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Bluetooth has become a popular way of communicating with serial devices due to low cost, reliable communication, ease of use and because Bluetooth is readily available in most modern laptops and handheld devices; and in case Bluetooth is not available then it can easily be enabled by using a USB Bluetooth dongle. Bluetooth is ideal for short range communication for up to 100 meters (300 feet).
This serial Bluetooth adapter will allow you to communicate with a RS232 serial device from any computer with Bluetooth enabled. You can create a link directly to the computer in which case the operating system's Bluetooth drivers will create a virtual COM port (in Windows 8.1, 8, 7 and Vista); or you can pair two of these serial Bluetooth adapters with each other in which case they work independent from the computer's Bluetooth drivers, in other words, if you use these adapters in pairs then your computer does not have to have Bluetooth capabilities; this is almost like a direct cable replacement.
Here are some simplified setup examples:
The adapter's parameters can be configured over Bluetooth or through the serial RS232 interface. We highly recommend configuring this adapter through the serial port as configuring it over Bluetooth can be kind of tricky if you are not used to dealing with this type of adapter. If your computer does not have a serial port then you can connect the serial Bluetooth adapter to your computer by using a USB to serial adapter; we recommend the XS880 which is a good quality adapter at a reasonable price.
This serial to Bluetooth adapter is compatible with most standard RS232 devices such as serial printers, scales, process equipment, CNC machines, alarms and virtually any other kind of device or machinery with a standard RS232 port.
It can be used in most types of environments including laboratories, warehouses, offices, machine shops and most other commercial or industrial environments; however please notice that this adapter is not water or dust proof so necessary precautions must be taken if the adapter is used in such environments.
Each package contains one Bluetooth serial adapter which works as a full duplex transceiver, meaning it can both transmit and receive data. You will need two of these Bluetooth serial adapters to setup a communication link unless you already have a built-in or external Bluetooth dongle. Take a look at our detailed setup examples to see how this adapter can be setup.
For alternative wireless serial solutions please see our full selection of wireless RS232 adapters.
Product 2/9


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Rudy Gay traded from Raptors to Kings: reports
Toronto reportedly gets Hayes, Vasquez, Patterson, Salmons
The Rudy Gay era in Toronto appears to be over.
According to multiple reports, the Raptors on Sunday agreed to ship the veteran swingman to the Sacramento Kings in a multi-player blockbuster swap, along with Quincy Acy and Aaron Gray.
In exchange, the Raptors will reportedly get Chuck Hayes, Greivis Vasquez, John Salmons and Patrick Patterson.
Yahoo! Sports reporter Adrian Wojnarowski first broke the news on Twitter Sunday night.
All three players involved in the deal for the Raptors were not in uniform ahead of their tilt with the L.A. Lakers, and the Raptors are expected to make the trade announcent Monday.
Raptors coach Dwane Casey couldn't reference the deal specifically before the game, as nothing is official, but had nothing but good things to say about Gay.
"Rudy is a prince of a guy. He's an athletic, dynamic wing player, he gets to the basket at will and can shoot the ball and handle the ball," Casey said. "We were using him in a drag situation, a pick-and-roll situation because he could see over the defence, and he was growing into that role and he was doing a better job.
"That was a different role for him to do that. He was bringing the ball down the floor, breaking pressure. So that's what he meant to us."
Gay, who is making $17.8 million US this season — and has a $19.3 million player option for next season — averaged 19.4 points per game and 7.4 rebounds in 18 contests this year for Toronto. The eight-year veteran was acquired by former general manager Bryan Colangelo in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies last season.
Gay, a six-foot-eight, 230-pound forward, averaged just 2.2 assists per game for the Raptors this year and has struggled with his jump shot to the tune of a career-low 39 per cent from the field.
The move would be another major shakeup as GM Masai Ujiri continues to reshape a roster and team that hasn't qualified for the post-season since 2008 — which is tied with the Washington Wizards for the longest active streak in the NBA.
Toronto (6-12) has struggled to find its groove this year, losers of five straight despite being just 1.5 games out of first place in the weak Atlantic Division.
Gray contributed 1.3 ppg and 2 rpg off the bench, while 23-year-old Acy saw action in seven games for Toronto this year.
Expiring contracts
In Vasquez, Toronto would be getting a six-foot-six guard who is averaging 9.8 points with an ability to find open teammates — something the Raptors desperately need. The 26-year-old native of Caracas, Venezuela has put up 5.8 assists per contest so far with Sacramento.
The Raptors rank dead last in the NBA in assists per game at 17.3. Vasquez also carries with him a modest cap hit of $2.5 million.
Patterson would provide a solid presence in the paint for Toronto. At 6'9 and 235 pounds, the forward/centre has hauled in 5.8 rebounds per game for the Kings this year and is making $3.1 million.
Salmons is a 33-year-old veteran who was originally drafted 26th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2002, and with a cap hit of $7.5 million this year (and $7 million next year) he is the most expensive piece coming from the Kings.
What may have been another incentive for the Raptors is that both Vasquez and Patterson have expiring contracts.
Hayes, 30, spent the first six years of his career with the Houston Rockets before joining Sacramento in 2011. He will earn $5.7 million this season and $5.9 million next season.
With files from The Associated Press & The Canadian Press

subset: commoncrawl


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Every bride wants to look her best, so planning a wedding quite often includes a wedding weightloss. But how to do it correctly? The internet is full of advice, and not all of it is good for your health, like how to lose weight in a day. Weightloss needs to be taken seriously – so let us guide you through some of the basics. Take a look!
Main Rules Of Planning For Weightloss
To lose weight for a wedding you need to know a couple of things about some of the general rules. Drastic measures might prove effective in the short term. Fat burners, extreme dieting, laxatives and other 'shortcuts' might show you how to lose weight fast.
But first of all, such extremes are not good for your health. What you need is a wedding workout plan, and a healthy calorie cut. Lose the weight too quickly – and all the lost pounds will get back to you in no time. A yo-yo effect is a well-known fact.
Also, if you do not eat properly, you are going to look faint and sick at your wedding photos. Not exactly the effect you wanted to get, right?
Cutting Calories Tips
When planning a wedding crash diet, you might want to consult a diet consultant. Anyway, cutting calories is usually quite simple, if you follow some basic rules.
- Do not starve. Your body needs at least 1,500-1,800 calories to function and lost weight. 2,000 calories if you are a man. If you eat less than that you are in for trouble.
- Calories are more than just a number. Choose your food carefully and eat smaller portions.
- Keep a list of everything you eat daily and cross out high-fat and high-sugar foods.
- Add more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.
- Choose low-fat meat and dairy products.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are rich in calories.
Wedding Weightloss Calculator
It is a great idea to use a weight loss calculator. A weight loss calculator is a feature that takes into account your rate of metabolism and gives information on how hard you'll have to work (and how long it may take) to reach your goals.
Looking for an easy way to stick to the plan? Use the Weightloss Calculator – it will helps to lose weight more effectively.
- You'll need to provide some information about your gender, age, height, and your current weight. These are factors that influence your metabolic rate.
- Then you'll be asked about your goals. It's important to be realistic during this step.
- Lastly, you'll get a plan and daily calories goal to use.
Main Plan To Lose Weight For Wedding
Of course, your wedding checklist planning for weight loss should include several points.
First of all, consult your doctor and plan your diet. Make sure your diet plan is nutritious and varied.
- Calculate your daily calories goal
- Reduce the carbohydrates and increase the protein intake.
- Include enough fiber from natural sources, such as vegetables, to avoid constipation
- Drink enough water
- Don't skip meals – eat smaller portions each 2-3 hours
- Treat yourself – plan a cheat meal once a week.
- Add a workout routine to increase your activity level
- To motivate yourself keep track of your wedding weight loss before and after, you can even take some photos to compare your progress.
Wedding Workout Plan To Do At Home
One of the greatest tips of weightloss for a wedding is to create a wedding workout plan for 3 months. Increasing the level of your exercise is a very important step to lose weight. If you have never been a sporty person, start slow and steady.
Do not try to train every day. Your body needs to have time to rest. Optimal exercise schedule should include two or three 50-60 minutes workouts a week.
Include cardio exercises to increase metabolism with strength training. You need to tone and build lean muscle, so start with some easy workouts to lose weight, increasing the intensity every week. Consult a trainer to make your workout more effective.
Special for your home workout we've made a beautiful infographic. Click "Pin" and save it!
All in all, wedding weightloss is a combination of exercise and dieting. Do not rush, start preparations as soon as you can to have enough time, and you will be pleasantly shocked to see the changes. Anyway, remember, that your fiance likes you just the way you are, or he wouldn't have proposed. Enjoy each day of your engagement!


