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Halloween season brings slightly higher crowd levels to Disneyland this week. TouringPlans.com can help you navigate the parks with our per-park Crowd Calendar, Lines – Mobile Wait Times App that gives access to current and estimated wait times for attractions, and Touring Plans detailing the best plan of attack for hitting the attractions. Now more than ever, it's a good time to subscribe to TouringPlans.com to plan your strategy to avoid the crowds!
Below are the predicted resort-wide crowd numbers for select days generated by the TouringPlans professional statisticians as measured for the upcoming week. For the access to the full year and per-park crowd level predictions, visit our Crowd Calendar.
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Resort Crowd Prediction
|Tues, September 18, 2012
2 out of 10
|Weds, September 19, 2012
3 out of 10
|Thurs, September 20, 2012
2 out of 10
|Fri, September 21, 2012
7 out of 10
Here are some quick-hit notes that we hope you'll find helpful as you prepare your visits for the week:
- Expect crowds to pick up a bit this week now that it's Halloween season.
- Partial blockouts on Saturday and Sunday.
- Disneyland (park) is a 1.1 on Thursday.
- Due to its incredibly low capacity, consider riding Luigi's Flying Tires standby right after starting your day by grabbing a FASTPASS for Radiator Springs Racers.
See Disneyland crowds for the next 365 days.
Get Disneyland wait times on your iPhone, Android, or Smartphone.
Do more. Wait less.
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It's Halloween Time!
It's officially Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland park is covered in yellow and orange and the sight of autumn is everywhere, although this past weekend you would have never known it by the weather. An abnormally high "heat wave" had a grip on the Southern California area, scorching park guests with temperatures as high at 108 on Friday and 104 on Saturday! Sunday saw a bit of break with a high of 86. Still, the spirit of Halloween can be seen all over the park.
The Mickey and Friends tram billboards greet guests.
The traditional character jack-o-lanterns are above the turnstiles.
Halloween bunting and jack-o-lanterns all along Main Street USA
The 'Partners' pedestal got a retouch. It is much darker now and appears to now have texture.
Here is a photo from last year (2011), you can see just how lightly colored the base was before this past week.


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the (literary) legend of Zelda
(Where m.snowe tries a honest look at the myth of Zelda Fitzgerald, and criticizes Hem for hawing misogynist.)
Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Their marriage was a perfect storm of eccentricites and competition. They were the original flappers, rampant alcoholics, and jealous types with addictive personalities and so many tragic flaws it verged on poetic. But somehow, people have latched onto Zelda, made value judgments, and fashioned her legend. One camp sets her as villain, the other victim, and while these opposing perspectives aren't irreconcilable, they never present a rounded picture of the woman. She has served as the anti-muse, and the woman who's talents were sacrificed by a hostile world. At once the medusa and the joan of arc.
One reading of the Zelda legend, which was treated pretty much as fact by many (until the Feminists got a hold of her story) was what m.snowe would like to call the Hemingway viewpoint–because she just read A Moveable Feast and Hemingway's description of Zelda is one of the most referred-to sources of the Fitzgerald marriage. Hemingway describes the troubled marriage with particular demonizing of Zelda. m.snowe could break it down for you, but why not just get her money's worth of the fair use doctrine, and list some quotes?:
"If he [Scott] could write a book as fine as The Great Gatsby I was sure that he could write an even better one.I did not know Zelda yet, and so did not know the terrible odds that were against him"
Zelda smiles, and Hemingway comments: "I learned to know that smile very well. It mean she knew Scott would not be able to write."
"But it [flirting with other men] amused her and it made Scott jealous and he had to go with her places. It destroyed his work, and she was more jealous of his work than anything."
"'Forget what Zelda said,…Zelda just wants to destroy you.'" (Hemingway to Scott).
The crudest part of Heminway's tale, and what makes it identifiable as written by a 'Great Male Narcissist," (Thanks DFW!) is in the chapter "A Matter of Measurements" where Scott tells Hemingway that Zelda accuses Scott of having a small penis, and not pleasing her sexually. We are told immediately that Hemingway takes a look, and confirms with Scott that he is actually endowed well-enough, and if he didn't believe it, he should compare himself to the statutes at the Louvre. Well, aside from cracking that those statutes always seemed a bit understated to m.snowe, this scene isn't hard to over-analyze symbolically. Because Zelda allegedly complains about Scott's "shortcomings," he has been stunted, unable to perform as a man, and a writer. Must m.snowe remind you the connection between pens and penises? The pen as weapon, a sword for the intellectual–a force, but also a life-force, as the pen gives life to story. So clearly, Hemingway finds Zelda the worst kind of creature, who emasculates and simultaneously makes Scott's writing abilities go limp–he fashions her as a beautiful and damned creature.
m.snowe doesn't think that Hemingway made all of it up. But his perspective is tainted at the very least–despite his reservations about Scott, he was clearly a great and loyal friend during these early years at least(when he wasn't wasted), and sides have been taken. Hemingway's viewpoint was the prevailing notion of the Zelda myth until the feminists came on the scene, and took up the task of defending Zelda, and to their credit–there was a bit to defend.
Elizabeth Hardwick's American Fictions contains a wonderfully written essay on Zelda, and serves to counteract the portrait of her dominated by The Moveable Feast. m.snowe encourages you all to read it. In it, Hardwick identifies many stories that Zelda had written on her own, and yet the pieces were usually signed by both Scott and Zelda, and in some cases, Scott would lift things from her journals and pawn them off as his own. Yet, when Zelda produced a novel herself (after being committed to a sanatorium), Scott forced her to remove sections of the book, saying they were too close to material he was going to use. Scott also actively discouraged Zelda, in ways that were crushing and only contributed to her mental defects, of which she had a few, but Scott helped exacerbate. But then, writers sometimes do have a mental defect or two, and it often "works in their favor." Her "supernatural energy" was treated as an illness, while m.snowe can't help but wonder–if she had been a man, would these sudden bursts of writing ability have been treated with more reverence, like a kind of divine inspiration, and unconscious spark of literary genius? Perhaps Hardwick makes the best observation in terms of Zelda's discouragement to write, and the placement, by her husband in an institution: "It is sad that her wish to learn, to struggle up to a higher skill and seriousness only seemed a threat to others…If she had not been married to Fitzgerald her 'ambition' would not have presented itself as a 'competition.'"
What m.snowe is trying to say is that neither a total defence nor a complete disavowal of her qualities as a person or a writer is acceptable. Because she is a mytholgized creature and myths only provide simple explanations–not facts. After the fire that ended her life, her body could only be identified by a single slipper. She seems so out of reach and tragically misunderstood. m.snowe will have to go back to her works, and try and glean some clues from there. Because she's certainly not going to rely on Hemingway's.

subset: commoncrawl


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Latest Reviews
13 Sep
Mixdown's Pedal Special: Distortion
Here at Mixdown we wholeheartedly believe that there's a pedal out there for every guitarist. A stompbox soul mate, if you will. That's why we have fought tooth and nail – day in and day out – to put to together the most comprehensive, toe-tingling and tone rich pedal effects special for this month's issue. From pummeling distortion that leaves you gasping for air, to the purest of sweet delays, our writers have sourced the cream of the crop. So go forth, find your perfect match, and head down to your local distributor.
13 Sep
25 Aug
Reviewed: Mad Professor Amplification Bluebird Overdrive Pedal
There are several words all too often employed by guitar players in order to describe the tone of their dreams. Words like 'transparent' and 'saturated' get bandied about liberally by people who don't necessarily know what they mean in general, let alone in relation to the search. One that gets less of a look in but that is equally mercurial is the word 'sensitive.' How can the sound of a tube amp being pushed to its very limits be described as anything other than flat out? It seems counterintuitive to anyone who hasn't tried the Bluebird Overdrive from Mad Professor Amplification.
25 Aug
22 Aug
Reviewed: Cusack Music Tap-A-Delay Pedal
Cusack Music have been building pedals and amps out of Michigan since 2002. Many of you might have seen/tried/heard the Tap-A-Whirl tap tempo Tremolo which has graced more than few pedal boards around the globe. Following the Tap tempo path (and Tap name), the Tap-A-Delay offers up to 750ms of delay with a range of features for some old school analogue sounding goodness. 'This isn't your clean studio quality digital delay with perfect repeats,' reads the Cusack spiel.
22 Aug
10 Aug
Many of you will know of API Audio. It's a name that turns up in the best studio racks all round the world and a brand that has taken 500 Series modules to new realms with their Lunchbox portable rack casing. But when you think of API it's usually studio preamps, compressors and even classic large format mixing consoles that come to mind. So naturally when I was handed a compact box this month I assumed we would be looking at a new 500 series rack module, which got me a little excited. When I opened the box, I got very excited to see that what was on offer was something very different indeed, yet still maintained so much of the design and class of an API tool. This month I got to use API directly between a guitar and an amplifier in the new TranZformer GT guitar pedal that is going to get a lot of attention from anyone seeking classic studio tone in an almost compact pedal.
10 Aug
9 Aug
Of all the guitar amps in history, one goes down as the most elusive of them all. Lauded across the world for its rarity and exclusivity, an original Dumble amp will set you back tens of thousands of dollars. But if you're playing the same gigs I am, chances are you don't have that kind of coin to drop on a car — let alone an amp. Luckily for us working musicians, you don't need to aim that high. Mad Professor's Twimble — a smart pedal that combines two ODs in one — calls to mind this exact tone.
9 Aug
8 Aug
Reviewed: HeadRush Pedalboard
The market for floorboard-style digital processors is becoming pretty crowded right now. This has always been a competitive field at the lower end, where I'm sure many of us first encountered multi-effects, but in interviewing bands for magazines like Mixdown I hear time and time again that pro players are ditching their amps and running with a pro-level processor instead. There are lots of reasons for this—practicality, low cost of transport compared to a full amp and effects rig, tonal flexibility. While a lot of players are still reticent to do away with physical amps in the recording studio, they're faced with more and more choices for how to take those tones on the road.
8 Aug
4 Aug
I have used a speaker emulated output device between heads and cabinets for more than a decade now, having previously chosen a certain red coloured box that came from a German stalwart of valve amplifier design. That said, a lot has changed in ten years and as people move around and form different companies, new ideas develop and greater concepts are created. Without going into it too much, I do know a lot of people have been using the same certain red coloured box as myself with adequate results, as it served a purpose. The ability to get into your powered signal, after the power amp tubes have added to your amp's tone and take a direct signal for recording or running to the PA in a live environment, is very handy indeed. So it is with great excitement this month that I got to look at this concept with a whole new colour to my eyes. I am of course talking about the BluBOX from BluGuitar. And you guessed it; this is a little blue coloured box that is so much more than just a guitar amp DI.
4 Aug
1 Aug
Pedal designer Sean Michael's Eternity Kanji is indicative of the Lovepedal boutique builds. A less-is-more approach is one way to frame these basic looking stomp boxes, but no bullshit is a little closer to the mark. Judge not its simple aesthetic and minimalist functions, for its versatility is deceiving.
1 Aug


