Diamond Rings is 6th most wanted things for women

An article in the Daily Mail covers a poll of 4,000 women asked to rank their most treasured possessions. While a diamond ring ranks 6th position, losing out to mothers, photos, mobile phones, best friend and boyfriend, it does manage to beat the family pet.

Strangely enough, diamond earrings rank 19th in the quirky list which was compiled by an online pawnbroker. They were surpassed by tweezers, favorite shoes and mascara.

As the pawnbroker explains it, “Diamond rings represent 70 percent of the loans we give to women so we are not surprised to see them right at the top of the list alongside mothers and boyfriends, that have a high emotional value but zero material value.”

Apparently, the majority of women polled ‘would even dump their boyfriend or husband in exchange for £700,000.’

To see the list in full visit: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1239182/How-women-love-mobile-phones–boyfriends.html#ixzz0bCoGBRTW

The parish commemorated its diamond anniversary with a year-long celebration

On a day not unlike the morning of St. Jude Catholic Church's first Mass, hundreds of parishioners gathered Dec. 20 to celebrate the church's 75th anniversary.

From that first Mass held on Christmas morning in 1934 in a small, one-story frame house on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Cedar Road in New Lenox to a Catholic community of 4,000-plus families, St. Jude's has seen many changes.

Since 1934, the parish has been located in four different buildings, has had twelve pastors, dozens of priests, brothers and deacons to serve the needs of the ever-increasing number of families.

St. Jude has a rich history that dates back prior to the village's incorporation. The parish commemorated its diamond anniversary with a year-long celebration that began in January and culminated with the special Mass. Dec. 20 also marked the Rev. Don Lewandowski's 40th anniversary in the priesthood and Bishop James Peter Sartain of the Diocese of Joliet led the service.

Bishop James Peter Sartain of the Diocese of Joliet leads Mass Dec. 20 at St. Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox. The special service marked the end of St. Jude’s year-long 75th anniversary celebration. photo: Megan Holba/22nd Century Media.
Lewandowski said he tried to keep his own anniversary quiet so as not to distract people from St. Jude's milestone, but Bishop Sartain did give the priest a special mention at the end of the service.

"It was a great honor," Lewandowski said of having his anniversary recognized with St. Jude's. "It's been 40 years of doing what I want to do — serving the people — and I'm happy to do that."

Lewandowski was ordained in 1969 and has been part of the Diocese of Joliet for more than 20 years. He's been with St. Jude since 2006 and said the work parishioners did to celebrate the parish's 75th year is what deserves recognition.

"We had a group of people who stepped up and I'm very happy for the work they did," Lewandowski said.

A reception was held after Mass in the school gym, and the church organized a multitude of events throughout 2009 to celebrate the anniversary. Among them was a 75th Anniversary Dinner in November which brought nearly 300 parishioners out for an afternoon of reminiscing. The Franciscans who founded St. Jude's, its previous Augustinian priests, as well as those who were instrumental in the life of the parish and school since 1934, were acknowledged during the presentation given by Lewandowski.

Priests and deacons of the Diocese of Joliet gather Dec. 20 at St. Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox for the church’s 75th anniversary ceremony. Front row, left to right: Fr. Chuck Faso, OFM, Fr. Raymond Ryan, OSA, Bishop James Peter Sartain, Fr. Donald Lewandowski, OSA, pastor of St. Jude Parish, Fr. William Lego, OSA, Deacon William Ciston; (back) Fr. Greg Skowron, Fr. Bill Burton, OFM, Fr. Don Bates, OSA, Fr. Michael Slattery, OSA, Deacon Dennis Theriault, Deacon Robert Fitt and Fr. William Sullivan, OSA. photo: Megan Holba/22nd Century Media.
An anniversary picnic was also held in August, and St. Jude participated in New Lenox's annual Loyalty Day Parade in May. Earlier in the year the St. Jude Parent's Club held its dinner dance entitled "Diamonds Are Forever" to honor the anniversary.

