text:
A low-loss suspended core As38Se62 fiber with core diameter of 4.5 μm and a zero-dispersion wavelength of 3.5 μm was used for mid-infrared supercontinuum generation. The dispersion of the fiber was measured from 2.9 to 4.2 μm and was in good correspondence with the calculated dispersion. An optical parametric amplifier delivering 320 fs pulses with a peak power of 14.8 kW at a repetition rate of 21 MHz was used to pump 18 cm of suspended core fiber at different wavelengths from 3.3 to 4.7 μm. By pumping at 4.4 μm with a peak power of 5.2 kW coupled to the fiber a supercontinuum spanning from 1.7 to 7.5 μm with an average output power of 15.6 mW and an average power >5.0 μm of 4.7 mW was obtained.
© 2015 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article
OSA Recommended Articles
Weiqing Gao, Mohammed El Amraoui, Meisong Liao, Hiroyasu Kawashima, Zhongchao Duan, Dinghuan Deng, Tonglei Cheng, Takenobu Suzuki, Younès Messaddeq, and Yasutake Ohishi
Opt. Express 21(8) 9573-9583 (2013)
Bo Wu, Zheming Zhao, Xunsi Wang, Youmei Tian, Nan Mi, Peng Chen, Zugang Xue, Zijun Liu, Peiqing Zhang, Xiang Shen, Qiuhua Nie, Shixun Dai, and Rongping Wang
Opt. Mater. Express 8(5) 1341-1348 (2018)
M. R. Karim, B. M. A. Rahman, and Govind P. Agrawal
Opt. Express 23(5) 6903-6914 (2015)


text:
On Reddit, a user asked:
I am wanting to switch podcast hosting services. When I switch, will all the podcast directories upload new episodes when I put the link to my new RSS feed into the RSS feed redirect of the old host? For instance, after I switch services and upload a new episode via the new hosting service, will Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Stitcher etc have the new episode listed?
Here's what we recommend!
Marco Arment, the creator of Overcast, notes the importance of Apple Podcasts:
The iTunes Store's Podcasts directory is the only one that matters, and being listed there is essential for podcasts to be easily found when searching in most apps.
So, your first step is to log into your account on Apple's Podcast Connect, find your show, and paste in your new feed URL.
While most apps and directories (like Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Breaker) will scrape Apple's podcast directory, there are a few other "walled gardens" that you'll need to update manually.
You can do this yourself on Stitcher and Google Play, but there's no formal way to do this with Spotify. (At Transistor, we manually email our Spotify contact in London to do this for you).
Now it's time to go back to your former podcast host (Simplecast, Libsyn) and forward your old feed to your new podcast feed:
(To see what this looks like on our platform, read this guide).
After you've redirected your old RSS feed to your new feed, it's best to wait two weeks before you delete your old hosting account. Also, it can take 24-48 hours for Apple to propagate your new feed on their platform. Be patient!
Transistor provides podcast hosting and analytics for thousands of
organizations, brands, and creatives around the world.
Learn how to start a podcast →.
© 2020 Transistor Inc. All rights reserved.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
So it became close to the end.
We were surrounded by the shadow troops of the Varnoo.
I didn't want to look down as I knew your body, my son, was lying before my feet. Black, swollen, lips blue…
Myself, ready to die before the same fate.
I knew only one thing they did not.
I was only a living hologram.
There, but not.
I fade out.
Not today.
by Meyer Lane


text:
Hello Daily Diarists!
First of all, I need to apologise that I shan't be around to comment on your menus for Saturday.
And in fact, I shan't be posting my menus either - I am preparing this post in advance on Thursday evening, as my niece and her three year old toddler and five month old baby will be staying with me from Friday for the weekend, and I think I shall have my hands full!
So - welcome to anyone posting for the first time, this is what my typical daily diary might look like, just to give you an idea:
"Breakfast - boiled egg and toast and marmalade, 285 cals.
Lunch - cottage cheese with some salad and a yogurt, 307 cals
Dinner - chicken sweet and sour stir fry, 338cals.
Total so far 859 cals, leaves plenty for that cheeky glass of Sauvignon blanc and some more fruit, nectarine and peaches, love that summer fruit!"
Now tell us what have you planned to eat and drink on Saturday 26th August.
Tell us what your calorie intake should be and the total calories that each meal contains, what exercise you have planned and if you have a tip to share please do share it.
My tip for the day – you can only fail when you stop trying!


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Fastway - Spark Arrestor Endcap (Honda)
- Description
- Reviews
- Customer Photos
Fastway - Spark Arrestor (Honda)
Do you want to go trail riding with your friends but don't have a spark arrestor on your new bike? The Honda Pro Moto Billet Spark Arrestor End Cap is the perfect inexpensive alternative getting you out on the trail legally. Instead of breaking the bank on a hefty fine from the park ranger, or on a new full system, get the pro moto billet spark arrestor endcap. With the Pro Moto Billet Spark Arrestor end cap you can ensure you ride within regulation for your area along with doing your part to prevent forest fire. You can also easily remove the spark arrestor insert from the end cap when going back to the motocross track. The Honda Pro Moto Billet Spark Arrestor end cap is manufactured for all Honda CRF four stroke bikes.
- This endcap is machined from 6061 billet aluminum!
- We also offer a silent insert to help keep you quiet!
- This spark arrestor endcap uses a removable, U.S.F.S. approved, screen type spark arrestor. The whole endcap assembly has been U.S.F.S. approved, and is engraved accordingly.
- All hardware is provided, but you will need a drill and a rivet gun.


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Greetings Sunrise citizens!
March 8 is well known as International Women's Day and thus we like to send our warm greetings to all girls and women who play CrimeCraft!
Let your time in game be cheerful and victorious!
And to get more fun this day we are going to run in the game events.
[ A. Rewarding all female characters ]
All female characters will get 2x experience and 2x cash from matches, jobs and missions during the event.
Event starts: March 8, 01:00 CET (March 7, 7:00 PM EST).
Event ends: March 9, 01:00 CET (March 8, 7:00 PM EST).
[ B. Bonus rates ]
In addition to bonus rates for Female character we'll activate Bonus Rates for everyone:
3х cash;
3х experience;
3х loot drop chance;
3х tournament rewards.
Event starts: March 8, 09:00 CET (3:00 AM EST).
Event ends: March 9, 09:00 CET (3:00 AM EST).
[ C. Cash Huntress Contest ]
To get a maximum advantage from double rate event we are going to run a contest for our players.
Top 3 female characters who will get the most amount of cash from matches will get a special rewards:
When:1st place: 3 Enhancement Card: Upgrade, 24 Essences of Ego, 24 Essences of Pack, 48 Gold Coins and 48 Bronze Coins.
2nd place: 2 Enhancement Card: Upgrade, 12 Essences of Ego, 12 Essences of Pack, 24 Gold Coins and 24 Bronze Coins.
3rd place: Enhancement Card: Upgrade, 8 Essences of Ego, 8 Essences of Pack, 8 Gold Coins and 8 Bronze Coins.
Event starts: March 8, 01:00 CET (March 7, 7:00 PM EST).
Event ends: March 9, 01:00 CET (March 8, 7:00 PM EST).
[ Winners ]
Gummibarchen - 4,609,863
OoOrgasmaOoO - 2,031,982
Thank you.


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You are currently browsing the category archive for the 'Finding your life's purpose' category.
I just finished re-reading Stephen Cope's The Great Work of Your Life.
My favourite quotes:
"If you bring forth what is within you, it will save you; if you do not bring forth what is within you, it will destroy you". – Gnostic Gospel of Thomas
"Each of us must have one domain, one small place on the globe where we can fully meet life – where we meet it with every gift we have… This domain, this one place that is uniquely ours, is our work in this world… – the one place where we really have the opportunity to wake up".
The Journey by Mary Oliver
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice – – –
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
'Mend my life!'
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations – – –
though their melancholy
was terrible. It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice,
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do – – – determined to save
the only life you could save.
I love this quote from Alice in Wonderland.
This is exactly the space that I am in right now.
I am giving myself permission to dream.
Why not dream big?
And dare greatly?
Oh, wow – this blog post by Kris Carr absolutely speaks to me, and is a topic that I've been thinking a lot about over the last year.
"When our purpose is external, we may never find it. If we tie our purpose or meaning to our vocation, goal or an activity, we're likely setting ourselves up for discomfort and even failure down the line….
Your purpose has nothing to do with what you do. There, I said it. Your purpose is actually quite simple, it's to awaken. To discover and nurture who you truly are, to know and love yourself at the deepest level and to guide yourself back home when you lose your way. The more you do this, the more aware and present you become, which creates more harmony in your life. Everything else is your burning passion, your inspired mission, your job, your love-fueled hobby, etc. Those things are powerful and very worthy, but they're not your purpose. Your purpose is much, much bigger than that…
Your self-worth has nothing to do with your craft or calling and everything to do with how you treat yourself and others." – Kris Carr
Kris Carr says a lot more in her article and I encourage you to read it. It's timely and meaningful for me to read it as I have let go of some of my roles like yoga instructor and energy healer. Who am I, if I am not these roles?
And, my day job is undergoing shifts and transformations. Many lay-offs have occurred and will continue to occur. I am currently taking a month's vacation at the request of my boss so that the little bit of work that we have can be shared by those who don't have any vacation time banked. This should be a time of celebration – woot, woot – no work for one whole month!! But, instead, I'm feeling nervous and empty and am left with the question: who am I, if I'm not working? Do I still have value?
It has been humbling to discover that much of my self-worth has been tied to activities and what I do.
This article by Kris Carr is a great reminder that my purpose has nothing to do with what I do. My purpose is simply to be. I am worthy regardless of what I do.
Lately, I have been exploring the theme of finding my life's purpose.
This message from Glennon Melton at Momastery spoke right to my heart.
People always ask: G, how do I find my purpose?
I look at them and ask: What breaks your heart?
There you go. That's your purpose.
And, my friends, here's the good news: Your broken hearts are saving lives.