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What Does a Fixed Wireless Internet Installation Look Like?
Fixed Wireless Internet Installations – What to Expect
Fixed Wireless Internet provides high speed broadband access to a single location via radio waves. Capable of delivering gigabit speeds with identical jitter and latency as fiber, Fixed Wireless Internet circuits can be installed in a fraction of the time and for a fraction of the cost of competing technologies. Want to learn more about Fixed Wireless Internet? Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8GvGOKCpnk
So, what does a Fixed Wireless Internet installation look like?
Prior to Circuit Installation
In order to deliver high speed Internet access, a Fixed Wireless Internet service provider must first confirm a client's location has an express line of sight (LOS) to a nearby Base Station (telecom tower). While different providers may administer varying methods to confirm LOS, most wireless internet service providers (WISPs) encounter situations where a site visit is sometimes needed to confirm serviceability. Typically, a roof access form (RAF) is required from the building owner or property management company prior to conducting a site visit. Assuming access is granted, onsite techs can then confirm LOS and test signal strength from the intended installation point.
Not sure how much bandwidth your business needs? Check out our simple guide by clicking here.
Installing Fixed Wireless Internet Circuits
Every WISP has its own unique installation process and preferred equipment. For the purpose of this post, we will specifically examine GeoLinks' ClearFiber™ Fixed Wireless Internet installations. Fully insured with coverage that meets property management and owner requirements, all GeoLinks' installations are done by our team of experienced technicians that take into consideration visual aesthetics, and building and city code compliance.
GeoLinks Installation Equipment
Subscriber: When installing a ClearFiber™ circuit, a "Subscriber" unit, also referred to as Customer Premise Equipment (CPE), is placed on the roof of the client's building. While Subscribers can vary based on the service ordered and location of the customer premise, the average GeoLinks' Subscriber dimensions measure 24 – 36in in diameter and weigh between 5 – 20lbs. The Subscriber is responsible for transmitting the wireless signal from the Base Station to the customer premise, and vice versa.
Non-Penetrating Roof Mount - The Subscriber is mounted directly to a non-penetrating roof mount. This is a 36in self-supporting, square angle steel frame with a 60in x 2in diameter mast designed specifically for antenna installation. It does not damage or require any mounting to the roof.
Rubber Mat and Blocks – Included as part of GeoLinks' installation is an outdoor anti-skid rubber mat, placed directly under the non-penetrating roof mount. This outdoor weatherized mat is used to protect the roof and measures 36in x 36in x 1/8in. Depending upon Subscriber height, 6in x 8in x 16in concrete blocks are placed evenly around the base to stabilize the roof mount. The average install requires 6 to 8 bricks with each brick weighing about 30lbs.
Cable – Once the Subscriber is installed and secured, an exterior outdoor rated Cat5e cable is run through a pre-existing vent or access point of the roof directly to the customer's network room. This cable is plugged into a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) power supply that powers the subscriber and delivers service to the customer.
How Long Does it Take to Get Installed
Just like most business services, Fixed Wireless Internet installation periods vary from provider to provider. GeoLinks prides itself on having one of the industry's shortest installation periods. Our expertly trained technicians can connect businesses in as little as 24 hours. For larger circuits, we average between 7 to 10 business days.
GeoLinks in-house Client Consultants are available to assist with any questions you may have regarding your business installation or service. To speak to a GeoLinks' Client Consultant call (888) 225-1571 option 2.
Want to see if GeoLinks is available in your area?
Check Availability Here


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Like adults, kids love traveling. It gives them a…Read More »
Toys, Kid & Baby
For over a decade, remote control cars have been…Read More »
Toy train sets have been around for centuries. Unlike…Read More »
If you are thinking that a remote-controlled car is…Read More »
When it comes to diapering a baby, more than…Read More »
Although they are always overlooked, RC boats are equally…Read More »
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Roger Murphy exhibits at Huon Art Gallery Cygnet,Strickland Gallery Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart,Saddlers Court Gallery Richmond Tasmania and Waubs Gallery Bicheno Tasmania.He also shows paintings at his home at Kingston Beach.
Derwent Festival Art Prize, 1967
Inaugural Wrest Point Casino Art Prize (watercolour section), 1996
Wrest Point Casino Art Prize, 2007
Selected Exhibitions
1977 – "Four at One"
Gallery One, Hobart.
1978 – "Drawings, Prints and Paintings"
Art Centre, Hobart.
1978 – "50 years of watercolour painting in Tasmania 1928-1978"
Fine Arts Gallery, University of Tasmania.
1986 – "Italy, Turkey and Greece"
Freeman Gallery, Hobart
1989 – Exhibition for the Australia China Friendship Society,
Fujian Province, China
1993 – "Greece, Ireland
and France"
Strickland Gallery, Hobart
1996 and 2000 – "Tuscany and Greece"
Handmark Gallery, Hobart
2002 – "Italy and Greece"
Handmark Gallery, Hobart
2004 Australian Watercolour Institute Annual Exhibition
Mosman Gallery, Sydney
2005 – "Winter light"
Handmark Gallery, Hobart


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Affordable Protection & Security
We fix problems!
Qualified Licensed InvestigatorsNeed to get down to the bottom of an issue? Knowledge is power! Our investigators offer immediate solutions when you need them most. Email: firstname.lastname@example.com to discuss the issue at hand and find out what we can do for you.
MO license#2012015203 Kansas license #A-4317
Customized Private Investigations Witness Location/Interviews
Employee Terminations Photography
Background Checks Cheating Spouses/Infidelity
Covert Camera's
Work Comp Investigations
Business Services
Executive Protection/Bodyguard
Workplace Violence Investigations


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All Jewelry/All Necklaces and Pendants
Paula Crevoshay 'The Wave' Gold Pendant
Each Paula Crevoshay jewel is imbued with a love for life and respect for nature's omnipotent power. This beautiful pendant is crafted in 18 kt yellow gold and is graced with diamonds. The deep blue tanzanite sets as a focal point as if holding the mystery of the ocean. A fabulous piece to adorn on a chain or to be worn by itself.
18K Gold
Tanzanite – 14.89ct
Diamonds – 4.43 ctw


text: Sally Greengross, Baroness Greengross, OBE is an independent crossbench member of the House of Lords. She is also a former Commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and former Director General of Age Concern. She spoke out in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill and has been a keen NSS supporter in the House of Lords for many years.


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Thank you for your interest in becoming a sponsor of 901eLearn.
Becoming a sponsor is an excellent way to increase your company's exposure to the 901eLearn community. Sponsorships opportunities give strong brand exposure and highlight your company's products and / or services to the Memphis business community.
A portion of the Sponsorship fees go towards establishing:
(1) a Scholarship Program for individuals with limited resources to pursue business ownership and
(2) a MicroLoan Fund to help underrepresented Founders access permanent working capital for operating a business.
Sponsorship Packages
Logo on Sponsor Page w/ Link To Your Website
Promote Your Events On Calendar
Paid Membership w/ All Member Benefits
Access to All Member Courses And Downloads
Logo on Sponsor Page w/ link to your website
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Paid Membership w/ All Member Benefits
Access to All Member Courses And Downloads
Your Logo Sidebar Displayed On Key Pages Of 901eLearn
Promoted On Monthly Newsletter
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Frequently Asked Questions
We can link your logo to your website, Facebook Page or any page you would like
We will create your event on the calendar page. You will need to provide all event details and a picture (picture optional).
All the benefits of being a 901eLearn member. See membership information here.
With Gold Membership your logo will be displayed on the Sponsor Page.
With Platinum Membership your logo will be displayed on the sidebars of key pages such as Articles, and Course delivery pages.
Also included with the Platinum Package:
- Logo on Sponsor Page
- Logo displayed on sidebars of Article Posts and certain courses
- Promoted In Monthly Newsletter
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New Bikes for Sale in Renton, WA
Call Us: (425) 529-5356
What does a Harley-Davidson mean? It means freedom: wind whipping by as you fly down the asphalt, nothing but miles of pavement and good times ahead of you. Stop by Jet City Harley-Davidson in Renton, WA to browse our extensive inventory of the latest motorcycle models. Whether you're in the market for a Softail or a Touring, a Street bike or a Trike – we've got you covered!
There's no need to fear if you have financial issues. Our experienced financial team is on-hand to support you through the purchasing process. Whether you're more interested in a loan or are wanting to purchase your new Harley-Davidson, our financial team will work with you! So, come on by Jet City Harley-Davidson to check out our inventory and take your favorite for a test drive today!
391 Matching Vehicles Found
New motorcycle pricing includes all offers and incentives. Tax, Title, and Tags not included in motorcycle prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us at (425) 988-2100 or by visiting us at the dealership.
**With approved credit. Terms may vary. Monthly payments are only estimates derived from the motorcycle price with a 72 month term, 4.9% interest and 20% downpayment.
Ultra Limited in Vivid Black with Black Finish
*Financing Offer available only on new Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Limited, Road Glide® Special, Ultra Limited and Street Glide ® Special motorcycle models financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) will vary based on the applicant's past credit performance and the term of the loan. Financing offer is available only for up to a 60-month term. For example, a 2020 Ultra Limited motorcycle in Vivid Black with Black Finish with an MSRP of $28,699, no down payment and amount financed of $28,699, 60-month repayment term, and 2.99% APR results in monthly payments of $515.56. In this example, customer is responsible for applicable taxes, title, licensing fees and any other fees or charges at the time of sale. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. Customer must take delivery by March 31, 2020. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at anytime. See dealer for details.


