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Here are my favorite (mostly) free digital tools and apps for running an (almost) paperless classroom!
Remind (formerly Remind101) is a safe, free way for teachers to text message students and keep in touch with parents.
Bring your life's work together in one digital workspace. Evernote is the place to collect inspirational ideas, write meaningful words, and move your important projects forward.
Apple Editors' Choice on iPad, iPhone, and Mac! Apple's Mac App of The Year!
Welcome to Notability: powerful, yet wonderfully simple note-taking and annotation.
Students, teachers, and business professionals use Notability daily to take notes, sketch ideas, annotate PDFs, mark-up photos, record lectures, provide audio feedback and more. It is uniquely designed for each device to provide the best note taking experience at school, at home, and at work. And with iCloud, your notes are always up to date.
Write Naturally
Type Anywhere
Import and Annotate PDFs
Audio Recordings: Review and Give Feedback
All Electronic Workflow
Organize and Share Notes
iCloud Sync
We hope you enjoy using Notability, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Seesaw is a student-driven digital portfolio that empowers students (as young as 5!) to independently create, capture, and store artifacts of learning.
Collect and Organize Digital and Physical Work in One Place
∙ View entire class feed, or sort by individual student or subject area.
∙ Use folders to organize content by subject or learning goals.
∙ Great for parent-teacher conferences, assessments, or student self-reflection.
∙ Access student content anywhere, anytime from iOS app or on the web.
Designed for K and up to Use Independently
∙ Gives students ownership of their own space to create & record what they learn.
Add All Types of Student Work
∙ Use our suite of creative tools to create photos, videos, drawings or notes.
∙ Add directly from many popular content creation apps (Shadow Puppet Edu, PicCollage, Book Creator, Explain Everything, iMovie, Skitch, Keynote, Pages, Numbers, Docs, Pages, Drive, and more).
∙ Kid-friendly camera only takes a photo when subject is in focus and camera is steady.
Encourage Parent Involvement with Personalized Updates
∙ Simple and secure invitation: Send home a personalized handout that only gives parents access to their child's journal
∙ Reach all your parents: Short, visual updates actually get seen, and cross language and technology barriers
∙ Seesaw supports SMS, Email, and app notifications for parents
∙ Give parents information between conferences and reduce the need for lengthy newsletters
∙ Teachers are always in control: Nothing is automatically shared without your approval
Private and Secure Cloud Storage
∙ Student content/information is private, secure, and never shared with 3rd parties.
∙ Seesaw has taken the Student Privacy Pledge
Teacher Resource Center
∙ Getting started tips, professional development resources, FAQ
∙ More than 30 Common Core aligned activity ideas
∙ Personalized customer support if you need help
+++ Need help? Have feedback or suggestions? Email us email@example.com or tweet @SeesawEdu +++
Using Google Classroom in school? Get the iOS App to use Classroom on the go.
Classroom helps teachers save time, keep classes organized, and improve communication with students. It is available to anyone with Google Apps for Education, a free suite of productivity tools including Gmail, Drive and Docs.
Classroom is designed to help teachers create, collect, and grade assignments paperlessly, including time-saving features like the ability to automatically make a copy of a Google Document for each student. It also creates Drive folders for each assignment and for each student to help keep everyone organized.
Students can keep track of what's due on the Assignments page and begin working with just a click. Teachers can quickly see who has or hasn't completed the work, and provide direct, real-time feedback and grades right in Classroom.
With the mobile app for iOS, students and teachers can view their classes and communicate with their classmates in real time. Students can open their assignments and work on them right from their phone or tablet. Teachers can keep track of who has turned in work and grade the assignment - at school or on the go.
There are many benefits of using Classroom:
Easy to set up
Teachers can add students directly or share a code with their class to join. It takes just minutes to set up.
Saves time
The simple, paperless assignment workflow allows teachers to create, review, and grade assignments quickly, all in one place.
Improves organization
Students can see all of their assignments on an assignments page, and all class materials are automatically filed into folders in Google Drive.
Enhances communication
Classroom allows teachers to send announcements and start class discussions instantly. Students can share resources with each other or provide answers to questions on the stream.
Affordable and secure
Like the rest of our Google Apps for Education services, Classroom contains no ads, never uses your content or student data for advertising purposes, and is free for schools.
Kahoot! is one of the world's fastest growing learning brands. Our free game-based platform unlocks the magic of learning for teachers, students and beyond.
Socrative lets teachers engage and assess their students with educational activities on tablets, laptops and smartphones. Through the use of real time questioning, instant result aggregation and visualization, teachers can gauge the whole class' current level of understanding. Socrative saves teachers time so the class can further collaborate, discuss, extend and grow as a community of learners.
A. Quizizz is a fun multiplayer classroom activity, that allows all your students to practice together.
Edueto is a teaching tool that allows educators to quickly create customised assignments and tests that target their student's needs.


text: Street style is way too big of a deal. So many "fashion people," for lack of a better word seem to dedicate their life to getting in a good photo op. That's why I love when the people in the background steal the photo. They tell a story so much more interesting then the classic fashion snap. These amazing images only come around once and a while, so here I've collected some of my favorites from the past couple years (I know, years!!! b/c I think the 1st pic with Hanne Gaby is from 2012!) I hope you enjoy them as much as I do…. The guy on the right's face. She has no clue what's coming for her!Just a normal day, chillin' with a gold man levitating behind you. Team picture. Checkin her out… caught on camera. Jealousy. Xiao Wen Ju just saved the construction workers from the collapsing building… time for a photo.

subset: commoncrawl


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Software Systems QA Engineer
|Lisburn, County Antrim
|Job type
|about 1 year ago
|Start date
|Jane Donnelly
|Job ref
Job description
Role: Software Systems QA Engineer
Location: Lisburn
Grafton Specialist recruitment has been retained to recruit a Customer Software Support Engineer for a leading Global Technology company
The role
Software Systems QA Engineer
The successful candidate will be the lead on a small systems verification team within a larger software function developing large scale systems and solutions for automation and optimization of power networks worldwide including generation, transmission, and distribution networks. The candidate will be a key member to improve the development/testing process and quality of the overall systems.
Reporting to
Technical Lead
· Actively collaborate with stakeholders to clarify requirements to define, document and implement system test plans and test cases
· Perform the manual system tests and analyse results to ensure requirements are met and highlight issues if they are not
· Perform exploratory testing to increase test coverage and quality
· Facilitate integration testing of new features and improvements using the latest builds and from various teams
· Test using production data where possible to assess the impact on production and minimise deployment issues.
· Identify opportunities and solutions to maximise test automation and facilitate implementation by developing test scripts or harnesses where necessary.
· Work effectively within a diverse team to define testable user stories and acceptance criteria and to resolve any defects that may arise.
· Prepare and present test reports to include status and coverage
· Ability to train new employees and coach existing employees
Essential Criteria
· A 3rd level qualification in Computer Science, or equivalent
· Minimum 5 years in Software QA, System integration role or verification of large or complex distribute software systems
· Proven ability to accurately test, analyse, evaluate, and report results
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
· Must be results oriented and drive to ensure successful completion of the projects on time, on budget and within the defined scope while leading through influence and with strong soft people skills and tact
· Stakeholder management skills and strong leadership abilities.
· Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English
Desirable Criteria
· Experience in system test automation covering web, server applications, and embedded platforms. Tools may include Robot framework, Selenium, and scripting languages such as python
· Knowledge how to perform basic Linux configuration or SQL database queries to configure tests and extract data and or logs
· Familiarity with Continuous integration tools such as Jenkins or Buildbot
· Experience with configuration management tools and distributed version control
· Experience working in Automotive, aerospace, or military domains
· Knowledge on configuring firewalls, modems, and VPNs
· Familiarity with CANbus, and networking both wired and wireless
· Experience working in an agile environment
Personal Attributes
· Driven to succeed in a highly technical, goal/deadline orientated product development environment
· Self-starting, innovative, dynamic and a quick learner
· Conscientious individual demonstrating initiative and attention to detail along with high levels of ownership commitment
· Motivation to create high-quality products and systems and learn new skills
· Proven ability to solve complex problems using creative solutions.
· A good team player capable of delivering results under pressure and to strict deadlines
· Ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
· Quality focused with an understanding of advances in computer technology and how this affects the business environment
· A positive "can do" enthusiastic attitude towards addressing the technical challenges facing Camlin Technologies and our clients
The Grafton Specialist Team is a dedicated division within Grafton Recruitment, focused on providing Permanent, Contract & Temporary staffing solutions across the IT Sector.


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Innovating to Transform America's Energy Future
CEG is grounded in a history of delivering custom building performance solutions for challenging environments. CEG offers the engineering, energy services, implementation capabilities, project management, and operations & maintenance skills critical to execute a comprehensive project involving a wide range of mechanical, electrical, renewable energy, and water system upgrades. CEG has performed detailed energy feasibility studies for well over 10 million square feet of federal facilities and non-government buildings.
CEG strives to deliver projects with the highest lifetime value, as determined by the specific needs of each client. We do not promote specific technologies or equipment manufacturers because our roots are in sustainable design-building construction, not product sales or manufacturing. Our goal is to find the most cost-effective long-term solution for each facility and client based upon the site-specific building load requirements, occupant behavior, future building plans, and ability to operate/maintain equipment.
CEG is committed to the sustainability of savings throughout the lifetime of a project. Therefore, we provide custom solutions based upon the facilities' current uses and future plans. We work closely with the client from project onset to develop and clarify the goals of the project. We then strive to deliver the client's goals by considering the sustainability of the chosen equipment and the ease to which it can be operated and maintained. Our goal is to reduce operating costs and complexity for years to come.
CEG Solutions LLC
4040 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22203


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- Special Offers
- Latest Industry Standards
- Professional and friendly staff
- Insurance Claim
Know just what can be expected
To come up with the best choices regarding Infiltrator Systems in Caneadea, NY, you must be knowledgeable. We will never let you come up with ill advised decisions, since we know what we are working on, and we ensure you know exactly what to expect from the process. That's the reason we try to make every attempt to make sure that you are familiar with the process and are not confronted by any unexpected surprises. Start by talking about the project with our customer support representatives when you call 888-331-9066. We'll go over your questions and concerns once you contact us and get you set up with a scheduled visit. Our crew can show up at the appointed time with all the required supplies, and can work closely with you throughout the job.
When you want Infiltrator Systems in Caneadea, Wyoming, go with Infiltrator System Guys
Lots of reasons exist to decide on Infiltrator System Guys when it comes to Infiltrator Systems in Caneadea, NY. We have the highest customer care scores, the best products, and the most useful and powerful cash saving techniques. We are ready to assist you with the most competence and experience available. Call 888-331-9066 to reach Infiltrator System Guys and review your goals regarding Infiltrator Systems in Caneadea.


