text:
The Art of Writing Sleep Stories
Chris Advansun is the talented writer behind many of the most popular Sleep Stories in the Calm app. We sat down with him to chat about this unconventional but very valuable new literary medium.
Michael Acton Smith (MAS): So Chris, how have you tackled the Sleep Stories you've written? Walk us through your approach.
Chris Advansun (CA): Well, the original idea was a fictional story that relaxes and soothes the listener off to sleep. My first thinking was to tell a very simple story that centers on lush visual description. A simple character visits a magical place, and through rich sensory description of the character's experience, the listener is transported.
Then, working with Tamara (Tamara Levitt), we added mindfulness elements in a very deliberate way, giving the stories a grounding, calming quality.
Instead of an elaborate buildup, Sleep Stories are a gradual unwind.
As the character explores beautiful settings, the experience relaxes our bodies, quiets our minds, and soothes us to sleep.
MAS: You mentioned the mindfulness elements. Tell us more about that.
CA: Tamara has been an incredible resource in helping to integrate mindfulness concepts and techniques into the stories. There are a few ways we do this.
The first is helping the listener focus their attention on an anchor, usually the breath. This quiets the mind and helps shift the listener away from their overactive thoughts.
As the character travels along her journey, she is fully immersed in the present moment. The thinking is that the listener experiences this immersion along with the character.
The second mindfulness element is body awareness and relaxation techniques. When a story opens, the narrator walks the listener through a brief body scan exercise to help quiet the mind and relax the body. We also integrate body scans into the actual story. As the character scans though her sensations, the hope is that the listener does the same.
The final element has to do with the way settings and scenes are described. As Tamara talks about in her meditation programs, mindfulness involves perceiving ordinary moments with curiosity, a beginner's mind, and a sense of wonder. One way to experience this is by coming into contact with nature, perhaps in a park or forest. The idea is to observe the beauty of nature in all its exquisite detail: the colors of a flower, the movements of a bird, the sounds of a river, the smells of a forest. This attentive observation keeps us in present moment awareness.
This is the spirit of how I've written my Sleep Stories.
The narrator soothingly describes the character's sensory experience, moment by moment, as she observes and marvels at the wonder of nature - sights, sounds, smells, sensations.
MAS: Part of what works about the stories is the language. How do you approach the writing, from a craft perspective?
CA: I just try to be a student and practitioner of the tricks of good writing. Sometimes I play with sentence structure, using long cumulative sentences that widen to a descriptive culmination, or narrow to a descriptive conclusion. Other situations call for a parallel structure, which can take on a repetitive quality almost like poetry.
And then there are things like clever noun phrases and interesting verb choices. I'm always thinking about how I could describe an object or action using noun phrases and verbs that are a little unexpected, not the obvious way of describing things.
I also use a lot of simile and metaphor, which of course are timeless writing devices.
MAS: It seems your stories have certain elements of traditional storytelling, but not others. How do you decide what stays and what goes?
CA: I've learned much of what I know about storytelling by studying the craft of screenwriting. In film, stories must contain certain elements to hook audience attention and deliver an emotionally satisfying experience: things like desire, obstacles, conflict, tension, and complications.
Sleep Stories are different. They are narrative, but instead of building up tension and stakes, the idea is to unwind.
The character's experience becomes more lovely, more beautiful, more calm as the story unfolds. There's no conflict to speak of, and there are really no obstacles.
There may be a desire, but it's a simple one, like the wish to have a question answered.
The final part of this has to do with character. In novels and movies, characters must be "multi-dimensional," as the saying goes. This means they have desires, flaws, and contradictions. In Sleep Stories, we're stripping most of that away. The character we follow is relatively simple. We don't need to know too much about her, just enough to like her and want to join her on the journey. In a sense, we inhabit her perspective. Her senses and emotions are a vehicle through which the listener experiences the beauty of the world.
MAS: It also feels like, on an emotional level, the character's experience is relaxing and soothing, not fraught with turbulence.
CA: Exactly. The joy of watching 'Die Hard' lies in experiencing tension and fear and pain along with the character.
In a Sleep Story, the character goes through a totally positive emotional experience.
In fact, it is increasingly positive as the story unfolds, so that by the end she is in a state of deep relaxation. She feels content, safe, grateful, and at peace.
MAS: The story is the starting point, but then the performance is also quite important.
CA: The performance is hugely important. It's been such an honor to hear the stories delivered by such talented performers, like Tamara Levitt and Clarke Peters. The delivery is crucial.