text:
Rustic, Sprawling & Airy: Come Escape To These 7 Fabulous Cutesy Lodges In India
Tired of chaotic holidays with too-loud hotels, middle of the city locations and a rush to cover everything? If you're looking for a quiet escape into nature, here are 7 quaint lodges which will serve you with warmth and ensure that you have the most comfortable stay ever. Read on and book away y'all!
1. Paatlidun Safari Lodge, Nainital
Paatlidun is a luxury resort in Jim Corbett National Park that effortlessly combines the wild with elegant comfort and hospitality. Their luxury cottages feature a private pool, a backyard with trickling sunlight and gorgeous wooden interiors. You will get all the privacy you need here so that you can enjoy nature in peaceful solitude. Also, the staff is extremely accommodating and non-interfering, so defo book your stay!
Tariff | Rs 19,500
Location | Jim Corbett National Park, Mohan, Nainital
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/corbett.paatlidun
Here's Their Website | http://patlidun.com/
2. The Lodge At Wah, Himachal Pradesh
If you're a chai lover, you'll be especially pleased to know that The Wah Tea Estate also has a homestay with some enchanting little cottages made of mud and charming slate roofs. The cottages are theme-based and have been designed by taking inspiration from various tea types and extending its elements into the room's design. You can also take a tour through the tea factory and witness the entire manufacturing process as well as explore the organic plantation garden, which is lovely!
Tariff | Rs 9,000
Location | Panchrukhi - Paprola Rd, Patti, Deogran, Himachal Pradesh
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/thelodgeatwah/
Here's Their Website | https://www.thelodgeatwah.com/
3. Kikar Lodge, Punjab
Located around 170 kms away from Chandigarh railway station, Kikar Lodge is a private forest reserve spread over *gasp* 1,800 acres of forest cover! They have 12 adorable forest view cottages with small private gardens and sitting areas. Because of the huge area it's spread over, you will be guarded from the noise of the buzzing world outside. There are also a number of adventurous activities that you can try out here like zip lining, night safari and quad biking!
Tariff | Rs 7,000
Location | Kangar Village, District Ropar, Nurpur Bedi, Punjab
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/thekikarlodge/
Here's Their Website | http://www.thekikarlodge.com/
4. The Blackbuck Lodge, Gujarat
The Blackbuck Lodge is located close to the Velavadar National Park, near Bhavnagar. The cottages have lovely sitting areas and decks to admire the sprawling views. The place is a beautiful mix of austere dotted with elements of nature that offer a lovely contrast to the luxurious interiors. The Bush Dinner is an interesting concept where an exclusive dinner setting is placed in the middle of nowhere and scrumptious Kathiawadi to Continental European cuisines are served to the guests. Nice!
Tariff | Rs 9,000
Location | Velavadar National Park, Dist. Bhavnagar, Bhal, Saurashtra, Gujarat
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/theblackbucklodge/
Here's Their Website | http://www.theblackbucklodge.com/index.html
5. Forsyth Safari Lodge, Madhya Pradesh
Located 180 kms South-East of Bhopal lies the Forsyth Safari Lodge. It is situated right along the edge of Satpura Tiger Reserve, and boasts 12 independent cottages a short walk away from the main lodge. The cottages are quite simple so that one can enjoy an authentic, rustic experience. They also offer a two-day hike to Pachmarhi for the adventurous lot and one can also camp right next to the Denwa River - wow!
Tariff | Rs 15,000 Onwards
Location | 14/1, Village Bijakhori, Sohagpur, Dist. Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/forsythsatpura
Here's Their Website | http://www.forsythlodge.com
6. Natura Vista - A Plantation Stay, Karnataka
If you're looking for something that's not mainstream, check out this pretty wooden cottage in the middle of Karnataka's coffee plantations. Spacious and surrounded by lush greens, this isn't a luxury resort, but here you can explore nature the way it is supposed to be, quiet and at peace. Apart from the coffee plantations, there are also some cardamom plants growing around. The estate is located in Madikeri, at a comfortable distance from all sightseeing locations, which is always a plus!
Tariff | Rs 4,928
Location | Horoor, Sunticoppa Madikeri, Karnataka
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/NaturaVistaAPlantationStay/
Here's Their Website | http://www.naturavistacoorg.com/index-2.html
7. Devaaya Ayurvedic Centre, Goa
If the hills and mountains are not for you and you're a summer person, Devaaya is where you'd wanna be. Located on Divar Island near Goa, it is primarily a yoga and Ayurveda retreat where you can experience some alternative therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind. The cottages are built in Goan style and are luxuriously furnished and the entire area is extremely peaceful and serene!
Tariff | Rs 11,000
Location | Divar Island, Goa
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/devaaya/
Here's Their Website | http://www.devaaya.com/
Let your next vacay be a visit to one of these lodges where you can explore nature at its best as you unwind and reconnect with yourself in solitude!


text:
Class Teacher- Mr Lowe
PPA Cover - Mrs Dyer
Classroom support- Miss Jones
SENCO Lead - Miss Evans
year 4 Curriculum
Please download our termly curriculum documents here for more information about what we will are learning and to see examples of our work.
year 4 Important information
Please click on the links below to find out important information about Year 4.
|Long Term Planner
|Welcome Leaflet
The children will need their PE kit in school all week. The PE kit should include black shorts, white t-shirt and pumps or appropriate trainers. As the weather is very cold, you may supply joggers and a jumper also.
Monday: Outdoor PE
Tuesday: Dance
Wednesday: Gymnastics
Library Day- Thursday
Each child will be heard reading each week, we expect reading books to be in school every day so this is possible. The children also have sessions where they read other texts as a class and in partners. Their progress and understanding will be greatly improved if you hear them read for 10 minutes each day and discuss what they have read with them.
It is important that the children not only read the words, but understand the meaning of the words. Please complete their reading journal to reflect the practise being done at home. Please note: We do not have a designated day for changing books. The children can change their school reading book once an adult has signed their reading record to show that the book has been completed.
Tuck Shop
The school council were involved in choosing healthy items to include on the menu. Children should bring their money in a purse or wallet, with their name on, and keep it in their locker until needed. We suggest that £1 a week is enough per child, splitting it up into 20p a day.
From the start, we encourage all children to be responsible for securing their own belongings in their locker and their tuck shop money into the classroom on their own, as it fosters their independence. We are sure you will help us in this by encouraging the children to become more independent and responsible.
The children will be given homework each week on a Friday to be returned by the Wednesday of the following week. The homework will be used to consolidate the children's knowledge of what has been covered in class or prepare for further learning. The homework will usually consist of a Maths and English task and a weekly spelling list. Occasionally, the children maybe asked to find out information for a Science, History or Geography topic. It is very important that the children complete these homework tasks to the best of their ability. If they are having difficulty, please ask them to inform me and I will be happy to explain it again. If homework is not completed there is the consequence of missing break times the following day until it is completed.
Class Dojo
Class Dojo is a new way for teachers to encourage students and contact parents about their child's progress in class. It can be used online or downloaded as an app on iOS and Android devices. Please ask if you require a copy of your log in.
If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to ask or send a message on Dojo.
Mr Lowe


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On March 7, 2019, we had the honor to host the Madrid-based flutist and researcher Julián Elvira.
Elvira has been working in the last 25 years on a new type of flute, a musical instrument which is part of the woodwind group. His incredible journey led him to develop a device that can reshape and invent the way we experience music. His flute is the last step of the modern flute development based on physical and mathematical conclusions of the instrument. If a regular flute can produce 55,000 tunes, Elvira's flute can produce more than 11,000,000; imagine the possibilities, Elvira has opened to us all!
This is a unique opportunity to learn about innovation, persistence, vision, and execution. Elvira's story connects science, mathematics, technology, art and above all – Passion. This event is relevant to everyone – whether you are an aspiring artist, tech entrepreneur or business professional. The event will include a short performance by Elvira.
THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE IN SPANISH and require registration via the link above.
18:30 – Opening Doors and Registration
19:00 – Julian Elvira Keynote and Performance
19:50 – Audience Q&A
Speaker's Bio:
Madrid-based flutist and researcher Julián Elvira has become one of the most international, original and innovative personalities. The uniqueness of the artist comes from his outstanding improvisation performance as well as particular acoustic blend based on different cultures forming a distinctive language and aesthetic.
Elvira graduated from the Spanish 'Real Conservatorio Superior de Música' in Madrid. He then moved to Budapest where, the creation of his Pronomos Flute, his lifetime project, initiated thanks to the professor Mr.I. Matuz. It is the last step of the modern flute development based on physical and mathematical conclusions of the instrument.
Currently, he is principal flute at the 'Banda Sinfónica de Madrid' and takes part of the sextet Le 7me Continent created by the Franco-German double bass player Pascal Niggenkemper.
He holds a Ph.D. in music from the 'Universidad Complutense of Madrid' and won the Jazz Station L. A. awards in 2016.


text:
Buddyweeks Cyprus 2019 – 2020
Werner Lau Buddyweeks = If you pre-book a diving package or a diving course, the first diver pays the regular price and his/her buddy will only pay 50% for the same package or course.
The Buddyweeks are available for the following travel periods and destinations:
Aldiana Cyprus – Mediterranean Sea
Travel period:
01.10.2019 – 15.03.2020 (latest starting date)
excluded are the season closing times of the Aldiana
Just write under 'remarks' at the end of the booking form "buddyweeks" and the package/course for your buddy will only be invoiced with 50 %.
This offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
Further information you will get at firstname.lastname@example.com or phone +49 4182 238 96 00.


