Friday, April 20, 2012

Fellowship of the Muppets: Available Now!

There's been a lot of activity online lately regarding this illustration of mine:

It's the Muppets as the cast from Lord of the Rings.  That’s Robin as Frogo, Bean as Samwise Bunny, Pepe as Peppin, Rowlf as Gandrowlf, Scooter as Legofer, Kermit as Arafrog, Fozzie as Bearamir, Gonzo as Gimzo, and Rizzo as Mizzo.

Good news! It's now available as a cards, print and posters! You can order it here:



Several other pieces of my Muppet artwork are also available. Soon I will offer T-Shirts and iPhone cases as well.

Finally, I will be unveiling a new Muppet fan blog within the next few days. It will chronicle my history of Muppet and Henson fandom, showcase my Muppet artwork, offer news and reviews and give you a place to purchase my artwork. Stay tuned!

Friday, April 06, 2012

The Mission Possible Sailing to Solutions 2013 Cruise.

Andi has been working hard on the first ever Down Syndrome Cruise Conference: Mission Possible, Sailing to Solutions. The cruise will be taking place in 2013, but will need to be booked now. Details below:
 
2013 Down Syndrome Cruise Conference,
Mission Possible: Sailing to Solutions 

 
 February 25th  – March 2nd , 2013 

to Labadee, Haiti and Falmouth, Jamaica!  
Bring your family for a one of a kind, life-changing experience. Learn proactive
solutions with an emphasis on nutrition, bio-medical intervention and innovative
therapies that address real issues and provide viable answers. This unique Cruise Ship environment offers you the extended opportunity to network with like-minded families. You can attend and discuss informative sessions, all while enjoying a fantastic vacation experience. 
Call 1-855-DSCRUIZ by May 15, 2012 to secure your spot.


To see videos of success stories, go to the bottom of the page.

Informative Speakers  
 
Dr. Norm Schwartz, Integrative medicine specialist with over 30 years experience and an extensive background in treating complex chronic health problems.  Formerly medical director of Integrative Medicine for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare in Milwaukee, WI, he is now in private practice helping individuals and families dealing with ADHD, autism, Down syndrome and neurodevelopmental disorders using biomedical treatments.


Kent MacLeod, the founder of NutriChem, an award-winning pharmacist with over 30 years of experience in delivering patient centered complementary health care based on an Orthomolecular approach to health and wellness. He has researched, formulated and tested a broad range of nutritional formulas and supplements including a NutriChem vitamin line formulation for Down Syndrome. Author of Down Syndrome and Vitamin Therapy.


Linda Kane, Neurodevelopmentalist, parent of adult with DS, believes the potential of an individual is determined by the opportunities presented to them.  Linda travels extensively around the USA seeing families, lecturing and teaching. She has worked with thousands of individuals during the past seventeen years. Learn more at hope-future.org
 
Dr. Teresa Cody, parent of teen with DS, started Changing Minds Foundation, which suggests a protocol of treatment for many of the problems and symptoms in Down syndrome.  The foundation is dedicated to spreading the information of the latest scientific discoveries for those with Down syndrome and has plans to support research.   
 
Laurette Janak, parent to adopted teen with DS and Autism, independent researcher, speaker and advocate. Part of her work included coordinating a study on metabolic biomarkers and impaired methylation capacity in children with autism published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2004.

Kristen Morrison, parent to child with DS, author, creator of informative website: Naturally Better Kids, founder of the Grow Foundation for Naturally Better Kids shares methods which make it possible for children with neurological challenges to achieve potential beyond traditional expectations.

Geralyn Spiez, parent to child with DS, Master's level Occupational Therapist, author of Redefining the Reality of Down Syndrome; Baby's First Year and blogger of The Down Syndrome Action Plan.


Cyndi Ringoen, parent to son with chromosomal disorder, neurodevelopmentalist, President of The International Association of Neurodevelopmentalists (ICAN) and owner of CAN-DO. Cyndi's has a wide-range of education including two degrees in psychology, The Bowen Technique, Rhythmic Movement and Samonas Sound Therapy.
 
Bring your family for a sun-filled, fun-filled enriching experience! 

Cruise Highlights
Sailing Date: February 25, 2013
Five nights on board the “Liberty of the Seas” Royal Caribbean cruise

Monday, February 25th departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Departing 4:30 pm)
Tuesday, February 26th Cruising at Sea
Wednesday, February 27th Labadee, Haiti (Arrive 7:30 am, depart 3:30 pm)
Thursday, February 28th Falmouth, Jamaica (Arrive 8:30 am, depart 4:30 pm)
Friday, March 1st   Cruising at Sea
Saturday, March 2nd   Fort Lauderdale, Florida  (Arrive 7:00 am)


Cruise Details
Royal Caribbean offers excellent Youth Programs, which are staffed by
experienced, college graduates.  The children’s programs run most of the day, with breaks for lunch and dinner.  Since the children will be well cared for, parents can more easily participate in seminar presentations, network with other families and enjoy entertainment on board the ship including spa services.  Families can also explore together the exciting ports of Labadee, Haiti and Falmouth, Jamaica.
 