A series of three anniversary banners also commemorated the year and were created by parishioners Judy Mudore, Mary Lee Gustafson, Dorothea Hanna and Julie Tillman, along with Fr. Don Bates. The first depicts the St. Jude logo — the outline of four people from the four directions from which parishioners are drawn, all reaching into the heart of Jesus. The number 75 is in the background. A second banner was hung at Easter and tells the story of each parishioners' journey through baptism to the eucharist. The third, revealed on Pentecost Sunday, shows the anniversary theme, "Soaring at 75."

"The priests, deacons, school and parish staff and parishioners of St. Jude look forward to beginning the next 75 years of serving God through serving his people," said Communications Coordinator Marcy Anderson.

A 75th Anniversary prayer was written by Fr. Michael Schweifler, who was an associate pastor at the church and passed away in July.

Water tanker trucks were brought in from Black Diamond

A creage owners south of Calgary awoke Christmas morning to a blaze at a neighbour's home, unaware that a woman and her daughter had left earlier that morning.

Frantic neighbours called 911 and gathered outside the De Winton residence as the flames shot into the pre-dawn sky.

"I was pounding on the door, hollering. No one was answering," said neighbour Herb Schaller. "We were all terrified, thinking they were in there."

Fortunately, the owners weren't home, but only by a half an hour.

Brad Walker said his wife Karen and their seven-year-old daughter Muffy left the acreage around 6:30 a.m. to spend the holiday with him at his job site in Saskatchewan.

A fire broke out less than 30 minutes later. The flames quickly ripped through the house, leaving it gutted.

Okotoks fire crews spent much of Friday putting out flares and hot spots.

Investigators hope today to begin work to determine the cause of the blaze.

Karen Walker made it about 300 kilometres, to Medicine Hat, before she learned about the fire, her husband said.

The family didn't plan to return to the home Friday.

Brad Walker said it's difficult to picture the devastation, but says he's grateful his wife and daughter weren't there.

"You have to put things in perspective," he said. "It's the memorabilia that's the loss, not the structure itself."

The blaze consumed the bungalow and attached garage.

Brad Walker's sister, Pat Walker, arrived at the home at midday Friday to survey the damage. Fire crews handed her a few pictures salvaged from inside, including a picture of Muffy.

"It's not at all what you want to see on Christmas Day," Walker said. "I'm just glad they're alive."

When Okotoks fire crews arrived shortly after 7 a.m., the home was engulfed in flames.

"We weren't able to gain entrance into the structure at all because of the stage the fire was at the time. The walls were starting to collapse, the floor had already collapsed," said Okotoks fire Chief Ken Thevenot. "It's a total loss, complete loss."

Fire crews fought the blaze defensively.

Water tanker trucks were brought in from Black Diamond and Turner Valley to help put out the fire. As many as a dozen of the 9,000-litre tankers were used to fight the flames, said Thevenot.

Walker said he's grateful he wasn't there to watch helplessly, adding his first glimpse of the burnt-out shell will be difficult.

"I'm glad I didn't see it," he said. "There's nothing to salvage."

It’s a centre round diamond and one row of diamonds around it called micro pave

The hunky engagement ring that singer Carrie Underwood flashed Monday night at the Ottawa Senators game is likely custom-made and worth a fortune, depending on who you consult for authentication.

A representative at New York’s Diamond Information Center said the five-carat round diamond engagement ring with diamond sidestones cost more than $150,000. On the upper scale, a diamond expert and chief executive of myjewelrybox.com determined that, based on website photos, the engagement ring had about 12 carats and estimated it was worth more than $1 million.

However, Mo Charania, a gemologist and owner of Jubilee Jewellers at Bayshore Shopping Centre, said it appeared the ring was at least three carats, maybe more, and was definitely worth six figures.