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hey there, i hope your weekend was fantastic! because Mondays can be a bit rough, i thought i would share a few YouTube vids i discovered this weekend to help kick off the week (:
Last Choir Standing: don't ask me how i came across this choir competition held in the UK…it just happened. the following are my favorite performances from two of the top 4 choirs.
Joyful, Joyful has always been a fave of mine thanks to Sister Act 2…one of my favorite movie moments since i was a kid (:
and if you're the least bit like me, you now want to join a choir ASAP!
thank you to my amazing friend & fellow dreamer Kelly (KD) for the following…this one is quite breathtaking & a true visual masterpiece. to learn more about how Ryan Woodward created Thought of You, visit his web site HERE.
and yes, because i can't get enough dance, i of course have more to share. we all know So You Think You Can Dance is one of my favorite shows, well a little browsing around YouTube informed me SYTYCD Canada has a few stellar group dances to boast of as well! (both by the brilliant, and i do mean brilliant, Mia Michales!)
This Moment: a giant ball of light bulbs…
Will I?: This one is beyond words…seriously, completely captivated.
i'm done now. happy Monday & loads of joy!


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From the Grocery Store to Online-Has America Reached Its Racial Boiling Point?
by G. Brown
Saying goes, 'it's always darkest before dawn'. By that logic, America in the middle of a long, dark night. Since the President's recent rally in North Carolina, the chant "send her back" is more than a rallying cry, it's proving to be an alarm that's awakening a new level of racism.
In Georgia over the weekend, State Representative Erica Thomas' clash with another shopper is proving to be a potential powder keg in a state where racism is always bubbling beneath the surface. Thomas claimed that fellow shopper Eric Sparkes annoyed that the pregnant lawmaker had too many items in the express lane began a tirade of hateful language including telling her to 'go back where's from'.
The clash has grown from personal into a political brawl. The GOP called for Thomas to step down as a representative and the Democrats have started a "#WeStandWithErica" Twitter campaign.
The escalation in racial confrontations began after Trump's N.C. rally and the reverberations are being felt far beyond Georgia. In Louisiana, two police officers have been fired because of a Facebook post suggesting Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should be shot. Officer Charles Rispoli posted that Ocasio-Cortez is "a vile idiot" who "needs a round…and I don't mean the kind she used to serve". The freshman congresswoman from New York used to work as a bartender and was one of the four congresswomen of color that Trump suggested should go back home if they don't like America. Of course, Ocasio-Cortez is home–she was born in America along with two of the other congresswomen Trump attacked. Though Rispoli authored the FB post another officer, Angelo Varisco, gave it a "like" and he was fired as well.
Ocasio Cortez turned to social media to fight back tweeting all this racial hatred and vitriol is what Trump wanted—"This is Trump's goal when he uses targeted language & threatens elected officials who don't agree w/ his political agenda. It's authoritarian behavior. The President is sowing violence. He's creating an environment where people can get hurt & he claims plausible deniability."
CNN says Capitol Police say threats against congress members are on the rise. But are regular people seeing a rise in threats and confrontations also? Is the co-worker you shared office space with for the last decade now your mortal enemy if you have different color skin? Is the cashier at your corner grocery store now slamming your items into a bag because they see you as someone who should go back to your home country?
Most African Americans were born here and can trace their generations back to slave days. That's at least eight generations which mean most African Americans belong here and have since that first generation was brought against their will as slaves. Ironically, the man behind the "send her back" chant grandfather was born in Germany and his wife was also born outside of America. It's a classic Trump move to accuse others of the very thing he's guilty of. Some will take the time to check out his claims…but sadly those in his base will follow blindly and repeat his venom.
The racist escalation thus far seems to be primarily aimed at politicians. That is unnerving since we are at the beginning of campaigns heading into 2020 elections. Elections that will certainly grow in intensity as candidates get more desperate to win.
Author: The Reel Network
2 Comments
"It's a great day for racism", says/said NO ONE EVER!!
President number 45 is using racist language and hate speech to verbally attack female politicians of color so he can distract America from his controversial friendship/relationship with the notorious pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.


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Shop Announcement:
In these difficult times, I continue to work from home. I am only selling items which can be posted via the Post Box which is just outside my gate. I have a stock of stamps and packaging materials and, therefore, can stay open for business without imposing extra risk on other individuals. As usual, vintage linens and fabrics, re-stitched into unique gifts and accessories, may be found at my second Folksy shop 'LynwoodcraftsRecycled' where you will also find vintage sewing supplies including vintage lace.
Winter Tree and Robin - Embroidered oval felt brooch
This striking winter brooch feattures a winter tree, with bright red berries, against a frosty background, with a tiny robin for added interest.
The background of the brooch has been created from felt. The tree has been stitched in cotton threads using simple embroidery stitches. The berries and robin are also stitched in cotton threads. A metallic thread in random, pale, pastel colours has been used to stitch , scattered snow flakes, or frosty sparkles', across the snowy ground.
The back of the brooch has been neatened with 'eco' felt and a brooch pin is securely stitched in place.
Height - 5 cm approx.
Please note: items from Lynwoodcrafts are intended for adults. This item is unsuitable for children as it contains a sharp pin and small parts may represent a choking hazard to children under 36 months.
Items of embroidered jewellery may not be colourfast - care should be taken to remove them from clothing before clothing is washed.
One in a series of winter robin design embroidered felt brooches
Shipping & delivery
This item will be posted to you by Lynwoodcrafts within 5 days of receiving payment.
|Shipping destination
|Additional items
|United Kingdom
Returns Policy
You have 14 days, from receipt, to notify the seller if you wish to cancel your order or exchange an item.
Unless faulty, the following types of items are non-refundable: items that are personalised, bespoke or made-to-order to your specific requirements; items which deteriorate quickly (e.g. food), personal items sold with a hygiene seal (cosmetics, underwear) in instances where the seal is broken.


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Thus far, a large proportion of our weekend guests have come for celebrations, from friend and family re-unions to various anniversaries, 25th birthdays to 80ths! With its flexible floor plan, the Cowsheds presents an excellent solution for multi-generational groups, Bedrooms "Thursday" and "Friday" ideal for members of the group who would rather be slightly more self-contained, albeit just a stone throw from the communal areas. The pear tree-lined courtyard is lovely for drinks and canapés on a Summer's evening before settling into a barbecue outside or alternatively dinner in the glass-fronted dining room which opens out onto the courtyard.
We regret that we are unable to offer accommodation for Hen and Stag parties, without prior approval. We would also be grateful if you could contact us prior to booking if you wish to use the Cowsheds for parties in excess of 18 people (including 2 infants).


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1320 W. Hopkins St.
Pasco, WA 99301
The Mid-Columbia Libraries' Pasco Branch offers free public computers, printing and free wireless Internet access. It provides an extensive Spanish-language collection for all ages, including movies, books, and magazines as well as bilingual storytimes in English and Spanish.
The branch has bike locks that can be checked out for use while customers are at the library.
Service at the Pasco library first began in 1973. The building was remodeled in 1999 and again in 2014.


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Pop Up Kitchen at Talacre Beach this Saturday!
Head down to Talacre Beach Resort on Saturday 14th July for delicious hot dogs, fries and ice cream trays!
Is there anything better than spending a sunny summer Saturday at the beach? Yes, there is. Eating delicious food from a brand new Pop Up Kitchen at Talacre Beach! Saturday 14th July the Pop Up Restaurant opens at Talacre Beach, North Wales, come see us and turn left after Talacre Beach Resort and keep an eye out for a shiny silver Airstream, smelling of mouth-watering food. The Pop Up Kitchen is opening on Saturday and will be open from 11am to 7pm, with regular opening times Wednesday's to Sundays' 11am to 7pm – get delicious food all day long!
For more information keep up to date and like our official Facebook page to learn more about the Pop Up Kitchen.
The Menu
The Pop Up Kitchen will be serving traditional bratwurst hot dogs, fries and ice cream trays for your delight!
Our hot dog range includes Pulled Pork Dog with chef's cheese sauce and jalapenos; a mouth-watering Sloppy Chilli Cheese Dog; a delicious Nacho Cheese Dog which comes with jalapenos and guacamole; and even a Pizza Dog with sliced beef and pepperoni. Plus more mouth-watering hot dogs and toppings waiting for you to devour!
Sides include onion rings, plain fries, cheese fries, sloppy chilli fries. decadent pizza fries, and more.
And we didn't forget about dessert, with a wide range of ice cream trays available, including Reese's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream with caramel and chocolate sauce, a caramel waffle with ice cream and galaxy caramel. We also have a wonderful ice cream waffle cone and traditional 99 ice cream waffle cone.
Imagine soaking up the sun this Saturday 14th July and enjoy some mouth-watering food from the Pop Up Kitchen, which will be at Talacre Beach Resort, only a 2 minute walk from the golden sandy beach along the North Wales Coastline. Keep an eye on the official Facebook page for more information about the Pop Up Restaurant.
So make the best of your summer weekend and eat some delicious food by the sea!