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The Roman hero Marcus Curtius leaping into the flames. Josiah Wedgewood set in Pinchbeck metal. 1795. 18th Century. Large Div I. Collection of the Wedgewood Museum, Victoria & Albert, London. The story of Marcus Curtius was featured in the August 2016 WRBA newsletter.
WRBA member may log-in to comment on our buttons.
WRBA Button Album
Images of buttons are submitted by WRBA members. Categories are carefully assigned by designated editors. WRBA members are encouraged to send comments to the editors towards better description/categorization of buttons appearing in this album. WRBA Button Album is an ongoing educational project.
Complete Classification is available to the [members of the National Button Society].


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Tomas Sander
Senior Researcher, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Labs
March 18th, 2016, 11am-12pm, DBH 3011
Trusted sharing of threat related data among organizations
Sharing of threat and security related data holds promise to defend, as a community, better against sophisticated cyber-attacks. In the first part of the talk we review how information sharing helps counter common attacks with a particular focus on network-security. Which information should be shared? Which cross-correlation and analysis techniques should be applied to shared data and how can they be used to shore up defenses? We also look at several real world sharing communities to identify the challenges for creating, analyzing and acting on shared threat intelligence. Challenges include reducing false positive rates, incentivizing users to contribute rather than just consume, as well as properly "contextualizing" lower level indicators such as IP addresses and domain names.
We created Threat Central to address at least some of these challenges and will demonstrate its key features. Threat Central is a platform with now several hundred users that supports trusted, automated and manual information sharing.
In the last part of the talk we focus on privacy and trust concerns. Threat Central enables private communities, i.e. communities in which members can privately exchange threat data with each other. In at least some cases it is desired that even Threat Central (i.e. the cloud provider) does not see the data the private community exchanges. In many cases both Threat Central and the private community will nevertheless benefit from controlled information flows between a centralized intelligence repository and threat data shared within the private community. Building on existing work on Private Set Intersection we present a new cryptographic protocol that fits this scenario.
We conclude with a list of open problems that would benefit from further research.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Tomas Sander is a senior researcher at Hewlett Packard Enterprise Labs in Princeton, New Jersey. He is a member of the Security and Manageability Lab at HPE which conducts research in security, privacy and cloud technologies. Before joining HP, he worked for STAR Lab, the research lab of InterTrust Technologies in Santa Clara, California on a broad range of topics relevant to advanced digital rights management (DRM). Tomas Sander received a doctoral degree in Mathematics from the University of Dortmund, Germany in 1996. From September 1996 to September 1999 he was a postdoctoral researcher at the International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) in Berkeley, California. His research interests include computer security and privacy and cryptography. In the last few years he has been researching and developing technology to implement good privacy practices in large organizations. Based on this research a privacy decision support tool is now deployed globally across HP that assists employees in making proper decisions for handling PII.
Tomas is the lead scientist for the creation of HPE's Threat Central solution, a platform developed for automated and manual threat information sharing. In 2014 Tomas founded the ACM Workshop on Information Sharing and Collaborative Security (WISCS 2014), the first scientific workshop focused on the topic.


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TFI Buys Toronto Tank Lines
North American transportation and logistics player TFI International has announced the acquisition of Toronto Tank Lines (TTIL).
Acquisition strengthens TFI's logistics and specialized tank capabilities throughout North America, said a press note.
Founded in 1993 and based in Hamilton, Ontario, TTL specializes in the transportation and storage of food grade liquids, industrial chemicals, specialty oils and waxes throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico.
TTL operates storage facilities and a fleet of approximately 75 tank trailers and 45 power units, with tank storage operations including 15 insulated and heated tanks, each with a capacity of one million litres and each capable of receiving / delivering cargo from / to marine vessels, railcars and tank trucks.
TTL's one-stop solutions include operating a truck, tank and railcar wash facility. TTL will operate as a standalone business unit within TFI.
"We are delighted to have Toronto Tank Lines join the TFI International group of companies," stated Alain Bédard, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of TFI International. "TTL's strategic location in Hamilton Harbour along with its best-in-class transportation, transloading, tank storage and wash rack assets will synergistically fit into our family of tank companies across North America as we seek to accelerate its growth."


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The last sighting of Spike was a semi-successful flight in to a nearby bush. Not pretty, but effective, and more importantly he was out of immediate sight of predators. Next morning there was good news – Spike had beaten the cats and survived the first night out of the nest.
Since then there have been no sightings and we await the latest update from the neighbours whose chimney was Spike's first home. No doubt they'll have been glad to see the hoopoe family fledge – hoopoes have the smelliest nests of any birds!


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Basic Quantitative Analysis (BQA)
Building upon the univariate techniques introduced in the Foundations in Applied Statistics module, these sessions aim to provide students with a thorough understanding of statistical methods designed to test associations between two variables (bivariate statistics). Students will learn about the assumptions underlying each test, and will receive practical instruction on how to generate and interpret bivariate results using Stata. It introduces students to four of the most commonly used statistical tests in the social sciences: correlation, chi-square tests, t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
The module is divided between lectures, in which students learn the relevant theory, and hands-on practical sessions, in which they will learn how to apply these techniques to the analysis of real data.
Techniques to be covered include:
- Cross-tabulations
- Scatterplots
- Covariance and correlation
- Nonparametric methods
- Two-sample t-tests
- Ordinary Least Squares (OLS)
For best results, students should expect to do a few hours of private study and spend a little extra time in the computer labs, in addition to coming to class.
Students wishing to take this modules should have
either successfully completed Foundations in Applied Statistics, including the end-of-module test
or have had previous training in introductory level statistics (verified by the Skill Check)
Students will also need a basic knowledge of Stata. If you have not taken FiAS, and have not learned Stata elsewhere, there are two options:
- Download the materials from "90-minute Stata" and work through them yourself;
- Email the SSRMC Administrator to ask whether a space is available for the first of the FiAS lab sessions, where Stata is introduced.
Module Structure
This module is very popular, so we repeat it several times (as five "series"). Each series covers exactly the same material, and is at the same level. Each series runs over two days a week apart, with a two-hour lecture in the morning and a two-hour lab session in the afternoon. The intensive series runs over a single day.
- BQA 1: 10am-12 noon AND 2-4pm on Mons 9th and 16th November 2020
- BQA 2: 10am-12 noon AND 4-6pm on Mons 9th and 16th November 2020
- BQA 3: 10am-12 noon AND 2-4pm on Weds 11th and 18th November 2020
- BQA 4: 10am-12 noon AND 4-6pm on Weds 11th and 18th November 2020
- BQA Int: 9am-6pm tbc
The statistical package Stata
- Weekly online quizzes to check progress
- An end-of-module assessment (open-book online test)
Textbooks/Reading List
There is no set text for this module; all necessary information is given in lectures and lab sessions, but a list of relevant sources can be found on the module's Moodle page.
Bookings for this module (and all other Basic Statistics Stream modules) should be requested via our dedicated BSS booking page. The page contains a booking request form which goes live each year after the SSRMC Induction at the start of Michaelmas Term.


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Trump Visits Border, Says Mexico Pays for Wall w/ New Trade Deal
'When I said Mexico will pay for the wall…obviously they're not gonna write a check…'
(Kaylee McGhee and Joshua Paladino, Liberty Headlines) President Donald Trump on Thursday said he hasn't backed down from one of his central campaign promises—that Mexico's going to pay for the wall, at least indirectly.
Trump said the repeal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the increased revenue from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), will more than cover the wall's cost.
"During the campaign, I said Mexico would pay for it," Trump said on Thursday as he left to visit the border. "They are paying for it with the incredible deal we made, the USMCA…I view that as absolutely Mexico is paying for the wall."
White House strategic communications director Mercedes Schlapp said U.S. taxpayers, not the Mexican government, will directly foot the bill for President Trump's proposed border wall, though it will save taxpayers money in the long-run.
"Yes," Schlapp admitted when asked whether taxpayers would pay for the wall. "And you know what else taxpayers are paying for? The financial burden of this illegal immigration."
But White House Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said funding for the wall "requires appropriation" from Congress, even though the new trade deal will offset the cost.
"Mexico is paying for the wall indirectly, and when I said Mexico will pay for the wall in front of thousands and thousands of people, obviously they're not gonna write a check," Trump said, according to CNN. "But they are paying for the wall indirectly many, many times over by the really great trade deal we just made."
Schlapp said the USMCA will also "bring more jobs back to America."
"It's bringing more business back to America and it's also going to keep our wages up," she told CNN. "So this trade deal, in effect, does help pay for our border security."
Trump criticized NAFTA as the "single worst deal ever approved."
"It's been very, very bad for our companies and for our workers, and we're going to make some very big changes or we are going to get rid of NAFTA once and for all," Trump said in 2017.
The president has demanded $5.7 billion from Congress for the construction of the border wall, but the Democrats have refused to approve any funds for the wall, claiming it would be "immoral."
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., listed several border security measures Democrats would support after Trump's Oval Office address, but none of them included a wall because the crisis at the border isn't a "security one," Pelosi said, it's a "humanitarian" one.
"Democrats in Congress have refused to acknowledge the crisis," the president said during his Oval Office address. "The federal government remains shut down for one reason, and one reason only: Because Democrats will not fund border security."
Schlapp urged Democrats to end their obstruction and find a compromise that works for both parties.
"We want an orderly, legal immigration process," Schlapp said.