“It’s a centre round diamond and one row of diamonds around it called micro pave,” Charania said after viewing photos of the ring on Underwood’s finger that were taken by a Citizen photographer at Monday’s game. Micro pave settings are intricate and use the smallest possible diamonds to achieve a uniform glitter on the ring’s surface. Sometimes, the tiny claws on the outside can hold 30 or more stones.

“I’d say the ring is worth well into six figures, but it depends on the quality of the stone,” he said.

There’s no evidence to suggest that Senators forward Mike Fisher bought the ring for his new fiancée at a local jewelry shop. The ring could have either been purchased through a private jeweller or at a U.S. jewelry store that specializes in fine-quality jewelry, Charania said.

He says Fisher didn’t purchase the ring at his store, although other Senators players, including Jason Spezza, have purchased jewelry there.

Fisher and Underwood were engaged Sunday after a year-long courtship and the Senators forward finally confirmed the news to reporters after Monday’s morning skate at Scotiabank Place. Underwood flashed the ring for the first time at that night’s game against the Boston Bruins.

Charania said Underwood’s ring could be compared to rings by Ritani, a world-renowned maker of diamond engagement rings and other jewelry.

“It has that (same) look to it. Ritani was one of the first to bring back micro pave to jewelry design, and it’s used extensively now,” he said.

Fisher could have purchased the ring while on a Senators road trip to the United States or when visiting Underwood in Nashville.

“They might have been strolling around and she might have said, ‘Oh, that’s a nice ring.’ You know the way women are: They are always dropping hints. A guy’s job is to be in tune with what your partner likes.

“Obviously, when he pops the question, he wants a ring that is going to wow her.”

Charania said Underwood had every right to show off her new ring to family, friends and even hockey fans.

“You want people to know you’re engaged, that’s part of the excitement. There’s romanticism to it and obviously a very special moment in their lives. I wouldn’t see why she wouldn’t want to show it off,” he said.

The building of the rink on Fenway’s famous diamond is nearly complete

The building of the rink on Fenway’s famous diamond is nearly complete. Now comes the buildup for the event.

 

The hype is already nearing full force, but just to ratchet it up a little more, the crew that will be broadcasting the Winter Classic this New Year’s Day on NBC took time to speak with the media on a conference call this week.

 

“This really is an event,” said play-by-play man Bob Costas. “(It’s) a hockey game yes, but it’s also an event. That’s what the Winter Classic is. It attracts a lot of people who don't necessarily follow hockey closely throughout the course of the year. … It’s a unique situation once a year outside the usual hockey arena in a baseball park or a football stadium.”

 

And this year it’s not in any old baseball park. The Winter Classic has come to historic Fenway Park.

 

“All the history,” said Costas when asked about what made the Fenway setting special. “The idea that someone sat there and watched Babe Ruth pitch or Ted Williams bat or Lefty Grove or Jimmy Foxx, plus all the visiting players through the years and the specific games and events. (Carlton) Fisk and (Bucky) Dent and the Impossible Dream and Yaz.”

 

Now Fenway gets to add some hockey names to the list of greats who have performed there. And the once in a lifetime nature of this event has made it even more of an attraction than the baseball games that have been played there, or any other games in the city.

 

“The energy has been building since the announcement,” said analyst Mike Milbury, a Walpole, Mass. native. “It’s the toughest ticket to get that I have seen in all of my years in Boston, including Bruins playoffs, Red Sox playoffs, Patriots championships and Celtics championships. This is an event. It’s going to be a spectacular event and I’m just happy to be even a little bit a part of it.”

 

NBC is pulling out all the stops to capture the spectacle, with 25 cameras, extra microphones to pick up sounds and even an airplane providing shots from high above the field.

 

“We’ll shoot it bigger than a normal game and wider than a normal game,” said producer Sam Flood, who grew up in Dedham, Mass. “It’s about the place as much as it is about the game.”

 

Still, there is a game to be played amid all the pageantry. And one that is important to both the Bruins and the Flyers.