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Continuing my 1985 diary of a trip to China March 17
Plane to Nanning. The aircraft is much snazzier than the one to Lhasa and we get free hankies (my second), boxes of chrysanthemum tea (not dried tea; it's a cold drink) and a compass on a key ring. I don't know if the compass is supposed to make us feel more confident that the pilot knows what he's doing, but we get there.
Cheryl and Elspeth were entranced by the news that, according to that guy I met in Cheng Du, you can get pizzas in Nanning. Unfortunately I can't remember which hotel he said, and we trail round three with no success. Our packs are getting heavier as we are now carrying all our winter clothing. The further south we go, the hotter it gets. We'll have to get out our shorts, soon. C and E have the heaviest loads with those huge Chinese coats.
Bereft of pizzas, we go back to the hotel where the airport bus dropped us off. There's some kind of celebration going on; there's a lion dance in the driveway and sheets of firecrackers. The place is packed and everyone is crowding into a special room (where the tables have tablecloths!). Don't know if it's supposed to be a particular function but, amazingly, there's plenty of space for us. The waitress is friendly and the sweet and sour pork is lovely. A western family is here too. They have a baby and a six-year-old child. Both of them seem really ugly after Chinese children. Maybe they are just really ugly. Bed. My first time under a mosquito net.
March 18
Bus to railway station. Hard seat to Zhan Jiang, which is China's southernmost town. It's a nine-hour journey through the sort of countryside that everyone always associates with China – terraced fields; paddy fields, peasants in coolie hats, water buffalo and rich red earth like turmeric powder piled in heaps. It's getting warmer and warmer.
At Zhan Jiang we get bicycle taxis to the hotel. I'm on the outside and it's a bit scary when we go round corners. The hotel is a bit of a dump, but clean and cheap. No food. We go round the food stalls buying oranges and bananas for tomorrow's trip and trying not to look at the varnished brown dog carcases hanging up with the chickens in the pavement cafes. We stop by a woman with buckets of rice and greens on the pavement and have that for tea. It's cold, but at least it's not dog.
March 20
Up in the velvety darkness at 5 am for our 6 am bus ride and ferry to Haikou, which is on the island of Hainan Dao. It's supposed to be marvellously beautiful and unspoilt. It's also a big military base, and we shouldn't really be going there, as westerners, but after bottling out of the truck ride to Lhasa we're going to try it. It's another trip on the bicycle taxis. This time I sit on the inside, bang next to the back wheel. We get to the bus, and find that the world and his wife and all their pigs and chickens and spring onions are coming too. But, miraculously, we do actually set off at 6. And we're in front seats, thank god. Some people are standing, and two are sitting on the engine cowling by the driver. Talk about a hot seat.
We go across a river on a raft. We have to get off the bus, which then drives on and we all crowd on after. Everybody spends the short trip fighting like hell to get back on the bus, because as soon as the raft docks the buses drive off – there's no waiting about. Then we get to the real ferry for Hainan Dao. And, get this, we have to go up a proper gang plank to get on. Well, two planks actually, that wobble, and you have to step over a dead rat. How authentic is that? I feel like I'm in a proper English 20th century novel. Any minute now Peter Ustinov is going to push through the crowds towards us in a linen suit and a Panama hat, or maybe Clark Gable and Jean Harlow are already throwing plates at each other in the restaurant. But sadly not. The boat is just chock full of Chinese people (and pigs and chickens and vegetables) and us. And no restaurant. But, bizarrely, there is a woman selling pink-iced finger buns. We're very doubtful about them, especially after my experience with the concrete bread rolls in Tibet, but they are lovely. Just like you'd buy in the bakers, back home.
I'm not entirely certain we're going to get all the way there in one piece. Sealink would probably have sent the ferry for scrap in about 1915. On the up side, there are so many holes in it I get plenty of fresh air and am not seasick, which I was rather worried about.
Amazingly we are here. Another bus from the ferry to Haikou, and yet more bicycle taxis from the bus station to the hotel. It's properly hot now. There are palm trees which C &E have never seen before in the wild, as it were, and they're entranced. Elspeth hugs one with delight. 'They're great aren't they?' she announces. Cheryl is busy examining the patterned bark. I'm sitting on my pack writing this while I wait for them. Anybody would think they'd gone completely bonkers (and I'm sure some passing Chinese people do) but they've spent so long in the cold bleakness of northern China that all this lush greenery has completely gone to their heads. They are so happy. Extraordinary.
The hotel is amazing too. All glass and marble and we don't know if we can afford it. The wall behind the reception desk has clocks showing the time in London and New York. But it's only five kwai (£1) for a dorm bed. It looks as though they're still building the place but it will be extremely posh indeed when they've finished it. The dormitory has a smoked glass door and white tiles on the floor – it's like we've stumbled into the council chamber in Milton Keynes. However, there is no electricity. There are clerks at the end of the hall who are using candles, and they let us use their private bathroom for a wash.
Elspeth and I go exploring and find a restaurant which has a carpet on the floor and a nice Malaysian bloke who tells us about this coffee shop that sells toast. 'No bangers and mash for you Brits,' he laughs, 'But lot of toast!' He was dead right. Hot buttered toast. And proper tea. There are a load of young Chinese in, too, and they are all sitting round flashing their digital watches and eating their toast with forks, which they then wave theatrically about while talking very loudly to each other.
Spend the afternoon lying around, having baths and eating McVitites digestive biscuits, which they sell in the hotel shop. The shop sells the oddest things. Roget et Gallet perfumes, Californian wine (30 kwai) a Wrangler denim jacket and personal stereos. I want batteries for mine and point to a stereo in the display case. The bloke in charge gets it out and I point to the battery compartment.
'Ah, you want batteries,' he says and shows me two.
'Yes, that's exactly what I want,' I reply.
'No. Mayo,' he says and puts them away.
Dinner in the restaurant. The tablecloths are filthy and the waitress sweeps up the leavings with a dirty dustpan and brush. But the service is quick and they are really friendly. The food is delicious; fish with melon, sweet and sour pork, beef with noodles and a huge plate of fried rice. Another big bill (15 kwai) and we begin to realise we haven't got much money left. Prospects of going to Hong Kong now look definitely dodgy.
In the dorm we are joined by a German couple, two French girls and two Swedish guys. The folding wall down the centre of the room has been pulled out. And there is lots of shouting and shuffling on the other side. So we all creep up, shushing each other and giggling, and peek through the cracks.
All the waitresses from the restaurant are there, and there's a man fiddling with a tape player. Then, as the strains of Carmen fill the room, he begins to shout instructions and the girls all pair up and start to solemnly tango. And, on our side, we fall silent and feel unaccountably homesick.


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A new update to the current staging system has been developed to help expand the treatment options of some late-stage pleural mesothelioma patients. This new staging process will officially go into effect in 2017, but a majority of clinicians will already begin adapting these new methods of diagnosing into their everyday practice.
Redefining Stage 3 and Stage 4 Mesothelioma
Dr. Valerie Rusch, a renowned mesothelioma specialist, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, has been lead of this project. Currently, mesothelioma disease staging is based on one of the most commonly used systems called the TNM Staging System. The new staging update revisits the characteristics of a stage 3 and stage 4 diagnosis.
Currently, a stage 3 diagnosis of mesothelioma means
- The cancer is located on one side of the body
- The tumor has spread to other organs
- The tumor has spread to the lymph nodes
Whereas, in a stage 4 diagnosis of mesothelioma
- The cancer has spread to both sides of the body
- The tumor has spread to multiple different organs
- The cancer has progressed through both the lymph node system and the blood vessels
The biggest impact of changing the staging system is how the concept of stage 4 is going to be diagnosed and how stage 3 is going to be re-categorized. Instead of categorizing patients that have large tumors as stage 4, the new system creates a stage "3b", which allows these patients to have more treatment options.
New Category Means Prognosis Improvement
By creating this new category between stage 3 and stage 4, there may be a significant change in the expected survival rates of some patients. Some patients who previously would have been classified as stage 4 will now be included under stage 3.
In many circumstances, some treatment options are not available to patients diagnosed as stage 4 whereas a stage 3 patient could have participated in those treatment options. The new staging methods should help more patients be classified as stage 3, expanding their treatment options.
The TNM Staging System
Cancer stages use the location and the progression of the cancer to classify a patient's condition. By knowing these factors both a patient and their physician are able to determine what treatment methods will be needed to improve the patient's prognosis.
The current most popular staging system for mesothelioma is called the TNM Staging System and it is broken into letters that represent the spread and size of the cancer.
- T refers to the size of the tumor and if it has spread to nearby tissues
- N refers to if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
- M refers to if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
Numbers also coincide with these letters (TNM), which provide more detailed information about the cancer.
- 0 refers to no cancer being found or spread
- The higher the number (1,2,3) means the larger the tumor or the more the cancer has spread
Doctors then use a patient's TNM identifications to categorize them into stage 1, 2, 3, or 4. The update to the system will change how TNM translates into a stage.
Will Patients Need a Second Opinion?
Patients diagnosed within the next 6 months will not have to revisit their physician to receive a second opinion because many clinicians are already beginning to utilize this concept in their practice. However, it is always up to the patient to decide if a second opinion is necessary, especially if they are concerned that their stage may be limiting their treatment options.
- How is malignant mesothelioma staged?. American Cancer Society. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignantmesothelioma/detailedguide/malignant-mesothelioma-staging. Accessed: 07/19/16.
- New Staging System for Mesothelioma to Take Effect in 2017. Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Retrieved from: https://www.curemeso.org/2016/05/03/staging-system-mesothelioma-effect-2017/. Accessed: 07/19/16.
- TNM. UICC. Retrieved from: http://www.uicc.org/resources/tnm. Accessed: 07/19/16.
- Staging. National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/staging. Accessed: 07/19/16.
- Mesothelioma. Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Department of Thoracic Surgery. Retrieved from: http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/root/vumc.php?site=thoracic&doc=3594. Accessed: 07/19/16.
Sources & Author