text:
Whatever level you're entering motorcycling, from a 16 year old wanting to ride a 50cc moped, or a motorcyclist of experience wanting to improve your riding technique, Phoenix Motorcycle Training UK can offer quality rider training lessons to suit you.With motorcycle practical tests on the shelf and up-to-date machines of all sizes we have the means to help you reach your motorcycling goals.Phoenix motorcycle training has been in business for over 19 years. Our instructors are experienced, Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency certified, and many are DIAmond advanced and Blue Riband trainers and assessors.Phoenix Motorcycle Training has rider training centres across England and is affiliated to the british motorcyclists federation and approved suppliers for Enhanced Learning Credits funding.
A CBT test consists of 5 elements labelled A to E. You will do these 5 elements in order throughout the day.
The DVSA have produced an excellent short video showing you the elements of a CBT. Here is the video and below it is the description of each of the elements.
Element A comprises of talk about clothing, safety helmet and equipment. This is also when your licence and eyesight will be checked and the aims of the course outlined. Make sure to bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear
them as you will need to read a registration plate at a distance of 20 metres. You will also learn:
Element B introduces you to the machine and its controls and includes:
Element C is the main part of the course and takes place on an approved training site (CBT pad). This is when you will learn to:
Element D is a return to the class room prior to going out on the road. You will get a full briefing explaining:
Element E is where you put all the above into practise by riding on the road. You will go out on the road with an instructor two at a time with a radio link. You must do at least two hours of road tuition, which must include doing
a U-turn and emergency stop. At the outset the instructor will give plenty of guidance and help, but towards the end of the time on the road the instructor will be looking to see if you can get safely from one place to another without hurting
yourself or anybody else.
Some text in the modal.


text:
Registration is now open for the following workshops:
2018-2019 Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) – Workshop Video Series
In this series:
⇒ October 6, 2018 – How Do I Interpret In Math Class
⇒ December 1, 2018 – Developing Effective Interpreting Skills for Using Fingerspelling and Numbers
⇒ February 16, 2019 – Understanding Prosody
⇒ April 6, 2019 – The EIPA Report: A Tool For Professional Development
*Sessions run from 8am to Noon
For course descriptions and registration – click this link to download a flier (PDF)
Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading – November 2, 2018
Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading is an evidence-based, supplementary literacy program for deaf and hard of hearing students in K-2nd grade. Read more about this course – download the flier and registration form (PDF)
Foundations for Literacy – November 3 & 4, 2018
A one-of-a-kind, evidence-based intervention designed specifically for preschool and kindergarten-aged children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Read more about this course – download the flier and registration form (PDF)


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Smart Parking and the Challenges Facing Hospitals
Smart parking solutions have helped corporations and universities decrease costs and improve parking efficiency and productivity, but what about hospitals?
Hospitals have unique parking needs. Many people parking are transporting someone with a fairly serious injury, even if that injury isn't life-threatening (otherwise they would be in an ambulance). Others are rushing to get into the hospital to visit someone who's been injured. These drivers are already under immense stress, and every extra minute of parking significantly adds to their stress.
Many visitors to the hospital are elderly, or injured, or in some other way may have difficulty traveling long distances. This makes large horizontal parking lots challenging for drivers.
Finally, because hospitals have to be everywhere, and fairly large, they often require significant parking spaces in areas with high land value, which makes increasing parking spaces very difficult for them.
So how can these challenges be solved? With smart parking! Compact multi-level garages can be navigated much more quickly with dynamic signage routing drivers to available spaces, saving them time, frustration, and even distance traveled. More efficient parking allocation, managed with reliable parking analytics, can let hospitals avoid the expense of building additional parking spaces. Hospitals can focus more on helping people inside their buildings than getting them inside in the first place.


text:
Advertising Boost states they could allow you to double or triple your earnings, simply by giving away their free vacation packages.|} free maui vacation guide
Sounds cool. But since you are reading this, you are most likely skeptical. If this is so, I really don't blame you , there is a good deal of scams online. So it is wise to do your own homework.
In this review, I'll show you just what I found so you may decide by yourself.
Advertising Boost Review
The Advertising Boost site (AdvertisingBoost.com) claims it's possible to double or triple your earnings using their services. In spite of the type of business you operate and regardless of what business you operate indoors.
As a consequence, you get access to free holiday packages, which you might then supply to your present customers or possible customers.
So for instance you are able to give a free holiday/vacation to anyone who enjoys your business page on Facebook, opts to a email list, begins a free trial of your service or merchandise or makes a purchase.
Whatever kind of"guide" or purchase you want, the person would meet whatever activities you need, to access this free vacation package.
So does this sort of promotion really do the job?
Yes. Offering vacation incentives is a proven method to build your small business. Here are some quick ideas:
Consider it. Who doesn't need a free vacation, just for sharing your article… or promoting your facebook page?
However, the question is, would be Advertising Boost the perfect way to reward your customers?
Let us find out more.
What is Advertising Boost About?
Advertising Boost is a subscription-based holiday incentives program, using a cost of $49 per month.
The retail value of these vacations is seemingly anywhere from $585 to $1,500 and also the resorts are seemingly decent quality.
What is the catch?
To start with, there is a limit of a single certificate redemption per client for traveling in America and a single redemption away from the United States.
Second, the visitor has to pay the resort taxation, which ends up to a max of $19.70 daily based on this website… and possibly resort fees.
Aside from that there are seemingly"no strings attached".|}
Unlike some holiday bonus suppliers, recipients don't need to attend any sales or timeshare presentations.|}
Besides the packages themselves, members get access to marketing materials. Such as company specific videos that is going to help you sell people on the notion.
There is also a bonus called"Ultimate Facebook Secrets" free of charge. That's seemingly a 6 hour step by step education about using Advertising Boost to crush it with Facebook advertising.
All this appears to be quite a good thing. I mean, $49 a month is cheap compared to what other websites charge for this type of stuff.
How It Works
To start with Advertising Boost, all you need to do will be register on their website for $49/mo.
There are no contracts and you may cancel at any moment.|}
The moment you're a member, you should start giving away free vacation packages to pretty much whomever you desire.
The Process seemingly requires less than 30 minutes too:
When you follow the above mentioned activities to send someone a free holiday, the individual has 7 days to activate the vacation certificate. And around 18 months then, to opt for the dates they'd love to travel.
We help fill vacant rooms that the hotels, hotels turn into further revenue from different regions of their house and future reservations.
Than nothing at all.
So this idea works because everyone benefits in 1 manner or another. The receiver receives a free (or very low cost ) excursion, it is likely to increase earnings and the hotel generates more income than if the place has been vacant.
So… that makes sense.
I personally signed up as an affiliate lately, and already made earnings… so Im now a believer!!
From what I could see, Advertising Boost is not a scam.|}
Interested In Being An Affiliate?
free maui vacation guide
***NEW*** Adverting Boost supplies a 7 day free trial!! |}
They also have added DINING GURU which permits you to provide Restaurant Vouchers (and different Vouchers) through the USA and Canada.
In the end, anyone who purchases the yearly Strategy (Gold Membership) would likely be PAID to send people to vacation!!
Here's the commission strategy:
Monthly Mexico Activations
1-10 = $7
11-24 = $10
Over 24 = $15
Monthly Europe & Asia Activations
1-10 = $5
11-24 = $7
Over 24 = $10
Monthly US Activations
1-10 = $3
11-24 = $5
Over 24 = $7
Advertising Boost is a marketing incentive program that costs $49 per month and gives you access to free holiday incentives. You can then use to help develop your company in one manner or another.
How good the bundles are and how well they will do the job for you, is something only you can figure out for yourself… but like I stated earlier, I've already made sales|}
I guess one way to find, would be to sign up, go on a vacation of your own, see how things shake out. If nothing else, you get a pretty fantastic bargain on a hotel stay!!
This way, you know just what people will be getting with this, before starting a marketing campaign and putting your name behind it.
Don't hesitate to talk about your own personal experiences with Advertising Boost.


text:
"I thought it was exceptional. It's breathtaking, the costumes are amazing.'
"It is just so overwhelmingly moving with how delicate they are and fragile and strong at the same time and the balance of all the colors and their movement and their expression and what the meaning is behind everything, is. It's extraordinary! We absolutely love it."
"I was really moved by the performance of the tragedy of the man who was trying to, he was in the park and he was meditating and they took him to jail and it made me cry and that's terrible that this cannot be show in their native country. It's making me cry. Everyone should see something so pretty."
"[The Shen Yun performers are] excellent. They're like, spot on, there's, they're exceptional, their beauty and magic is just, they come to life. … dance so gracefully with all those silks and the long sleeves, that was, it's so beautiful and we're so happy to have been able to witness this. Thank you for coming here [to Dallas]."
"The colors, it was like bright and beautiful and so happy and it's what the world needs right now. To see something so magical. It was lovely, everything."
"The instruments, some of the instruments are so unique and the baritone that sang 'The Creator'—he was amazing. That was beautiful and it was visual and I loved, it was almost like a prayer up there that he was singing and I loved that. That was very nice."


