required to attend church services to celebrate the death as well as the resurrection of Jesus Christ and stay back home with their family over the Easter weekend.

However, in the modern New Zealand, people use the weekend for socializing with friends, shopping and planning weekend getaways.

Dalmatia:

http://centraldalmatiatouristboard.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/unique-traditions-in-dalmatia-easter.html

Dalmatia observes a tradition where a single cross-bearer, assisted by acolytes, all dressed in white robes and the acolytes carrying torchlit lanterns, walk a pilgrimage to a certain destination.

The cross bearer and acolytes, walk through the night, while singing their haunting religious chants without interruption.

Behind the acolytes comes the congregation and visiting tourists, who are becoming increasingly attracted to arguably the world's most unique religious procession. The procession has been internationally recognised and was granted UNESCO heritage status in 2009.

Each village on Hvar has its own procession, and they take place at different times during the week (see the Jelsa Tourist Board for more information), but the main event is the simultaneous processions of the communities of Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirce, Vrbanj and Vrboska, who all set off at 10pm on Maundy Thursday, moving slowly in the same direction.

As they approach the next village on the route, they visit the church to pray, before proceeding on to the next location.

The cross bearer, traditionally barefoot, carries the cross all the way, which can weigh between 10 and 18 kgs is usually several hundred years old very historic.

The main procession is that of Jelsa, and the faithful make their way slowly to the main square on Good Friday morning, where the exhausted cross bearer runs the final steps before delivering the cross to the priest.

Netherlands:

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090410130552AAjCw31

Not a big observance there (like it is in, for example, fanatically Catholic countries such as Philippines) because even though technically around 30 percent of the population are Catholic or have been baptised as such (mostly in the South), few people are still practising.

On Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve, churches are normally quite full for the special occasion, which is not usual on ordinary Sundays.

There is quite commerical significance to the holiday for easter eggs (paaseieren) and the easter bunny (paas haas).

People can find bags of assorted, small chocolate easter eggs on display and on special and many chocolate Easter bunnies or other Easter related treats. Also, some shops may have Easter-related decorations or general Easter sales and specials.

On Easter Sunday and the following Monday, large bonfires called Easter Fires are lit at dusk in sections of Northwestern Europe. This practice extends northward into Denmark, Sweden and Finland, westward into the east of the Netherlands, southward into Switzerland and Austria, and eastward into the German Harz mountains.

In the Netherlands, most of these fires take place in the provinces of Drenthe, Groningen, and Gelderland, with the largest being in Twente, a part of Overijssel.

It is a Saxon, pre-christian tradition, that is still performed each year.

There are several explanations of the meaning of these fires. The Saxons probably believed that around the time of Easter, spring becomes victorious over winter. The fires were supposed to help chase the darkness and winter away. It was also a symbol of fertility, which works in a literal sense in that the ashes were scattered over the meadows and thereby fertilised the soil.

The pre-Christian meaning of Easter fires is hardly experienced anymore.

Nowadays they are meant to bring the community together, which guarantees a pleasant night combined with the consumption of gin or lager and snacks.

Pacific Island:

http://www.jasons.com/celebrate-easter-in-the-south-pacific

Easter is a great time to visit the Pacific Islands, and each island celebrates it in its own unique way.

People dress up in Sunday best for church and Easter is no exception. It’s a time for families to get together and spend the holidays with loved ones.

Samoa

Samoans, for example, celebrate Easter by attending church services in the morning, followed by a to'onai (lunch) and then they will spend time at home with the family.

It’s one of the most important events in Samoa’s religious calendar and even if you’re not religious, it is an interesting spectacle to observe.

India:

http://festivals.iloveindia.com/easter/traditions/easter-in-india.html

Exchange of gifts, church services and extravagant carnivals are part of the festivities of Easter in India.

The celebrations of Easter in India commence with Lent and culminate with Easter Sunday.

Christians all over the country, especially in Mumbai, Goa and the Northeastern states, make elaborate arrangements for Easter festivities. Worshippers throng the churches for special prayers and rituals on Easter Sunday.

Although people do not decorate Easter eggs in India, they are well aware of the oldest tradition of the festival and hence, make it a point to purchase beautifully decorated Easter eggs from the stores and give them as presents for their children. During the festival, Easter bunnies are also sold in the stores.

As a part of the festivities, people exchange gift items with each other.

China:

http://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/easter-in-china.htm

How people celebrate Easter varies widely.

For Christians, the point of Easter is to commemorate Christ’s resurrection from the dead three days after crucifixion.

Some of the established churches with buildings treat it like a mini Chinese New Year complete with red paper slogans called chūnlián on the church building and in the homes, special bands or music, and special decorations.

At those established churches with buildings, Easter eggs might be given as gifts or sold outside the church, and everyone attends a special mass or service.

The official Chinese Catholic churches are among those with big celebrations. In them, new Catholics are also traditionally baptized on Easter. In recent years, there has been a big jump in Catholic baptisms in Catholic churches on Easter. Chinese Catholic Churches don't have an official connection to the Pope.