 

“Both teams desperately need the points, especially the Flyers,” said analyst Pierre McGuire. “The points are so important in this game. I think people are probably pushing that aside because they’re so excited about it being in Fenway, which they should be, but the points are really, really important.”

 

Milbury agreed. “Ultimately this game should be a really good hockey game between two teams that should be among the elite of the conference,” he said.

 

That was the expectation when the matchup was made. While the Bruins have overcome a slow start to get back up among the upper echelon of the conference, the Flyers remain mired in the basement, even after a coaching change earlier this month.

 

That didn’t stop Philadelphia from downing Boston 3-1 at the Garden on Monday.

 

“It’s spiced up a bit as the Flyers came into town and spanked the Bruins in their last game,” said Milbury.

 

This is a rivalry that’s never lacked spice.

 

“This rivalry goes back to the late 60s, early 70s and right through that decade in particular,” said Milbury. “It got its roots there. These were some of the nastiest battles that I’ve ever been involved with. Both teams, in their own way, have adapted to the new rules, they’ve listened to their fans and kept that concept. They want hard-nosed hockey. They want physical hockey. They want people to show up saying that we want to prove to you that we’re tough players and we’ve come to play every night. And that’s what you’re going to get in this game.

 

“It really will be a lot of fun to watch,” added Milbury.

 

McGuire picked up on that theme.

 

“You bring a player like Zdeno Chara into the mix and that’s 6-foot-9 and a whole lot of nasty,” said McGuire. “And on the other team guys like Scottie Hartnell and Mike Richards and Danny Carcillo, who like to push back, that leads to a lot of physical altercations.

 

“There will be villians on both sides – Shawn Thornton on one side, Danny Carcillo on the other,” added McGuire. “This game is going to be about energy.”

 

Let’s just hope everyone has the energy to make it to Jan. 1 before the hype becomes too unbearable.

An array of diamond anniversary cards added to the seasonal display at the Wyverie Court home of 82-year-old Jean Allan and husband Peter, 79

THERE was added sparkle to the festive season for an Oldmeldrum couple yesterday as they marked 60 years of marriage with a family celebration.

An array of diamond anniversary cards added to the seasonal display at the Wyverie Court home of 82-year-old Jean Allan and husband Peter, 79.

The childhood sweethearts were brought up in the Tarves area where they both went to the village school. They were wed at Tarves manse.

Both were from farming families, and Mr Allan left school to become a farm worker.

He continued to work on the land, including 11 years at Tolquhon between Tarves and Pitmedden, until taking a porter’s post at an Aberdeen University halls of residence when the couple moved to the city’s College Bounds.

Mrs Allan also worked at the university as a cleaner at the nearby geography building.

The couple retired to live in the sheltered housing complex at Oldmeldrum 14 years ago when Mr Allan retired, although he promptly took a part-time job at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre as a handyman.

Since retiring from that post – for a whole month – the grandather-of-13 has now become a school crossing patroller in Oldmeldrum. “I like to be doing something, and I am thoroughly enjoying the job,” said Mr Allan. “Having worked in farming, I am used to being out in all kinds of weather.”

He added: “I am a lucky man, having never been ill in my life and had such a happy marriage.”

Last night they were joined by their family for a celebration meal in Oldmeldrum’s Morris’s Hotel.

It’ll pair nicely with the tiny white blooms of an unlikely cousin, 'Diamond Frost'

Plump, potted poinsettias dress endless entry halls, mantels and dining tables each holiday season. A single plant slipped into a decorative basket makes for a quick, beautiful decoration.

But if you don’t know where to put a bulky potted plant, grab the scissors. Poinsettia stems make great cut flowers. They’ll last up to two weeks if you change the water. Careful, though; they ooze a milky sap when broken or cut, and it can irritate skin. To stop the flow, immediately dip the cut end into simmering water for 10 seconds or hold it over a candle flame.

Topiary

Another idea: Reserve a few stems for a topiary. Choose a healthy, tall potted plant with a full head of colorful bracts. Or purchase two; this makes a great gift. Select two or three of the tallest stems. Remove the rest at the soil line, and use them as cut flowers.