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There are six different booking options you can select from using our booking tool below.
All bookings are for up to 3 hours from the time you select.
A single table for up to 6 players, $5pp
A maximum of one individual table can be booked per person each day. For additional tables check out our group options.
A single table for up to 8 players, $40
Bring in up to 12 players for a discounted rate of $55 (Save $5). Players will be across two tables.
Bring in up to 16 players for a discounted rate of $70 (Save $10). Players will be across 3 tables.
Gather up 20 players and pay a discounted rate of $180 including a drink voucher for each player valid for a free softdrink or small hot drink (Save $20). Players will be across 4 tables.
For $495 you can hire our Stay N' Play area for your exclusive use! Each of your guests will get one free grilled cheese and a choice of a select beer, cider or soft drink. (Maximum limits apply, 3 hours for up to 40 people)
Groupon or Scoopon vouchers for groups of 4 or 6 can be redeemed here. Use the booking form below to select a session and enter your voucher code at the checkout step.
Note: In order to secure group bookings full payment will be required at checkout
Have a question?
- All Categories
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For group bookings the group organiser is required to pay for the entire session at the time of booking. The organiser must then collect funds from players. Our team are happy to check off your guest list as they arrive.
Unfortunately no, by booking spaces in advance you prevent other people from booking. In order to cover our costs we can not offer refunds, or transfer food or drink vouchers for players who do not show up.
In order to cover our operating costs we only offer large group bookings with food and drink packages included. If you would like to discuss a combination other than a grill + drink just get in touch, we can offer melt packages, tapas, and more
Our group booking packages allow 'up to' a set number of players. For example if you have 15 players then you should select the GroupBooking 16 option. You'll be paying for one extra player, but you're already saving the cost of 2x individual stay n' play tickets by booking as a group
From the city (Victoria Square) you can catch the G10 heading to Prospect, get off the bus at Stop 14 on Propect Road.
There is plenty of free parking around us. We are located on Prospect Road right at the traffic lights. We recommend parking on the quieter streets of Alexandra or Gordon. Please be mindful and respectful of our neighbours when coming and going.
The best way to change a booking is to either use the link in the email to cancel and make a new booking, or just give us a call and we can edit the booking for you.
To secure bookings ahead of time payment is required online at the time of booking. Payment can only be made in store for walk in bookings. We recommend booking ahead on Friday and Saturday nights.
You may cancel your booking up to 4 hours before your scheduled session using the link emailed in your original confirmation. Refunds are not provided for bookings with less than 4 hours notice.
Unfortunately as we are located in an older building we do not have street level access, customers will be required to ascend one step to enter the store (approximately 20cm in height), use of our single unisex bathroom facility will require use of a short 12 step staircase. We know this isn't ideal for persons who may not be able to access the store, please click here to read our full disability statement which may provide other options available to you.


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Sign In
You should Sign In first...
- Students sign in with your ID number as your username
- Staff sign in with your firstname.lastname as your username
- PhD and Masters students should use their student ID
When signed in, the words SIGN IN will be replaced by your own name:
Click on your name and then click on "My Library Account" to see your loans.
You can Renew All, or click on individual items to renew.
If you still cannot Renew it may be because:
a) you have reached the limit for renewals (3 times) and the book needs to be returned to the library;
b) the item is a Short Loan item and therefore can never be renewed and needs to be returned to the library;
c) another person has placed a request on the item so it needs to be returned to the library;
d) You have a fine exceeding 20 euro.
e) your staff or student record has expired.
- Staff members can renew their ID card in HR.
- Students with registration questions should contact Student Academic Administration at email@example.com.


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Huddersfield Town will play their FA Youth Cup clash against Crystal Palace at the John Smith's Stadium on Wednesday, December 10.
The third-round tie will have a 7pm kick-off and will be settled by extra time and penalties if necessary.
Only the north end of the lower tier in the Revell Ward Stand will be open and admission has been set at £4 for adults and £2 concessions.
Town – who are a Category 2 Academy and enter the competition at this stage – reached the quarter-finals last season, when they went out 2-1 to eventual runners-up Fulham at Craven Cottage.


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Charles Mozley lithograph printed in colour on 'BK Rives France' wove paper. The sheet is in good clean condition but with some ink spots along the left side in the margin. The ink spots are from the printing of the image, not from the print being abused, see images.
Image size 340 x 480mm (13.25 x 18.75 inches)
Sheet size 500 x 600mm (19.5 x 23.5 inches)
The lithograph originally formed as part of a set titled 'The Chateaux of Bordeaux'. The set consisted of twenty-one lithographs, all hand printed, published in 1975 by Christie's Wine Publications in association with Hedges & Butler. There was an edition of 50 copies which were ' numbered and a De luxe bound edition; a solander box edition limited to one hundred and fifty numbered sets. The total published were 200.
These charming and colourful lithographs of the great wine estates of Bordeaux were painted by Charles Mozley (1914-1991), a prolific British commercial artist who graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1937 and achieved modest renown as one of the leading poster book jacket designers from the 1950s through to the 1970s. Among his miscellaneous commissions, Mozley's work for the wine trade forms a distinct group, and includes some of his most delightful images. It appeared in books, in journals like Wine magazine, in house journals like Hedges and Butler's Grape and grain, on menus as for the Vintage Dinners, and in prints. A love of the wine-producing regions of France and Italy and their products is very strongly evident in them, and they convey a feeling of joie de vivre and generally seductive hedonism centred on a love of wine, women, and the southern landscape, which Mozley regularly but skilfully recycled for his satisfied clients. The châteaux of Bordeaux lithographs were the major work in this area.


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FALL RIVER: Councillor Steve Streatch is expecting shovels in the ground very soon for the start of construction on the Fall River water project.
The HRM representative said at recent council meeting, unanimous support was given to the second reading for the Fall River water extension, thus giving the go ahead.
"It has passed a second reading," said Streatch. "There were several points of interest that were important to me as the representative of the area."
Streatch said one of the important points was the $100k capital investment from HRM for the properties HRM owns in the area; and the planning document that shows where water can be installed has been increased to include the whole footprint by Inn on the Lake as well as all of Fall River Village.
"That opens up the door for phase two and the completion of the project in a timely manner," he said. "What we ended up having to do is that at this juncture the funding was not available to do both so council instructed CAO Jacques Dube and staff to go to the province to apply for the deficiency that was identified in the first tender.
"As soon as we can put that budget together I want to get to work completing phase two and getting the project finished once and for all."
Phase one is completely approved and work should be starting soon.
"My understanding is they will be breaking ground in the next couple of weeks," said Streatch. "The money is there and everything is on track. Any deficiencies that are identified will be subtracted from the total budget, thereby reducing the Local Improvement Charge (LIC) that was heard at Regional Council."
That LIC was initially to be $7,500 per house, but with the reduction of the number of homes being done and the project split into two phases, that has increased to an estimated $11,500.
"Therein lies the whole math of the situation," said Streatch about the number of homes being connected being less than before. "If things had gone the way I wanted them to go we would do the whole project at once. The estimate we got from the engineers hired by Halifax Water indicated that could be the case. But when the tenders came back, we were $3 million short.
"Rather than jeopardize the whole project council decided to move forward immediately with phase one with the money we had, but in doing so we eliminated many homes that would have contributed to the LIC on Highway 2."
Streatch had good news for the many people asking when work will begin. He is letting residents know there will be traffic disruptions with the work and for them to be cognizant of that.
"We were told during the public hearing at council that the project should get underway sometime near the end of August or the first week of September," he said. "It's right around the corner."


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Yoga vacation rates in Pill, Tyrol, Austria
Day prices for yoga, accommodation & meals
|Accommodation and meals:
|Single room:
|Double room:
|Shared room (3–5 beds):
Individual studio rooms / panorama rooms: an extra €15 per person per night for double occupancy; an extra €30 per night for single occupancy.
Prices include VAT.
Visitor's tax of €0.90 per day to be paid on location.
Registration & payment
For yoga and the stay in Hotel Grafenast
Pay for the yoga programme directly through the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House.
Tel. +43 5356 67404
Prices include VAT and are valid until 31 October 2019, thereafter until further notice.
For accommodation and meals, pay directly to Hotel Grafenast, Hotel GmbH – Unterlechner Family
Tel. +43 (0) 52 42/632 09
Fax +43 (0) 52 42/632 09-99
Cancellation and withdrawal terms
For yoga and your stay in Hotel Grafenast
Yoga vacation:
Your registration becomes valid upon full payment after receipt of the reservation confirmation.
Cancellation before the start of the programme: The following fees will apply to the yoga part (excluding accommodation): More than 21 days before programme start: 10%. Within 21 days of programme start: 30%.
In case of early departure from the programme, there will be no refund for the yoga part.
If you would like to change your booking to another programme organized by the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House in Reith, a rebooking fee of €50 will be charged.
Eco-hotel Grafenast:
The Austrian Hotel Contract Conditions (ÖHVB) apply.
Cancellation more than 6 weeks before arrival: no cancellation fees apply.
Cancellation within 6 weeks: 50% cancellation fee; within one week of arrival: 80% cancellation fee.
The hotel recommends concluding their fairly priced "Grafenast cancellation protection", costing €2.50 per person per day booked.