However, smaller home groups might celebrate as family or friends quietly or even secretly saying simple prayers and talking about the resurrection of Jesus.

Non-Christians might take the opportunity to make special foods like Easter eggs to sell, and some malls in China, following the Western custom, might have special Easter sales in order to try to spur profits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brave fight back to health

Brave fight back to health

 

Brave fight: Anton Kuraia fought has way back to health from an aggressive cancer. Photos - nzcpa.co.nz 

 

Healthy: Anton Kuraia the police officer.  

 

 

Whangarei Police officer Anton Kuraia set out on his own journey back to health after almost losing a battle to a very aggressive form of cancer.

He is now doing a walk to raise awareness of the more natural methods of dealing with the disease.

But good on him, he has been able to return to his job from extreme illness, with what he says has been a big change in his approach to diet and health, generally.

There are other ways of fighting the dreaded cancer and BTO hopes to profile someone else who has kicked it into touch totally without orthodox treatments.

BTO is definitely not advocating that people should ditch their health professionals' advice or recommended treatments but I think there isn't enough spoken about the possible other complimentary treatments and options for some people who wish to choose their method of treatment.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=11394896

Anton started The 809 Foundation, and you can read about Anton’s journey through to wellness and his return to work, after having gone into a good remission from the aggressive acute myeloid leukaemia. The link to the foundation is below where people can donate to help people who may want to look at alternative and complimentary methods of fighting the disease:

http://www.the809foundation.org.nz/

So what is acute myeloid leukaemia?

http://www.leukaemia.org.au/blood-cancers/leukaemias/acute-myeloid-leukaemia-aml

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive type of cancer affecting the bone marrow and blood.

Immature white blood cells are overproduced, which are myoblasts or leukaemic blasts.

The immature cells crowd the bone marrow preventing normal blood cells to be made. The blasts can also get into the blood stream, circulating around the body.

These cells are unable to work properly to fight infections.

Anaemia can then be caused due to too smaller amount of red cells and platelets being produced by the marrow. Two other conditions that can be caused by this situation are bleeding and bruising.

How common is it?

Each year in Australia around 900 people are diagnosed with AML.

Overall AML is rare, accounting for 0.8% of all cancers diagnosed, at a rate of 3.7 per 100,000 of the population.

Who suffers from it?

AML can occur at any age but is more common in adults over the age of 60 years. Around 50 children (0-14 years) are diagnosed with AML in Australia each year. It occurs more frequently in males than in females.

What’s the cause?

It is largely unknown what causes AML but is considered to be associated with damage to one or more genes that usually control blood cell development.

Some people with pre-existing blood disorders like certain myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), or certain genetic disorders like Down's Syndrome, Bloom Syndrome and Fanconi's anaemia may have a higher than average risk of developing AML.

Possible symptoms?

The main symptoms of AML are caused by a lack of normal blood cells. These include:

·         anaemia due to a lack of red cells; causing persistent tiredness, dizziness, paleness, or shortness of breath when physically active;

·         frequent or repeated infections and slow healing, due to a lack of normal white cells, especially neutrophils;

·         increased or unexplained bleeding or bruising, due to a very low platelet count.

Other symptoms may include bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, swollen gums, chest pain and abdominal discomfort due to a swollen spleen or liver.

How to treat it?

A fast moving cancer, means treatment needs to begin soon after AML is diagnosed.

A number of factors will determine the type of treatment; including the sub-type of AML, the genetic make-up of the leukaemic cells, general health and age of the person.

The main treatment is Chemotherapy.

The aim initially, is to destroy leukaemic cells and induce a remission. This means that there is no evidence of leukaemic cells in the blood and bone marrow and that normal blood cell production and normal blood counts are restored. Once a remission has been achieved, more chemotherapy is given in an effort to prevent the leukaemia from returning (relapsing).

A combination of drug Chemotherapy is usually given, usually over a period of a week or so. In most cases the drugs are given as infusions through a special line called a central venous catheter, which will be inserted before treatment begins.

People with a sub-type of AML called acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML), may also be treated with a non-chemotherapy drug called all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a derivative of vitamin A, which helps make the leukaemic cells either mature properly, or die.

Occasionally, a stem cell transplant may be used. This increases the chance of cure for some people with AML. 

What are treatment side effects?

The type and severity of side effects will vary between individuals, depending on the type of treatment used and how each individual responds to it. In general, more intensive treatment is associated with more severe side-effects. It is important that symptoms are reported immediately to your doctor or nurse, as in most cases they can be treated and are reversible.

AML affects the ability of the bone marrow to produce adequate numbers of blood cells and platelets, and chemotherapy reduces this ability even further. Blood counts generally fall within a week of treatment and may take some time to recover, depending on the type and doses of drugs used. During this time, you are likely to need antibiotics and other drugs to treat, or prevent infection. You are also likely to need blood transfusions to treat severe anaemia, and platelet transfusions to reduce the risk of bleeding.