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Everybody cooks at home……. But some, turn every dish they cook into magic. They have the Kaipakkuvam to turn almost everything they cook delicious. My mom is an exceptionally good cook. I guess,she adds a lot of love to the dishes she makes. The best part is being an active career woman, she never compromised on cooking. We lived in a small industrial town called MetturDam, where there weren't many fancy restaurants. So my mom had to cook almost everyday of the year. I am amazed at her time management skills. She can cook an elaborate meal within an hour.
People say it's really difficult to do traditional indian sweets. My mom is too sweet!. She can do Baadhusha, Mysorepak, BadamCake, Cashew Cake with great ease. My daughter ananya is a big fan of her Cashew Cake. Ananya calls it "Square sweet". When she is on the phone with grandma, she always asks when is she gonna make her the square sweet.
She doesn't just cook tasty. She cooks healthy too. Every sunday my dad would go to "Sandhai" -bazaar and buy loads of veggies and fruits. His shoulders would ache sometimes. We always had 2 or 3 vegetables and a salad in every meal. The salad cutting would be done by my dad. He helps my mom cutting vegetables for avial and helps her with sevai making etc. She had excellent friends who would motivate and help her if she is doing bakshanams in huge proportions. And Of course Me and my brother Hari would help her in eating all the dishes she makes. When she makes vadams in the summer time, we would offer to help her watch them, so that the crows dont take them away. In the process of watching them, we would have eaten, most of them. I remember waking up on sunday mornings from the aroma of the vegetable biriyani she makes…. Awesome Days!
Her background:
N. Jayalashmi(My mom), is one among 8 siblings. She was born and brought up near Pudukottai. Educated in Chennai (formely Madras). Moved to MetturDam with my dad ( V. Subramanian) after she got married.
Her Hobbies:
She is very talented and skilled. She is good at doing handicrafts-dolls with beads which we use for Navrathri golu,wall hangings and images of God with beads, wire baskets and does a lot of Knitting and crochet. She has made hats, mufflers,baby blankets, sweaters & booties for my lil one. She does excellent Kolam-Rangoli. There is nobody that would not stop to admire her Yezha kolam with kaavi-which is a traditional rangoli of south indian brahmins. I would call her my official dress designer. She is always brimming with new ideas and creative ways to stich a dress material. She has kool color choices and a flair for elegant cotton sarees. I have officially stolen a lot of her lovely cotton sarees. She also does part time clothing business.
Her Motherhood:
I still remember, how i felt When her Visa to the US got rejected. I couldn't possibly imagine my delivery without her by my side. Thank God, she got her Visa , the second time. She did 1008 kozhakatttais for Pillayar(Lord Ganesha) for being able to be by my side when I most needed her in my life. After I became a mom, I even more realize how sacrificing mother's are. On those rainy "Kunuku days", she would give us even the single piece she had saved for her. She shaped us into good individuals. She used to dress me and my brother in different costumes. Ready made costumes were not available then. So she would make everything on her own. My dad would make the Flute, kireedam-Crown and Vel and my mom would take care of making a small panchakacham,garlands, make up etc.
Her career:
She has M.Sc,M.Ed, M.Phil. She is a teacher by profession. She taught in Ethiraj college before she got married. She taught Higher Secondary Chemistry in Malco Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School. I was in her class. I have never seen her while away her time. She is either doing paper evaluation, question paper setting, taking tuition classes,preparing question banks, going on supervision(when students give their examinations) or running to take morning special classes for 12th students. Even in the weekends she would go to school for taking entrance preparation classes. She has published her own question banks and guide booklets. She is such an efficient and Hard working individual.
After being in a Rewarding career as a teacher for almost 35 years, As she gives her Voluntary Retirement , I salute her for all her hard work and devotion.
To speak of her in one sentence-A very good Wife, a great Mom , a devoted Teacher and a super adorable grandmom( To ananya)
Amma-I love you!


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How do I cancel my subscription(s)?
The Creatlr shop is where you purchased your subscription(s). Log in with the same account and cancel the subscription(s) you want.
Need dedicated assistance? Schedule a meeting. Just want to ask a question or say hi? Reach out!
Please or to submit a message, or contact us here.


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Students search for the perfect prom dress
Grace Treshock
June 6, 2016
The hunt for a prom dress can be unbearable, tiring and most of all, stressful. Not all girls find themselves as lucky as sophomore Kate Ridoux of Wall. Ridoux fell in love with the first dress she tried on: a Tiffany blue two-piece gown from Castle Couture. "I just felt like myself in it, which is...


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Vacancy expired!
Full-time/ Part-time Cashiers Wanted
New Hampton, Iowa
$10.00 hrly
Will greet customers, answer customer questions, perform cash register functions, assist with general store upkeep and may occasionally assist with book work.
Experience: 3-12 months preferred
Customer Assistance
Retail maintenance
Assist with stocking
Assist with cleaning
Assist with bookkeeping if needed
Other duties requested by management
ADMINISTRATIVE: Ability to evaluate work, do planning, record-keeping, reporting, and training
CLERICAL: Ability to answer phones, do filing, ten-key, typing, and cash register functions
MATHEMATICAL: Ability to do calculating, problem-solving, and reasoning
MECHANICAL: Ability to carry out maintenance and some constructing of items
LANGUAGE: Ability to draft and interpret correspondence, memos, and reports
Ability to get along with co-workers and deal with colleagues effectively and professionally, must demonstrate strong team player behavior, excellent customer service skill.
Sedona Staffing Services is and equal opportunity employer