text:
Polhawn Fort
Book Now
Bespoke packages
Contact the venue via this form to discuss bespoke packages.
Venue Summary
Summary: Seaside wedding venue in Cornwall
Location: Cornwall, England, UK
Available for: Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception
Approximate costs: £2,995 (low) – £9,995 (high) for up to 120 guests, excluding catering
Capacity: (max # of guests): up to 120 guests
Available for: Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception
Our Story
Polhawn Fort brings you a stunningly beautiful coastal location in Cornwall, and an extraordinary original Napoleonic Fort with huge views across the sea. Polhawn Fort is just as picturesque inside as it is outside. It's hidden in a small cove on the Rame Peninsula, seemingly untouched by civilisation. Your wedding can be as intimate or grand as you want it to be, with a gorgeous unspoilt beach for those romantic pre- or post-wedding walks…
About the owners


text:
There comes a point in most people's lives when they first experience the cinematic surround sound of a movie theatre. From the days of old with the piano player in the pit, to the 'talkies', to the full on sensory assaulting experience that it is today, it has almost become a rite of passage.
For some weeks now, the short one has been enamoured with the movie poster littered all over town of an oversized Puss in Boots. Being that it is the holiday season, and apparently that is what you do, Team O'Connor thought they might as well check it out. Probably not our first choice of movie, being that we haven't seen inside a movie theatre in three years, but we thought a safe option.
Whilst the short one has ventured to the movies before with dad, all they have managed to see was the foyer. Bright lights, Dolby surround, darkened rooms all appeared a little too overwhelming. With this firmly in the back of our minds we checked out the cinema's return policy. Ten minutes of the flick, not your cup of tea? Guaranteed money back.
Ten minutes grace we had...
But we need not have worried. Short one sailed through the viewing, peppered with a few tears in the sad bits, smiles in the funny bits, and a bowel motion three quarters of the way through...
Got to love toddlers and movies!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
A journey is best measured in friends, not miles.
Tim Cahill
Five thousand. That seems quite a lot.
Apparently it is the largest isogrammic number in the English language. As of today, it is also the number of hits this blog has attracted since its inception.
What started out over 12 months ago as a travel journal has morphed into something resembling a part-time soapbox, a philosopher's muse, a journey of discovery.
Thanks everyone for being a part of that journey. I hope you have enjoyed the ride.
Posted by Meredith at 7:12 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Monday, December 5, 2011
Complacency is the curse of the underprepared
Oscar Wilde once famously declared that work is the curse of the drinking class. How true that is during the festive season! A time when overindulgence is par for the course and work interferes in having a good time.
For the first time in my working career, I will be working over Christmas, only pausing for breath on the public holidays. So with this restriction in mind, I thought it a good idea to have 15 people over for a Christmas dinner party, have all the Christmas shopping done by the first week in December, meet incredibly ridiculous timelines at work, and launch the family into another jet-setting holiday.
Yes, that is right. Twelve months ago, as this blog will attest, we embarked on our European adventure with a travelling toddler in tow. I once famously declared that I was an experienced single traveller, yet an apprentice baby traveller. You would have thought that I would have learnt my lesson. This time round though, I am feeling far more confident, perhaps too much so…or is it just a case of I haven't had time to think about it!
In less than two weeks, our little family will be getting on another plane and heading off into the sunset. And…I have planned nothing!
Things are a little different for this trip though. The short one is over that magic age of two years, entitling her to her own seat and ensuring more revenue for strike-plagued QANTAS; we are only flying for 2 ½ hours as opposed to 22 ½ hours; we won't be encountering language difficulties; we will be using the same currency; and we have built in babysitters at the other end.
So…I think I deserve to be somewhat complacent…now where did I put that child?
Posted by Meredith at 7:56 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: holidays, Oscar Wilde, toddlers
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The awakening of awareness
When do children first begin to be aware of life as it exists around them?
When do egocentricities make way for others?
When do 'others' matter?
When the motivation is self... Ironic in a sense.
The short one has really begun to have a deeper understanding of family relationships, friends and story book characters recently. She is beginning to make sense of who's who in the zoo of those that makes up our extended family.
She is discerning of those with whom she interacts. She can role play characters from favourite tales in great dramatic stances. She can tell from 40 paces that any hirsute overweight guy dressed in red would in fact be Santa Claus.
Whilst we haven't focused on this Yuletide novelty, she appears to be a festive phenomena.
Is it the surreptitious power of advertising and marketing or is it purely driven by the motivation of self?
I have no idea - but what I do know is the sheer joy and delight in her eyes when she comes across a Christmas display. Children do make Christmas all that more special.
Makes you wonder what Piaget and Erikson would have thought!
When do egocentricities make way for others?
When do 'others' matter?
When the motivation is self... Ironic in a sense.
The short one has really begun to have a deeper understanding of family relationships, friends and story book characters recently. She is beginning to make sense of who's who in the zoo of those that makes up our extended family.
She is discerning of those with whom she interacts. She can role play characters from favourite tales in great dramatic stances. She can tell from 40 paces that any hirsute overweight guy dressed in red would in fact be Santa Claus.
Whilst we haven't focused on this Yuletide novelty, she appears to be a festive phenomena.
Is it the surreptitious power of advertising and marketing or is it purely driven by the motivation of self?
I have no idea - but what I do know is the sheer joy and delight in her eyes when she comes across a Christmas display. Children do make Christmas all that more special.
Makes you wonder what Piaget and Erikson would have thought!
Posted by Meredith at 12:12 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Friday, October 7, 2011
Cherry blossoms
Some things in life are inevitable…the sun coming up and the sun going down. What happens in between is life.
Inevitably, with life comes loss.
A sense of helplessness and sorrow; a sense of misery and pain.
A sense of how can I ever be the same again?
The truth is you won't.
Loss defines us, sculpts us, moulds us.
But that doesn't make it any easier…
Family and friends plant a seed in your heart. Over time the seed grows, until such a time as your memories of those lost help it blossom. Cherish each and every day with loved ones and let your memories flourish after they have gone.
Posted by Meredith at 3:56 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: cherry blossoms, heart, life, loss
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams
Quote by Eleanor Roosevelt
It seems that one morning I woke up to find myself the parent of a walking, talking, independence-exerting toddler. I don't know what happened between delivery and now but it appears to have passed me by. One day I was in charge of what she was wearing, eating, doing - now she's telling me that she wants to wear that pretty dress and that these shoes match...that she'll have fish and chips for dinner, with a slice of lemon no less and that she would prefer to do some collage and glueing at this point in time.
I am beginning to feel obsolete in this relationship.
I suppose that is a symptom of a parenting style that promotes independence, curiosity, a love for learning and a strong identity...leading me to the conclusion that I only have myself to blame. I firmly believe that parenting is genetic. The blue print of my own chromosomes, laid down all those years ago, echo in my conscience. Don't be afraid to have dreams, values and convictions. But more importantly, believe in them.
It did bring a wry smile to my face though, the day I heard Paul mumble under his breathe while shaking his head and walking away, 'I married a bloody independent woman, now I've bred one'...but you know what...he wouldn't have it any other way!
It seems that one morning I woke up to find myself the parent of a walking, talking, independence-exerting toddler. I don't know what happened between delivery and now but it appears to have passed me by. One day I was in charge of what she was wearing, eating, doing - now she's telling me that she wants to wear that pretty dress and that these shoes match...that she'll have fish and chips for dinner, with a slice of lemon no less and that she would prefer to do some collage and glueing at this point in time.
I am beginning to feel obsolete in this relationship.
I suppose that is a symptom of a parenting style that promotes independence, curiosity, a love for learning and a strong identity...leading me to the conclusion that I only have myself to blame. I firmly believe that parenting is genetic. The blue print of my own chromosomes, laid down all those years ago, echo in my conscience. Don't be afraid to have dreams, values and convictions. But more importantly, believe in them.
It did bring a wry smile to my face though, the day I heard Paul mumble under his breathe while shaking his head and walking away, 'I married a bloody independent woman, now I've bred one'...but you know what...he wouldn't have it any other way!
Friday, July 15, 2011
New Pastures
There comes a point in your life, where you come to the realisation that maybe…just maybe, there is something more.
I couldn't want for anything more; I consider myself blessed with family and friends. But maybe…just maybe there is something more.
Untapped talent…
Undiscovered genius…
Unheard of fortes…
Untouched ability…
Unbelievable modesty...
Or maybe…just maybe, I am having a lend of myself.
Understandably, with running a household, rearing a toddler, managing a husband, holding down a part time job (translates – full time job), writing part time and reviewing part time, I have ample time to take on more.
In a moment of crystallised idiocy, I actually considered that I could be a writer as well. Perhaps these musings may actually be of interest to someone else. Clearly that someone else would have little in the way of a life, but happy to afford a little time to these words.
I submitted my first article recently to a magazine for editorial consideration. I steeled myself for the inevitable writer's rejection slip. I am not under any false pretence in this regard. I already have a plan. I am going to collect my rejection slips over time and wallpaper my library with them. A tapestry of knock backs. My ultimate goal – because as a writer I think it is important to have goals – is to get rejected from all of the major publishing houses. Unfortunately my well considered plan has already come undone. They loved my article and want to publish it.
Posted by Meredith at 3:10 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: magazine, plans, publishing, writing
Friday, May 20, 2011
In sickness and in health
When Paul and I got married we wrote our own vows, and from memory I wasn't big on the 'in sickness and in health' notion. I am more of the suffer-in-silence type. You're sick? Well, build-a-bridge-and-get-over-it type.
Clearly, I wasn't thinking of off-spring at that stage. By their very nature, babies are fairly dependent beings. You pretty much have to do everything for them. Don't get me wrong, I sort of guessed that before ours came along. I had even come to grips with nappy changes that assaulted even the most hardy of olfactory systems. But what I wasn't counting on was that other bodily fluid, snot.
What is it with snot? It seems to haunt me. For 14 years I worked in a job that seemed to have an unnatural preoccupation with the stuff. We would sit in clinical meetings for hours discussing the colour, the volume and the consistency of other people's snot. At times the discussions even became quite animated, and all the while we ate our lunch. At one stage of my career, I even wrote a children's picture book which had a central theme of - you guessed it, snot!
So, as I was saying, what is it with snot?
Despite having moved on from that job, I still seem to be surrounded by the omnipresent fluid. This week, the short one has taken on the role of patient; while I have been a little less so. I am guessing that if her nose was a tap and a plumber saw it, he would be madly trying to fit a new washer. I ask you, how can someone so small produce so much fluid?
Call it what you will – mucus, boogers, phlegm, nasal discharge - snot is all encompassing and unrelenting, regardless of its moniker. Surely it's been around since the early stages of homo sapien development, so…why hasn't anyone come up with a fluid retardant? Surely it can't be that difficult!
Posted by Meredith at 3:53 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Holier than thou...
Annually, Easter and Christmas are celebrated universally around the world, yet they are Christian feasts. A couple of times a year, people come together, regardless of race, religion or conviction to celebrate the holy public holiday.
Being raised a Christian, I feel I should know about these things, but through various lifestyle choices, I have long let my Catholic membership lapse. It is times like these though, that I do consider the bigger picture... and come up with a whole lot of nothing.
What does chocolate have to do with Easter?
Why do we exchange gifts on Easter Sunday?
What do rabbits have to do with Easter? And since when do they lay eggs?
Why do we eat fish on Good Friday? And what's 'Good' about it anyway?
All very valid questions - and ones that I will no doubt be hearing from the short one in time to come.
All in good time though, and hopefully by then I will have some semblance of a reasonable response. Until such time, I am all for promulgating the Easter Bunny and partaking in the excesses of Easter. And while I'm at it, I won't say no to a couple of public holidays!
Being raised a Christian, I feel I should know about these things, but through various lifestyle choices, I have long let my Catholic membership lapse. It is times like these though, that I do consider the bigger picture... and come up with a whole lot of nothing.
What does chocolate have to do with Easter?
Why do we exchange gifts on Easter Sunday?
What do rabbits have to do with Easter? And since when do they lay eggs?
Why do we eat fish on Good Friday? And what's 'Good' about it anyway?
All very valid questions - and ones that I will no doubt be hearing from the short one in time to come.
All in good time though, and hopefully by then I will have some semblance of a reasonable response. Until such time, I am all for promulgating the Easter Bunny and partaking in the excesses of Easter. And while I'm at it, I won't say no to a couple of public holidays!
|Short One's Easter Tree
Posted by Meredith at 4:02 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Snooze button
There comes a point in every child's life when they progress from a cot to a bed. Some would see it as a rite of passage, others a form of nocturnal torture. Me, I'm leaning towards the latter.
We have arrived at that point in the road with the short one, probably at greater speed than initially anticipated, but who ever said children were predictable, clearly didn't have them.
The short one is now enjoying her evening reclines in a side-free toddler bed. This decision was made hastily following the short one's curiosity leading her to impersonate a contortioning projectile from the cot confines. A decision, she may argue, she is all good with, but one that I must admit I am not ready for, and perhaps won't be until she reaches teenage years.
I long for the days when pre-dawn awakenings are not an attractive prospect.
I long for the days when upon awakening and quietly tiptoeing down to our bedside that she realises that it is best for everyone's wellbeing to leave a sleeping parent lie.
Whilst the bed concept is a safer option at this stage of her career, it may inadvertently lead to unsafe options. Having your face massaged with all the gentleness of a sledge hammer before the sun has even shown up could lead to involuntary actions not perceived as overly encouraging.
We are now considering our options for enclosing said toddler bed. Our best option so far is turning it into a hot house; whilst the perfect answer to prevent escape, it will also assist with the acceleration of growth and development towards teenage years when sleep problems are quite the reverse.
Now where is that snooze button?
Posted by Meredith at 4:02 PM 2 comments Links to this post
Friday, April 1, 2011
April Fools' Day
...a day dedicated to people with too much time on their hands. April 1 each year seems to bring out all of those closet stand up comedians – the ones who wouldn't last a beer in Edinburgh.
One of these said funny people thought it was a blast to tweet today that the well-loved and much treasured ABC Play School program was ending production, after 45 years.
One could argue that tweeting such slanderous comments was bordering on complete irresponsibility. It is outrageous. Where is the accountability, I ask you? Thousands of under 5 year olds and their stay at home parents suffered a raft of conditions today including severe depression, anxiety attacks, nausea, apoplexy, inconsolable crying, anger…all to be told at midday that it was all a bit of a hoot!
Hoot? Hoot?
This person needs to seriously research what is the definition of funny. Traumatising young children does not fall into the category of funny.
The Short One does not take kindly to being the brunt of some cruel and vexatious rumour involving her nearest and dearest Big Ted, Jemima, Humpty and Little Ted.
Look, I wouldn't take her on – so why this jumped up journo thinks she can I have no idea!
Posted by Meredith at 4:34 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: April Fools' Day, Play School, tweet
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Tooth Fairy
When one starts writing about the joys of mothering definite themes begin to emerge. Looking back over various posts I encounter repeated references to things such as sleep (or lack thereof), toilets (Freud, perhaps, would have something to say about this one), nappies (please refer to previous reference), routine (and trying to stick to one) and sleep (or lack thereof) – or did I mention that one?
Another one can now be added to the list…teeth.
Why is it that these little eruptions cause so much pain for the grown ups – forget the kids! I mean, they give pain on arrival, mostly due to having to put up with cranky, overtired, snotty short ones – and then follows the financial pain on their removal. I have heard from some quarters that some parents are forking out near on a mortgage repayment when masquerading as the 'tooth fairy'.
After having successfully subsidised my dentist's extended family through private schools, property portfolio development and annual overseas holidays, I know all too well the pecuniary pain one can endure due to teeth. I can tell you right now, that this generosity will not be extended to my own flesh and blood.
In my day, you were lucky to get 20 cents and I think that was inversely proportionate to the years of pain that my parents suffered – all due to teeth!
Posted by Meredith at 2:08 PM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: teeth, tooth fairy
Friday, March 4, 2011
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