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To copy predefined tooth shapes, either from a pre-operative model or from a wax modellation, two distinct features are available:
- Usage of pre-op scan
- Waxup copy milling
Both methods have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Read below to understand the difference.
Pre-op scan
- When using a pre-operative scan, an additional scan is loaded to help you create your design
- The actual construction is performed the classical way, by loading tooth models, adapting/freeforming them, and designing connectors
- Tooth models can be adapted to the pre-op scan
Waxup feature
- When using waxup feature (digital copy milling), the construction is created directly from the scan data
- No tooth models are loaded. No connectors are created, but of course connectors present in the scan will be copied
- See section "Input data requirements for Waxup feature" for the special requirements regarding scan data
Pre-op scan workflow
In the DentalDB module, select a restoration type, e.g. Anatomic Crown or Coping. Under "Additional Scans", choose "Pre-op model. See section "Defining jobs for individual teeth" for details. The scanner software will prompt you for an additional scan
When starting the CAD software, the pre-op model will be loaded. A window will appear in the wizard that offers you to correct the placement of the pre-op scan relative to the regular model scan.
Tooth models are loaded, and you are prompted to correct the placement. Adjust the tooth placement so that the model teeth are close to the pre-op model - this will lead to better results later on, when you adapt the model teeth to the pre-op scan.
You can also use the freeforming options to move the model teeth closer to the pre-op model scan.
When a pre-op scan is present, the Wizard will give you the option to adapt tooth models to the pre-op model scan. Click "Adapt tooth models" to start the adaptation. Model teeth will now be adapted to the scan, little by little. You can see the progress - once you think the adaptation is good enough, click "Stop".
|The more closely you manually adapted the teeth to the pre-op model beforehand, the better the result will be
Connectors are not copied from the pre-op model scan, and are designed the classic way.
The screen shot above shows the finished reconstruction made using the "pre-op scan" feature.
Waxup workflow
When using the Waxup feature, the work flow is more compact. In DentalDB, chose "Waxup" as reconstruction type for all prepped teeth (for a 1:1 copy), or "Waxup reduced" if you wish to create a framework from a full anatomic model (cutback). The scanner software will prompt you for an additional scan, and perform the necessary post-processing (removal of double surfaces between waxup scan and model scan).
The above image shows a proper waxup scan. Always make sure that the input data requirements for Waxup feature are met.
After designing the crown bottoms, the waxup will be processed (any holes will be closed, and it will be adapted to the preparation margin). Note that no tooth models are being used at all. You can now free-form on the waxup, by adding/removing material, or smoothing.
Already in the next step, the final restoration will be created.
|Since Waxup-based restorations are created directly from the scan data, the CAD software cannot assure that the output data will meet the necessary requirements for Selective Laser Melting, even if the option "Optimize for Selective Laser Melting" is switched on.
Troubleshooting the "Waxup" feature
Problems with the "Waxup" feature are almost always related to improper input data. If you run into problems, closely check that the conditions defined under "Input data requirements for Waxup feature" are met. In some cases, manual cropping of waxup scan data above the margin line may help. Consult your scanner supplier for further information regarding compatibility between the scanner and exocad's "Waxup" feature.


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Day 28: Out and About with Your Knitting and Crochet
Today is all about how to carry your projects when you're out and about.
I don't use special bags. I tend to gravitate towards those reusable shopping totes that you find at the grocery stores. They hold a fair amount, and some even have a pocket for notions.
My library also sells small totes (different color every year), and I'll sometimes use those.
I knit at doctor's offices, hospitals, in the park, at the movie theatre, in the car (if I'm not driving), and pretty much anywhere I know I'll have to wait for service.


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The static video construct provides a timed static video for use in trials. The video properties, along with start time, end time and (actual) duration are recorded.
Static videos can be added to trials timelines. Click New item, select
Static video from the type list and select one of the following creation options:
New: create a new static video.
Copy: copy another static video from the current study.
Clone (from a different trial): clone an existing static video from another trial.
Click anywhere along its row (Figure 1) to open the editor.
In edit mode, the following properties can be set via the timing table:
Fixed: start time will be measured from the beginning of the trials timeline.
Offset from previous item: start time will be measured from the end of the previous item on the trials timeline. If there is no previous item, or the timeout of the previous item is set to
nil(infinite), then start time will be measured from the beginning of the trial.
In edit mode, select the event from the
Media ended event dropdown list to set an event to trigger when the media has finished playing.
In edit mode, click Set media to select a video.


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"Fertility" Gemstone Pin Necklace
We've put a fun spin on the classic "friendship pin". Each gemstone has been selected for it's special energetic properties. Every pin measures around 3cm, and is made out of 18k gold filled wire. Comes with a description card and chain to turn the pin into a necklace!
These are extremely versatile. You can wear it as a chic minimal accessory for your scarf/blouse/necklace, or kick it old school with sporting yours on your shoe laces.
They make great gifts for graduations, new adventures, Birthday's, get-well, wedding's etc.
Rose Quartz- Feminine Energy + Relieves Tension + Sensuality
Moonstone- New Beginnings + Hope + Manifestation
Aquamarine- Chakra Healing + Courage to Express Inner Self


text: Cooper, Spong & Davis, P. C. is pleased to announce that Robert C. Barclay IV has been included in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. He is being recognized for his expertise in Land Use, Zoning Law, and Real Estate Law. Best Lawyers of America highlights the best in the legal profession by practice area. This recognition is a result of peer to peer nomination and voting. Congratulations to Rob!


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Going away for the weekend on a tour is always a fun thing to do. Whether you are going away for work or for something else, it is always better that you are planning things in advance because that makes everything a lot easier and simpler, too. A lot of the times, people do the trips but they are not properly planned and those things can come in your way, as well.
If you have been planning an Arunachal Pradesh tour, things are not going to go sideways as long as you are being wiser about it, in the first place. For now, we want to focus more on what mistakes that you should avoid when you are in this situation because it would be wiser to do that.
Not Looking at The Tour Plans
Honestly, if you wish to have the best possible experience, it is better that you hire someone who arranges music plans because they are going to do a much better job at it than you might be able to do it on your own. I know that it sounds strange but if you have not been on a tour by yourself in the past, it is better that you let a tour group help you with it.
Rushing The Whole Process
Another thing is that you should never really rush into the whole process because let's be honest, you might not be able to get thing sorted out the best possible way. Therefore, it is wiser if you are actually taking your time in sorting this out and that way, you will do much better in the situation than you might think. It is always better to know this.


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Montreal's own MH Delorme, known as FOXTROTT releases "Driven" the first single from her debut album A Taller Us to be released via One Little Indian. Since her critically-acclaimed debut EPShields, the singer/songwriter/producer has established herself as one of the most promising new voices coming from Montreal's fertile musical landscape. With A Taller Us, Delorme delivers an emotional and earnest album that plants her firmly as an artist to watch in 2015.
Canadian indie-soul singer/songwriter Daniel Caesar uses his exceptionally raw talent to unfold a familiar yet extraordinary coming-of-age narrative. Where boy meets manhood, Caesar's work comes to terms with the things that we so often repress. From Oshawa, a suburb of Toronto, Caesar stands as an emblem of what becomes of the gospel-raised youth who mature and must eventually form their own testimony. As he breaks away from his parent's faith and the path they lead, he begins to find his own way. With only two short EP's since his debut in 2014, Daniel Caesar is quickly becoming one of the premier R&B artists in the country.
Wasiu and Dear Lola together make up RAWSIU- a DJ/rapper match made in Montreal that gives the city it's strongest hip hop voice/sound. The combo are steadily pushing Montreal's Hip Hop scene out of the shadow casted by Drake and his 6. The best part is that they're doing on their terms and in their own unique fresh way. Cause the last thing we need is another Drake right?
Scène 1425 is a multiplatform production project with a mandate to promote music and concerts to a large audience. Established in 2008 by the Corporation de la salle André-Mathieu in Laval, this project is now active in 10 cities across the province of Québec thanks to an affiliation with 9 other Performing arts presenters; Salle Albert-Rousseau (Quebec City), Centre culturel de Joliette, Le Palace (Granby), Théâtre du Vieux-Terrebonne, Centre culturel de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Centre des arts Juliette-Lassonde (St-Hyacinthe), Maison des arts de Drummondville, Diffusion Momentum (Victoriaville) and the city of Gatineau.


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The Nagoya Municipal Subway is a rapid transit system serving Nagoya, Japan. System consists of six lines and 87 stations and it began operation in November 1957.
There are five different tariff zones and the cost of a ticket depends on which zone you're travelling. Tickets can be bought from vending machines at the stations.


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Monday, September 24, 2007
Exercising freedom sometimes means exercising discretion
I am all for free speech, freedom of movement, and even the freedom to be an idiot. What I don't understand is what useful purpose will be served by having someone as clueless (or as calculatingly incendiary) as Ahmadinejad given a forum at a prestigious university. For every intelligent student and other interested party listening to his speech, there will be a lunatic who will applaud every bit of anti-American and anti-Israel drivel spouted by this madman. Let's forget everyone's legitimate preoccupation with the Iraq war for a moment, and whether the United States should be there at all, and consider the man's broader message of hate and intolerance.
Ahmadinejad has every right to be an idiot. Iranians and others have every right to support him and even to believe his holocaust denials and other ravings. I'm not sure though, that thinking individuals should give the man a pulpit from which he can further incite other lunatics, either here in North America or abroad.
Maybe that's the problem: There isn't enough thinking going on.
7 comments:
I think your last line summed it up; just not enough thinking going on. I think this is the pandemic we should be most worried about.ReplyDelete
Amen to that, Lin.ReplyDelete
I think some of the bigger idiots are the people who invited him to speak (in America) in the first place.ReplyDelete
I quite agree. Even if the outcome at Columbia turned out to be something of a flogging, I just don't think he deserved a platform on American soil. His stand on the topic of homosexuality alone is enough to make me want him kept out of my country. Yeah, I know we're hip-deep in bigots and haters over here, but 99.9999999% of our bigots and haters don't go out killing gay people for being gay. This really gets my blood up.ReplyDelete
I was amused to read the Iranian take on it all on one of their news websites. In their version, there was a standing ovation, rapt students asking interesting questions, and no mention whatever of protests, etc.ReplyDelete
I hate top-down censorship, where we are told what we can or cannot do or say. I just wonder why, simply because we can, we have to do every silly and ill-conceived thing we can think of. I'm not just speaking of this bozo's visit to Columbia, but to things in general.
THINKING individuals didn't provide the forum, demagogues did.ReplyDelete
On American college campuses, what passes for "free speech" is only what the socialism proponents in charge agree with. Anything outside their agenda is "politically incorrect" at best, or branded "hate speech" should it deviate too far from orthodoxy.
"A-mad-jihad" is radically anti-American, and was thus provided a soap box because his rhetoric jives with establishment jingoism. What the idiots hosting him don't get is, he would have killed every one of them as slowly as possible for an encore, and enjoyed every minute of it.
We are not committed to victory over such men, but they make no bones about their resolve to prevail. We ignore it at our peril.
Ahmadinejad is not IRANIAN president any moreReplyDelete