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courtesy of jo(e):
Comfort Beverage:
English Breakfast tea with milk and sugar
Comfort Chair:
I guess my loveseat, but it's not something I think about.
Comfort Read:
The Anne of Green Gables books by L.M. Montgomery
Comfort Television/Music/Movie:
Law & Order or General Hospital
anything by the Dead
The Sound of Music
Comfort Companions:
Emily, my mom, my sister


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Five faculty members in the UAB School of Medicine have been named the 2019 class of James A. Pittman Jr., M.D., Scholars—a program created to recognize the contributions of junior faculty and support the recruitment and retention of highly competitive scientists and physician-scientists.
The Pittman Scholars, named for the late James A. Pittman, M.D., longtime dean of the School of Medicine from 1973 to 1992, are nominated by their department chairs based on their research achievements and their potential for continued discovery in the basic or clinical sciences. Pittman is considered a principal architect of the School for his ability to recruit top scientists and physicians to UAB.
Five Pittman Scholars are selected each academic year. The selected class of scholars receive $12,500 per year for five years to support the faculty member's research-related activities or scholarly enrichment.
The 2019 Pittman Scholars are:
Matt Alexander, Ph.D., Department of Pediatrics
Aaron Fobian, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry
Alexa Mattheyses, Ph.D., Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
Pankaj Arora, M.D., Deparment of Medicine
Kyle Wood, M.D., Department of Urology


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By Tom Quiner
Obama has had his way with America.
You name the liberal proposal, and in some form or another, it has been imposed on the country.
Democrats should have no complaints. Right? After all, they elected a man of the Left who has fundamentally transformed this country, many by executive fiat. A quick list:
√ Legal status to 5 million illegal immigrants.
√ Transgender bathrooms.
√ Obamacare.
√ Wall Street reform.
√ Higher taxes on the rich.
√ Higher taxes on us all.
√ Gay marriage and the normalization of homosexuality.
√ Massive increase in government regulation in all aspects of lives.
√ Disengagement from the world stage via a "lead from behind strategy."
√ Mandated contraception and abortifacients in health insurance.
√ Huge support for Black Lives Matter.
This is a stunning list of accomplishments for the Democratic Party. We have witnessed a leftward lurch, the likes of which this country has never seen. Every Democratic voter in America must be beaming.
They're not. In fact, they are angry. In fact, many seem enraged.
Things just aren't going so well. A quick list:
√ The economy is in the tank. This is the worst economic recover since WWII.
√ Middle class wages are stagnant. The middle class is shrinking.
√ Health insurance rates continue to explode at the same time benefits erode.
√ Parents are afraid to let their daughters use a public restroom.
√ The world is burning.
√ Christians are being martyred at record rates. The religion is quickly being expunged from the Mideast.
√ The government is your enemy if you don't think or pray the right way.
√ Government deficits have more than doubled.
√ The number of people on food stamps has exploded to shocking levels.
√ Social Security and Medicare are going broke.
To recap, liberalism isn't working. It is making this country, and the world, worse, much worse.
Hillary Clinton is basically running on a platform of more of the same. Bernie Sanders is running on a platform that Obama didn't go far enough, that we simply need a lot MORE of the same: more taxes on everyone; a lot more taxes on the most productive; more government regulations; more government takeover of the private sector.
It never seems to dawn on his horde of young Leftists that his prescriptions failed in Venezuela, Cuba, the Soviet Union, and practically anywhere else it has been tried. Socialism is a loser.
Sadly, these snowflakes have never been taught critical thinking skills.
They simply want free stuff.


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Worldwide Partner Conference 2016 is less than two weeks
away, and its approach offers a good opportunity to look back at some of the key
developments in the Microsoft Dynamics channel over the last year.
Of all the partner programs at Microsoft relevant to
Dynamics ERP and CRM VARs, none is more wide ranging and relevant this year than
the Cloud
Solution Provider (CSP) program. Coming up on two years of execution, CSP has
grown from Azure, Office 365, and Enterprise Mobility Suite to include CRM Online
and the new AX on Azure. Project
Madeira is expected...read more
read more


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The Employment Law Team are holding a Free Employment Law Clinic on Wednesday 18th September 2019 at the Newark Office.
The clinic is available for clients to attend between the hours of 10am to 3pm at:
Ringrose Law
Sketchley House
11 Castlegate
Clients visiting the clinic will receive up to 30 minutes of Free Advice from a member of our Employment Law Team. Please bear in mind that our very popular clinics are operated on a booking basis. To reserve your appointment please contact our Employment Law Team on 01522 561020.
The Team are happy to advise on a wide range of Employment Law issues including:
- Unfair Dismissal.
- ACAS early conciliation.
- Redundancy.
- Discrimination (sex, pregnancy age, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation).
- Whistleblowing.
- Unpaid Wages.
- Breach of Contract.
- Unfair Constructive Dismissal.
- Wrongful Dismissal.
- Settlement Agreement Guidance.
- Bullying in the workplace.
- Raising a grievance.


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The innovative Fernox TF1 Omega Filter has won Product of the Year at the National Energy Efficiency and Healthy Homes Awards 2017.
The innovative Fernox TF1 Omega Filter has won Product of the Year at the National Energy Efficiency and Healthy Homes Awards 2017.for its ability to capture superior levels of central heating system debris. In addition, Fernox received a special commendation at the awards for Supplier of the Year.
Gathering professionals from within the UK's energy efficiency market, the awards celebrate the industry's efforts to encourage best practice and tackle issues such as reducing fuel poverty, carbon emissions and energy costs. In addition, Fernox also received a special commendation within the Supplier of the Year category. Recognising the company for its consistent delivery of high quality chemical water treatment and innovative in-line filter systems, the company received the commendation within the highly competitive category that saw 12 organisations shortlisted. Francine Wickham, Fernox Global Marketing Director, said: "More than 50 years ago Fernox pioneered the use of chemical water treatments to prevent boiler breakdown and to maintain energy efficiency. Continuing to push the boundaries of best practice, product innovation and customer service ever since, we're delighted that our commitment to maintaining system efficiency and reducing fuel wastage has been rewarded. "Testimony to the expertise of our excellent research and development team, the ground-breaking TF1 Omega Filter – with its impressive 25-year warranty – offers superior debris capture that helps maintain system efficiency and prevent higher running costs."


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Bristol Old Vic Young Company presents radical new interpretation of Hercules in collaboration with The Wardrobe Ensemble20 Dec 2018
The Wardrobe Ensemble have come full circle after a critically acclaimed run of their ground-breaking show Education, Education, Education, which played to packed houses in November 2017 and again in April this year. The former Made in Bristol company is now returning to Bristol Old Vic to tackle one of Greek mythology's most iconic characters – Hercules. Bringing their trademark inventive theatricality to the table, the Bristol-based group are collaborating with Bristol Old Vic Young Company (T***k you) to re-examine the tale from a fresh, modern perspective.
Young Company is home to over 350 young people aged 5–25 from across the South West who take part in an on-going programme of weekly sessions, theatre masterclasses, community projects and full-scale performances.
Hercules marks Young Company's first in-house production since the theatre's recent redevelopment project and signifies a renewal of Bristol Old Vic's commitment to producing and collaborating on inspiring new pieces of theatre created by the South West's most exciting up-and-coming artists. The Weston Studio was built with five main strands of activity in mind, encompassed by an overarching aim of supporting the theatre-makers of tomorrow, whether that be through Bristol Ferment, the pioneering Literary department, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School or Bristol Old Vic Young Company.
The production is directed by The Wardrobe Ensemble's founding member Helena Middleton, whose directing credits include Education, Education, Education, Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain (Bristol Old Vic) and The Star Seekers (Wardrobe Theatre). Joining Helena is Musical Director and fellow Wardrobe Ensemble member James Newton (Eloise and the Curse of the Golden Whisk) and Designer and recent Bristol Old Vic Theatre School graduate Emily Leonard.
The newly devised show will radically reinvent the classic tale of Zeus and his son Hercules who lives in a world where only the best, the strongest and the bravest can win. The Wardrobe Ensemble and Young Company have set up to scrutinise what it means to be strong in today's society and examine the pressures of masculinity. The cast consists of 17 young people, ranging in age from 11 to 22. Director Helena Middleton said, "As The Wardrobe Ensemble was born out of Young Company, it has been an amazing pleasure to return and work with such engaged, talented and passionate young people. In Hercules,audiences can expect a ping-pong filled spectacle interrogating the negative impact of gender stereotyping and toxic masculinity. It is both funny and provocative, energetic and elegiac. The myths themselves make a sprawling, complex story and we've reinterpreted them and reset them in the modern day; where Zeus runs a ping-pong franchise, where the 12 labours become 12 community service tasks and where people struggle under the pressures of the expectations put on them."
Engagement Producer Hattie De Santis said, "Young Company have thrived working with The Wardrobe Ensemble to devise Hercules. They have been empowered to try out new roles of theatre-making, such as writing and adapting an ancient Greek tale and creating music for theatre. Audiences can expect both Young Company and The Wardrobe Ensemble's signature ensemble practice in this honest take on what masculinity is today."
Hercules will run in The Weston Studio from Wed 9 Jan to Sat 12 Jan 2019.
Bristol Old Vic is the longest continuously running theatre in the UK, and celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2016. The historic playhouse aims to inspire audiences with its own original productions, both at home and on tour, whilst nurturing the next generation of artists, whether that be through their 350-strong Young Company, their many outreach and education projects or their trailblazing artist development programme, Bristol Ferment.
They use their funding to support experiment and innovation, to allow access to their programme for people who would not otherwise encounter it, or be able to afford it, and to keep their extraordinary heritage alive and animated.
On 24 Sep 2018, Bristol Old Vic completed its 2-year multi-million pound redevelopment project, which transformed its front of house space into a warm and welcoming public building for all of Bristol to enjoy, created a new studio theatre and opened up its unique theatrical heritage to the public for the first time.