It needs to be slow, melodic, and soothing, almost like a literary lullaby.
My hope with the writing is that it creates a blueprint for a soothing delivery, giving the performer passages that can be brought to life in a rhythmic, poetic way.
MAS: Which is your favorite story?
CA: Good question. It's been a process to hone in on what works best, so I find the more recent stories are tighter, in terms of writing. I'd probably say 'The Waterfall,' because it has a cool structure to it, an interesting character desire we want to see resolved. I also love 'The Butterfly Sanctuary,' narrated by Clarke Peters. In that story, I used some settings that one wouldn't normally associate with relaxation, like a busy urban setting and a loud subway. But the story finds the peace and tranquility in those places, which is not just a challenge in storytelling, but a challenge in life.
As Tamara talks about in her sessions, when we can gain awareness and find beauty in mundane moments, we are practicing mindfulness.
Clarke does an amazing job bringing the story to life and soothing the listener off to sleep.
MAS: Well Chris, on behalf of Calm users, thank you for this conversation and I look forward to your upcoming stories.
CA: Thank you for the opportunity, Michael. It's been wonderful to work on this, and it's been rewarding to see how Calm users have responded to the stories.
Chris Advansun is a writer and editor at Calm. He is the author of several of the company's Sleep Stories, including The Waterfall, The Butterfly Sanctuary, and several forthcoming stories. Prior to joining Calm, Chris worked as a marketing executive for tech and advertising companies.
To contact or keep up with Chris, follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


text: Toggle navigation The Harry Potter Lexicon Home Blog Lexicon Podcast Harry Potter Minute Essays Sources Support the Lexicon Feedback About the Lexicon Credits Privacy Policy Terms of Use Characters Harry Potter Albus Dumbledore Lord Voldemort Severus Snape Sirius Black Hermione Granger Ron Weasley Draco Malfoy more Places Hogwarts Diagon Alley Privet Drive Ministry of Magic HQ The Burrow more Magic Spells Potions Magical Objects Magical Plants more Events Harry is sorted into Gryffindor Battle of Hogwarts Death of James and Lily Triwizard Tournament more Things Quidditch Hogwarts Express Wands Daily Prophet Aurors Currency Converter more Creatures Dragons Hippogriffs House-elves Goblins Centaurs more Sources The Harry Potter Novels Other Potter Books Interviews Other Canon more Essays The Death Eaters: A Guide To Who Was Where Famous Wizard Cards Albus Potter and the lesson in Quantum Mechanics more Lists Magical People Government Wizarding Atlas more Tags mysterious Home mysterious # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Angelus Peel • Character Angelus Peel played Seeker for the Canadian National Team in 1877. Peel was one of the more unfortunate of the Quidditch players who was a participant in the 1877 Quidditch World Cup in Kazakhstan. Known as "The Tournament that Nobody Remembers", Peel woke up with his knees on back-to-front and… Read More Aquavirius Maggot • Creature inA creature that was probably created by Luna Lovegood and/or Xenophilius Lovegood. Read More Argentina National Team • Sports teams The Argentinian National Teams come from the South American country of Argentina. Quidditch Although competing with the popular America sport of Quodpot, Argentina's Quidditch team has reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup during the last century (QA8). Half of the Argentinian National team were found… Read More # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Follow Us
Posted by Michelle
cool stuff
Gareth Potts, World British 8 Ball Champion wins The Joy Cup Chinese 8-Ball Masters.
Gareth Potts won The Joy Cup World Chinese 8-Ball this month when he pipped Chris Melling to the post with a 17-9 win. It was the first time Chinese 8-Ball was broadcast live on Chinese TV no doubt due to it's increasing popularity.The Chinese 8-ball game is a hybrid of snooker, played on a 9 ball table under American 8 ball rules competition rules. It has been played in China since the 1980's and has been catapulted into the press recently by Scotland's Stephen Hendry when he signed up to a 10 year contract to promote the game globally.
Gareth played well throughout the tournament and word on a lot of the cue sports forums was he was going to win. One thing that can be said for Gareth is he is extremely dedicated and professional. When asked on what he thought of the tournament his enthusiasm was clear;"The tournament is amazing treated like film stars and the venue is by far the best I've ever seen. The game is the best game I've played and the most difficult!"With the game being in a format that was new to a lot of the players that entered, it was something that suited Gareth's style of play very well. When interviewed by This is Staffordshire he said;""The table has the same template and pockets as a snooker table, but with 9-ball American pool balls. It's very difficult to play, the balls are especially tight down the rails and you need a good skill level at both snooker and pool," he said.