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College campuses see rise in homeless students
- Colleges are not required by law to keep track of their homeless students%2C so little data are available on them
- Colleges across the nation are starting programs to help homeless students on campus
When Tina Giarla finished her first semester at Salem State University in Salem, Mass., she didn't worry about getting home during winter break or buying new winter clothes.
She worried about where she would live for the next month, and where she would live once she returned to school.
Giarla is one of thousands of homeless college students in the U.S. struggling to find a place to live.
But the situation isn't new to her — Giarla has been an "unaccompanied youth" since her father died in 2007 and her mother was consistently in and out of jail. During her senior year, Giarla lived with her best friend and her family until graduation.
She lived on campus at Salem State until her resources ran out and she couldn't afford housing anymore.
"It felt like my past was just creeping up on me again," Giarla says. "I worked two-and-a-half jobs and went to school full-time. I had to save extra money to rent a hotel in the case of an emergency so I wouldn't have to go to a shelter. It wasn't a comfortable feeling."
She currently takes care of her grandfather and lives in his house in Salem.
"I didn't get to enjoy the college experience," Giarla says. "I had to make sure I was working and had a roof over my head. My primary focus was my education."
The problem
Barbara Duffield, policy director at the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) says she believes the number of homeless students has increased over the last few years.
But she isn't sure, partly because there isn't sufficient national data.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid tells the NAEHCY that there are 58,000 homeless students on campuses nationwide.
Since colleges are not required to keep track of their homeless students, the FASFA form is the only significant data available.
According to the NAEHCY, many homeless students trying to go to college don't receive enough financial aid because they can't provide information about their parents or guardians on the form. Several pieces of legislation have helped remove the barriers between homeless students and financial aid, such as the recent Higher Education Act.
This legislation allows students to apply for federal aid without parental information or a signature. The act also allows financial aid administrators to designate a student as independent in extreme circumstances.
Duffield says the struggling economy is part of the reason behind college homelessness.
"Parents tend to start focusing resources on younger kids, and sometimes that can lead to abuse and neglect," she says. "Sometimes they just can't take care of them anymore."
"But for most students, they haven't had that support their whole lives," Duffield says.
The solution
Colleges across the nation are starting programs to help homeless students on campus.
At UCLA, if a student is affected by an economic crisis, the Economic Crisis Response Team will take measures to help a student stay in school. The team provides help in the form of meal vouchers, scholarship information and emergency financial aid assistance.
The NAEHCY also awards scholarships to students and assigns them a case manager to help them through college. The association also focuses on policies that help raise awareness among financial aid administrators.
Duffield says she thinks colleges are becoming more aware of the problem by offering counseling and starting programs such as on-campus food banks. In Stony Brook, N.Y., students who can't afford meal plans and don't qualify for food stamps can use their food pantry.
Giarla says she would've nearly given up if she hadn't reached out to counselors and professionals on campus. She urges colleges around the nation to become aware of their homeless students and reach out to them and offer support.
"There aren't enough services readily available or known, it's almost as if it doesn't exist," she says. "That makes it more likely to have an abundance of homeless students. It should be a lot more than just receiving money for basic costs."
Giarla plans on using her situation to help raise awareness of the growing homeless population at universities nationwide.
As a business management major, she wishes to pursue a career in advocacy against homelessness, and hopefully persuade legislatures to make a change in higher education.
"My experience keeps me going, it's made me who I am," she says. "These are the cards I was dealt and I have to play them in a strategic way."
Lexy Gross is a junior at Murray State University.


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Phil Puxley
Todd Boroson
Gemini 8m Telescopes Project, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson AZ 85719
US Gemini Project Office, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson AZ 85719
Todd Boroson
The new generation of ground-based telescopes offer unique observational opportunities for astronomy. By adopting the paradigm that observations must be matched to conditions it will be possible to use an 8m telescope to couple the spatial resolution of the Hubble Space Telescope with at least 10 times the collecting area. To effectively exploit these characteristics will require a considerable degree of pre-planning and prediction of environmental and atmospheric conditions combined with the ability to dynamically schedule observations. In this paper we describe the approach being taken by the Gemini telescopes to implement this new observing mode which is essential to realize Gemini's ambitious science requirements.
Appears in Proc. SPIE 2871, "Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow".
Download the PostScript or PDF file.


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During a press event held in New Delhi today, Dell India debuted its latest family of slates, the Dell Venue models. The company launched these two Windows-based models after a series of Android slates a while back. The newcomers are the Venue 8 Pro and Venue 11 Pro and they're detailed below.
Dell targets companies with this move and working environments with a "bring your own device" policy. The new models are based on Windows 8.1 and they offer a mix of inspired design, good performance and good responsiveness. Both models come with Dell Advanced Exchange Warranty for "seamless an hassle free troubleshooting".
The Dell Venue 8 Pro relies on a quad core Intel Atom CPU, while the Dell Venue 11 Pro is actually a 2 in 1 model with the power of an ultrabook. It packs a 10.8 inch Full HD screen, a swappable battery and the ability to snap onto full size keyboard or desktop dock options. There's also special Dell data encryption for these models and you're covered on the front of image capture by an 8 megapixel shooter on the big model and a 5 MP one on the smaller unit.
The 8 Pro unit debuts in February priced at INR 26,499, while the other unit doesn't have a store date yet.


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Between their infectious energy and brilliant songwriting abilities, we're not sure what we love most about State Champs. Hailing from Albany, NY, the pop punk quintet have been catching the attention of rock lovers everywhere since their formation in 2010.
On May 9 at the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia, the group took to the stage to put on a wild set. Playing to a sold out crowd, the band pulled out tracks from Around the World and Back including "Slow Burn" and "All or Nothing" before whipping out older, fan favorites like "Elevated" and "Secrets". In between the audience's moshing and crowd surfing, the five-piece boasted about their love for Philly, making for a night for the books.
Check out the photos of this epic State Champs show below and make sure to Track them so you can catch them performing in a city near you!