I woke this morning to grey skies, gentle rain and a sense of sadness. Today a dear friend was saying her final farewell to her father. After enduring a long hard-fought battle, a loving family was saying their last goodbyes.
Love is all encompassing and with love comes strength; the strength to get back up again when you are down. You want to reach out, you want to help, you want to make things better. That sense of helplessness at times of sorrow is all pervading.
Sadly, loss is part of life. With any life inevitably comes a sense of loss.
Remember the good, recall the laughs, reminisce the love…
Don't cry because it is over…smile because it happened.
Posted by Meredith at 9:27 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Friday, February 25, 2011
New Zealand earthquake
Our southern cousins have yet again stared utter devastation in the face. Christchurch has suffered immeasurable damage and destruction with another earthquake this week. Incredible scenes fill our TV screens as we come to comprehend that yet again Mother Nature has been scorned.
It seems that no one has been left untouched. Everyone you speak with knows someone who has been affected. Once a beautiful city, now lying in ruins. But phoenix-like, they are determined to rise from the ashes and rebuild in memory of those who have lost their lives.
Once again, please find it in your heart and deep in your pockets to reach out and give a helping hand. Donations can be made through Red Cross.
Posted by Meredith at 9:33 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: appeal, donations, earthquake, New Zealand
Friday, February 18, 2011
As time goes by...
Time is an abstract concept…one that ironically takes time to come to grips with…yet, when we do, it seems to speed up and slip us by.
Recently, we have been working with the short one teaching her how to answer simple questions about herself. Questions like: What is your name? How old are you? Where do you live?
We can proudly say that she has it all over questions 1 and 3. Question 2 still needs a little work though. Being that it was the-slightly-less height-challenged one's birthday recently we appropriately made a fuss over turning 2. She seems to have that notion, it is just the qualifier that we seem to be struggling with…you see, she insists on being 2 minutes! And there is no telling her otherwise.
So for now, 2 minutes she is – not unlike a packet of noodles, slightly less time then it took for Madonna to save the world and slightly more time then it takes to become a manager.
Posted by Meredith at 2:15 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: birthday
Friday, February 11, 2011
Some call it the circle of life, some karma, others what goes around comes around, others still call it fate…I just have a real sense of symmetry.
The short one started at day care this month…and this meant, coincidentally, a return to my old stomping ground. Nostalgic moments swept over me like waves. The place of the short one's day care is in fact a transformed former workplace of mine from many years ago. The old school has been re-birthed into a childcare centre. Classrooms have been replaced with nurseries, principal's office with play spaces, staffrooms with offices. While the squeals of delighted children still ring through the corridors, there is a distinct change in the purpose of this special setting now.
But the circle starts in the knowledge that this was the very same setting that the short one's mummy and daddy met for the first time, so many years ago…Who would have thought all that time ago, that we would be following in the footsteps of so many before us, but this time returning as a family ourselves and entrusting our little one into the hands of others.
There is an amazing sense of symmetry about this story…so many things had to fall into place for this circle to form. The circle of life brings with it the inevitable feeling of …this was meant to be.
I believe our comfort and familiarity with the centre has transferred across to the short one, leaving her in her own place of serendipity; paving the way for the short one to be the author of her own destiny.
|First day at day care
Posted by Meredith at 9:56 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: childcare, day care, destiny, serendipity
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Happy Chinese New Year birthday
The short one graduated this week from infant to toddler status. Turning the big 2 was a very special event made even more so by the date coinciding with Chinese New Year.
Not a common occurrence, but one that sparked an interest and further investigation.
The short one was born in 2009, the Year of the Ox. Characteristics commonly attributed to the Ox include being:
- alert (particularly noticeable when she is awake)
- demanding (also evident during wakeful moments)
- stubborn (some would say not unlike her mother)
- methodical (particularly when pulling out every single book from her extensive collection) and
- great parents (not if her mothering skills with her dolls are anything to go by)
I would also go so far as to add determined, bossy, a sticky beak and fiercely independent.
What got me though was the animal she should avoid is the one animal she has been obsessed with since infancy, the sheep. It was unclear as to why she should avoid ovines, but clearly it would pose a difficult transition for her as she is so obsessed that she can recite 'Baa, Baa black sheep' and 'Mary had a little lamb' verbatim and her favourite book is Mem Fox's 'Where is the Green Sheep?'
But the most intriguing were the ideal career choices…surgeon or a hairdresser. Fairly disparate choices surely, despite both livelihoods reliant on cutting!
Posted by Meredith at 9:44 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: birthday, career, characteristics, Chinese New Year, sheep, toddler, Year of the Ox
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A child's first pet
Disclaimer: May I preface this post with the reassurance to all readers that we are strong supporters of RSPCA and the work that they do.
There comes a point in any child's life when you consider, should we get a family pet? If so, what would suit your lifestyle? Does your child display any affinity with animals? Do you, for that matter? Which animal does your child particularly like?
Taking baby elephants and tigers out of the equation, we considered the easy option as a starter kit! Seeing a relationship was struck up with Max the fish at Hotel Maximilian in Prague, we thought an aquatic version was the ideal solution.
At this point in time a fish was perfect. They are low maintenance, feeding is simple and inexpensive, they don't make much mess, they are quiet, they don't take up a lot of room and they are easy to relocate if you are going on holidays! Perfect!
Now all we had to decide was what sort of fish! Wow, if you have never been into a fish shop (and I don't mean the variety with salt and vinegar on the counter), it is worth a trip. I had no idea the variety and cost such a hobby presents!
Being that this was a first pet, and considering the owner was to be an enthusiastic nearly two year old, we thought something resilient, robust and tough would be best.
Max version 1.2, the Siamese fighting fish, joined our digs over the festive season and was welcomed with that great aforementioned enthusiasm. The short one displayed appropriate due care and was very fond of her new pet in a hands-off sort of way.
That was until today…
After breakfast, the short one took it upon herself to share. Spoon in hand, she launched it into the small fish bowl and vigorously started to stir. Max was caught in a hurricane whirl, swirling and swirling, around and around.
Quickly, we put a stop to this sudden erratic weather event, all the while explaining that we mustn't put anything in Max's bowl.
All things settle again … until … the short one manoeuvered her plate into the bowl…
Max 1.2 is now in therapy on the kitchen bench…with a full belly, some clean water and an understanding counsellor, he is back to cruising around aimlessly.
Friday, January 28, 2011
A person's a person, no matter how small.
Dr Seuss...again!
Our little person is fast approaching the second anniversary of her birth. Turning two is a significant milestone on many fronts…
Our little person is fast approaching the second anniversary of her birth. Turning two is a significant milestone on many fronts…
- She is no longer an infant and now requires her own seat on a plane
- She has enough teeth in her head to warrant an introduction to a dentist
- She has her own passport, bank account and tax file number
Clearly the Secretary to the Treasury, Dr Ken Henry missed something in his 2010 Australian tax review.
The Big Four, to which they are affectionately referred, all keenly market 'fee free' bank accounts for children. They blatantly encourage the upcoming generation to save and budget, all the while conning their parents, in the hope that one day these kids will turn into adults looking for hefty mortgages.
As parents, we wanted to secure the short one's educational future by establishing our own fund by opening one of these 'fee free', high interest bank accounts for children. Into this account we deposited the 'baby bonus' and have continued to feather the nest egg with weekly deposits.
Until…the short one was hit with a hefty tax bill…directly swiped out of the account! No warning, no explanation, no way!
Upon further investigations, we have discovered this tax will continue to be debited from the account each and every month until we provide the bank with a tax file number. The bank personnel were less than interested in the fact that their recalcitrant TFN-withholding customer was less than two years old! We were told in no uncertain terms…no TFN…no tax-free threshold!
So…back to where we started…the short one will very soon be the proud owner of her very own TFN, alongside her own passport, library card, medicare card, bank card…
Posted by Meredith at 8:09 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: bank account, birthday, Ken Henry, tax, tax file number
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Growing up...
From the moment a baby is born, time gathers momentum leaving you wondering where did it go. Milestones for which you yearn quickly pass…
Hand in hand with changes comes a degree of loss…not necessarily articulated, but felt deeply nonetheless. Change is at times perceived, but not always expressed. It is something you can see and feel, but not necessarily touch. It is like our shadow behind us, while at the same time walking with us.
The existentialist in me then begins to question, if we can't touch it, taste it, see it, hear it - does it exist? Does it have to be tangible to be real?
While Maslow put our need for love, connectedness and belonging into a hierarchical framework, we all know that life has little meaning without it.
How do you touch love? With a gentle stroke across a baby's cheek…
How do you taste love? With a kiss…
How do you see love? In the eyes which behold you...
How do you hear love? With the words 'I love you'…
Is it tangible? Is it discernible? Is it perceptible? Yes, yes and yes.
What one person perceives is another person's blind spot. It doesn't mean its value is in anyway diminished.
Love is all encompassing and with that inevitably comes a sense of loss.
Embrace the moment, treasure the past and know that there will always be a tomorrow.
Posted by Meredith at 8:10 PM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: change, growing up, loss, love, Maslow
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Extending a hand...
As the waters slowly recede, the full indiscriminate devastation begins to reveal itself.
People's family … homes … livelihoods … lost.
Driving through some of the worst flood affected areas, you begin to get a glimpse of the enormity of this state wide disaster. Many have likened it to a war zone. Heavy army vehicles are moving into suburban streets armed with the duty of removing the debris of people's lives.
Thousands upon thousands of volunteers have formed their own army. Moving into some of the worst areas, cleaning out people's houses. Mostly strangers to those who they help, but strengthening everyone's resolve…together we can overcome this.
Queenslanders are amazingly resilient people. Despite all that has been endured, many can still raise a smile and extend a hand.
Our recovery has only just begun. A long journey stretches out before us. Together we will overcome this.
Please consider extending your hand to those in greatest need…Premier's Flood Relief Appeal
Posted by Meredith at 6:59 PM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: appeal, floods, Queensland
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
'Our darkest hour'
In the haunting words of Queensland's Premier, this is our darkest hour.
Queensland has faced and is still yet to face some of the most devastating effects of Mother Nature.
Thousands have been evacuated, with more to come. Lives have been lost; many more are still missing.
While we sit in wait, we watch incredible scenes on TV, unimaginable destruction left in the wake of an inland tsunami.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of our fellow Queenslanders.
Please consider supporting the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal
Posted by Meredith at 12:26 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: appeal, floods, Queensland
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Motherhood…that's what it's all about!
I have been having 'moments' lately. 'Moments' that make me stop and think, 'Oh my God, what has happened to me?'
I suppose being, what the medical profession endearingly call, of 'an advanced maternal age', I had more time than some to become more set in my ways before being initiated into the world of parenting. So much so that these 'moments' often bring me to a screeching halt, asking of myself…is this what this mothering gig is all about and why didn't anyone warn me?
Just let me put these notions to you and see if you know what I mean...
- You feel it is necessary to animatedly discuss subjects such as haemorrhoids, nipple cracking, constipation and flatus with anyone who cares to listen and even those who don't.
- You think that discussing bowel movements is acceptable dinner party conversation.
- Romantic time with your partner is now subsumed by conversation around the price of nappies at Coles this week.
- All of a sudden you start to refer to yourself as 'mummy' and your partner as 'daddy' and your mother as 'grandma'.
- You think any movie screening on free to air and out of prime time season is a new release.
- You keep a second fridge downstairs full of milk and frozen bread, just to have that conveniently located corner store feeling.
- You keep a tube of antibacterial waterless hand wash in your handbag for those escaped faeces moments.
- You have thought long enough about point 7 to do something about it.
- You can't remember the last time you read a book that wasn't illustrated.
- You spontaneously burst into song whilst rocking down the aisles of the shopping centre…'wiggerly woo, wiggerly woo, let's all do the wiggerly woo'
- You know the names of all of the toys and presenters on Playschool.
- You think the maker of 'In the Night Garden' clearly had a drug problem.
- You seriously consider replacing the child's birthday with annual celebrations of parenthood.
- Your iPhoto gallery is completely focused on one event…the child.
- You can't relieve yourself without a short person helpfully proffering wipes.
- You have to pack three bags every time you venture out of the house; a food bag, a toy bag and a nappy bag; as if you were heading into the wilds of Borneo for 6 months.
But then…you know you have hit rock bottom when you hear yourself saying what you always said you would never say if you ever had kids…those golden moments when you become your own mother!
How many times do I have to tell you…
Do that again and you'll know about it…
I've told you once…
Try that again, madam, and…
That's it!
Precious moments that will live long in our memories…and no doubt will repeat themselves in the next generation.
Posted by Meredith at 4:10 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: mother, motherhood, nappies
Friday, January 7, 2011
Ode to Fatherhood
As we fast approach the short one's second birthday, it gives reason to pause and consider all that has transpired since her arrival.
I think the most amazing transformation throughout that time is seeing someone so dear to my heart become the most loving father ever…a true gift in anyone's eyes.
It reminded me of a poem that I have treasured since my own childhood. A poem that to this day still evokes amazing feelings of tears and joy. You can't help but sense the love emerge from every verse. Written in 1860 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, it describes his undying love for his own three daughters…
The Children's Hour
Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupation,
That is know as the children's hour.
I hear in the chamber above me
The patter of little feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
And voices soft and sweet.
From my study I see in the lamplight,
Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,
And Edith with golden hair.
A whisper and then a silence:
Yet I know by their merry eyes,
They are plotting and planning together,
To take me by surprise.
A sudden rush from the stairway,
A sudden raid from the hall!
By three doors left unguarded
They enter my castle wall!
They climb up into my turret
O'er the arms and back of my chair;
If I try to escape, they surround me,
They seem to be everywhere.
They almost devour me with kisses,
Their arms about me entwine,
Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen
In his Mouse-Tower on the Rhine!
Do you think, O blue-eyed banditti,
Because you have scaled the wall,
Such an old mustache as I am
Is not a match for you all?
I have you fast in my fortress
And will not let you depart,
But put you down in the dungeon
In the round-tower of my heart.
And there will I keep you forever,
Yes, forever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,
And moulder in dust away!
|Alice, Edith and Annie Allegra
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's daughters
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Old Macdonald had a farm
Our local shopping centre quite frequently plays host to a petting farm during the school holidays. They haven't been there this Christmas though, due to the many other forms of entertainment on hand – and I use the term 'entertainment' loosely.
Aside from the 'Fat Man', at one stage there we were treated to a number of psychics, willing to impart your entire future in 2 minutes, all for the price of a Coles docket.
The seed of a career path must have been sown in the short one's psyche, as today we were heading to the shops to pick up some essentials when she declares from the back seat of the car that we were going to feed the 'sheeps'. I immediately denounce such an idea, knowing full well that there were no ovines within cooee of our excursion, other than the pre-packaged variety.
Upon arrival at said shopping centre I was quickly disabused of my previous declarations.
There before us was quite a large collection of not only lambs, but kids, piglets, ducklings and chicks in various shapes and sizes.
Clearly she knew better!
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|Entrance Hall
|23131 Moron MN +976-86007259
|Branch Type:
|GDS - Code:
|Mo. - Su.
|08:00 - 19:00
|Bank Holidays
|08:00 - 19:00
|24 h pickup
24 h return
Opening Hours
|Mo. - Su.
|08:00 - 19:00
|Bank Holidays
|08:00 - 19:00
Contacts / Lost & Found
|Entrance Hall
|23131 Moron
|Phone no.
Location Plan - How to Find us
Please note that there is no Sixt branch at the airport, we are offering a Meet & Greet Service. Sixt staff will welcome you in the entrance hall. Please provide flight number, your address and credit card details, e-mail address and mobile number.
Please use the airport parking.
Out of Hours Pick Up & Return
Pick-up out of opening hours is possible for an additional charge. Please provide your address and credit card details, e-mail address, flight and mobile number.Out of hour return possible.
The Sixt agent will wait for you at the entrance to the checkin area.