"You need a good technique, but also a good 8-ball brain, knowing the patterns and how to break."I'm a decent snooker player so, with my pool background too, I was confident of doing well.'
We are incredibly proud to sponsor Gareth, he is the absolute professional and deserves every success in his sport and look forward to next years event.
Written By: Michelle Beresford
The New ArcadePro Arcade Machines Are Ready to Roll Out!
Our Round-Up of E3 2018
Our Ten Most Anticipated Games of E3 2018
Top 5 Must Reads
American and English Pool Tables - what's the difference?
27 April 2018
CeX Weston-super-Mare Café - Gaming Café Kit Out!
11 May 2016
Office Games & Hacks: 25 Point Guide To Employee Health & Productivity
15 March 2016
The Greatest Arcade Machines, Video Games & Consoles of All Time
03 December 2015
The Incredible Benefits of Owning A Family Pool Table
12 November 2015
Top 3 Ultimate Guides
Ultimate Guide on How To Play Pool With Karl Boyes
18 May 2016
Arcade Games: The Ultimate Guide
06 April 2016
Industry leading security
We accept the following payments
Multiple award winners
Proud to be Official Merchandise Partner for these prestigious brands
Proud to Supply
Proud to Sponsor
Join Us On Social Media
Useful Links
Join our Newsletter
Keep up to date with offers, new products and news from HLD
If you need help with anything
contact our team on
0800 622 6464 or 01454 413636
Opening Times
Monday - Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm
Home Leisure Direct Limited is registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: Unit 8 Redhill Farm Business Park, Marshacre Lane, Elberton, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS35 4AL
Company Registration: 6364345 | VAT Registration: 914619912 | Consumer Credit License: 692501
Home Leisure Direct is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Home Leisure Direct acts as a credit broker and only offers credit products for Secure Trust Bank PLC trading as V12 Retail Finance
Credit provided subject to age and status.
Created by bluebox


text:
It's funny how the world works sometimes. I've been Facebook friends with Alison for at least a year and our worlds have almost crossed- almost, until today. As fate would have it, we both were waiting for separate flights in the Anchorage airport. I didn't pass up the opportunity to interview her for The Birding Project, and she happily obliged.
Why birding? What drives you to travel and watch birds?
It started out when I was 6, my parents took me out to look for ducks. I'm pretty sure they regretted doing that, because two weeks afterwards I saw a Short-eared Owl, and that was really cool. Let's look for gulls, lets look for sandpipers, let's look for warblers… so much for their weekend naps!
My family hunts a lot. I think that's what birding was for me, is another form of hunting. You go out with a target in mind, and having to search for it and figure out how you're going to find it, with weather conditions. You know that you've seen it, and you know that you've put in the work, and it's on your list.
Guiding to me is actually more fulfilling than birding is. When you guide, and you show a bird to somebody that's really wanted to see it for a really long time, it's like seeing that bird for the very first time all over again. Knowing that you were instrumental in that process, and feeling that joy, and seeing their joy…
People bring new perspectives. Hearing their observations can expand my understanding on a bird that I am already familiar with.
I care a lot about the list of my clients. It's exciting and I love it, but i'd be just as happy seeing that bird in Russia or Japan.
Has it been challenging to be a young female birder?
There's definitely more layers of difficulty in that. I started going to bird camp when i was 16. It was like a lek. There were all these young male birders. I always felt like the only female grouse on the lek.
Fortunately it's different now, there's a lot of women birders. I've missed out on getting [birds] because I was a girl.
That was probably the first time i was painfully aware of the shortcomings of my gender.
It has it's advantages too, I never have problems meeting birders… networking has been really easy. Going places and having a normal dynamic is sometimes harder.
I try to tear down those gender barriers, but it takes time.


text:
An exceptional choice of luxury Glasgow apartments are available across the city centre and in chic riverside and cathedral quarters. Stylish and luxurious serviced apartments with daily housekeeping services are particularly numerous, perfect for short and long-term lets and for business and leisure visitors to the city. Most modern apartments in the city are available for everything from one night stays to monthly bookings.