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Like many good ideas, Sweden's revamped development system was borne out of failure and chaos. At the start of the new millennium its program was lagging. Sure, they were still producing NHLers, but overall, growth was stunted.
A proud hockey nation, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association decided they needed an overhaul. They tasked Tommy Boustedt with the job of turning the program around.
He had been coaching Frolunda when he got a call from the federation asking him to leave the bench behind and join them working on hockey development instead. Boustedt, who had been a successful coach in the then-Swedish Elite League, was in the prime of his career. He wasn't really interested.
The more he thought about it though, the more the idea appealed to him. Instead of helping players on one team reach their potential, he could help players in an entire country. He joined the Swedish Ice Hockey Association in 2002 as their director of youth development.
The first thing he did was assemble everyone involved with Swedish hockey for a deep analysis session to figure out what was failing in the system. Long story short: It was a complete mess.
"The problems were at many levels," said Boustedt. "The recruitment wasn't good enough. We weren't retaining enough players to create good programs. We had a lack of development programs for players. Our coaching education wasn't good enough and that's because we weren't producing enough good education materials. The player development program wasn't even in print so it was different in different areas of Sweden — everyone was running their own program."
The proof came the following year at the 2003 world junior championships in Halifax. The Swedes went 1-4 in the round robin and were forced to play in the relegation round. They finished eighth and survived, but the result was an embarrassing wake-up call heard across the country.
"Everyone saw the problems," said Boustedt, who now serves as the general secretary of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association. "We always had the knowledge about what was important if you wanted to develop players but we didn't co-operate in Swedish hockey. The big difference from 15 years ago is that we started to co-operate. We are a small country worldwide so to be successful and have a little chance to compete with the big countries … we need to be more efficient because we don't have the (enrollment) numbers like the big countries. The best way to be efficient is to work together."
Expecting resistance or egos to get in the way, Boustedt said he was surprised at how easily everyone came on board to deal with the issues. The fact that he had already built connections thanks to his work as an analyst on Swedish TV along with his 20-year career as a coach only helped matters.
"I think that's why they asked me to do this because I knew everyone in hockey in Sweden," said Boustedt. "When you have a big network it's much easier to sell ideas. The big thing was getting everyone together — we had about 150 people in this big project to develop Swedish hockey — so everyone who had something to say about hockey was in it. If you're in it from the start and you feel like you're making a difference to the outcome then you won't work against it when it becomes reality.
"That was the trick to do it."
The trick turned into a full-blown magic act. They put everyone on the same page, using their resources to invest in hiring and educating coaches who in turn were able to better instruct their players. They took ideas from other countries, honed them and then incorporated them with their own into their development system. They put their new curriculum writing — breaking it down by age — with focus on on-ice, off-ice and mental training.
Sweden, for its 64,000 registered players and 9.8 million population, has since been punching above its weight. Ten per cent of the active players in the NHL are Swedes. At last year's NHL draft 27 Swedes were taken, a far cry from the 15 taken a decade before.
At the world juniors, they've medalled in six of the last 10 years, including winning gold in 2012. Amazingly, Sweden has not lost a game in the round-robin portion of the tournament since Dec. 31, 2006.
"There were a lot of people who pushed and helped with youth and junior development," said Boustedt. "That's not a problem in Sweden to get people together and today I think everyone is thinking the same way. We have other challenges in Swedish hockey but not in development."
As a child growing up in Kristianstad, Maple Leafs first-round pick Timothy Liljegren remembers just how bad his club team was — in fact, he believes playing for bad team helped him as a defenceman. He surmises from about ages four to 15, he was on the end of many losing games.
"When you're a little kid you still want to compete," said the 18-year-old. "I played on a pretty bad team when I was growing up. We lost a lot, but that really made me want to win more."
Now, for kids under-13 in Sweden, there are no standings. Scores are kept during the games, but at the end of it there's no written record of wins or losses — it's immaterial. There are no individual stats kept for the regular season or for tournaments at the U13 level. They play games, but there are no tryouts and no real "leagues" as such for those ages. The focus is more on skill development and less on wins and losses. The rule, implemented last year, to stop stats and standings for younger age groups has been very controversial.
"It's been a tough discussion back home," said Toronto defenceman Calle Rosen of the change. "The kids are keeping track of their records themselves so why not just have a normal standings? Let them compete. But I guess it depends how young you are. The coaches I had during my time when I was a junior and when I was younger they always let every guy play and I think that's what made hockey so fun, too. That was a big part."
For the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation, the goal now is to not only bring new people to the game, but to retain the players they do have — for life. And that means doing things a little differently.
"Children should be children, not young adults," said Anders Larsson, the president of the Swedish federation in an interview with daily newspaper Dagens Nyheter, when the new rules were introduced in 2016.
The numbers for Sweden's "Tre Kronor Hockey School" which is the national program geared toward kids are continuing to grow. Their numbers from 2016 show that there were 34,500 children between ages five and 10 registered in the program — an increase of 2,500 from the previous year.
"Hockey used to be like a pyramid, you'd have many players in the beginning, but in the end you'd parse it down to a few at the top," said Boustedt. "We've tried to go from this pyramid to more like a rectangle, so the kids who start playing at seven, we want them to be enrolled in hockey for a lifetime not only for 15 years or something.
"In our system it's not even one per cent that become elite players — it's a very small amount. So our activities aren't only for the ones that make it an elite career, it's mostly for the others — the other 99 per cent."
That means coming up with low-cost ideas to keep the game affordable and putting extra resources into education, particularly helping to educate parents about hockey. They've started programs specifically to help parents navigate the minor hockey minefield.
"When the kids are practising you can have the parents in the cafeteria and you can have a workshop with things like this once a week," said Boustedt. "The parents are there anyways so give them a hot dog and a cup of coffee and then you have a person come in and talk, following the federation program, so they can have a discussion."
And since Sweden is relatively small, geographically, it's much easier to have coaches and instructors visiting clubs. In fact, Sweden, like their Finnish neighbours, have federation appointed instructors in different regions going out to clubs instead of the other way around.
"Education is the key to solving so many of our problems," said Boustedt.
Andreas Johnsson spent a week going back and forth trying to figure out his future. The big decision was whether to leave Sweden after two years in the SHL playing for Frolunda, his hometown team, or to head to North America to join the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League.
"I knew that if I played well I would get a good role back home and I was still playing with pros — older guys — and it's a hard league," said Johnsson. "If I came over (to North America) I wouldn't know what to expect. So in my case I felt like I needed another year to develop on the ice and off the ice, too. I felt like that would be easier for me to do back home — you're secure, you have your family, your home. I had already played on the same team for two years so I felt I needed one more year. With other guys maybe they feel mature and they feel ready to leave everything.
"I really had to think about it."
Leaving home is a hard decision to make and the Swedish Ice Hockey Association is trying to make it even harder. The Swedes have always taken a protectionist approach with their young players.
"We have too many players in North America, but at the same time it's good because we know we're doing good stuff with our youth and junior development," said Boustedt.
In the past, they've done battle with the Canadian Hockey League to try and keep their young stars at home. Now they've turned their sights on the American Hockey League.
Like everyone else in Europe, Sweden uses the club model where players can join a team as a kid and then spend the next 10 or so years moving all the way up through that club's system. The problem of players leaving Swedish clubs early is twofold: Firstly, if a player leaves for a league like the CHL and is subsequently drafted by an NHL team, the CHL club gets the NHL development fee for the player. The Swedish club, despite their investment, gets nothing.
And those clubs are essentially run as not-for-profits because team "owners" are its members.
"In North America people own teams and they have an interest in making money in the end," said Boustedt. "In Sweden no clubs or the federation are making any money because it's against our rules if you run a club. If you invest in a club in Sweden — you can buy shares, but they're maximized to 49 per cent — the other 51 per cent must be owned by the members. So at the end of year, you don't need to make a profit; you shouldn't make a profit. The money goes back into the development and programs for the club.
"That's the big reason we are more into our development system than you are in North America."
Secondly, the end goal of many of these clubs is to develop players for their own teams in either the Allsvenskan (Division I) or SHL (top pro league). Players leaving early hinders clubs from benefiting from their own development system.
"It's like if the Maple Leafs have a hockey school for kids and then an under-8 team, an under-9 team all the way up," explains Boustedt. "If the Maple Leafs pay for all of this and then when the players are ready to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs at the ACC, well no, they leave to play in the U.S. for the New York Rangers instead — why should the Maple Leafs pay for all this? That's the problem for our clubs today and also for our federation because many of the players leave too early."
According to the Swedish Ice Hockey Association's annual report for 2016, Sweden received the equivalent of roughly $8 million (Cnd.) in transfer payments from the NHL. Boustedt and other federation members met with NHL general managers last March in Boca Raton, Fla., to discuss the issue of players leaving early. He said the meeting was productive and that many NHL general managers understood their problem. At the end of the day, though, the NHL is still a business.
"Many NHL clubs need young players for their American Hockey League affiliate teams and some clubs think they develop better in North America than in our Swedish league and on our men's national team," said Boustedt. "The problem for us is we need to have money put in for all this development for those clubs and the federation and then we have to be able to use the players in Swedish hockey."
At present, the NHL has an agreement with the Swedish federation to keep more of their players at home. The agreement only allows for first-round draft picks to go to the AHL if drafted from Swedish teams (Europeans drafted from CHL clubs are bound by the CHL-NHL agreement). So a second-round pick from a Swedish team would have to continue playing in the SHL until they played more than 260 SHL games — or more likely — renegotiated their contract in order to leave.
And, for the most part, staying home doesn't seem to be a problem.
Rosen believes staying in Sweden helped him become a better player.
"For me, it was the best thing," said Rosen. "I stayed in Sweden until I was 23. I played junior and then I played two years in (Allsvenskan) just to get my ice time and I was playing with men. Playing in a men's league it's so much different from junior hockey, so in that way, it was really good for me because I had two years in (Allsvenskan) and two years in (the SHL). After that, that's when I felt, 'OK now it's time to move over here.'
"But you take a guy like Liljegren who is so mature, he can play already here now and that's great for him. I think all depends on where you come from and which club you're on back home in Sweden and just what type of guy you are."
Sweden's development program is strong enough that players are in the position to choose. In fact, Sweden has become a destination for players from smaller countries to land in order to develop further at the junior or pro level. Even Liljegren appreciates how playing in Sweden prepared him for his first year of pro at 18.
"I think Sweden has great leagues — both the Allsvenskan and the SHL — the Allsvenskan is pretty much like the AHL as a development league so I think it's good for young players to take that next step. That was what I did last year (moving to Allsvenskan). Hockey in Sweden is growing and it's a good place to be."
In 2015, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association commissioned a report called "Hockey 2025" with the goal of trying to look at ways to bring new people to the game.
The influx of immigrants — particularly refugees — has made it critical for the country to expand the game beyond the generational Swede. It has one of the highest rates of immigration in Europe taking in 163,000 immigrants in 2016, according to Statistics Sweden.
Hockey in Sweden has also predominantly been a sport for the white male demographic, so the report looked at ways to expand their typical enrollment base.
"Hockey 2025 was aimed at getting more people from other cultures and women into hockey," said Boustedt. "We've tried to create new programs directing people coming to Sweden — refugees for instance from Syria — and tried to present hockey to them and invite them to try out hockey."
They've started programs catered to both groups. In order to get kids involved, the Swedish federation sent out personalized letters to parents with children between the ages of six and eight living near a hockey club or an arena. The invites were designed to look like Mats Sundin's No. 13 Tre Kronor jersey — but instead of his name on the back, it was replaced with the name of the child. The text was translated into six different languages. According to Boustedt, some 300,000 invitations to try hockey were sent out last year to parents.
One of the teams that has found success in bringing more women and immigrants to the game has been Gothenburg HC. The team started a program designed specifically for girls in the Gothenburg suburb of Angered — which has a high immigrant population.
Jan Mellgren, who is the sports chief at Gothenburg HC, said more needs to be done financially if Sweden wants to grow the game particularly with people new to Sweden without the means to pay for hockey.
"The (Swedish) association is helping us with letters to mail to children in Angered," said Mellgren. "They're helping us with jerseys and some (education materials), but I think in this type of area they need to do more. They need to do more for women's hockey, too.
"Women's hockey is a big focus, but the culture of hockey clubs is the male norm and it's difficult to break through that wall of the male norms. All the systems are prepared and built to educate male hockey players for the NHL and national teams and so on. … At the club level I don't think they are so happy about this focus on women's hockey because it takes away ice time. We need more arenas in Sweden."
And the arena issue is a complex one in Sweden. At present, there are 356 indoor rinks and 136 outdoor ones. Based on their growing numbers, their ice is being maxed out.
"Our rinks are full," said Boustedt. "Our biggest challenge today is to have more hockey rinks and in Sweden almost every rink is owned by the community and paid for by tax money. And if all these new people are coming you need more schools, you need more daycare centres, hospitals and all these things which also use tax money.
"Me as a hockey person, I see that hospitals and schools and daycare centres are more important than to build hockey rinks. And that's the biggest challenge today. If we don't get more rinks we can't grow anymore. It's hard to create a good setup because you need lots of ice time if you want to become a good player. If there are too many boys and girls it's impossible to have enough ice time."
It's not just hockey that has this problem, but other sports as well. The problem for hockey, however, is a chicken-egg scenario — politicians don't want to fund arenas to serve a niche demographic, but at the same time it's hard to introduce new immigrants and women to hockey if you don't have the ice time.
"If we're only good at developing elite players (politicians) aren't interested," said Boustedt. "Swedish politicians are interested in heath care matters and improving quality of life (through sports)."
So it's become a tough balancing act for the federation to manage.
"We are experts at the elite level but it's tough at the other end to get new people into hockey and to retain them."
But considering where Sweden has come since the early 2000s with their hockey program, it's only a matter of time before they figure it out. Boustedt is already working on it: "We have to think new."
Grassroots to Gold: Intro: How countries are growing the game and building better players | Part 1: How USA Hockey is making America great | Part 2: Denmark's tight-knit hockey family is growing fast | Part 3: Consistency, communication key to Finland's success | Part 4: Sweden | Part 5: Meet Sara, the new face of hockey in Sweden | Part 6: Despite some resistance, Hockey Canada aims to change minor hockey culture | Part 7: Q&A with Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney on growing the game and changing the culture
(Translations via Uffe Bodin of Hockey Sverige)
(Top photo: Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)