Following is a summary of the cruise fares based on the staterooms reserved for the unique and exciting Mission Possible: Sailing to Solutions.  Please note, cruise fares include accommodations, most dining, nightly entertainment and most on board activities, and the Conference registration fee.  Prices are in U.S. dollars, and subject to change prior to final confirmation with Royal Caribbean: 
1st & 2nd passenger rates, based on double occupancy:








Cruise Fare Per


Total Per Person

Person based on
Taxes
Prepaid
for 1st & 2nd

Stateroom Category

Double Occupancy

& Fees

Gratuities

Passenger





GS - Grand Suite
$1,649.00
$101.48
$69.50
$1,819.98
JS - Junior Suite
$1,149.00
$101.48
$69.50
$1,319.98
D1 - Superior Balcony
$839.00
$101.48
$58.25
$998.73
E2 - Deluxe Balcony
$749.00
$101.48
$58.25
$908.73
H - Oceanview Stateroom
$669.00
$101.48
$58.25
$828.73
I - Oceanview Stateroom
$649.00
$101.48
$58.25
$808.73
PR - Inside Promenade
$619.00
$101.48
$58.25
$778.73
K - Inside Stateroom
$599.00
$101.48
$58.25
$758.73
L - Inside Stateroom
$589.00
$101.48
$58.25
$748.73
N - Inside Stateroom
$569.00
$101.48
$58.25
$728.73




E. & O.E.










3rd & 4th passenger rates, for those in a stateroom with two 1st/2nd paying passengers:






Cruise Fare Per


Total Per Person

Person for the
Taxes
Prepaid
for 1st & 2nd

Stateroom Category

3rd & 4th Passenger

& Fees

Gratuities

Passenger





Suites
399.00
101.48
69.50
$569.98
Balconies
359.00
101.48
58.25
$518.73
Oceanview
319.00
101.48
58.25
$478.73
Inside
279.00
101.48
58.25
$438.73




E. & O.E.
Triple and quadruple accommodations are subject to availability at time of booking and not guaranteed. Cruise fare for the 3rd & 4th passenger are established at the time of booking request and the rates vary by stateroom category.


Note, there is also the ability to connect staterooms but on a first come availability basis.  Also, the number of staterooms in each category will be pre-set with fewer Grand Suites, Junior Suites and Balcony staterooms.  

All staterooms are available to be reserved with an initial deposit of $200 per person (with a credit card), which is fully refundable until May 15, 2012.  Final payment is due November 15, 2012.  We encourage you to book at your earliest convenience, but no later than May 15, 2012 to ensure you receive the best stateroom choice for your families’ needs and to ensure the success of this conference.  This includes a $50 per person conference registration fee for the 1st & 2nd passenger only, per stateroom. Call 1-855-DSCRUIZ to reserve your stateroom. Deposit will increase to $300 per person after May 15th.


Benefits and Features of the Liberty of the Seas – 5 night Western Caribbean Cruise
 
Entertainment
• The DreamWorks Experience
• Saturday Night Fever: The Musical
• 3D theatre with first-run movies
• Outdoor poolside movie screen
 
Dining Experiences
• The Cupcake Cupboard
• Chefmakers Cooking Academy
• Vintages wine bar
 
Kids & Families
• Royal Babies and Tots Nursery
• ImagineOcean! Puppet Show
 
Ship Features:  FlowRider surf simulator, H2O Zone aqua park, full-size boxing
ring, barber shop, cantilevered whirlpools, ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall,
Royal Promenade, 9-hole miniature-golf course, golf simulators, theme bars,
Johnny Rockets and other specialty restaurants, and much more.

Casino Royale:  Eight Blackjack tables featuring Wheel of Madness and 3 Caribbean Stud Poker tables, 2 Roulette wheels, 1 Craps table, 1 Let It Ride table, 325 state-of-the-art Slot Machines ranging from $0.05 to $5.00, free casino lessons.  (Vegas-style gaming rules.)

Fitness Center:  The Fitness Center is a world-class facility that offers everything
from kickboxing to yoga and features state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment.
Some specialized fitness classes may have an additional charge.

Dining Options
• Main Dining Room
• Chops Grille  **
• Jade Sushi
• Johnny Rockets  **
• Portofino Restaurant  **
• Sorrento’s Pizzeria
• Windjammer Café
**  Speciality restaurants where additional charges apply 

Remember to call 1-855-DSCRUIZ by May 15, 2012 to ensure you receive the best stateroom choice for your needs. We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have.

Please email or call:

Rosalie Newell-Wagner
Parent of a child with Down Syndrome 

President of the BC Down Syndrome Society
rosaliewagner@cruiseshipcenters.com
250-540-6529 
Toll Free Booking Number:  1-855-DSCRUIZ (1-855-372-7849)  www.cruiseshipcenters.ca/RosalieNewellWagner 

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Blast from the past.

This photo just arrived in my email inbox. It represents a "holy grail" of photographs, one I remember seeing after it was taken, but I thought was lost forever:
 
This is one of the first art awards I ever won. It's from 1982, when I was 11 years old. I still have the trophy! That's my younger sister Suzie to my right.