Remove the bottom leaves on the potted stems. Gently tie the stems with ribbon.

Display the topiary in an urn, cachepot or spray-painted clay pot. (Spray the pot in an old cardboard box. It will dry in well under a minute.)

Top it with a piece of misted sheet moss. Add accents such as trailing ivy, berry sprigs, pine cones or small apples.

potted pairing

Can’t bear to cut up your poinsettia? It’ll pair nicely with the tiny white blooms of an unlikely cousin, 'Diamond Frost.’ There’s little family resemblance, but both plants belong to the Euphorbia genus.

For a nice display, tuck small pots or vases of 'Diamond Frost’, which has tiny white blooms, around a taller poinsettia in an urn or cachepot.

The poinsettia’s colorful bracts, or modified leaves, get all the attention, but their true blooms small, yellow/green and buttonlike sit at the bracts’ centers, nearly forgotten.

Red is still irresistible, but tireless breeders push the color palette with pink, coral, lemon and white varieties. Some have marbled or color-splashed bracts. Textures vary from smooth to ruffled ‘Winter Rose’ and curled ‘Carousel.’

Whatever variety you like, choose a plant with tight flowers; thoroughly colored, expanded bracts; and dark-green foliage to the bottom of the plant. Avoid droopy plants.

This was his maiden voyage as captain with the Sea Diamond

A prosecutor on the Greek Aegean island of Naxos on Saturday launched legal proceedings against the captain of the ill-fated Greek cruise ship Sea Diamond, which sank off near the island of Santorini at dawn on Friday after striking a reef on the previous afternoon.

According to Athens News Agency, prosecution concerns causing a shipwreck through negligence, causing pollution to the sea through negligence and failing to apply international regulations on avoiding collisions.

The prosecutor will also refer the captain to an investigator as a result of the two French nationals who have been reported missing, a 45-year-old man and his 16-year-old daughter.

All the remaining senior officers of the ship who had been brought before the prosecutor have been released.

The Santorini Port Authorities were carrying out a preliminary examination on Friday, while the captain, the Second Mate, the helmsman, the first officer and four crew-members were giving their statements to shed light on the causes of the accident.

In his statement, the captain said that he was overconfident when the ship was entering the port, adding that he overestimated the capabilities of the ship when it approached the reef buoy.

However, he said that up to the last moment he tried to avoid the collision but in vain. This was his maiden voyage as captain with the Sea Diamond.

It was a celebration of the wonderful people who embrace the spirit of support in our community

It was just over a scant year ago when M. T. Bellies was closed down because of an E. coli outbreak.

Some bad romaine lettuce made its way to our back door. An unfortunate incident and bit of a black period for all involved.

However, in our time of need, the community rallied around my family and business operation. The outpouring of support we received had a profound effect.

I was truly humbled and genuinely appreciated all the kind words of encouragement and help. The groundswell of community assistance inspired the need to do something to give back and a Wonderful Life was born. I was playing the lead role of George Bailey.

On Tuesday, Nov. 24, a group of 140 people gathered at M. T. Bellies to again celebrate It's a Wonderful Life. Quite simply it was a celebration of the wonderful people who embrace the spirit of support in our community. And oh, what a night it was.

The guests who attended were treated to an amazing five-course gourmet meal with all the whistles and bells. Once again "the ask" went out and a few favours were cashed in to produce an absolutely amazing evening.

I am blessed to have many friends and business associates who were kind enough to give as well. So in no uncertain order I acknowledge my gratitude to the small army who assisted in this event.

An enormous thank you to the talented and inspiring chefs Anna and Michael Olson, Bruce Worden and Werner Hauer for playing the leadership roles in the MTB kitchen. These folks are true professionals and a credit to the hospitality industry.

They gave up their time to come into our kitchen to do their magic with food and flavours.