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Photo: Jim Blight (right) makes his point to Fidel Castro as janet Lang witnesses the moment. The couple dubbed this 1992 photo "Cosmic Reversal".
Originally posted on the University of Waterloo homepage January 17, 2018
By Wendy Philpott, Faculty of Arts
In 1992, on the 30th anniversary of the Cuban missile crisis, historians Jim Blight and janet Lang organized a remarkable meeting in Havana between Fidel Castro, Robert McNamara, and former aides of Nikita Khrushchev. The group represented the key living players in the most dangerous military confrontation in history—a crisis that, the meeting revealed, avoided nuclear Armageddon at the last minute.
Partners in life as well as scholarship (they have been married for 41 years), Professors Blight and Lang are leading experts on the crisis. They have convened five international conferences, produced numerous animated films and documentaries, and published six previous books on the subject. Their new publication Dark Beyond Darkness: The Cuban Missile Crisis as History, Warning and Catalyst makes it seven books.
"We find that most people still don't understand the Cuban missile crisis," said Lang, "but we find that once you do, once you get its danger, its fear, its closeness to Armageddon—then it becomes a very strong argument for nuclear abolition. And the necessity of abolishing nukes is the point we underscore in Dark Beyond Darkness."
The new book draws on historical facts and human foibles the researchers have uncovered that they hope will galvanize readers – especially young readers – to become fully cognizant of how dangerous our world was then, and is today with 15,000 nuclear warheads currently poised, and volatile leaders with their proverbial fingers on the button.
"This is an attempt to speak to the millennial generation, because even the best and the brightest among the millennials don't seem to care about this issue. It's just not real to them; it seems too abstract," said Blight. "Our challenge is to reach them in two ways: first, to be afraid of what might happen; second, to act productively in ways that lead toward nuclear abolition."
In their academic capacities, the couple spent years building relationships and trust with key players of the Cuban missile crisis, persuading them to meet with their former enemies to examine one another's actions in the light of history—part of a research method they pioneered called "critical oral history."
"There is something almost magical about sitting down with your former enemy years later, presenting what you believed they were about to do at the time, only to discover that you were totally wrong," commented Lang.
To move toward nuclear disarmament, Blight suggested that "you've got to show how the world could be blown up if we don't abolish the nukes, and the Cuban missile crisis makes this case in spades," emphasizing that Fidel Castro's Cuba shares important characteristics with small, but combative, nuclear powers like Kim Jong Un's North Korea or Benjamin Netanyahu's Israel.
"If war breaks out in any of these volatile regions, and the war goes nuclear, the entire world will be at risk due to the nuclear winter that would follow. In such a scenario, the living could very well envy the dead," said Blight. "We hope to see young people stir things up and keep us focused on what is perhaps our most important task as human beings: destroy nuclear weapons before they destroy us."
"Dark Beyond Darkness" is available at a 35% discount to UW faculty, staff, and students via the Rowman & Littlefield Publishers site, using discount code 4S18DBD35. The book is also available from the University of Waterloo Bookstore.


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Hanger 8, Tauranga Airport Jean Batten Drive,, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand
Tauranga-based Aerius Helicopters are your flight specialists in the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Coromandel regions. Our services range from unforgettable White Island tours, scenic flights over the regions' white beaches and rugged landscapes, to all of your commercial helicopter flight needs.
55 Coote Road, Bluff Hill, Napier, New Zealand
Napier Prison has you "captured" - day and night - with expert tours, focused school program and escape rooms...
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Marlborough Sounds Outdoor Adventure Specialists - Sea Kayaking, Mountain Biking and Walking throughout the Marlborough Sounds
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Experience the fabulous Mildford Sound New Zealand with BBQ Bus
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Join us for the experience of a lifetime! Award winning and unique New Zealand Adventure Tours.
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Back to Nature Tours conducts tours that are peppered with rare wildlife, stunning scenery, local interest and excellent interpretation.
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Scenery you can count on. New Zealand's unique volcanic landscape from the air!
SeaLink Northern Territory, Cullen Bay NT, Australia
Conducting up to 14 daily return services to Mandorah and operating three times a week to the Tiwi Islands, SeaLink will look after you on our state-of-the-art, high-speed catamarans.
Wellington, New Zealand
Zozo Travel offers fully guided small group tours that showcase the best Wellington has to offer. With a passion for Wellington and the Wairarapa, Zozo staff are the perfect hosts for your Kiwi adventure!


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Put in your leave form and plan your trip...the 2021 Myswag.org National Meet is going to be at Myrtle Park in North East TASMANIA!!! As more details come to hand...they will be placed HERE
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
You might get a new recruit in the fight to quit with this bloke:http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/story/2011/07/26/light-up-portaloo-blamed-in-explosion-rockhampton/Sounds like a lot of hard work ahead of him, if he makes it through.
Good on you Mr Mac Gu,I have been a smoker for over 20 years and in the last seven years, since I have had kids I have given up three times. Once by willpower, once by hypnosysis and once by tablets. The longest period was the tablets - 12 months.I decided it was time to quit again, for the cost, kids, not a good look as I work in the health industry and cos these days you are seen as a lepor. I have even nearly had a full on fight recently in the street, cos someone thought they had the right to tell me that I stink and am discusting (well they were overweight and should stop going to Krispy Kremes I say!!!) I have been a staunch advocate for smoking as to be honest I really enjoy the habit and nothing better when having a beer. It really is a nice way to get away from kids, work etc and have a couple of minutes time out. I also hate the current nanny state attitude which is prevailing in our society, against everything that is bad for you but that is another rant.Anyway, I used the Champix and started them a couple of weeks ago and havent had a fag for the last week or so. They do work and you still need will power but definantly not as much. Only take them when you have eaten or you will feel sick. I am having trouble sleeping and somenights will be awake to after 1am. I try to take the tablets in the early afternoon, not sure it is making any difference to the lack of sleep though.Regardless it is worht it and will persist the main reason is I do want to see my kids longer. My Doctors is very good and used to be a smoker ans is always encouraging me. I will leave these words of wisdown he shared with me" You may not live any longer but it jesus it will feel like it"
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But I digress...
Monday, May 17, 2010
But I digress...
7 comments:
- Unknown said... [Reply to comment]
Simply make me want to have a child to send there too.
Kak An, your story really visualized the condition of that madrasah. I can just feel how much you that place have 'ruh' and I always love places that can make me feel closer to Islam and closer to Allah. I envy you and of course Habri.
May Allah fulfill your do'a. Amiin.
- 19:47
- Azie Nazri said... [Reply to comment]
Just reading your story has made me want to aim for the sky too! Well, for 'my future' at least. :P
- 00:02
- Elham said... [Reply to comment]
InsyaAllah the day will come when you'll have children that will carry on your spirit and passion in upholding the true sense of Islam. In the meantime, rejoice to the fact that all your 'unanswered' heartfelt do'a are being compensated with huge rewards unimaginable by our limited intellect....
- 08:06
- Elham said... [Reply to comment]
Thanks...and May Allah hasten 'the future' and be it filled with peace and joy...
- 08:08
- Jannah said... [Reply to comment]
Salam dear sis,
What a delight to read this..
May Allah makes those efforts and noble intention fruitful, InshaAllah :)
- 21:46
- seorangnenektua said... [Reply to comment]
'fruitful sacrifice'I would say!
I can see it from here your chick to chick smile! he he he.just kidding!
- 23:47
- Elham said... [Reply to comment]
Thanks Jannah and SNT....
The funny part is I end up berkenan kat ustadz tu nak buat menantu!! hehe..wish Adik is older. And it became funnier when I shared that wishful thinking with Amir's mum and found out she also berkenan!! She has better chance though, with a 15 yo daughter and a hafizah to boot...hemmm
- 08:16


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The sun is shining, the day is longer, and it is a warm season. This can only mean one thing: the time is ripe for throwing a garden party. Huge spending and long hours of preparation may not be necessary. All you need is have your kids, grandchildren, or great grandchildren around, obtain the right dishes and drinks, and set the stage; leave the rest to happen naturally. That way, you will be able to bring back the memories of your youth.
Foods and drinks are perhaps the most important aspects of any party. Add your preferred music to the mix and you will have a perfect party in your backyard. To avoid running after everyone during the party (and you are old anyway), you may need to set up a beverage station to allow your invited guests and locals alike serve themselves as you enjoy your day too. Be creative to immortalize the event. For instance, you can prepare a watermelon keg for serving beer and wine. It is easy to make yet a special way of treating your guests; they will never forget. When it comes to food, something like cheesecake creations is ideal. It will leave everyone licking their fingers.


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Virginia has very strict laws against drunk driving and drugged driving. People convicted of DUI offenses may be subject to stiff sentences, license suspension and more. Motorists in Virginia should be aware of what constitutes DUI. This blog post will provide some basic information on DUI in the Old Dominion.
There are two scenarios in which a prosecutor can charge a motorist with driving under the influence. The first is when a motorist is driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or greater. The second is when a motorist is driving while "under the influence" of drugs, alcohol or a combination of the two.
Upon conviction of DUI, a motorist faces fines and court costs. The motorist could also face some jail time, with a possibility of up to one year in jail depending on the specific circumstances of the case. The motorist may be required to serve time on probation instead of jail. Furthermore, the motorist will also probably have their driver's license suspended for up to one year.
If it is the motorist's first offense, they may be able to request a restricted license instead of having their license suspended. This will require the motorist to enroll in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, a program in which the motorist would receive an evaluation of their alcohol and drug use and get treatment as needed.
Motorists have rights when they are accused of driving under the influence. Many motorists find the services of a DUI lawyer to be helpful when facing DUI charges. They can advise a motorist of their rights and discuss possible defense strategies.