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When I don't travel on a long holiday weekend, I tend to construct a humongous collection of songs for my MP3 player. This Memorial Day weekend was no exception. I got burned out on war movies by Saturday morning, and there was plenty of down time between my weekend routines. This was the first summer weekend I cleaned my landlord's back patio and sidewalk, which was rotten with leaves and other debris. I strongly recommend two hours of hard sweeping in 85-degree heat to get in touch with one's inner janitor.
This new collection was somehow appropriate with the whole process: Geek Rock. Because grown men monkeying around with dozens of CDs to make an MP3 collection is geeky. It's one of those intensely private functions guys do – sort of the aural equivalent of masturbation. But it makes me happy, and it's much better than other private functions grown men can do in their spare time, like turning alcoholic or attacking loved ones.
The word "geek" is borrowed from the short-lived TV series, Freaks and Geeks, which was a great show nailing high-school years circa the late 1970s. Unlike The Wonder Years, there were no hammy voice-overs, overblown sentimentality or sage morality lessons. The freaks got stoned, the geeks got picked on, and this is pretty much how I remember things.
I don't know how I classified myself at the time. Take a look at the picture. You can see my headphone hair. Slight acne. Freak's standard issue flannel shirt. I got good grades. I was good at sports, but didn't like the social hierarchy attached to the high-school version, and thus skipped out on that stuff. My friends were all guys in the same boat, a motley collection of eggheads, mild outcasts, the occasional jock and such. The one thing we had in common: we never got laid. I suspect a lot of people were in that boat in high school, but generally you get a bunch of vaguely nerdy guys spending all their time together, you may as well brand a large red "V" on their foreheads. I wouldn't say "L" for "loser" – plenty of losers got laid in high school.
But when it came to music, I can safely say I was in the "geek" camp by worshipping both Queen and the Electric Light Orchestra. When I watch Queen videos from that time period now, the main thing I see, of course, is how flaming, out-of-the-closet gay Freddie Mercury was. Believe me, this was not clear to teenage rock fans at the time – or if it was, we were simply in denial or so impressed by how hard the band could rock that this counter-balanced those "what the fuck" feelings generated by hearing songs like "Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy" and "Seaside Rendezvous."
ELO was music meant for masturbators. It was grandiose orchestral pop, often with the theme of yearning for things one couldn't have ("Eldorado," "Telephone Line," "Can't Get It Out of My Head"). Believe me, their music made perfect sense to sensitive teenage guys not getting laid (pardon the oxymoronic nature of this statement). The good thing about Queen and ELO was that both bands understood the appeal of pop music, yet had these orchestral or vaguely prog-rock leanings that made them seem cool on that bullshit level. Most of their songs were four or five minutes long and aimed at being pop hits, which they were. Jeff Lynne was a white guy with a huge afro who constantly wore sunglasses – he wasn't cool, nor was the rest of the band. I distinctly recall the keyboard player, Richard Tandy, getting his ass kicked hard by Rod Stewart in a one-on-one soccer match on Battle of the Network Stars. These guys weren't cool.
Nor was I, and I'm still not now! When I decided to throw this collection together, the game plan was to connect this music of the 70s with bands they influenced from the 90s, like Grandaddy, the Flaming Lips and East River Pipe – all of whom remind me of that Queen/ELO vibe. I'd say the difference is Queen and ELO had much more talented vocalists and producers (Roy Thomas Baker and Jeff Lynne himself), and both bands had unlimited amounts of studio time to pull their signature sounds together. The 90s bands started out as punk or DIY outfits, and thus didn't have the same benefits, although the Flaming Lips have surely come a long way, studio-wise.
The thing is, once I got rolling with the 70s stuff, I realized this was a mammoth undertaking, and the 90s stuff was out. I had forgotten about Genesis, Peter Gabriel's first two solo albums, Klaatu, the occasional Styx/Journey/REO Speedwagon songs, and the coup de grace: Supertramp. I loved those gentle hippies who knew how to write Top 40 smashes; any band with a clarinetist surely classifies as Geek Rock. Where is today's Supertramp, for christ's sake?
Long story short, I ended up with about 200 Geek Rock songs from the 70s, which I put on my player last night and started listening to this morning. What occurs to me now with a lot of 70s stuff that I listened to religiously at the time is that unless I pull it out of my collection now, I never hear this stuff again, as I'm constantly pushing forward with new music and new genres. Aside from a handful of songs that get picked up by movies or commercials, this stuff has disappeared from the cultural landscape – unless satellite stations like XM and Sirius have dedicated a special station to 70s Schlock.
It's a blast to hear this music again, especially with that distance from the 70s to now, all the musical trends I've picked up since: country, blues, celtic, soul, big band, etc. The emotional connection isn't what it was, but I can hear that a lot of this stuff was great pop music made by bands who really had their craft down and were much more talented than most bands of today. I suggest anyone laughing at an ELO record get into a studio and try to get anywhere near the sound Jeff Lynne got on a regular basis.
I'm still sitting on a fence over whether or not to include Neil Diamond. One of my gayest teenage memories is walking in rhythm through the local mall on a Saturday night to his his hit single, "Forever in Blue Jeans," which was playing over the mall's PA system. At the time, I thought I was cool, but good lord, if I could see film footage of this now, I think my head would blow off my neck. I know I was wearing earth shoes and had my feather hair cut in full bloom. I may have even been singing along: "Maybe tonight/You and I/All alone by the fie-yuh ..."
If I could narrow this collection down to an 80-minute CD, the cover would be me sitting on my bed, wearing a pair of Radio Shack Nova 40 headphones, and gazing out the window on a rainy day. There's a slight irony now in a grown man listening to the same music on a crowded subway train, hoping to will away at least the sound of his immediate environment, wishing he could be alone as that kid on the bed was.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Geek Rock
Posted by William S. Repsher at 12:00 PM
2 comments:
- Mike A. said...
You left out The Doobie Brothers (pre Michael McDonald). I was actually turned on to them by my father.
- William S. Repsher said...
The thing is, pre-Mike McDonald Doobie Brothers were kind of a California biker-cum-hippie band, best exemplified by lead singer/guitarist Tom Johnston and his handlebar mustache. China Grove? Black Water? This is what Hells Angels in the Frisco Bay chapter would listen to when they wanted to mellow down with their mamas. Weirdoes, yes -- but not geeks.
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Runes of Magic Diary: Still 49/36
Mobly's been switching things up, as of late. I decided to run my own personal social experiment and begin buying small chunks of diamonds, regularly, to speed up his progress. As many of you may know, I spend a large amount of my out-of-game time over at MMOvoices these days. I feel very welcome over there. It's a terrific community of MMORPG bloggers and players. I highly recommend checking it out, if you haven't yet. If you do follow my shouts and posts over there, you'll notice that I make short term in-game goals and then constantly change them. Force of habit, I guess. On one hand, I try to stay open for anything fun that just pops up in front of me, on the other, I don't get a whole lot done because I'm always spreading myself out too much in-game.
One thing I plan to rectify, with diamond purchases, is my level and gear progression. Runes of Magic's Item Mall has plenty of stuff for housing, pets, mounts, and other fun fluff items, but they also provide a means to get in-game tokens, and tools faster, which can be immediately used to craft better gear. I also hope to pay attention to how it affects my behavior, thoughts, player reactions, and overall social impact for me as a whole. Many things can be gleaned from reading other blogs, forums, and in-game player chat that yield answers to questions like "How will other players treat me?", "How will I start spending most of my time?", and the like. Everything can't be surmised, however. Some things may surprise me, and it will be interesting to at least experience it first hand.
I will also get an opportunity, I think, to delve into all the instances I've never even stepped foot in yet, and see most of the game in its current state.
Mobly has been 49/36 for the better half of 2009, but that will change shortly. I'll initially use some diamonds to trade for gold, in turn just buying my dailies to zip through some leveling. I'll also use some quickly gained gold to update armor as best I can from just buying it. I can buy upgrade jewels from the Item Shop that have a higher success chance than the in-game version to raise all the items to +6, and then tier all those items up. I don't know yet how high I'll be tiering as I've never really done anything past 3, and don't know how long it will take. You can see how buying diamonds can translate into an instant stream of gold, and some purchasable items have a higher success rating, but you still have to actually make the items. I'll just be doing it faster than someone who has to earn the daily tokens and gold through in-game endeavors. After that, I'll start venturing into the unexplored portions of the newer zones and feeling out what kind of gear I'll need to look for next in order to start doing the high level instances. I have heard than Knight/Priests are very welcome in groups because there's so few of us(It's one of the least popular/longest to level class combinations). It's going to take some brain power by this step. I'm pretty sure people do one instance to get certain weapons and armor, not for the items themselves, but for the nice stats they have which they can strip from the item(s) and enchant other items with. They essentially collect a bunch of items with certain stats, strip them all(destroying those items) then take all those stats, combine them, and put them onto one new piece of nice gear. I've never done stripping(or "disenchanting") before, and have no idea where to start with what good stats, and items to put them on, to move up the chain of uber-geared-ness. It will all be fun new experiences(I hope).
It will be interesting to see if I experience any sense of having "accomplished it all" and get bored. I highly doubt it, but at least I may be able to recognize it for how others experience it.
2 Responses to "Runes of Magic Diary: Still 49/36"
Thanks for the post. At last I got a good idea about this game. 🙂
This game rocks ! Thank you for the tip ! and by the way, well written article 🙂


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Michael Stanley is Co-founder and CEO of Cairn Homes since 2015. He was previously CEO of Stanley Holdings following its demerger from Shannon Homes (the Stanley family founded Shannon Homes). Michael has a strong pedigree in residential development and the broader property industry and also has extensive experience in the packaging, energy, agritech and healthcare sectors.
Where did it all start for Cairn Homes?
I grew up in homebuilding, my Dad and uncle set up Shannon Homes in the early 1970's. We made the decision to mothball our family business in 2008 but when the green shoots were reappearing in 2013, I decided it was time to get back into the industry.
Our industry fell off the edge of a cliff in 2009, when land previously owned privately by homebuilders fell into the hands of what I call "unnatural owners" – NAMA, banks and international private equity firms that had bought out distressed loan books. By unnatural, I mean that these were effectively land owners with no development capability.
My Co-Founder Alan McIntosh and I knew in 2014 that opportunities would exist in Ireland to acquire a lot of large residential sites as these unnatural owners began to deleverage. This was a "once in a career opportunity" to acquire a landbank of scale at a very attractive price. I had secured funding to develop Parkside in Balgriffin, however none of these private equity funders were interested in the bigger picture – a lot of land was coming to the market, and there were no capitalised homebuilders to buy it. When I met Alan, it really was a "meeting of minds". Crucially, we both held the same conviction and vision – this was a unique opportunity to start a homebuilder of scale in an industry that had been decimated – and with no sign of any other new entrants of scale. We both agreed that the best way to leverage the Irish residential opportunity was through raising equity on the capital markets. We poured our first foundation in Parkside in January 2015, and soon after we started building houses in Albany. We successfully floated on the London Stock Exchange in June 2015, initially raising €440m equity, and that is when our journey really began.
What are the biggest challenges for the residential sector and how do you see this affecting Cairn?
We are in the middle of a housing crisis and are just about building 50% of current demand levels, which we estimate at 35,000 new homes per annum. The industry response has been poor, and it is difficult for homebuilders to successfully scale at the pace required.
The biggest challenge remains access to funding – both equity and debt. High street funders are very selective and when funding is available, the level of equity required is a constraining factor. A lot of the equity is generally expensive third party equity, meaning that most homebuilders cannot organically grow their business or their balance sheet because of the combined cost of their equity and debt.
The availability of competitively priced land, where you can build and sell at prices where buyers can readily access mortgages, is also a challenge. Land values have increased significantly over the last 3 years. Homebuilders can only build efficiently, generating construction cost economies of scale across their supply chain and delivery platforms, when they are building at scale, on large schemes, across multiple sites. Outside of the top 3 or 4 homebuilders in Ireland, very few, if any, are building on more than two sites delivering over 75 units a year. The top 20 homebuilders in Ireland sold c. 3,500 new homes last year which equates to 10% of national demand. Compare that to the UK, where the top 20 sold in excess of 100,000 new homes or 50% of national demand. Our industry has a very long tail and a complete lack of homebuilders operating at scale.
This is the very reason we are equity led and well capitalised. We have a low cost of capital and very competitively priced debt, a land bank of scale and most importantly, a great team of talented and experienced homebuilders and other professionals. Economies of scale allow us to deliver competitively priced starter homes, which we price to sell at volume and profitably.
How do you see the future for residential property in Ireland?
I'm very optimistic. As an industry and a country, we have a lot to do in order to adequately address the housing crisis and we need to see market conditions persist which encourage more homebuilders to scale.
There will always be demand for traditional suburban houses. We are also seeing high numbers either choosing or being forced to rent, and there are significant opportunities in the private rental sector (PRS). The majority of Irish people are predisposed to owning their own home. I think buying patterns will change with more people looking to live in smaller homes in good locations – duplex units and apartments. We also have a transient workforce in Dublin, and these well paid tech company employees are demanding higher quality apartment accommodation close to work.
We own c. 4,000 apartment sites in some great locations in and close to Dublin City Centre and are currently active on three schemes. We will start construction on five additional sites, including Griffith Avenue and Montrose, in the next 12 months. There are currently only a little over 1,600 apartments under construction in Dublin city, meaning we can accurately predict that this is the maximum level of supply in the CBD to the end of 2020. If you haven't started an apartment development today, you will not be delivering any completed units until 2021. At the same time, there is enough office space under construction to accommodate 60,000 new employees, so the mismatch is stark – we are forcing over 55k employees to live in the suburbs.
Do you believe market conditions will remain positive in the short to medium term?
The fundamentals of the Irish economy remain very strong, and notwithstanding Brexit, I believe prospects for the new homes market remain positive. Looking at the key ingredients of affordability – wage inflation, growing employment, mortgage rates falling slowly, the end of austerity budgets – it all points to favourable market conditions. Bridging the gap between supply and demand will take longer than 2, 3 or 4 years. The reality is that even if we were building 35,000 units a year, market conditions would still be positive, we have a stronger and more resilient economy now than ever before, and homebuilders who can build at scale and efficiently will be able to run profitable businesses.
Revenue statistics show that there are 265k couples and 69k individuals who can afford to buy a house priced between €275k and €350k. So the market depth is there, at a price point where we will continue to price competitively.
What is your view on house price inflation and value?
There has been a lot of mis-information surrounding HPI. Obviously house prices had to rebound having fallen in value by 60% peak to trough, however the level of HPI witnessed in recent years has principally been driven by an illiquid second hand market. House prices in Dublin are still 20% below peak. The true level of HPI in our starter homes schemes has averaged c. 5%. There is a simple reason for this – if you are buying a starter home, you are mortgage dependent and sensitive to the lending rules. With our low land costs and the economies of scale we deliver, we will continue to price our starter homes competitively and to sell at volume. This market is the very core of our business. The country needs sustainable house price inflation and a sustainable mortgage market. We are starting to see more competition amongst the banks with some positive headline rates on offer.
What is key for Cairn Homes over the next 3 years?
We will continue to increase our annual output in line with guidance, and we will hit our medium term run rate of €550m revenue in 2021 from c. 1,400 – 1,500 unit sales. We are now an established business and are perfectly positioned to meet our medium term objectives. The development of apartment sites, along with potential PRS opportunities, will be exciting for us in the coming years.
We are also going to reward our shareholders handsomely for their investment with capital returns to commence from FY19 realised profits. We are in a period of significant cash generation, which I believe will remain for the long-term. We have a 10-year land bank which we will run down to c. 6 years supply. This means that our cash margins will effectively be double our operating margins and it is highly unlikely that we will be reinvesting the land cost of each house we sell into new land.
Please note this article is for information purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and not Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland Limited ("CFIL"). CFIL has not contributed to this article in any way. It is not intended to and does not constitute personal recommendations/investment advice.
To speak with a Portfolio Manager or Account Executive, please phone the Cantor Fitzgerald dealing desk on 01 633 3633.
Warning: Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance. The value of your investment may go down as well as up.