Stay in a city centre Glasgow apartment within a beautifully modernised heritage building close to Central Station and Buchanan Street shopping and dining. Opt for a peacefully situated West End serviced apartment with free wifi and family facilities, ideally close to the free entry Kelvingrove Museum & Gallery, Hunterian Gallery and universities. Each of the city's themed quarters, from best areas for art to top shopping hubs and dining quarters have a plentiful selection of modern apartments.
Booking an apartment in Glasgow city centre sleeping a group of four or more is usually much cheaper per person than a hotel, and offers flexibility and all the comforts of home. Glasgow apartments on the outskirts offer attractive park and riverside settings with easy subway access into the heart of the city and adjacent parking! Search & book Glasgow apartments now with iknow.


text:
Q&A: Should My Daughter Cancel Her Party Because She's Fighting with Friends?
Teen parenting expert Rosalind Wiseman on how to discuss with your teenager what she values in a friendship to determine whether to change her plans.
Q. My daughter had a huge falling-out with several friends and now she's insisting on canceling the party she's been planning. Do I let her?
A. More important than the party is whether your daughter wants these girls as friends (because you and I both know they could make up tomorrow). She has to start by talking with them. Why? Because they all have to learn how to get angry at one other and then discuss their feelings in healthy ways. Ask your daughter questions that help her articulate how she feels, what she wants, and how she is going to achieve her goals. I would also ask her what are the most important things she looks for in a friendship. Most girls will say, "trust," "loyalty," and "honesty." Then ask your daughter whether the girls she's fighting with treat her according to those values. Based on her responses, your daughter should be able to decide for herself whether she will cancel her party.
Originally published in the May 2007 issue of Family Circle magazine.


text:
A "blue collar" cyclist's adventures from the saddle of a bike.
Heck Epic: Northern Minnesota by Bike
Fatigue layed over my body like a wet blanket as I casually put my point and shoot camera into the back pocket of my jersey. Feeling good about the shot I just got of my three riding partners a peculiar sense came over me, something was different. I looked up to see Todd McFadden who had been riding first position shooting up a sharp rise with an intensity that had gravel spewing from his rear wheel. Ross Fraboni was second wheel and was now out of the saddle giving chase. The wheel I was connected to belonged to Matt Lee who was now laying the coals to his pedals. "This is it!" I said. Slamming the camera home in frustration, I had allowed a gap to form. Jumping from my saddle I went from tourist to full on bike racer in a split second. Fifty meters was what separated Matt and I, while at least one hundred lay between he and Ross who was stuck to McFadden's wheel like glue. "Don't get dropped, Don't get dropped..." I repeated to myself as I took huge risks while slamming through an ATV trail somewhere north of Two Harbors, Minnesota. It was day two of the 2 stage, 200 mile, Heck Epic.
The concept of the Heck Epic was spawned from the mind of Jeremy Kershaw, the man responsible for creating the Heck of the North, a 100 mile gravel race across northern Minnesota. The "Epic" is beautifully simple in it's design. All one has to do is load his or her bike up with the gear they feel they will need to not only sustain themselves on two very long gravel rides, but also allow them to camp overnight. Camping is required between stages, which brings a lot of decisions into the game. Should a rider opt for a light weight racing kit and run the risk of an uncomfortably cold night on the ground or run a little slower and heavier with the hope that a good nights sleep will pay dividends on day two? Being a man of simple means and lacking the latest in high tech, light weight gear I chose to carry more weight in hopes of a comfortable night of much needed rest after day one.
My good friend, Charlie Farrow knocked on my door at 5:00 a.m. sharp to find me no where near ready to go. He was my ride to the start line and my source of intel as he had completed the event last year. It wasn't long before we were on our way up the North Shore of Lake Superior to the sleepy little town of Two Harbors where we'd complete our final preparations. The start area is where I met Matt Lee who initially got my attention with his abnormally light set up. The man simply had nothing! I've taken more gear with me on afternoon rides than Matt had. Immediately, I began to question my whole kit. It was too late now, I was going to have "run what I brung". It didn't take long before I felt like a rookie as I examined other rider's gear choices. I had the overwhelming feeling that I had no idea what I was doing and they were all pros.
The starting line had some familiar faces and it was good to know I'd be riding with them. Ross Fraboni, Todd McFadden, Chris Finch, and the list goes on. Jeremy briefed us on some final course information and wished us good luck and confidently said, "I'll see you in Ely!" Ely, Minnesota on the northern edge of the state was our destination. I had no idea how we'd get there, but the cue cards mounted to my handle bars would show me the way.