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TNPL: MS Dhoni Promises Fans That He Will "Learn A Bit More Tamil" By Next IPL. Watch Video
Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni attended the TNPL match between Madurai Panthers and Kovai Kings.
Dhoni attended the TNPL match between Madurai Panthers and Kovai Kings
Dhoni currently is on a break from International cricket
Dhoni will join the Indian cricket team for the Asia Cup 2018
Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday attended the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) match between Madurai Panthers and Kovai Kings that was played at the Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli. Dhoni joined Laxman Sivaramakrishnan and both the team captains in the middle for toss. What made his presence more special was that during a conversation with Sivaramakrishnan at the toss, he promised his fans that he will learn a bit more Tamil by the start of the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Sivaramakrishnan asked Dhoni "how are you?" in Tamil with the latter replying "I'm good." However, the World Cup winning captain couldn't reply to what the former India spinner asked him following that.
"That is a difficult one. Throughout the IPL I tried learning a lot of Tamil but as the IPL gets over, I have to start from scratch again," Dhoni said.
"I don't think my Tamil has improved a lot apart from the few basics that I've learnt over the years. So, i will make it sure that by the next edition of the IPL, I'll learn a bit more Tamil," Dhoni added with a smile.
A toss to remember! Thala MS Dhoni spins the coin! #NammaThalaNammaGethu #TNPL2018 pic.twitter.com/lnx6kKh9PV— TNPL (@TNPremierLeague) August 4, 2018
Talking about what brought him to the TNPL, Dhoni said, "What brings me here is the TNPL (Tamil Nadu Premier League), of course, to start off."
"Also this is a special place, this is where India Cements started," Dhoni was quoted as saying by the official website of the TNPL.
"I have been with them (India Cements) for a long time so, this gives me an opportunity to come and see the first Plant over here," the wicket-keeper batsman further added.
"Along with that, every year I come down and watch a few games of the TNPL, this is the first game I will be watching this year in person. Looks like challenging conditions here with the kind of breeze blowing," he concluded.
MS Dhoni, who is on a break from International cricket now, will join the Indian cricket team for the Asia Cup 2018 in September.