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Ariisto Developers has already developed the rehabilitation component of the slum project and has now started work on the free-sale component of the project through this alliance with Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate.
Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is in advanced talks with Ariisto Developers to enter into a joint development agreement to develop a residential project of around one million square feet in Mumbai's suburb of Goregaon, said two persons with direct knowledge of the development.
"Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is likely to pay around Rs 250 crore upfront to Ariisto as per terms of this alliance," said one of the persons, who did not wish to be identified.
Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate's spokesperson declined to comment on the development, as did Atithi Patel, director, Ariisto Developers.
Earlier, the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had admitted and initiated insolvency proceedings against a special purpose vehicle of Ariisto Developers.
Policy changes, including demonetisation, implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 and the goods and services tax (GST) regime have resulted in consolidation in the real estate sector. Several real estate developers across markets are looking for stronger players to associate with through joint developments or joint ventures, or for exiting a few projects completely.
Ariisto Developers, formerly known as Atithi Builders, has more than 15 projects under construction across Mumbai measuring around 32 million sq ft. The company was one of the first developers to undertake and execute transfer of development rights (TDR)-generating projects under regulation 33(10) of the Development Control Regulations for Greater Mumbai that relates to slum rehabilitation.


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By limiting indulgence in high-impact activities and taking help of certain pain management techniques, you can easily treat lower back pain at home i.e. without seeking medical treatment.
Lower back pain is a common problem that usually happens due to improper postures, lifting heavy objects, wearing high heels, overstressing and obesity. Even sitting in a similar position for long hours can lead to lower backache. Lower back pain usually subsides on its own within a few weeks without the support of medical treatment. To manage back pain at home, resort to some effective home treatments.
[Read: Overlooked Remedies for Lower Back Pain]
Restrain pain causing activities/movements
- There are certain movements such as lifting heavy objects, bending or climbing stairs that cause more discomfort to the lower back pain than others, increasing your woes and delaying the healing process.
- Wrong sleeping positions may also aggravate lower backache, so never sleep on your stomach, but try to lie straight on the bed while sleeping. Place a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side.
[Read: Correct Postures to avoid Back Pain]
- When you sit on a chair, provide extra support to your back by placing a cushion or a rolled-up towel behind the back. Do not sit with your legs pulled straight; they should be bent from the knees and hips.
- Do not drive for long hours. If you must travel a lot, keep changing your sitting position after every 15 minutes.
[Read: Dealing with back pain while driving]
Take Hot water Bag Massage
Massage therapy eases back pain to a great extent and reduces inflammation. Take hot water bath or shower to relieve nibbling pain in the lower back. This will relax muscle stiffness and have a calming effect on your aching back. For better results, apply hot water bag on your hurting back. Place it for 20 minutes twice in a day. Ensure that the water isn't too hot or it may leave burns on your skin.
[Read: How to Reduce Back Pain]
Do not stay immobile
To bring relief to your condition, take rest but only in the initial days of the pain or injury. Remaining immobile and lying on bed for prolonged hours may cause muscle stiffness, elevating lower back trouble. Doctors advise rest for the first two days after injury or pain, but after that, you must make efforts to return to the normal routine starting with low-impact activities.
Get a helping hand for your household chores
If pain has started hindering day-to-day routine, get someone to help you carry the household chores out. Take a backseat in physical tasks and let your spouse handle them. Divide your daily tasks among family members or employ a maid. You may do low-impact tasks such as supervising household chores.
Consult an orthopaedic or a physiotherapist if your lower back pack continues to trouble you despite of trying these home treatments.
Read more articles on Back Pain.
All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.


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Dealing with business growth
It's a nice problem to have: your business is growing, profits are up, and customer orders keep coming in. But when companies experience rapid growth they can very quickly find that the way they've operated in the past can't keep pace with the new business needs. That was the challenge facing Catalent Pharma Solutions' Bolton facility. As the company grew it soon found that its productivity was hindered by old processes that hadn't been changed to match the company growth. So how did they turn it around?
In this Process Perspectives podcast, Ian Swift, Operations Manager at the Catalent Pharma Solutions' Bolton facility talks about instilling a continuous improvement mindset at the facility and why people are more important than process. .
With technology as time goes on new processes create faster solutions and your old phone or laptop may be left behind. Much is the same with any business process management scheme, if your plan is slowing and has encountered speed-bumps and you are considering in investing in a business process management solution in the next 2-3 years then PEX's: BPM Open House will give you tips and strategy ideas for you current or upcoming business plan.


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Author C.R. Berry's first book in the Million Eyes trilogy tells the story of the two investigators who uncovered the powerful people behind a shocking conspiracy, against the Royal family, that has shaped the last 1000 years.
DARTFORD, KENT – 09 March 2020 – Elsewhen Press, an independent UK publisher specialising in Speculative Fiction, is delighted to announce the publication of the print edition of Million Eyes, the first book in a new trilogy from author and conspiracy investigator, C.R. Berry, tackling power, corruption and destiny.
What if we're living in an alternate timeline? What if the car crash that killed Princess Diana, the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower, and the shooting of King William II weren't supposed to happen?
Ex-history teacher, Gregory Ferro, found evidence that a cabal of time travellers is responsible for several key events in our history. These events all seem to hinge on a dry textbook published in 1995, referenced in a history book written in 1977 and mentioned in a letter to Edward III in 1348. Ferro teamed up with down-on-her-luck graduate, Jennifer Larson, to get to the truth and discover the relevance of a book that seemed to defy the arrow of time. But the time travellers were watching closely. Soon, Ferro and Larson were targeted by assassins willing to rewrite history to bury them.
Million Eyes was initially published in a digital edition in January, to widespread acclaim despite a social media campaign waged against author C.R. Berry by those behind the conspiracy. Thankfully, the attention apparently made it more difficult for them to carry out the threats they had made against Berry. Million Eyes is available from today in a print edition, to encourage more readers to discover the truth that is undoubtedly out there.
Notes for Editors
About C.R. Berry
C.R. Berry caught the writing bug at the tender age of four, and has never recovered. He realised pretty quickly that his favourite characters were usually the villains. He wonders if that's what led him to become a criminal lawyer. After a few years spent getting a more rounded view of human nature's darker side, he quit lawyering and turned to writing full-time. He now works as a freelance copywriter and novelist and blogs about conspiracy theories, time travel and otherworldly weirdness. He grew up in Farnborough, Hampshire, a town he says has as much character as a broccoli. He's since moved to the "much more interesting and charming" Haslemere, in Surrey.
Visit bit.ly/Million-Eyes