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I see giant hollow cakes in her future.
(Taken with my iPhone, so the quality isn't great.)
Smart girl, training for a guaranteed job in this uncertain economy!
I just watched a documentary, "Women in Boxes", discussing the role of magician's assistant. Elizabeth is ready for the stage!
I love the butt in the air!
You lucky, lucky lady...to have all this within your reach.
I know you love it.
I say that she is saying "Surprise!"
Too cute!!!
I wuv when you post Elizabeth pictures. See, I've already dissolved into a puddle of mush. Thanks for the cutie-pie fix!!


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Measuring the Effect of Public Health Campaigns on Twitter: The Case of World Autism Awareness Day
Mass media campaigns are traditional methods of raising public awareness in order to reinforce positive behaviors and beliefs. However, social media platforms such as Twitter have the potential to offer an additional route into raising awareness of general and specific health conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which a public health campaign, World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), could increase Twitter activity and influence the average sentiment on Twitter, and to discover the types of information that was shared on the platform during a targeted awareness campaign. This study gathered over 2,315,283 tweets in a two-month period. Evidence suggests that the autism campaign, WAAD, was successful in raising awareness on Twitter, as an increase in both the volume of tweets and level of positive sentiment were observed during this time. In addition, a framework for assessing the success of health campaigns was developed. Further work is required on this topic to determine whether health campaigns have any long lasting impact on Twitter users.
KeywordsSocial media Health campaigns Twitter
- 1.Randolph, W., Viswanath, K.: Lessons learned from public health mass media campaigns: marketing health in a crowded media world. Ann. Rev. Public Health 25, 419–437 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.25.101802.123046 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- 2.Hornik, R.: Public Health Communication Evidence for Behavior Change. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah (2002)Google Scholar
- 3.General Assembly Resolution 62/139. Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 18 December 2007. http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/62/139
- 4.Bryman, A.: Social Research Methods, 2nd edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford (2004)Google Scholar
- 5.DiscoverText: DiscoverText. https://www.discovertext.com/. Accessed 12 Feb 2015
- 6.Mozdeh: Mozdeh Twitter Time Series Analysis. http://mozdeh.wlv.ac.uk/. Accessed 19 May 2015
- 7.Thelwall, M., Buckley, K., Paltoglou, G., Cai, D., Kappas, A.: Sentiment strength detection in short informal text. J. Assoc. Inf. Sci. Technol. 61(12), 2544–2558 (2010)CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- 8.Gerlitz, C., Rieder, B.: Mining one percent of Twitter: collections, baselines, sampling. M/C J. 16(2) (2013)Google Scholar
- 9.Social Media Research Foundation: NodeXL. http://www.smrfoundation.org/nodexl/. Accessed 28 May 2015
- 10.Ahmed, W.: More room for greater depth and detail: implications for academic research of Twitter's expanded character limit. LSE Impact Blog (2018). http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/2018/02/09/more-room-for-greater-depth-and-detail-implications-for-academic-research-of-twitters-expanded-character-limit


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Craig Robinson, truly a "man for all seasons," continues to prove that he's a national treasure with his debut children's book, Jake the Fake.
Did you love Craig on The Office?
Or in his recurring role as Doug Judy, the Pontiac Bandit, on Brooklyn 99?
How about his annoying, and yet charming, commercials for Dodge?
Did you ever hear him sing Radiohead's Creep (with an all-Office backup band. Creed!)?
And he was even great on Ghosted, which was really quite terrible.
Long story short, Craig is great.
He used to be a school music teacher, and he uses that experience here in his debut graphic novel/middle grade story (similar to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, but with more text). Craig (and his two co-writers/illustrators, Adam Mansbach and Keith Knight) introduce us to Jake, who is about to start middle school, and is scared to death.
Jake won't be going to school with any of his friends, he's going across town to the prestigious school for the arts that his amazingly talented sister goes to. Somehow, Jake got in after he played a song on the piano and sang for his audition…but it's the only song Jake knows how to play and sing. He's in a panic that the school is going to realize that he has no musical talent and that he's a fake, and he'll be kicked out.
Jake soon realizes that this new school isn't what he expected, and that everyone has a talent, but they just might not realize it yet.
I'll be honest, this book made me laugh out loud. The illustrations were ridiculous (if I were a 10 year old, I would probably think this was the most hilarious book of all time) and the jokes were smart.
This book has clearly been written as the first in a series of stories about Jake, and I look forward to reading what this crew puts out. The humor used here is a great way to let kids know that that the things they worry about are things that all kids worry about, no matter who they are.
Tagging for #cbr10bingo as #underrepresented. Jake and his family are African American, although it is never mentioned. Jake is a strong, funny, smart character, and his family is wonderful. His background shouldn't — and doesn't — matter, but I loved seeing him as a potential role model for all of the kids who pick up the Wimpy Kid or Big Nate books and think they are fun, but don't quite connect with them.
**and yes, maybe my review title isn't 100% in line with a blurb about a book for kids, but dammit, I just love Doug Judy.


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Saturday, September 24, 2011
Something Wicked This Way Comes!
I'm entering the following challenges:
Crazy 4 Challenges -Halloween
Glitter Geeks-
5 comments:
Great design! Love that purple and green together...it looks wonderful. Thanks for joining us at Glitter Geeks Monsters Inc challenge, good luck and hope to see more of your wonderful work!ReplyDelete
He is adorable! Love him on the "notebook paper". I have tons of those dollar stamps, makes me want to get some of them out!ReplyDelete
OMGoodness, this card is so adorable. Love that little guy and you coloured him perfectly.ReplyDelete
Love the layout of your card and the colours.
Can you tell I really like your card :)
Brilliant card Sharla, and your colouring and composition are fab!ReplyDelete
Thanks for joining us at Glitter Geeks and good luck :).
Fab card. I love them colours together. Love it!!ReplyDelete
Thanks for joining us at Glitter Geeks, good luck and hope you'll join again soon.


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Ocean Infinity to Hunt for MH370
The Malaysian government is entering into an agreement with Ocean Infinity to search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, Darren Chester, Australia's minister for infrastructure and transport said on Thursday.
Namely, the Malaysian government has accepted the earlier announced offer from Ocean Infinity to search for the missing plane, entering into a 'no find no fee' arrangement.
"While I am hopeful of a successful search, I'm conscious of not raising hopes for the loved ones of those on board," minister Chester noted.
Ocean Infinity will focus on searching the seafloor in an area that has previously been identified by experts as the next most likely location to find MH370.
"Australia, at Malaysia's request, will provide technical assistance to the Malaysian government and Ocean Infinity," minister Chester added.
No new information has been discovered to determine the specific location of the aircraft, however data collected during the previous search will be provided.
To remind, the two-year search was suspended in January this year after it failed to find the MH370 flight that vanished on March 08, 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew aboard.
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The underwater search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 could continue as the US-based ...Posted: over 3 years ago
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Mozambique Debris Confirmed as Part of MH370, Lost Towfish Recovered
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's report confirmed the two parts found in Mozambique belong t...Posted: over 4 years ago