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The Northwest College volleyball team is riding a hot streak of late, winning four straight matches dating back to Sept. 8. The Lady Trappers just finished their busiest week of the Region IX …
The Northwest College volleyball team is riding a hot streak of late, winning four straight matches dating back to Sept. 8. The Lady Trappers just finished their busiest week of the Region IX schedule, winning three matches in four days over Miles Community College, Central Wyoming College and Western Wyoming.
"They are doing well; I'm very pleased," said Lady Trappers head coach Bethany Conde. "One thing I really stressed this last week, having three games in four days and not taking care of business when you should, resulting in playing 13 sets in the four days, which is a lot of volleyball. ... If you can win in three [sets], you need to, you have to when you're playing back-to-back, because it's just so hard on your body."
Lady Trappers 3, Miles CC 2
NWC's week began Wednesday on the road against Miles Community College, with the Lady Trappers winning a hard-fought, five-set battle 15-25, 25-21, 25-9, 25-27, 15-6. Conde thought the game probably could have been won in fewer sets, but for an inspired performance by MCC's libero, Kailey Thomson.
"Do I necessarily think it should have gone five? No," Conde said. "However, I do give MCC credit, their libero did an amazing job that night. She was digging everything — my hitters were having a hard time putting the ball down, so kudos to her. I thought she played phenomenal."
The Lady Trappers got off to a slow start, dropping the first set to MCC 15-25. NWC rallied to win the next two, but with an opportunity to close out the match in the fourth set, came up just short 25-27. The Lady Pioneers ran out of steam at that point, as the Lady Trappers cruised to a 15-6 deciding set. Conde said her team needs to continue working on consistency and closing out sets.
"I was very pleased that even when they [NWC] were down, they were able to fight and win that fifth set," she said. "The glimpses of greatness were there, but it's that consistent play. My biggest thing was how do you win 25-9, but then come back and get down by seven or eight points? They have to learn to come off of each set and come out with intensity, whether we won or we lost."
Lady Trapper setter Jess Ruffing, who finished the match with 19 assists, said a lack of focus contributed to the team's slow start.
"In our set against Miles, we simply didn't show up mentally," Ruffing said. "We started out slow, and when Miles showed up right from the beginning, we weren't prepared."
Miscommunication also played a part, something the Lady Trappers will continue to work on moving forward.
"Along with struggling mentally, we also had simple errors that we had complete control of," said NWC middle blocker Tammy Maddock, who led the Lady Trappers with 12 kills. "It was all little things that we could fix, such as basic skills and communication. I really think that as we focus on communication, everything else will come."
Eirini Matsouka led the team with 12 digs, followed by 11 digs from Andjela Bublic. Shania Warren led with four blocks.
Lady Trappers 3, Central Wyoming 1
Friday night's matchup against Central Wyoming (2-12, 0-2) was Red Out Night at Cabre Gym, and the Lady Trappers didn't disappoint, winning the match in four sets 25-19, 25-19, 10-25, 25-20.
"That game went really well for us, everyone wore red during the day, and they carried that into the stands that night," Conde said of the campus community. "It was a really good crowd, it's good for the girls to be able to play their home games in front of a big crowd like that."
NWC eschewed its traditionally slow start, quickly taking the first two sets. The Lady Rustlers, however, wouldn't leave without a fight, dominating the third set 25-10. The Lady Trappers were able to shake off the lopsided loss to win the fourth and deciding set 25-20.
"Usually we struggle in the first two sets, we're just slower at getting going," Conde explained. "But the first two, we did really well. We came out and it was more of the finishing. We got to 22 and we let them score four or five points before we finished the game."
Conde said the third set got away from the Lady Trappers, a combination of errors that are easily adressed.
"Thankfully, those errors are things that you can control," she said. "It was a good learning experience — they came back and did much better in that fourth set. But that third set shouldn't have happened like that. Whether we won or lost, the score shouldn't have been 25-10. We're a better team than that."
Shania Warren led the team in kills with 14, followed by 10 from Bublic. Matsouka once again paced the Lady Trappers with 21 digs, followed by Jess Ruffing with 12.
"Eirini [Matsouka] has been doing a great job overall for front row but also on the defensive side," Conde said. "She's been just a great all-around player. She's very consistent on serve receive, and I'm very confident when she's in the back row that we're going to get the ball where it needs to be."
Maddock had eight kills to go along with three aces, four digs and four blocks.
Ruffing had 21 assists on the night, while Demery Dean added 17.
Lady Trappers 3, Western Wyoming 1
Against Western Wyoming (5-12, 0-3) Saturday afternoon, the Lady Trappers were starting to feel the effects of playing three games in four days. That said, the team worked hard to eliminate the issues that plagued them the night before, taking the Lady Mustangs in four sets 25-20, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19.
"The girls were tired; they had just played a five-set game on Wednesday, then a four-set game on Friday," Conde said. "But overall, I was very pleased. I saw something I thought we did much better that match overall, which was eliminating those errors. We were winning those longer rallies that a lot of times we tend to lose because of those little mistakes."
Conde said the Lady Trappers played smarter volleyball, calling it "one of the best games in the sense of eliminating the little errors."
"They [the Lady Trappers] were swinging 100 percent when they should be, and if they were off, they were making those adjustments," she said. "I really feel like right now our region is up for grabs, and I think it's going to come down to the mental side of the game, eliminating mistakes. We just need to keep playing smart."
The Lady Trappers were a killing machine against WWCC, led by outside hitter Shania Warren with 16 kills. The sophomore has been a force to be reckoned with the last few games, putting up some impressive stats, according to Conde.
"Shania Warren has been dominating at the net," Conde said. "She hit over .500 against Miles with no errors, and against Central, she had 14 kills on 23 swings. Against Western, she had 16 kills on 29 swings. She right now is our most consistent hitter. She's getting kills no matter where she's at on the floor. As a hitter, she has really been standing out."
Conde also praised her setters for getting Warren and teammates Bublic (14 kills), Ruffing (10 kills) and Maddock (eight kills) the ball.
"That's something I've talked to my setters about, you have to see who's on," Conde said. "If somebody's on, you keep feeding them the ball. Our setters are doing a better job acknowledging who and when to get the ball to."
Geena Graf and Matsouka finished the game with 17 and 14 digs, respectively.
"I think this weekend's games against Central and Western went fairly well," Graff said. "There were certain sets where we lost it as a team, but we made a comeback and came out on top."
Demery Dean added 13 digs, and also led the team in assists with 30, followed by 23 from Ruffing. Dean said the team has been working on letting go of mistakes from earlier sets and concentrating on the game in front of them.
"I felt like this weekend we were able to apply some of the things that we were working on in practice, like not giving up and giving it everything we have," Dean said. "We've been working on being mentally strong, and I think it has really helped us to really just let things go and work hard to win the next point or game."
The Lady Trappers are on the road this weekend, with conference matches against Sheridan College (7-8, 2-2) Friday night and Casper College (7-12, 1-1) Saturday. Conde said she'd like to see the team maintain that level of play they demonstrated against Western Wyoming.
"I'd like to not have any mental breakdowns, where we're causing all these errors to occur," she said. "[Sheridan and Casper] are both good enough teams that if you do that, they will take it and run with it. So that's it really, maintain that high level of play throughout the whole game."
Ruffing agreed.
"We were playing decent, but we couldn't play to the best of our ability because our mental toughness was struggling," the sophomore said. "In these next few games and practices we are really focusing on remaining mentally tough."