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First day back from any vacation is always the hardest, especially from a relaxing one. (Meaning mostly spent by the poolside or under an umbrella at the beach, sipping cool drinks). The funny thing was, while I wondered what to post on my blog at the start the week after a vacation, I came across the perfect recipe to make the transition and bring a little of the island back with me.
Tropical Chewy Granola Bars
Makes 12-16 bars
2 Tbsp. chia seeds + 6 Tbsp. water
2 cups / 200g rolled oats (certified gluten-free if possible)
½ cup / 150g raw buckwheat groats
1 cup / 50g coconut flakes
¾ cup / 100g macadamia nuts, chopped
60g / 2 oz. dried banana, chopped (or Medjool dates)
60g / 2 oz. dried mango, chopped
¼ cup / 60ml coconut oil
1/3 cup / 80ml honey (or maple syrup)
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 tsp. extract)
2 very ripe bananas
½ tsp. coarse sea salt
1. In a small bowl, combine chia seeds and water to make a gel. Set aside.
2. Spread the oats, buckwheat, coconut and macadamia nuts out on a baking sheet and place in a 300°F / 150°C oven. Stir every 5 minutes or so, until lightly toasted, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
3. While the oat mixture is toasting, make the liquid. In a small saucepan combine coconut oil, honey, and vanilla. Whisk over low-medium heat until melted and thoroughly combined.
4. In a food processor or blender, blend peeled bananas with the honey and oil mixture. Blend until smooth. Pulse in chia gel gently, just to combine>
5. In a large mixing bowl combine toasted oat mixture, sea salt, and chopped dried fruit. Pour in the liquid and stir well to combine.
6. Turn the oven up to 350°F / 175°C. Spread a large piece of parchment paper in a 8" x 8" (20 x 20 cm) baking pan, overlapping the sides. Pour the granola bar mixture into the pan and press down firmly with a spatula, especially in the corners. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on top and around the edges.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes. To take the granola slab out of the pan, simply lift up the sides of the parchment. Place on a flat surface and cut into rectangles or squares (12-16, depending on the size). Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Best if kept cold, as this prevents the bars from crumbling.
{photo and recipe credit: click here}


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Thanks to Mother Jones's Dana Liebelson, sit back and enjoy some of Jim DeMint's finest moments as a US senator:
DeMint says gay people and unmarried women having sex shouldn't teach your children
According to the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, DeMint said this at a South Carolina rally: "If someone is openly homosexual, they shouldn't be teaching in the classroom and he holds the same position as an unmarried woman who's sleeping with her boyfriend — she shouldn't be in the classroom."
And for those people who think DeMint is somehow more powerful running a right-wing think-tank than in the Senate, consider this:
DeMint puts a hold on National Women's History Museum
In 2010, a proposed bill would have allowed a private group to buy property on Independence Avenue to build a women's history museum (without costing taxpayers any money). DeMint was one of the bill's chief opponents, and put a hold on it.
One man – Dave Wasserman of the Cook Political Report – is still keeping an eye on 2012 presidential votes as the last ones are counted:
Barack Obama's total lead in the popular votes looks like ending up a shade below five million, while his lead as a share of the vote will be a little under 4% against Mitt Romney, who is sinking towards 47%.
As for who gets appointed to replace Jim DeMint, you know who else is from South Carolina? Stephen Colbert:
Brace yourselves, Colbert Report fans: Colbert, who has made no secret of his desire to hold higher office, says through his publicist that he's ready and willing to step up for his home state. "Stephen is honored by the groundswell of support from the Palmetto State and looks forward to Governor Haley's call," his personal publicist, Carrie Byalick, writes in an email to Mother Jones.
Mitch McConnell filibusters himself
Some wonder if the Republican party in Congress can walk and chew gum at the same time. But watching Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell today makes one wonder if just chewing gum might be too taxing.
The Democrats and the White House would like to change the way Congress approves an increase in the debt limit, and use a method that was adopted during the 2011 debt ceiling crisis. Here's the AP take:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid sought a vote on the president's debt limit scheme today but was blocked by top Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who objected to subjecting the idea to a simple majority tally instead of the 60 votes typically required to pass controversial legislation. But Democrats pointed out that McConnell had pressed for a vote just Thursday morning and had introduced the measure.
Nonetheless, McConnell blocked the measure. Which he introduced. Based on a process he designed. No wonder Jim DeMint got fed up.
Barack Obama took his case for keeping lower taxes for middle class families during a visit to Falls Church, Virginia.
Abolish the debt ceiling, says Zandi
Congress's joint economic committee held a hearing on the fiscal cliff today, and the most interesting thing to emerge from the testimony by Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Analytics, was his insistence that it was time to do away with the debt ceiling:
We need to get rid of the debt ceiling law. It's anachronistic and it's a problem.
Zandi said brinkmanship over raising the debt limit on federal borrowing was akin to putting "a revolver to your head on a regular basis," and that the legislation that allows Congress final say over the limit should be replaced with something more useful.
Another winner for Joe Biden
This wonderful photograph of Joe Biden in Ohio during the 2012 campaign won Carolyn Kaster of the Associated Press the Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar award for best election photograph.
Someone asked Nancy Pelosi, Democratic minority leader in the House, what she had to say about Jim DeMint's leaving the Senate.
Pelosi made it clear exactly how she felt, referring to DeMint's vote against the US ratifying the UN convention on rights for people with disabilities:
I'll tell you this. I think what we saw the night before last in the United States Senate was one of the saddest. You know there are competitions for the honor of worst, most shameful, all the rest of that.
But the saddest of all occasions, imagine that a convention, a treaty was put before the United States Senate that captured US law about the respect and recognition of the needs of people with disabilities. It was something that grew from something we did. And one of the leaders in making that happen in the 90s was Senator Dole, Senator Kennedy, George Miller on the House side and others.
And I was there the day the president signed the bill. And Senator Dole was so proud of the role that he and his staff – one of his staff members had a child with disabilities – it was a beautiful, a beautiful bill signing because it was related to people's lives so directly and they knew that.
And so for Senator Dole to come as the former leader of the Republicans in Congress, to personally come to the Senate floor to lobby, to advocate for that legislation. Just needed five more votes, and to see the Republicans in the Senate reject that out of hand for reasons that go beyond reason, it was stunning.
And so you ask me how is it that some of the people who advocate that way in the Senate is leaving, well I guess it depends on who is replacing that person. But that action that was taken in the Senate the other day was such a slap in the face to our veterans, one of whom is Senator Dole who was a veteran with a disability rose to the height of our country; ran for president of the United States, presided over the Senate as a majority leader.
For them to slap the face of our veterans, of people with disabilities, of families with children with disabilities, that was one of the saddest days. So, anyone who was a party to that, well I wish them well wherever they are going and hope that we can have more of our values represented there.
In other words, don't let the door hit you on the way out Jim.
Via the White House press pool, here's what President Obama told the Santana family during his visit to their home this afternoon to press for tax increases to be avoided:
[It's] very important we get this done now, we don't wait. The closer it gets to the brink, the more stress there is going to be. Everyone is going to have to share in some sacrifice. But it starts with folks who are in the best position to sacrifice....
Just to be clear I'm not going to sign any package that somehow prevents the top rate from going up, the top 2% from going up.
Oddly, the White House says that Tiffany Santana – of the family in Falls Church, Virginia, that President Obama is currently visiting – was identified using the #My2K hashtag. Yet it's nowhere on what appears to be either of her Twitter accounts, this one or this one.
It may have been another member of the family, perhaps, or some other reason. Or on Facebook or something.
President Obama's hashtag campaign
When Barack Obama wanted some advice fixing a problem he did what a lot of people do these days: he turned to social media for help.
In what may be a first for the White House, President Obama today discusses the impact of potential tax rises with a family in northern Virginia that first identified itself on Twitter using a hashtag promoted by Obama last week to spark online discussion about the so-called "fiscal cliff".
Obama used a public appearance at a toy factory in Pennsylvania to urge supporters to lobby members of Congress for his plans to extend lower tax rates for the middle class. "I want you to call, I want you to send an email, I want you to post on their Facebook wall. If you tweet then use a hashtag we're calling #My2K.... because it's about your 2K in your pocket. We're trying to burn that into people's mind here."
Among those who replied using the hashtag was Tiffany Santana, a high school English teacher who tweeted about the impact a $2,200 tax hike would have if the tax rates were allowed to rise at the end of the year.
This video has been put out by the White House's YouTube channel, featuring the Santana family that President Obama visits this afternoon.
Back on the fiscal cliff, and Jay Carney is taking questions from reporters at the daily White House briefing.
Asked about the Obama-Boehner clifftastic phone call last night, Carney won't reveal any details, or "characterize" the call, as he puts it. Or anything, really, other than the fact that it took place.
Asked if the president is prepared to skip his Christmas vacation to make a deal, all Carney will say is : "The President is focused on making it happen."
The State newspaper in South Carolina on Jim DeMint's decision to step down from the Senate:
Initially viewed as ineffective, DeMint became a icon of small-government Republicans, known as Senator Tea Party, advocating an end to budget earmarks, balancing the budget and reforming entitlements.
And it notes that 2014 will now see a trifecta of elections in 2014 in South Carolina:
DeMint's stunning move sets the stage for an explosive 2014 election – with his position, the governorship and South Carolina's other US senator, Lindsey Graham – all on the ballot.
Any chance for a Democrat in any of those elections? Tricky.
Another reason why Jim DeMint decided to take his talents to think-tank land?
DeMinted: what it all means
So that's Jim DeMint gone, and so far as Washington DC is concerned he may as well not exist as the chattering class turns to ponder: what next?
In particular, under the South Carolina constitution, the Republican governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley gets to appoint DeMint's replacement until a special election is held in 2014. She can even appoint herself if she feels like it.
However there's also a chance that Haley – disliked by the state's GOP hierarchy – could go ahead and pick South Carolina's bright young congressman Tim Scott for the seat. Scott is African American and he would be the first such in South Carolina's history, in itself quite a big deal.
Also, this is good news for South Carolina's slightly squishy other senator Lindsay Graham, since it may mean the swivel-eyed so-cons and Tea Party dead-enders fight like rats in a sack for DeMint's seat rather than challenge Graham in a primary, since he too is up for re-election in 2014.
The pressure off Graham could mean a lowering of the temperature on Susan Rice – if Graham no longer has to appease his base – over the Benghazi talking points, if she is nominated by President Obama to be secretary of state.
And finally, without DeMint's doleful presence in the halls of Congress, the GOP House leadership may feel more free to cut a deal to avert the fiscal cliff with the Obama adminsitration.
So, basically Jim DeMint stepping down is good for America.
But who will inherit the mantle of ideological rigidity from DeMint? Step forward Kentucky senator Rand Paul, who may make DeMint seem like Ted Kennedy in a few years.
The Wall Street Journal op-ed section got the jump on the Jim DeMint announcement – no surprises there since the WSJ op-ed section is Heritage's in-house fanblog – and spoke to the man himself:
In an interview preceding the succession announcement, Senator DeMint said he is taking the Heritage job because he sees it as a vehicle to popularise conservative ideas in a way that connects with a broader public. "This is an urgent time," the senator said, "because we saw in the last election we were not able to communicate conservative ideas that win elections."
In other words: why will no one vote for my right-wing shibboleths?
The Heritage Foundation, the right-wingers' right-wing think-tank, puts out a statement on Jim DeMint:
Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) will leave the US Senate next year to become president of The Heritage Foundation, succeeding Edwin Feulner, the man who first envisioned the think tank in 1973 and has led it as president for the past 36 years.
Heritage's Board of Trustees unanimously chose DeMint as the organization's next leader, starting April 3. DeMint will resign from the Senate and start as President-elect in early January, so he and Feulner can ensure a smooth transition.
And offers this quote from the Heritage board:
Jim DeMint has shown that principled conservatism remains a winning political philosophy. His passion for rigorous research, his dedication to the principles of our nation's founding, and his ability to translate policy ideas into action make him an ideal choice to lead Heritage to even greater success.
"His passion for rigorous research," eh? "His ability to translate policy ideas into action," eh? DeMint kept both of those talents well hidden.
Jim DeMint quits the Senate
Senator Jim DeMint, South Carolina's rock-ribbed conservative and hero to the Tea Party movement, has announced that he is resigning from Congress, setting off a political explosion in Washington that will be felt in the fiscal cliff negotiations and throughout the Republican party.
The decision to step down from the Senate next month to become head of the right-wing think tank the Heritage Foundation shocked Washington's commentators – and makes clear that the era of Tea Party influence over the GOP has waned.
DeMint made a name for himself as an unyielding voice in opposition to taxes and spending within the Republican party, regularly excoriating his own side for any signs of compromise. Just this week he made a savage attack on the Republican House offer to avert the fiscal cliff.
In recent years DeMint has become a kingmaker within Republican conservative circles. But his decision to leave Congress is a further sign that the extreme conservative wing of the Republican party is weakened in the wake of the 2012 elections.
Earlier this week House Republican leaders conducted a mini-purge of hardline conservatives, with Speaker John Boehner warning that colleagues who challenged the party from the right could expect similar treatment.
Without DeMint to rally the flagging forces of reaction within Congress, the chances of Republicans and the White House coming to a sensible and timely agreement on tax and spending to avert the fiscal clif is surely increased.
And it is also perhaps a sign that the Republican party nationally has accepted the need to moderate its image and its policies if it wants to regain the White House after two successive heavy defeats.
President Obama takes to the road again today to sell his plans to avert the so-called fiscal cliff, making an appearance with a family in northern Virginia who would be affected by the expiration of the Bush era tax cuts at the end of this year.
The House of Representatives, meanwhile, is gone off on a break, although Speaker John Boehner has vowed to stay in Washington in case a deal breaks out. Last night President Obama called Boehner to discuss negotiations on the fiscal cliff although few details have been released about the content of their discussion.
But new polling shows strong support for the White House and Democratic party stances on raising taxes on the most wealthy while extending tax cuts for the middle class – and show little support for any attempts to cut federal social services such as Medicare. Some 66% of those polled by Quinnipiac believe the best way to reduce the deficit is a combination of tax increases and spending cuts, which is the package being advocated by Democrats.