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Today we're checking out one of Campfire Audio's newest premium releases, the four driver hybrid Solaris.
It's not often a new brand appears and sweeps an industry with game changing gear, and even less common for them to keep the momentum going in the following years. Campfire Audio, brainchild of ALO (Audio Line Out) founder Ken Ball, exploded onto the high end audio scene in 2015 and immediately became one of those brands. With distinctive designs and a house sound that simply sounds right, it is no surprise their new flagship hybrid continues to carry the torch with confidence.
The Solaris takes on a completely new look for the brand that certainly isn't shy. With a vibrant gold-plated exterior and size to match this swaggerific look, the Solaris is a head-turner. The new super-Litz cable that ships with the Solaris is a stunner too thanks to it's shimmery silver sheen and heavy gauge that makes it feel substantial without going overboard. Inside the Solaris is just as impressive with two T.E.A.C. equipped custom balanced armatures handling high frequencies, a single rear-ported armature handling mid-range frequencies, and a familiar 10mm A.D.L.C. Dynamic driver. This dynamic has been retuned for the Solaris to handle low and mid frequencies. It all culminates in one of the most impressive audio experiences I've had to date.
Shall we take a closer look? Let's go!
A sample of the Solaris was provided free of charge for the purposes of evaluation. The thoughts within this review are my subjective opinions based on two months of constant ear time with the Solaris. They do not represent Campfire Audio or any other entity. At the time of writing the Solaris retailed for 1,499.00 USD. Be sure to visit the Solaris' product page over on Campfire Audio's site if interested in ordering a set; https://campfireaudio.com/shop/solaris/
Personal Preferences:
I listen primarily to various EDM sub-genres (liquid drum and bass, breakbeat, drumstep, etc.), hip hop, and classic rock. My preferences for earphone tuning are quite relaxed and as such their is no one signature I look for. The HiFiMAN RE800, Brainwavz B400, and Massdrop x MeeAudio Planamic are examples of earphones with wildly varied signatures that are enjoyable for different reasons. I generally listen at very low volumes, so keep this in mind when perusing my thoughts on how an earphone sounds.
@home: TEAC HA-501 desktop amp with a ZiShan DSD acting as the source
Portable: Shanling M0 with amping handled by the Periodic Audio Nickel
The Solaris is very sensitive and easy to drive. I found that out of many sources there was a fair bit of background hiss so you need something very clean. While it does not need to be amped, I recommend it. Straight out of my main DAPs and phone (LG G6 ThinQ) it sounds good, but bring an amp into the mix and the low end wakes up and becomes much more authoritative. I also caution using something like the iFi iEMatch to quell hiss. When pairing it with the Solaris I found it to quell the dynamic drivers presence and dull the overall signature. Your mileage may vary.
- Frequency Response: 5Hz–20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 115 dB SPL/mW
- Impedance: 10 Ohms @ 1kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 1%
Packaging and Accessories:
Campfire Audio's products always have names rooted in Astronomy, something that bleeds over into the packaging. Some companies spend a lot of time crafting complicated, yet smartly designed displays that are an experience in itself. Others treat the packaging as merely a means of getting the product to the customer safely. Campfire draws a bit from both camps with some artistic creativity blended in for good measure. The box the Solaris arrives in is just as much an art canvas as it is a functional tool for transport of the items inside.
If familiar with the Campfire brand you might notice that the packaging here takes on a different form factor. Gone is the compact rectangular prism of past releases, replaced by a squat, square-shaped version that takes up quite a bit more space. The matte grey packaging features USA made "French Paper Company" paper and takes on an almost forest green hue thanks to the mountainous, night sky scene printed in a contrasting reflective gold foil. At least it does to these colour blind eyes. That scene has never looks better either thanks to the extra space afforded by this new box. The sticker that takes up most of the main body contains the usual branding and model info, as well as an image of the left earpiece, all floating over a ripple effect emanating from beneath the earpiece. It's a stunning piece of artwork that just so happens to be the packaging for another stunning piece of art (the Solaris itself).
The star theme continues to the interior where on the inner flap you find another aspect of the packaging design that I love. The words "Nicely Done"printed in a crisp bold font. That's not the first thing you notice though. No, that honour goes to the massive leather carrying case. Like Campfire cases of 'old', the Solaris' case is all leather with a beefy zipper sealing it shut. As on the cases of other recent releases, the compact round pull tab features a beautifully enameled CA logo that adds further to the premium presentation. Inside the case you find the Solaris attached to the Super Litz cable, neatly wrapped and secured with slim Velco strips. The Solaris' earpieces are neatly tucked into a small, compartmentalized mesh bag to keep them from bumping into each other and potentially scratching or denting that gorgeous finish during transit. Beneath the case is the familiar "hidden floor" in which the rest of the extensive accessory kit is tucked away. In all you get:
- Solaris Earphones
- Super Litz Cable
- Final Audio E-Type Tips (xs/s/m/l/xl)
- Campfire Audio Marshmallow Earphone Tips (s/m/l)
- Silicon Earphone Tips (s/m/l)
- Campfire Audio Lapel Pin
- Cleaning Tool
- Protective Mesh Earphone Sleeve
- Manual
- Warranty Card
This is a great unboxing experience. One of the best in the business in my opinion. It's simple but engaging with lots of detail to keep you hooked while you work your way through the extensive accessory kit. Everything is of outstanding quality too. The case looks as impressive as it feels. The variety and quality of the tips is well above average thanks to the Final Audio E-Type tips and CA's own Mushroom foams. The lapel pin isn't really useful in any way, but that doesn't really matter. It's a cool little extra that is unique to the CA brand. Even the little mesh bag is a welcome addition, showing the sort of attention to detail this brand puts into their products.
Build, Comfort, and Isolation:
The Solaris is a confident looking earphone. The matte gold-plated face plate and ribbed texturing along the sides, a texture that continues down along the glossy black PVD coated inner body, is simply stunning. A polished stainless steel nozzle with integrated grills is reminiscent of those found on the Comet and Atlas and rounds out the look. Along the top of the housing resting just in front of the flush MMCX port is a small vent, along with a small Torx screw (for disassembly if needed?). Along the rear you find channel notifications denoted by the complete words Left/Right instead of the usual L/R you find on most products. The CA logo is flawlessly machined into the face plate. The Solaris uses the same beryllium/copper MMCX connectors found on their other products. In my experience with the Polaris they have proven to be as durable as claimed. Over a year and a half later with dozens of intentional disconnects, the plugs still snap in securely with no play or cutouts. I fully expect the Solaris to be the same.
The Super Litz cable is crafted from four large strands of Silver-Plated Copper Litz wire. This grouping separates at the y-split where two strands each heads towards the earpieces. The sheath feels very dense and while it does show some minor memory towards sharp bends and kinks, they are easy to straighten out. Tangle resistance is impressive. The hardware is quality stuff too. The rubber 90 degree angled jack is well extended at the plug to accommodate a variety of device cases and is well-relieved to protect the cable from awkward bends. The metal y-split is very compact and while there is no strain relief, this is the sort of cable that doesn't really need it everywhere. The thickness and sheath density takes care of that on it's own. Slotting neatly into the top of the y-split is a chin cinch that can be used to ensure a more secure fit. The cinch is tight on the cable but slides easily enough for it not to be a worry. Leading up to the beryllium/copper MMCX plugs are memory wire segments with a hefty shrink wrap holding the wire in place.
Comfort with the Solaris is a fickle mistress. This is a very large earphone. Ergonomics actually aren't bad whatsoever thanks to the shapely exterior that interacts fairly naturally with the outer ear, pending your ear is big enough. What I found challenging was maintaining a secure fit. This was partly due to the memory wire which tugged the Solaris back at an angle and made holding a good seal inconsistent. Swapping to a different cable worked wonders. One that was lighter and used a preformed ear guide instead, like the one that came with the FiiO FA1 and/or the Hifihear 8 Core Silver-Plated cable, helped keep the Solaris angled properly. If using the stock cable I had to ditch the stock tip options for something else. The most success came with some fairly ancient Skullycandy single flange silicone tips from the mid-2000s which maintained a stable seal more consistently than any other tip in my collection. Overall the fit is pretty finicky, but once you find the correct cable and tip (if you even need to explore options outside of what is already included) the Solaris is comfortable. Not the kind of earphone that disappears on the ear, but one I can listen to for a few hours at a time without experiencing hot spots of discomfort.
Isolation with the Solaris is also quite good, unexpectedly so. With it's fairly shallow fit and vented (albeit mildly) design, I was expecting the Solaris to be pretty average in terms of noise attenuation. However, even with no music playing this earphone can still block out an impressive amount of noise, similar to other earphone I've recently tested that block in that 26dB range. While typing, only the highest pitch portion of the stroke is clearly audible. The busy main road outside my window is dulled to the point where the drone of fans on large trucks passing by is about all you can hear. Taking the Solaris to the nearby Tim Hortons is fine too where the bustle of customers is dulled significantly. Putting on some music takes your isolation up another level, while bringing the included foam tips into the equation makes the Solaris a capsule of silence and calm.
Overall the Solaris is immaculately built with a unique design and colour scheme I always enjoy. I can thank Subaru's World Rally team for their use of gold BBS 6-spoke rims back in the day for that. While the Solaris is comfortable, fit can be a bit of a challenge and those with small ears might want to look elsewhere for their TOTL headphone needs, which pains me to say. Isolation is outstanding, and well exceeded expectations.
Tips: Small bore like the included Final Audio tips boost mid-bass and overall warmth making the Solaris more bass focused. Foams have much the same effect. Wide bore like the stock single flange and those from Skullcandy, JVC, UE balance out the sound by reducing mid-bass and raising treble. I performed my testing with wide bore tips.
While price isn't necessarily indicative of how good a product will sound, there are some general trends I have noticed. Tuning is tighter and more coherent, technical ability improves, and products take on an effortless quality to their presentation. That last point is the Solaris in a nut shell. It reproduces sound without ever feeling like it is straining or breaking a sweat in the slightest, even as you dial in the power and up the volume. The Solaris' drivers are truly impressive since they're never playing within an inch of their capabilities. They just sound better and better the harder you push them.