Seconds before the start I was unclear how I would approach the day. With a recent family crisis involving my Dad's health I have been completely off the bike for weeks. I did not feel that I was in good shape, nor did I feel I had the mental fortitude to "race" this event. I was really leaning toward sitting back, telling a few stories, and just riding through the first day with some good company. However, with one turn of the cranks that all changed. I stopped thinking and let myself give way to the bike. I found myself stuck to last year's champ, Ross. He was gradually winding up the pace and it felt good. There was no rocket ship blast off like usual, just a slow methodical build up of intensity. Approximately twenty minutes in we were riding at a good clip and utilizing a pace line. I assumed that the rest of the field was strung out behind us, but I was wrong. There were five of us, with a large gap separating us from the main field. Soon we were just cruising along as if we were on really long ride together.
As the minutes turned to hours I couldn't help but absorb the vastness of the area. We were in a wilderness that was truly remote. I kept wondering who used these roads and how Jeremy ever found them. The times to take in the views came and went with the changing intensity of our riding. Twenty minutes of hard effort would give way to easy pedaling and casual conversation, followed by thirty minutes of short hard pulls and quick rotations. This pattern turned our group of five into four as Paul, from Kansas had drifted off the back. Little did I know at the time, but our little band of 4 brothers would make up the front group for the entire event.
The miles passed uneventfully until Todd was sidelined by a side wall cut on his rear tire. I didn't mind the quick stop for the repair. To be honest, I needed a little break. Ross and Todd diligently worked on the tire while Matt and I marveled at our situation and our location. We had no idea where we were other than what our little cards told us. The small two track road that stretched out before us was known as "Snake Trail" or something to that effect. It seemed to go on forever, straight ahead, leading us to some unknown destination. We hoped it was Ely.
With the flat fixed and us back on our steeds we pressed on. Eighty miles turned into ninety and the monotony was on me as was a general malaise. Drifting back after a pull I broke the silence by flatly stating to Todd, "I'm pretty tired". He responded in kind, but it felt more like he was being polite as I noted his smooth unaffected riding style. I knew this feeling would eventually end and I was assured that it would when we entered the tiny town of Ely. Ross knew the way to the camp ground and I gladly let him guide us while I rode second wheel. I watched him close as he seemed to have a bit of nervous energy about him. We hadn't discussed the finish so it was unclear how it would play out. Would we ride in like gentlemen or would we fight it out like dogs in the street? My question was answered when Ross suddenly rose from his saddle and started to sprint. "What? Is he serious?" I questioned. 109 miles in and I'm sprinting to a finish line that I can't see or even have a clue as to it's location. Finally, after a sharp downhill left turn I saw Jeremy in the distance. I rocked my heavy rig back and forth for the line to take 3rd on the day with Matt and Ross going 1 and 2. We laughed about Ross' antics and I teased him about the rude gesture, but it is a race after all. I was happy to have finished with these strong riders, but now it was time for some much needed rest, I had a big day coming up. I just had no idea how big.
Camp life was uneventful, save one major down pour that drenched the kit I had left dangling off the handle bar of my bike. The soaking rain came while on my way to dinner, there was nothing I could do for my riding clothes, except rest assured they were getting a thorough rinse. Dinner was relaxing as we shared stories from the day and had some good laughs, usually at Charlie's expense.
The morning of day two found me questioning my decision to carry a heavier load with the hopes of getting a good night of sleep. As it turned out I experienced a fitful night while my neighbor shook the nearby tree limbs with a level of snoring unlike anything I had ever heard before. Finally, I accepted the fact that I could no longer squeeze another minute of sleep out of the morning so I got up and started to work on getting things set for the long, rough trip back to Two Harbors. First and foremost, I needed to secure the load on my handle bar as it was shaking loose on the previous day's ride. With the purchase of some extra cinch straps at the local outdoor store in Ely and some redistributing of weight, my load was solid.
Jeremy pulled out all of the stops by having breakfast catered for all riders. This was a huge plus in my mind. A hearty breakfast before the days work would pay off later. I woofed down a meal and made some final tweaks to my machine. It was just a matter of time before we'd be under way. I was anxious to get started, but really didn't know how the day would treat me with 109 miles in my legs from yesterday combined with the fact that the 2nd day of the "Epic" is notably tougher.