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Katie tagged me, so I am telling you 7 things about myself you might not know or realize. However, just as you'll never uncover a photograph of me doing bad things because my mama might see it, this list is mama-friendly (hi mama!):
1. I may be the only parent who finds other kids as cute as her kids. I honestly believe that I have two good-lookin' children. They have traditionally good looks, but they also have some pretty awesome personalities. To me, Bella is most beautiful when she's dancing in circles listening to one of those aweful kids' songs she loves and Javier is most handsome when he's animatedly telling me a story about something in his day or sharing his logic with me (example). But, I will run into other children in the world who seem just as adorable. However, according to my husband and my mom - those children may be okay to look at ... but they don't hold a candle to our kids. My mom says this about Bella more often than any other kid. Maybe most people don't compare boys' looks as much as they do girls'? Anyway - sometimes I feel that I should be biased, but I feel very objective about it.
2. I like to make fun of my children (and probably yours, too). My family has an infamously morbid humor. Anyone who gets along well with us probably shares that humor. That means I can laugh and joke about things other people find sacrosanct. For example, my son has the biggest teeth known to 7 year olds. I mean - they are like two surfboards hanging from his gums. Sometimes after he eats, there'll still be food stuck to the upper half of them - which is why I force him to brush ... a lot. Of course, I do not make fun of my kid (or yours) if there's any chance I could be overheard. But, dude, it's pretty funny stuff.
3. I am often other people's scapegoat. I am known for being upfront and honest. I know many people who live in carefully constructed bubbles. When their bubbles encounter friction, those people often bring up my name. I may have only a distant connection to the problem (such as I know the same people as the bubble-dweller), but nine times out of ten, it'll be me who takes the fall. My friend Amy perfected this strategy back in college when she was online dating this guy in Canada. She'd have me say or send things, then when the guy got upset, she'd say "Hey, it was Kelly!" Not many of the newer people in my life are guilty of this fall-back, but many of the people who've been around for a while are. My favorite component of this strategy is that many times the guilty parties are so clueless that they may actually believe that I am Voldemort.
4. I watch a lot of tv, but I spend way more time reading online junk. Okay, not everything I read is "junk," per se, but I spend a inordinate amount of time reading user-generated content. And, I often consider that content just as authoritative as traditional media. For instance, my feeds are full of this and this. But, they are also full of personal blogs, mom blogs and local blogs. Notice: blogs, blogs, and some more blogs. As a work-from-home mom, I think my blogs help me feel connected, as though I am dropping by the "watercooler" in many different offices. Yay for blogs!
5. I was almost a biologist. Can you imagine? As an undergrad, I double majored in English and Gender Studies. In fact, I chose my college based on its fantastic English department. However, in my freshman year, I had to take one of those 100-person Biology seminar classes .... and it was awesome. I enjoyed learning more about the human body and the subject clicked in my brain in a way that science never had before. If I could've focused more on biology, I might have considered changing my major, but instead I loaded up on science courses that fit my Gender Studies curriculum. That means I've taken lots of sociology, psychology and physiology courses, which were also fascinating. I am confident that I wasn't cut out to be a scientist, but I do know several English majors who started out at as Biology majors, and many science/math people who started out as English majors ... so perhaps there's a connect somewhere?
6. I have always wanted to leave in a commune. I don't know that commune is exactly the word, but I'd love to have a safe space for women and children where we make our own food and clothes, provide job skills and training, and focus on creating strong, healthy women ... who would then raise strong, healthy children. I'd love to be in a position to work with a non-profit that would tie into that dream, but unfortunately with the cost of child care and all my student loans, etc., I must continue churning out content for The Man.
7. I used to have a crush on Jesse Helms. Yes, you read that correctly. Jesse "The Devil" Helms. I can only explain this by saying that my papa was a staunch Republican, and I spent a lot of time with him and his girlfriend at the time... and they spent a lot of time watching and talking about Jesse. I thought he was an angel and wanted to give him a big hug. I shared that with my mother, who promptly threw up a little in her mouth and warned that my great-grandparents were rolling over in their graves. In my defense, I was probably 10 at the time and didn't realize that Jesse would consider my very birth an abomination. As I got older and actually paid attention to ol' Jesse, I came to my senses. :)
I hear a baby crying ... time to start our day!
2 comments:
Katie Jones
I loved reading about your seven "Mama-friendly" unknown things! I can't believe you had a crush on Jesse Helms- hilarious!
Kelly Miller
It makes me chuckle, too. I wish I could tell you how it made my mother's skin crawl! :)
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Hi everyone, sorry for the huge break between posts. The reason is that we have booked flights home to spend Christmas with our lovely families so we have a lot to see in a short space of time. Since leaving Valladolid we have seen so many new places and travelled through the remainder of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras so we have been super busy with our upcoming deadline. Don't worry the posts will continue when we have time which I guess will be once we have returned to New Zealand. So stay tuned for all of our exciting adventures in Central America!
After an eventful stay in Merida involving lost wallets and police on the negative side and caves and ruins on the positive we took off via second class bus for Valladolid. To tell the truth we didn't really know much about Valladolid except for the fact that it's close to Chichen Itza. We arrived and did our usual search for accommodation. The first stop involved visiting a hostel we had heard good things about. They didn't have a cheap private room available so we crossed the road and stayed at a new hostel, which was more like a guesthouse, but cheap nonetheless. As it had a kitchen we headed off on a mission to a small grocery store to get some dinner supplies. Over our five night stay here the girl at the deli counter at this supermarket got to know us which shows how often we cooked. We filled up our days here with activities so the days went by quite quickly with relaxation and beers being our only evening plans.
Day one and we set off early back to the bus station to hop on a bus to Chichen Itza. This has been probably been the most famous site we have visited, everyone knows of Chichen Itza, and I'm pretty sure that it has been put onto a modern 7 world wonders list. Our experience at Chichen Itza was an interesting one. The site is quite sterile in some ways as you can't get anywhere near any of the ruins. It's also significantly more expensive than all the others we had visited at 220 peso per person. It's understandable that areas are roped off though. The amount of people who visit each day is huge and if we want these sites around for our children and grandchildren to see then roped off areas are a must. The main photo opportunity is the Castle, which I'm sure you will all recognise. Although not as big as the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan the 'Castle' is a grand pyramid that has been well restored. Unfortunately some of the most impressive features of the Castle are in the inaccessible temple at the summit. We were also very impressed at the ball court which is the largest one in Mexico and Mesoamerica.
Luckily we were organised that morning and left early making it before a lot of the tour buses arrived. Though once we were through the main plaza we could see them all streaming through the main entrance for the remainder of the day. When we had walked through about three quarters of the site the sky started making it's ominous rumbling sound and big black clouds rolled in. Before long we were in the thick of another thunderstorm…again. Because we weren't with a tour we had no time restraints so happily took shelter under some covered souvenir stands with a bunch of other tourists. With the rain pouring down, the thunder booming and lightning flashing all around us we watched as the tour groups continued on their way through the storm. So many people were inappropriately dressed and their white clothing soon became see-through. The storm quickly became a great opportunity to just 'people-watch'. After waiting for a good hour the storm started to ease and we could squelch our way through the remainder of the site. Overall it was interesting but we were a little annoyed that we couldn't get up close to the ruins, especially as the information boards often referred to things we couldn't see. As we left Chichen Itza tourists were still coming in to visit the site in the hundreds so we weren't sad to be heading back to our backpacker home in Valladolid for some tranquillity/beers.
With the bus rides and hiding from the storm our visit to Chichen Itza took up most of our day so upon our return we simply picked up some drinks and food before making dinner and relaxing. We also used our evening to plan out our next days activities as well as play some games of 500. Though Tom won a majority, I'm still working on my ruthlessness and strategy.
Day two and we were again off to an archaeological site. This one was Ek-Balam and not only were the pyramids taller than at Chicken Itza, we could explore the ruins and climb the pyramids. This site had a very unfinished feeling as it has a lot of pyramids and temples are still covered and looking like small tree covered hills. However we could climb the main temple where we could see some stucco friezes and a stunning view from the top. The best part of climbing to the top of a pyramid in my opinion is the beautiful breeze you can enjoy after being in the humid jungle.
Also on the Ek-Balam site is a cenote. This is located about two kilometres down a track through the jungle where we saw some pretty birds and also a fox (we think). For the lazy there was also the option to hire bikes to ride the few kilometres or for the even lazier you could be pushed along on a tricycle type contraption with a local guy doing the pedalling. After visiting the cenote near the Dzibilchaltun ruins outside of Merida I was expecting a cenote at ground level with nibbly fish again. This one however was a proper sinkhole about 20 metres down and accessed by a slippery wooden staircase. The water was fresh and we spent the next hour or so jumping and diving into the water. Tom in particular enjoyed throwing himself off increasingly higher and higher ledges up to about 15 meters, crazy boy!
As the only "public transport" to Ek-Balam is via collective taxis we didn't want to fork out the price for a private one and instead decided to wait for two more people to come along. This wait turned out to be about an hour before another backpacker couple came by. We shared our travel stories and ended up grabbing a beer once we arrived back in Valladolid. From our stay here in Valladolid we felt solidly on the backpacker circuit and have met so many nice, like-minded people since. In our hostel was also another nice group who we made friends with and who ended up travelling with us to our next destination, but stay tuned for that as I'm jumping ahead a bit.
On our second last day we hired bikes and took off on an adventure out of Valladolid town to some more cenotes in the countryside nearby. The road had a handy bike track along the side which saved us from riding on a busy main road. I appreciated this as I get a little nervous biking around traffic not having much experience doing so. Eventually we arrived at X-keken and Samula which are twin centotes on the same site. The story of X-keken is that there was a drought in the area and the family who owned the property owned a pig. One day the pig showed up back at the house covered in mud. This was strange because as it was a drought there was not enough water around for the pig to have had a mud bath anywhere they knew of. So they followed the pig and found an underground cave with a cenote inside. This is why the site has been named X-keken, as it means 'pig' in Yucatec Mayan. Fun story I thought and even more fun was the pet pig at the entrance who didn't want to pose for any photos. Both the cenotes at this site were underground and a little cool, but once fully submerged they were welcome after our bike ride.
After a few hours here we hopped back onto the bikes and took off for another local cenote. This one took us down a dusty road full of bumps which I wasn't a fan of but we finally got to an old hacienda which was the site of the final cenote we would visit in Valladolid, but also our favourite. San Lorenzo was an open centote in a deep sinkhole. There were a few locals hanging out there and using the awesome rope swing. We stayed here until the light faded from the depth of the sinkhole making the air start to feel a little too cool for my liking. On the bike ride back my bum started letting me know that I had been on a bike too much and I gladly cycled back to town ready to drop the bikes back off. We made two brief stops along the way: the old convent for a few photos as well as the supermarket where we shared a treat of a Snickers bar. Again the rest of the evening was all about drinks and food.
Our final day in Valladolid was some onward planning for our trip as well as a wander around the town. The weather wasn't fantastic and on our way back to the convent we briefly saw the previous day we found ourselves in the rain…again. So we stopped off at a tiny chocolate museum where we were told about the history of chocolate for the Mayans as well as taste testing all the different flavours they had available for purchasing. This didn't cost a cent but on our return to town later in the afternoon we stopped back in to buy a small box of ginger flavoured handmade chocolates.
At the old convent we were able to explore the building and grounds, then read some history of the site. Cenotes are hugely common on the Yucatan Peninsula with over 2000 of them scattered around, so it wasn't a surprise that there was a cenote at the back of the church. The church had been through many forms of build and abandonment over the years and during the rehabilitation of the church the cenotes had been explored by divers. Found at the bottom was a crazy assortment of things from normal utensils, pottery and church artefacts to guns and even cannons from the Caste War! Some of these as well as a photo exhibit of the dives were displayed inside the convent and we considered them the most interesting thing about our visit.
With the day grey and rainy we headed back to the hostel again before a massive downpour started, but with our dinner ingredients in the fridge and drinks in hand we weren't concerned. That evening we packed our bags and did some planning for our next stop. Luckily we had stopped by the bus station and been informed that the only direct bus we wanted went at 3am… Nope that wouldn't be the bus we would be taking. Helpfully we were also informed that there would be buses we could take to El Ideal a random intersection on the highway where other buses should pass by that would take us the rest of the distance. It wasn't a long trip, only a few hours and the internet information we found backed this up.
So feeling informed for the next day we could eat, drink and chat to some new friends who would also be travelling with us the next day. Valladolid had been a relaxing and fun place to spend a few days.


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