The two armatures handling the top end work in unison to provide an open, detail rich environment. Notes are crisp and tight with a snappy decay and free of any semblance of splashiness that I could detect, even on aggressive tracks like Havok's "Scumbag in Disguise" which has plenty of rapid fire cymbal work. Emphasis is fairly even from presence to brilliance regions, though upper treble sounds like it's peaked slightly higher. On Gramatik's "You Don't Understand" there is a series of chimes that fire off throughout the track. With the Solaris they display an appropriate amount of energy and shimmer which is lacking on lower treble biased earphones. That's not to say the lower treble is lacking, for if it was the Solaris wouldn't display nearly the same level of clarity through the treble and mids. I really enjoy the treble presentation. It is engaging and energetic without being harsh and overly invasive.
The mid-range for the most part is pretty outstanding. I've been listening to a fair bit of metal during my time with the Solaris and find that chugging electric guitars sound pretty wicked, such as on Slipknot's "Pulse of the Maggots". Combined with the anthem-like cheers in the background and Corey Taylor's vocals, this song is a complete banger through the Solaris. More nuanced guitar work sounds right too with guitars on classic tracks like Steely Dan's "Reelin' In The Years" having the right amount of bite, texture, and timbre. While the mid-range is every so slightly recessed, vocals are rich, dynamic, and retain a strong presence. On Daft Punk's "Touch", Paul William's emotional intro pulls me in with it's warmth. The characteristic deep build on some of his words is picked up perfectly too. Female vocals sound intimate and lush as well allowing me to lose myself in Sarah Barthel's vocals on Phantogram's "Fall In Love". Not all is rosy though, as there are instances where vocals can sound slightly hollow or echo-ey, such as on Aesop Rock's "Racing Stripes" and Netsky's "We Can Only Live Today (feat. Billie)". I only experienced this on a handful of tracks. While some might find it a negative, it seemed to fit with the open, airy staging of the Solaris, coming across more like an element of each track than a legitimate flaw. To each their own I suppose.
Bass on the Solaris is warm with a sub-bass skew. Mid- and upper- bass are quite reserved but present enough to give the low end some kick when called for. For the most part, the low end thunders along in the background and lets the rest of the signature build on it. Depth is impressive giving extremely deep notes a fair bit of physical feedback. Texture is impressive giving the low end a very dynamic, varied feel which keeps it from ever coming across as one-note. While not the quickest I've heard, the Solaris' bass is pretty snappy and decays rapidly enough to have no problems keeping up with quick bass lines, such as the rapid double bass on Havok's "Covering Fire" and the upbeat tempo of drum and bass tracks. That said, I prefer it with slower, more mellow basslines such as those on Dillon Francis' "We The Funk (ft. Fuego)" which feels quite well suited to the Solaris' presentation.
When it comes to sound stage all those drivers and that big housing make for a salivatory experience. In terms of placement, the listener sits fairly close to the action with sounds expending way off into the distance. Intimate sections of a track can get uncomfortably close, such as in the closing moments of Culprate's "Undefined (feat. CoMa & Koda)" where the vocalist whispers directly into your ear. Someone in the Head-fi forums posted a Stax binaural test track (Kunstkopfumgang) a while back which does an amazing job of showing off the Solaris' sound stage. Closing your eyes, you get a good sense of space in all directions. Imaging is impressively smooth and accurate letting you pinpoint the performers and get a gauge on their distance from the dummy head. When it comes to layering and separation, BT's "13 Angles On My Broken Windowsill" is a great way to experience what the Solaris can pull off. About 8 minutes in it becomes a mess of instruments and effects, yet you can easily dissect it and follow individual elements. I can imagine the same could be said for orchestral pieces if I were familiar enough with any to use them for final testing.
Overall the Solaris is an amazing sounding product. The cavernous sound stage, deep bass, engaging mid-range, sprinkling of treble, and overall clarity and detail all come together to give an awe inspiring performance. While there can be some hollowing of vocals at times, it was never enough to even begin to hinder the experience, for me at least.
Select Comparisons:
Campfire Audio Atlas: The Atlas is clearly the party-goer of the two thanks to a bassier, brighter signature. The Atlas's treble feels more elevated in all regions, particularly the brilliance region, giving it a more vibrant upper range. The Solaris' treble doesn't sound quite as energetic, but it is more controlled with a tighter note presentation. The Atlas simply lacks the effortlessness of the Solaris in the treble region. Despite the Atlas' heady mid-bass presence, it's vocals have a leaner presentation and the mid-range overall has less presence than what you'll hear out of the Solaris. Bass on the Atlas is it's main selling point being that it is big and boisterous. Compared to the Solaris, extension is similar with the Atlas having more in overall quantity. The Atlas' low end hits with a greater impact but isn't quite a quick and textured. Sound stage on both is excellent, but the Solaris simply offers more. It's wider and deeper and more convincing. Imaging quality is outstanding on both with the Solaris' extra drivers giving it an edge in layering and separation. If you like an entertaining v-shaped sound with TOTL performance, you get the Atlas. If you prefer something more balanced but still exciting, you get the Solaris.
Both the Atlas and Solaris are wonderfully constructed pieces of audio equipment. The Atlas is quite different in it's construction though, being that it is much smaller and completely composed of hand polished stainless steel. I won't say one is better built than the other since they are so very different, but will say they are top tier representatives of their respective designs (barrel shaped vs. "low" profile over ear). The Solaris' Super Litz cable is a straight upgrade to the Atlas's Litz cable being that the individual strands are much thicker. Hardware like the plug and y-split are the same with the Solaris' MMCX plugs being slightly beefier to accommodate the memory wire. Comfort is about the same for me, though I'll give the Atlas the edge since it can be worn cable up or down which makes it more universal for a wider variety of users.
Hifiman RE2000: The RE2000's tuning follows a similar trajectory as the Solaris with a balanced, u-shaped sound. Treble on the RE2000 doesn't extend quite as far but is slightly more emphasized, particularly in the upper regions giving it a bit more sparkle and shimmer. Detail, control, and speed are similar, though the Solaris' armatures edge it ahead in a way that is not insignificant. The Solaris's mid-range is more forward but slightly thinner, colder, and overall crisper sounding. It is also more detailed than the RE2000. Bass on the RE2000 is more evenly balanced between mid- and sub-bass regions versus the Solaris which is skewed towards sub-bass regions. The extra mid-bass of the RE2000 gives it's low end a fuller appearance and more punch. The Solaris' sub-bass provides more physical rumble on the lowest notes. Texture is similarly great between the two. While the RE2000 has a well above average sound stage, the Solaris bests it in every direction. It's wider, deeper, images more accurately, and feels more layered. Instruments are better separated with more space between them. While I think the Solaris is the more technically adapt of the two, this is a good example of single dynamic versus hybrid. If you like the coherency and presentation of a single dynamic and are willing to sacrifice some technical ability, the RE2000 can't be beat. If you like the mingling of dynamic bass and armature precision, the RE2000 doesn't hold a candle to the Solaris.
While I thoroughly enjoy the sound of the RE2000, build quality has always been a criticism of their iems. Pitting it against the Solaris makes this very apparent. Unlike the Solaris which is all metal, the RE2000 uses a mix of plastic and brass. The brass is gold plated just like the Solaris, but it's a very thin plating that is already showing wear. The Solaris' application feels a lot more durable. The Hifiman logo is printed onto the plastic face plate, unlike on the Solaris where it is part of the machining process and integrated into the face plate. The 2-pin input on the RE2000 extends off the top of the ear piece and isn't a seamless aspect of the design like it is on the Solaris. The cables are not comparable at all. Like the Solaris' Super litz cable, the RE2000's features silver-plated copper wiring. However, it is stuffed into a fairly generic black rubber sheath and poorly relieved everywhere. It would feel more at home on a budget friendly earphone than a 2,000 USD flagship. Overall, the Solaris' design and build feels every bit the 1,499.00 USD it costs whereas the RE2000 fails to meet basic expectations for a 2,000 USD product.
Final Thoughts:
Campfire Audio is a juggernaut of a brand for a reason. Their earphones ooze style and quality, and have the sound chops necessary to back it up. They're not "all show and no go". The Solaris is a perfect example of this. PVC coated metals, a gold-plated face plate , polished stainless steel, multiple drivers with tech engineered by and unique to Campfire Audio, thick silver-plated cables, extra-durable beryllium/copper MMCX connectors, kick @$$ packaging with a great accessory kit, etc. etc. etc. Everything about the Solaris screams quality, including quite literally, the quad-driver hybrid setup. It's mild u-shaped signature is so effortlessly refined and technically competent, it couldn't be anything but a flagship product.
All that praise aside, the Solaris isn't perfect. That amazing sound quality is marred (depending on your preferences) by vocals that can sound ever so slightly hollow at times. And these are not small or subtle earphones in any sense. They stick out quite prominently. Those with small ears will very likely have stability issues, and those who worry about what others think may feel self-conscious that they've got giant gold earphones protruding from the sides of their head.
Overall, the Solaris is a flagship earphone fully deserving of the title. It looks amazing, it feels amazing, and it sounds amazing. It's one of the few flagships I've used that is fully deserving of the price tag placed on it, and compared to others still it comes across as a bargain. It's the complete package and something you have to experience first hand.
Thanks for reading!
– B9Scrambler
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Some Test Tunes:
Aesop Rock – The Impossible Kid (Album)
Hail Mary Mallon – Are You Going to Eat That? (Album)
King Crimson – Lark's Tongues in Aspic (Album)
King Crimson – Starless and Bible Black (Track)
Supertramp – Crime of the Century (Album)
Infected Mushroom – Legend of the Black Shawarma (Album)
Gorillaz – Plastic Beach (Album)
Massive Attack – Mezzanine (Album)
Fleetwood Mac – Rumors (Album)
Run the Jewels – Run the Jewels (Album)
The Prodigy – The Day is My Enemy (Album)
Tobacco – F****d Up Friends (Album)
Felt – Felt 2 (A Tribute to Lisa Bonet) (Album)
Michael Jackson – Thriller (Album)
The Crystal Method – Grace (feat. LeAnn Rimes) (Track)
Jidenna – Long Live the Chief (Track)
Skrillex – Ragga Bomb (Track)
Big Grams – Run for Your Life (Track)
Funkadelic – Maggot Brain (Track)
Aesop Rock – Fishtales (Track)