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We have been notified by our vet that the owner of Gracie has decided to euthanize her on Friday, March 2, if we cannot find a home for her. Please pass this email on to ALL your horse-loving friends. There might still be that special soul out there who sees into Gracie's heart and her desire to spend a few more years on this planet as a companion horse. She is only 9 years old and has a heart of love in her.
Our vet, Aspen Creek Veterinary Hospital in Conifer, CO has been caring for an injured mare for several months and the owner is looking for a home for her. She is gentle, sweet and lives up to her name, Gracie. She handles her handicap with grace, too. Her nature is gentle, easy to handle, and undemanding and she comes free to a good home. Here are her details:
Gracie cut her tendons and ligaments in her inside hind left leg and has scar tissue in her tendon sheath, so her leg is not overall as strong. She wears a special shoe to help support her foot as she attempts to gain strength. Conservative treatment is the special shoe plus controlled exercise. The special shoe helps support the fetlock so it does not drop as much and cause more strain on the tendons. She would need it for a while, possibly forever. She walks O.K., but she is sore on that leg and will rest it requently. She does like to lie down, too. She would need a relatively small, but larger than a stall, flat area to walk around in and some sort of shelter. She is not taking bute now but may need periodic doses for pain management. There is no prognosis for soundness now, so she is suited for companion animal, family pet or possibly a brood mare. She could not be put into a hilly pasture with other horses because she probably could not cope.
It will take a very special human to care for Gracie, to make her comfortable and give her the love and companionship she needs. We know there is one out there. To stand next to this gentle creature and feel her beautiful presence is already a gift. She radiates a quiet strength.
Please contact:
Shannon Harlan, DVM
Aspen Creek Large Animal Clinic
23605 Oehlmann Park Road
Conifer, CO 80433
(303) 697-4864


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20 Fenchurch Street, or Walkie Talkie as its most commonly name, is a commercial skyscraper in the historic City of London financial district. Construction was completed in spring 2014, and the top-floor 'sky garden' was opened in January 2015. The 34-storey building is 160m tall, making it the sixth-tallest building in the City of London and the 12th tallest in London.
Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and costing over £200 million, 20 Fenchurch Street features a highly distinctive top-heavy form which appears to burst upward and outward. A large viewing deck, bar and restaurants are included on the top three floors; these are, with restrictions, open to the public.
Starting at the 35th floor, the three-storey space is one of the reasons the structure was designed to swell outwards at the top. This also means that the building's biggest office floors boast the best views of the city skyline.
The new tower at 20 Fenchurch Street was designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly in a postmodern style. The top-heavy design is partly intended to maximise floor space towards the top of the building, where rent is typically higher.
The building uses double- and triple-glazed penalised aluminium cladding on its exterior.
What Need to Know About ….. Walkie Talkie, London
- Dubbed the 'sky garden' at the top of the building was claimed to be London's highest public park, but since opening, there have been debates about whether it can be described as a 'park', and whether it is truly 'public' given the access restrictions.
- The garden spans the top three floors, which are accessible by two express lifts and include a large viewing area, terrace, bar and two restaurants.
- Fourteen double-deck lifts (seven low-rise up to the 20th floor, seven high-rises above the 20th floor) serve the main office floors of the building.
- The south side of the structure is ventilated externally to improve efficiency and decrease solar gain, whilst the east and west faces incorporate extensive solar shading. There is a southern entrance in addition to the main northern entrance set back from Fenchurch Street.
Gallery of Walkie Talkie


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As with so many Brooklyn projects these days, aesthetic is everything. Could it be the only thing?
Since 2006, Rick and Michael Mast have sold, with considerable success, their line of artisanal chocolates for what they say lies inside the packaging: a one-of-kind, "bean to bar" gustatory experience. A major part of the Mast's marketing relies on the idea that they handcraft their chocolates from scratch, starting with just a "big burlap sack full of beans" in their apartment.
Speaking with Vanity Fair in February, the brothers called themselves the "poster boys for hipster to gourmet chocolate." And why not? Their cookbook details a chocolate-making process that involves cacao beans shipped to Brooklyn from all over the world, roasted and ground using techniques perfected by the Mast's own hands.
The brothers own three retail stores and have been profiled by the likes of Bon Appetit magazine. Their beards were credited with bringing craft chocolate to the wider public. Recently, they appeared on the cover of a German magazine with a caption that translates to "The new cult of cocoa."
"I can affirm that we make the best chocolate in the world," Rick told Vanity Fair.
This — along with many of the Mast's other claims about their bars — is now being questioned as a result of a series of blog posts published on DallasFood.org in the past two weeks.
In a series called "What Lies Behind the Beards," food blogger Scott Craig alleges that the entire Mast Brothers operation is a sham — that, in fact, the "bean-to-bar" trademark that made them famous in the early years was no more than remelted chocolate from another brand.
Building off of a Slate article from March that explored why Mast Brothers is loved by the public but hated by chocolate industry experts, Craig began his first missive with a shocking declaration: "The fine chocolate community scorns the Mast Brothers because they are thought to have launched their business with a fundamental fraud: that of pretending to be a bean-to-bar chocolate company."
Craig wrote in an email to The Washington Post that when a slate of chocolate makers entered the market from 2006 to 2007, he took an interest in all of them. After trying a few Mast bars, he reached out to Rick Mast with what he "thought were some fairly straightforward questions" about whether they made their own chocolate (inherent in bean-to-bar production) and received a vague response that raised his suspicions.
Pulling together reviews, product descriptions, observations and expert commentary over the years, Craig concluded that in the early years of Mast Brothers production — from when they began selling to the public in late 2007 to at least late spring 2009 — the company remelted chocolate purchased from commercial French chocolate manufacturer Valrhona.
In other words, the operation allegedly didn't start out as bean to bar, despite the narrative the Mast's built around the business's humble, homegrown roots.
Quartz reported Thursday that it has independently verified many of Craig's claims.
"This has been an open secret in the chocolate industry," chocolate expert Clay Gordon told Quartz, which opined, "The clues were everywhere for anyone paying close attention, but the media missed them."
"Any insinuation that Mast Brothers was not, is not or will not be a bean to bar chocolate maker is incorrect and misinformed," a statement posted on the Mast's website reads. "We have been making chocolate from bean to bar since the beginning and will continue to do so."
Mast Brothers declined The Post's request for further comment Friday morning.
But according to chocolate industry experts interviewed by Craig who also confirmed their statements to Quartz, the Mast brothers acknowledged that they used Valrhona chocolate, though their advertising didn't reflect it.
"I have spoken with the Mast brothers," said Art Pollard, co-founder of bean-to-bar chocolate company Amano Artisan Chocolate, in 2009. "They were up front with me that some of their chocolate they make and some they do not. If you ask them specifically, they will tell you which is which; but, unfortunately, it isn't always very clear from their advertising/statements that some of their chocolate is made elsewhere or is a blend."
Pollard recounted to Craig and Quartz an interaction he had with the Masts in 2008, in which one of the brothers pointed to three bars of "unspecified cacao origin" and said, "These three we make." Then, pointing to the bars of single origin he said, "the other three are Valrhona."
According to Craig, the single origin bars matched the Ecuador 66 percent cocoa, Venezuela 72 percent and Madagascar 64 percent couvertures (high-quality chocolate used by chocolatiers in remelting) from Valrhona's product catalog that year.
Those less versed in the rules of the chocolate industry might be wondering: What's the big deal? After all, even the naysayers believe that Mast Brothers now creates most, if not all, of the chocolate used in its bars. Why does it matter — if the allegations are true — that the company started out by remelting?
Understanding the severity of the charges Craig is leveling against Mast, requires an appreciation of what bean to bar means to chocolatiers. For chocolate artisans, bean to bar is the gold standard, one worn and earned by a dedicated few. It's what justifies charging double digits for a block of cacao.
Craig likens a false bean-to-bar claim to selling a man-made material as diamond. "It doesn't matter whether all or some lesser percentage of the chocolate the Masts sold was remelted," Craig said. "The scandal is that any of it was, just as it would be if Tiffany & Co. substituted cubic zirconia in any diamond engagement rings."
He goes on:
Though an appealing facade, the early Mast Brothers was a Potemkin chocolate factory, churning out remolded, repackaged industrial couverture…The Masts did not become pariahs in the fine chocolate world because of their beards, publicity or product mediocrity. It was because of their lies.
How much will all of this matter to Mast's large and loyal fan base? Perhaps not at all, given that experts say the chocolate bars don't taste very good. Craft chocolate shop co-owner Aubrey Lindley told Quartz the chocolate was "simply inedible," while seasoned chocolate reviewer Georg Bernardini wrote of the bars in his 2015 guide that "the cocoa beans are virtually mistreated by the Mast Brothers."
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Townhall Review with Hugh Hewitt – March 16, 2019
Ed Morrissey, of Hotair.com, talks with Jay Matthews, author of Harvard Schmarvard, about the investigation into college admission bribes and cheating. Larry Elder examines the latest Democrat call for slavery reparations. Mike Gallagher asks former National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Jim Hall about the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Dennis Prager looks at those who are now self-identifying as racists. Prager talks with Victor Davis Hanson about his new book, The Case for Trump. Dennis Prager's guest, Bill Gertz, talks about his critique of the U. S. Counter-intelligence community as well as the tie-in to the Mueller investigation. Sebastian Gorka asks author David Horowitz about his new book, Dark Agenda: The War to Destroy Christian America. Mike Gallagher examines an insider's testimony and asks why the media ignored Hillary Clinton's amazing show of "gross negligence" of classified information.