MTB chef Sean Wright and his well oiled kitchen crew showed extreme teamwork to flawless execution of the delicious meals.

Thanks to the volunteer Niagara College culinary students. They loved the experience, learned some new tricks and had fun. The MTB kitchen was quite a sight.

Over 20 sets of loving caring hands danced together and created. All the guests raved about the food. Well done.

Thanks to the MTB servers and bartenders for an outstanding and attentive job. MTB's Jill Yeo showed off her industry savvy by co-co-ordinating all the service elements. You did us proud.

Thank you to Sandra Nuccitelli from Gotcha Covered and Karin from Vermeer's Garden Center and Flower Shop who transformed the feel of our little joint. The place looked great. Thanks to Don Wininger of Spritz Creative for all the artwork.

Thank you to the many people and businesses who donated goodies for our party; The ever and always generous Rick Lowes from the Country Corner Market, Mike Speth from Rycott Foodservice, Joe Roberto from Diamond Estates Wines, Dan from Dan's Produce, Dave Zezella from Molson Breweries and Peter Aiello from the Peter Mielzynski Agencies.

Music filled the air all night long. Thanks to Dave Rapelje from TNR Productions in providing great talent. The welcoming Jazz sounds of Dan Kozar and Doug Mundy created a cool vibe. The booming voice of Elton Lammie was a treat as he strolled tableside with his operatic songs. Sam and Adam took the night home with their toe tapping party tunes. Smiles were everywhere.

Thank-you to the donors of the prize table. These people are our go to guys and are always there to say yes. Thanks to Rick Groom from Jiffy Lube, Tom Deciccio from Niagara Restaurant Supply, Doug Watson from Online Electronics, Karen Arthur from Arbonne, Ron Kore from Sobey's, our friends from Shoppers Drug Mart, Aggie Giovannini from Northtown Medical, Jim Briggs from Briggsy Sportswear and Promotions, Cindy Obdeyn from Mabo Construction and Avril Norton. Your gifts added another $1,300 to the night.

Thank you to all of you who forked out $125 to eat, drink, be merry and help raise money for the Welland Hospital Foundation. Early numbers are saying we had all this fun and raised about $9,000.

I hope you enjoyed yourself and will continue to support this event again next year.

Last and certainly not the least, big thanks to my wife Rebecca who often flies under the radar for her efforts. Her attention to detail and work behind the scenes complete the whole process. She somehow always makes me look good in spite of myself. Finally, my three loving children Ethan, Liam and Teagan. They are an integral part of this family business. They understand work ethic, teamwork and the meaning of community. The relationship with all these people is truly what makes my life a wonderful life. Thanks for sharing with me.

The stage 1 diamond drill program will test the size and grade of the 0.7 to 1 billion tonnes of dominantly itabirite iron mineralisation exploration

Perth-based iron ore explorer DMC Mining (ASX: DMM) has kicked off drilling at its its 80% owned Mayoko Iron Ore Project in the Republic of the Congo.

A 0.7 to 1 billion tonnes iron ore exploration target was identified during an airborne geophysical survey in July 2009.

The stage 1 diamond drill program will test the size and grade of the 0.7 to 1 billion tonnes of dominantly itabirite iron mineralisation exploration target.

The drill program will take 3-4 months to complete and will comprise approximately 12 drill holes on 1.5km spaced traverses along the 7km strike of the Mt Lekoumou- Mipoundi prospects, to depths of 200 to 400 metres.

In terms of infrastructure, DMC has been busy, it has struck an access agreement for use of the Mayoko to Point Noire Rail Line during the exploration phase of the Project. The rail line passes within 2.2km of the Mt Lekoumou deposit and connects directly to the wharf at the deep-water port of Pointe Noire.

DMC also has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port Authority of Pointe Noire (PAPN). Under the MOU, DMC can undertake assessment and design of infrastructure required to export iron ore from the existing port or other areas nearby owned and operated by PAPN.

DMC shares have been on a tear since March 2009, increasing by 233%.