text: We are living in a world where new things are coming up on a regular basis. If you are a constant follower of the internet, then you probably know that it is the best place to get varied and delicious healthy food within the shortest time possible. This is because


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Home-grown private equity fund ChrysCapital receive funding of $600 Million for its seventh offshore funds from GIC Holdings Pvt Ltd, Asia Alternatives Management, and Harvard Management Co.
The firm was in talks to raise the fund since 2015 November. The deal was successfully closed on Tuesday. The company will invest its new funds in focus business sectors like financial services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturers and consumer sectors. The clients of the Private Equity firm includes Infogain India Pvt Ltd, KPIT Technologies Ltd, Cyient Ltd, Liquidhub Inc, Au Financiers, Federal Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Intas Pharmaceuticals.
The firm was founded by Ashish Dhawan, who moved out 5 years ago. Now the firm is led by Kunal Shroff along with three partners Sanjiv Kaul, Sanjay Kukreja and Ashley Menezes. Kunal Shroff is responsible for the two of the companies most prior funding-Chrys Capital III & IV.
ChrysCapital claims to make total of 80 investments in India, in which 60 of them have been successfully closed. Till now, about $4 Billion of funds are used for the investments. With the newly raised funds, Chrys Capitals have already invested in two firms. The first investment was made in a mid-tire IT service firm L&T Infotech and the second investment was made in HERO FinCorp.
The latest fund has attracted interest from a combination of investors, referred to as limited partners (LP) in the private equity industry, that include insurance companies, university endowments, and family offices.
The Firm is in process of monetizing the last remaining investments from its fifth funding. The previous four funding have been successfully realized. This makes ChrysCapital the only Indian Private Equity firm which has successfully utilized it's $4.5 Billion funds from its five Funding.
ChrysCapital invests about $40-$50 Million per transactions. The firm has also closed its sixth round of investment of $510 Million in 2012. Read more funding news.


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Here are some review notes from this week's lesson in our preschool and K-4 classes. This week we studied Matthew 7:21-27 – The Wise & Foolish Builders.
This is lesson 17 of 78 in our study of the New Testament. This lesson corresponds with Story 95 in The Gospel Story Bible and with Week 17 of the Old Story New family devotional.
Gospel Truth for Today
Jesus life, death, and resurrection in our place and for our sins is the "rock" on which we must build our lives. This will not only allow us to whether to "trials" of life but will allow us to stand firm in the final "trial" at the judgment seat of God.
The Lesson In A Sentence
Our love for God is shown by the fruit of our lives, especially when the winds of trials blow.
Questions For You Kids
Special Note: Parents, our Preschoolers primarily focused on the rock/sand portion of this story. Our Elementary kids expanded their lesson to include Matthew 7:15-23 which addresses how our actions are often a representation what we really believe (we are known by our fruits). Therefore, I've included P and E next to questions that correspond to the kids' lessons.
E – I heard that one of your teachers got sprayed during class. That's pretty silly. What were they trying to teach you?
The teacher with the spray bottle kept saying, "I won't spray you," but then kept spraying the other teacher. It helped us learn that our actions often show what we really believe, even if we say something different. That's kind of what Jesus was saying about people who say they are his followers but don't really follow him.
E&P – What ground did the two people build their houses on in the lesson? What did (the sand/rock) mean?
Sand – These people build their lives around things like money, having lots of stuff, being famous or important, and doing whatever they want to do.
Rock – These people build their lives on Jesus' teaching and having faith in his life, death, and resurrection in our place and for our sins.
E&P – What happened to the houses when the storm came? What was the storm?
The house on the sand was destroyed and the one on the rock survived. Parents, help your kids understand "trials/storms" by relating an experience that your child would remember your family going through. From there, help them understand how having your life build on Jesus allowed you to not be destroyed by the "storm."
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Redemption Hill Church. Some questions and wording may have been taken from the Gospel Story Curriculum.


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House of Harlow 1960 was created in 2009 by the one and only Nicole Richie. Known for her Vintage, Boho, creative and individual style Nicole is a style icon in her own right. Her brand is a portrayal of her unique fashion taste and style, she has always loved costume design and Vintage clothing which has inspired her brand and collections.
She says, "I've always loved the possibility of being able to transform yourself through the way of dress".
Nicole has been the creative force behind the brand since day one including all the brands creative and strategic decision making process.
House of Harlow 1960 collection includes ready-to-wear, jewellery,eyewear, accessories, footwear,handbags and homeware.
Stylist faves picks from House of Harlow 1960 Spring/Summer 2016 Collection...
|Crop: $110
Trousers: $130
|Maxi floral dress: $218
|Jumpsuit: $218
|Jumpsuit: $210


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Recently there has been a slow but steady realization by many South Florida fisherman that the Keys barracuda population is in decline. As a result, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, KeysKeeper, and the Lower …
Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Partners Applaud FWC Decision to Protect Four Shark Species in Florida Waters
LOS ANGELES (November 30, 2011) —The Humane Society of the United States (the HSUS) and the Shark Free Marina Initiative (SFMI) commend the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for their recent decision to increase protection for four imperiled shark species (tiger sharks, and great, scalloped and smooth hammerheads) in Florida waters beginning January 1, 2012.
"This important decision will ensure much needed conservation and respect for these vulnerable species," notes Dr. Robert Hueter, senior scientist and director, Mote Marine Laboratory's Center for Shark Research. "Many shark species have declined because of overfishing, which recreational fishing has contributed to in the U.S."
"The coalition that makes up the Shark Free Marina Initiative is very excited about what Florida has done," says Luke Tipple, managing director, the SFMI. "Increasing protection for these four species has provided a positive and affirming educational message to anglers and other citizens alike that sharks are indeed threatened and need protection."
The SFMI is an independent project of the Humane Society of the United States that is designed to reduce worldwide shark mortality by educating fishermen to the plight of sharks and asking marinas and businesses all over the world to voluntarily designate themselves as Shark Free or Shark Friendly, thereby prohibiting the killing or landing of sharks. Over 120 marinas world-wide have joined this initiative.
"SFMI is a truly cooperative program receiving strong and sustained support from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Mote Marine Laboratory, the Pegasus Foundation, Fishpond USA and the Pew Environment Group," adds John Grandy, Ph.D., senior vice president of The HSUS.
The SFMI has just launched a major campaign in Florida to encourage marinas to register as Shark Free or Shark Friendly. More than 70 marinas in Florida have registered and include some of the biggest and most well -known marinas Florida, including Bahia Mar, home of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
"The state of Florida is key to reducing shark mortality," according to Guy Harvey, world-renowned artist, angler and conservationist. "Our SFMI campaign and attendant publicity for participating marinas will provide additional education and support for the recent FWC decision.
"We all need to work together to ensure a healthy ocean environment for future generations," says John Land LeCoq, co-founder, Fishpond USA. "I am proud to be part of this critically important effort."
Additional facts about shark protection:
* More than a year ago the FWC designated the lemon shark as fully protected in state waters.
* Last week, Asia's oldest hotel chain, The Peninsula Hotels, announced it will stop serving shark fin at all its hotels starting January 1, in an effort to recognize the threat facing the global shark population. Peninsula Hotels can be found in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Chicago, Beverley Hills, Tokyo, Bangkok and Manila. One is due to open in Paris in 2013.
* In the U.S., for the past two years, The HSUS and the Humane Society International (HSI) have worked to enact legislation prohibiting the trade and sale of shark fins in Hawaii, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Washington, Oregon and California, closing off U.S. Pacific ports and their role in facilitating the global shark fin trade.