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If you're looking forward to a big date and happen to live or be visiting Colorado, you're in luck as the state offers some of the very best spots for romance in the nation, including these.
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Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Colorado's hot springs are one of the state's most popular attractions, and they also make an ideal spot for bringing a date, whether it's for the day or an overnight rendezvous. Just a little over two hours west of Denver lies Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, which offers both hot springs that sit within natural, rocky surroundings as well as human-created pools that are all heated by geothermal water. It also hosts an outstanding restaurant with a menu focused on fresh ingredients, including local produce; bars, a beer garden, yoga and fitness classes. You may want to schedule a treatment at the spa, which hosts a menu of various types of massage, body treatments, facials, acupuncture, private soaks like the mud or lavender salt soak, and more.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
If you're in southwestern Colorado, consider a train date in Durango, where you two can travel back in time over 130 years by hopping aboard the historic steam train known as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The circa-1882, coal-fired, steam-operated train was specifically built to handle the narrow mountain routes, chugging along at 18 miles per hour as it climbs the steep and magnificent mountain passes between Durango and Silverton, 45 miles north, allowing passengers to really soak up all of that breathtaking mountain scenery. Much of the downtown area in the tiny but incredibly scenic town of Silverton is a designated National Historic District and hosts a number of interesting places to visit, including the San Juan County Historical Society, housed in the old county jail, as well as the Mayflower Gold Mill National Historic Site and the Old Hundred Gold Mine.
Ride the Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen
Outside of the ski season, one of Aspen's top attractions is the Silver Queen Gondola. Taking a ride with your date will allow you to cuddle up while viewing the dramatic mountains with their high snow-covered peaks, the trees, slopes, and the town of Aspen just like the birds do on the 14-minute ride to the 11,000-foot tall summit of Ajax Mountain. Afterwards, you can enjoy the live bluegrass music concerts that are hosted on Sundays in the summer, tee off on the 18-hole golf course that's one of the highest official courses on the planet, or explore the myriad of mountain biking and hiking trails.
Royal Gorge Bridge, Canon City
The Royal Gorge Bridge near Canon City isAmerica's highest suspension bridge, hanging 1,250 feet above the raging Arkansas River. Called one of Colorado's best places to kiss, if you're hoping to sneak one in, this is a great place to do it as you walk its quarter-mile span and take in the jaw-dropping views. If you're both into heart-pounding thrills, take a ride on the Royal Rush Skycoaster afterward. Following a 50-mile-per-hour free fall, the coaster hangs riders over the canyon's rim with only the river below. There are other attractions too, like the aerial gondola that gently whisks passengers from one side of the canyon to another, and a zip line that flies riders above the Arkansas River.
Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs sits at the base of one of America's most famous peaks, the just over 14,100-feet-high Pikes Peak. It's a great place to spend time with a date, and you'll have a myriad of options for exploring it, like the recently opened Southern Slope which hosts hiking trails, single-track treks and provides the opportunity to view bighorn sheep. But heading to the top is really a must to get the most out of the experience, accessed by car via the Pikes Peak Highway, on foot by the challenging Barr Trail, or by taking the highest cog railroad in the world: Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
The Garden of the Gods not only offers stunning views of Pikes Peak from afar, but this National Natural Landmark is home to an awe-inspiring blend of more than 300 sandstone formation. In 2014, TripAdvisor named it the No. 1 park in the entire U.S. citing, "Beautiful and majestic. One of the best city parks in the entire country. You can hike, ride horses, picnic or just relax and watch the rock climbers." Stroll some of the 15 miles of trails that wind through the nearly 1,400 acres of the park together and be sure to check out the Visitor & Nature Center to learn how the unique red rock formations got there.
The Stanley Hotel and Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park
Just outside the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, the historic Stanley Hotel offers an ideal base for exploring the park as well as boasting magnificent colonial architecture, jaw-dropping surroundings, and luxurious accommodations that provide the ultimate setting for romance. You don't have to spend the night to enjoy it, as the Cascade Restaurant is renowned for fine dining, and the property also hosts a spa offering massage and a variety of other treatments. If you're both interested in the paranormal, a stay here may bring the chance to witness some rather unusual happenings. Mr. Stanley, the hotel's original owner and the inventor of the Stanley Steamer Automobiles, along with his wife, are said to frequently walk through the lobby. Mrs. Stanley can sometimes be heard playing her piano in the music room, while a former housekeeper who died here in 1911, is said to frequently assist guests in Room 217 by unpacking and storing their belongings, and the sounds of children running and laughing down the halls seem to be common occurrences.
LoDo Nightlife, Denver
Of course, not everyone is the outdoor type – if you're looking for hopping nightlife, consider a date in Lower Downtown Denver, or LoDo, which hosts 28 square blocks of restored Victorian buildings that were transformed into magnificent nightlife venues. venues for nightlife. You'll find more than enough excitement to keep you going long into the night and beyond, with everything from live music venues and brewpubs to sports bars, jazz lounges and night clubs.


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I've been friends with Grigorii for many years, although he lives in Moscow and we've never met in person. We met when I was trying to learn the Russian language, and thankfully our friendship has survived despite me long-since giving up on it.
I painted this portrait using Genesis heat-set oils on an 11×14″ cradled wood panel.


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Quarry Rd
Oxford OX3 8SB
Stansfeld Park in Headington Quarry, Oxford is set within 18 acres of woodland with ponds, marshland and meadows. The undulating landscape results from quarrying for limestone in the area that was used to build many of Oxford's colleges, churches and civic buildings. When quarrying ended, a variety of habitats formed, including limestone grassland, ash and hazel woodland, dense hawthorn scrub, ponds and wetland. We'll be working for the Oxford Trust who have taken on the job of rejuvenating the site partly as a local amenity and partly an educational resource, and at this time of year it's likely that we'll be mowing the grassland and meadow areas, working on the paths, and doing some scrub bashing. For more on the exciting prospects for Stansfeld Park under the management of The Oxford Trust see their website: http://theoxfordtrust.co.uk/stansfeld-education-centre/.
We'll provide all the tools and training and no previous experience is needed. Just remember to bring a packed lunch and wear old clothes and stout footwear.
Under-18s are welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
You don't have to tell us that you're coming – either meet us at one of the minibus pickup points in Oxford:
1) Outside the Lamb and Flag Pub on St. Giles at 9.20am
2) Outside Tesco on Cowley Road at 9.30am
or meet us at the task site itself if you prefer


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England have the right balance to beat Australia at this year's Ashes series, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has said after his team's 3-1 series defeat by Joe Root's side.
Hosts England completed their series victory with a 177-run win at Old Trafford on Monday in a keenly contested series.
England's opening bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad is expected to bear most of the burden of keeping Australia's batsmen in reins and the pace duo received a lot of praise from Du Plessis.
Du Plessis admitted that although it all depends upon the conditions, he is hopeful England would head into this summer's Ashes series against the Steve Smith-led side as favourites.
"I think it's dependent on the conditions. I've always felt Australia as a team play really well on flat wickets, bouncy flat wickets, (but) if the conditions allow a bit of seam and swing and spin, then I think England will be favourites," cricket.com.au quoted Du Plessis as saying.
Du Plessis captained his side to a famous 2-1 series victory Down Under last year, prompting wholesale changes in the Australian squad under Steve Smith.
The 33-year-old said England would have an even better chance of succeeding if the wickets provide some assistance to the quicker bowlers.
"If you have assistance and skill, which England's bowlers have, you can target Australia's batting line-up," du Plessis told the BBC.
"They are relentless and our batting line-up wasn't strong enough for them.
"Australia have fiery and quick batsmen so England will need to get through them. (But) I think England could be Ashes winners. They have a balanced team."
While du Plessis backed England to upset Australia on home soil, head coach Trevor Bayliss refused to get carried away from England's 3-1 win over the Proteas.
"It's always a good thing that you're winning but we're not papering over the cracks," Bayliss said.
Bayliss further revealed that they are looking over the make-up of England's top five, with only Root and Alastair Cook are assured of their places in the Playing XI for the Ashes.
"We know there are some spots that haven't been cemented down. We're still looking for those guys to prove their worth at this level. Hopefully not before too long we do see some big scores from some of those guys," he added.
This year's Ashes series will begin on November 23, with the first Test being played at the Gabba in Brisbane.


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Where to go in Nha Trang or Phan Thiet (MUI ne)
Vietnam tourism Nha Trang and Phan Thiet (resort area of MUI ne) is arguably the most popular and most visited places in Vietnam, especially among Russians. This is not surprising, because both resorts have good beaches and good infrastructure. Prices for package tours and costs for self-organized trip, at one time or another resort about the same. There is only one problem – the right to choose one of them, if it is not possible to visit both in one trip. Below we have tried to objectively compare these two places to make it easier to decide. But first, brief information about these resorts in a few sentences:
Nha Trang
It is quite large by Vietnamese standards, city and capital of the province. Located in the South Central of Vietnam, so it applies to southern Vietnam, and Central. The city has well developed infrastructure: many hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops. A compact tourist area with many hotels. In the city and close to many attractions and entertainment. The beach, mainly in urban areas, but there are beaches far from the city, which also has its hotels.
Detailed tourist information about Nha Trang here.
Phan Thiet
Phan Thiet is located in the southern part of Vietnam. It is also a fairly large city. But for tourists the city itself is of little interest, since the beaches there. The bulk of tourists is on vacation in the resort area of MUI ne, which refers to Fantato. This area stretches along the beaches in the form of long chains of hotels, cafes, restaurants and shops. The locals in this area almost never inhabited, where almost everything is built for tourism and comfortable rest. Attractions in the resort area there, but the area has several interesting places (quite far away), where you can get a guided tour or independently.
Detailed tourist and travel information about Phan Thiet here.
The distance between the Antietam and Nha Trang – 230 km.
Where is the best beaches?
And on and on the other resort beaches are considered good quality (but not perfect). Do not expect any of these places the beach in the style of "bounty": they are far from that.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is quite a large town, and main beach lies within the city limits. He's long, sandy coastline is quite wide. Pure it can only be called a stretch, although the beach is constantly cleaned and cleaned. On the beach there are sunbeds to rent, some standard water fun in the form of banana, parachute, jetski. In addition to the city beach, there are still a few distant places from the city beaches hotels. They are more clean, but the infrastructure there is no no. Read more about the beaches of Nha Trang here.
Phan Thiet
In the city of Phan Thiet beaches at all. Resort area of MUI ne is stretched along the beaches of almost 10 kilometers. In its entirety the quality of the beaches is very different. In some rare places, the sandy beach is absent, and instead, reinforced concrete slope, so carefully approach the choice of accommodation in Phan Thiet, then to not go far on foot to the nearest sandy beach. Also the cleanliness and quality of beaches are highly dependent on the season: in low season the beaches are cleaned worse and strong winds and waves bring a lot of garbage. However, almost any time of the year the water is still muddy and no diving and snorkeling and can be no question. Large waves make the beaches in MUI ne sometimes just unsuitable for swimming, but perfect for surfers and kiters.
In the South of Phan Thiet there are several beaches (resort areas). These beaches are considered to be more pure, as there are expensive hotels and keep them clean. But the situation here is almost a village, outside of the hotels, no infrastructure.
Russian language and Russian tourists
MUI ne (Phan Thiet) has long been the Russian resort area of Vietnam. Russian here almost more than all other tourists combined. There are many cafes, restaurants, shops, travel agencies focused on Russian tourists and belong to the Russian. There is even a supermarket "Crossroads". Those who did not speak foreign languages, the ne will feel almost like home.
Nha Trang is still not as Russian, but in recent years, the situation changes dramatically: there is cutting the influx of Russian tourists, lots of Russians arrive in Nha Trang and making business (including illegal). As a result, there appeared a number of establishments dedicated exclusively to the Russians, but while they are still smaller than in the ne. Without knowledge of a foreign language in Nha Trang also will not have any difficulties.
Entertainment. Where's the fun?
A difficult question. Because it all depends on point of view. MUI ne is a great place to practice water sports (kitesurfing, surfing), and there is a relevant party from all over the world. But if you just a tourist in MUI ne, brought to you in the form of a holiday village, which, in fact, is. Seems to be all that you need to stay there, but for serious shopping you have to travel to the city of Phan Thiet (5-15 kilometers from the resort) and the attractions to get miles. In the evening in MUI ne, in addition to a campaign in cafe or restaurant, there is nothing to do. Any entertainment for kids either.
Nha Trang is much more active and more fun, because the tourist area is located right in the city. Everything is constantly in motion, and even in the late evening. To find something to do at almost any time of the day. Offers many fun and informative and entertainment. More near Nha Trang is the island of hon tre (Hon Tre), which is the amusement Park Vinpearl Land, where it will be fun for adults and children. And the city for children a lot of interesting things.
Where is the best weather?
Despite the proximity of the cities (they are separated by only 230 km), tourist seasons during the year, they vary greatly. Overall, both resorts are all year round comfortable holiday, but there are less comfortable low seasons:
|Nha Trang
|Phan Thiet and MUI ne
*best time to visit;
appropriate time to visit;
not a recommended time to visit
Read more about the weather and seasons in Nha Trang.
Read more about the weather and seasons in Phan Thiet.
Attractions in Nha Trang and Phan Thiet
MUI ne attractions is almost there. Between the Antietam and the resort are Cham towers, the inspection of which is to spend no more than 20 minutes. Also in the ne there is a small river with picturesque banks, called "Red brook". This, perhaps, and all. Other interesting places are far beyond the bounds of the city and get there in most cases is possible only with a guided tour. Among them: Mountain Taku and the statue of the reclining Buddha; the Ke GA lighthouse; red and white sand dunes, red canyon. It is a very modest attractions. Read more about attractions of Phan Thiet here.
In Nha Trang attractions, the situation is much better. In the city there are several museums and many interesting architectural buildings, temples. You can go with excursion to "monkey island", to waterfalls, visiting hot springs and much more. Read more about Nha Trang sights here.
Much easier to get to?
This is a particularly important question for those who travel independently. However, unequivocally to answer it it is impossible, you have to try on the situation individually for themselves.
To get to Phan Thiet (MUI ne) through the international airport of Ho Chi Minh citywhich is quite far (a few hours drive) from the resort. In Nha Trang international airport is very close, literally a half hour drive. And, more recently, in Nha Trang airport started direct flights from Moscow and, accordingly, to fly to Nha Trang airport and then get to the resort from the airport by taxi or bus with minimal inconvenience.
On the other hand, a direct flight to Nha Trang more expensive than flights to Ho Chi Minh city (some flights to Ho Chi Minh city with transfers are much cheaper and often there are promotions, sales), and planes fly in Ho Chi Minh city much more often, so that you can pick out any date and time.
At the same time, arriving even very cheap flights to Ho Chi Minh city airport, you will be challenged to get to Phan Thiet (MUI ne), and cheap public transport there is is completely absent. It is either hire a taxi (from $ 100 per car) or go by bus or train through the city which of course is much cheaper, but will require a lot of time.
Read more about how to get to Phan Thiet and MUI ne here, and how to get in Nha Trang here.