Jeremy lead us out of Ely's streets and it wasn't long before we were cut loose. I took an initial long, hard pull on the front in an effort to get the four of us clear of the field early. To my surprise (and disappointment) the energy burn didn't take. A long line of some 20 riders trailed out behind us while the 4 leaders were the only ones wiling to work on the front. It was Todd who set the precedent and went to the back of the group forcing the newcomers to earn their keep. The pace seemed to increase, but was manageable. A look over my shoulder confirmed that our little "band" would be back together soon. The arrival of the first off road section of the day found the four of us clear of the field. Ross and Todd were putting on a clinic on how to ride rough two track, as their full suspension mountain bikes ate up the imperfections of the trail. Matt and I resigned to hang on to them the best we could as this was now mountain bike country and our rigs were not fully up to the challenge.
The riding was fun and intense at times, but it was the surges of energy that were starting to catch up with me. I was beginning to feel flat out tired! 45 miles into a 110 mile day and I was cooked! This wasn't good. It so happened that my "darkness" settled on me during a long stretch of gravel rollers. The three lighter rigs around me seemed to glide up the climbs while I went deeper and deeper for every summit. The boys were noticing that I was slipping, I could tell from their suspecting glances. I've never been too proud to admit when I'm tired, so I broke the silence by saying, "I'm in a dark spot guys". Immediately, my friends began digging through their cashe of supplies for whatever it would take to get me back up to speed, so to speak. Ross handed me a couple of E-caps, while Todd gave up an entire canister of them for me, "just in case I needed some later". These were the gestures that kept our little "band" together and in my mind made this ride so special.
I knew if I made it to the 50 mile check point with the boys I'd be o.k. There I'd get a Coke, some food, and a few minutes off the bike. In the meantime I languished in the back of our group, at times feeling bad about my inability to pull, but I knew they understood. These were bike racers, they'd been in my spot many times before. Soon enough the c.p. came and I followed my plan to a "T". Immediately, I felt better once I was back on my machine. I joked with the guys about how I'd see them at the finish, while I launched a mock attack breaking away. They laughed at me as if they knew something I didn't.
Ross hit the off road section that followed the check point as promised...HARD! He warned us that we'd be racing from here on in and he obviously wasn't kidding. I held my own with the attack, dodging the puddles and rocks the best that I could while we soared through the two track. Eventually, his strong push subsided and we were all still together. I doled out a solid effort on the front, but was unsure how it was perceived by the group. I wondered if it really tested them or was it more of an annoyance. I didn't know, the only thing I knew for sure was that I was doing the best that I could.
Todd broke next and with a level of intensity we had yet to see. He exploded off the front of the group with Ross immediately giving chase. I knew this would possibly be one of the last attacks I'd see before we broke up. Going FULL GAS I hung on for dear life as I took crazy risks in an effort to reel Matt back into my grasp. At the same time Matt had his hands full trying to nail back Ross who was on Todd's wheel. I could feel my bike loosing contact with terra firma as I blasted through huge puddles at 20 mph, my rig hydroplaning through the water gave me the uneasy feeling that disaster was imminent. The bends in my elbows burned from getting whipped by branches as I attempted to avoid the deepest parts of the water holes. Despite all of my problems I was doing it, Matt was coming back to me! I crested a small rise with a surge of speed and over took him on the top. We blasted down the other side a foot apart and closing fast on the two leaders. Finally, I saw Todd check on the damage he had caused and in realizing that we were back, he simply sat up. It was over. A twenty minute full on assault of power and I had managed to stay latched on. Todd later told me that he remembered that he was not dealing with normal bike racers on this day, he was dealing with guys who were mentally tough. I took that as a compliment and also took the opportunity to let him know that I would never go down without a fight.
Todd's attack had put a serious dent in my armor and I noticed that whatever was left in the legs for fighting purposes was now gone. I was very vulnerable and I think the guys knew it. I also know that I wasn't the only one who was tired as silence between us now prevailed.
Mile 82 had us turning off of asphalt and climbing up a rise onto the North Shore snowmobile trail. This would be the last time I'd be riding with Ross and Todd during the Heck Epic. Ross hit the climb so hard that he immediately separated from the group. Todd had the legs to give chase while Matt went off the back along with me struggling to simply clean the greasy climb. "That's it, it's over" I said to myself as the four of us were blown up by Ross' attack. The mountain bikes in the group exploited the section and simply pinned all the sketchy parts while I pointed my wheel at the safest routes I could see. Matt was a mere 25 meters ahead of me when the first snowmobile bridge appeared. The bridge was made for snow machines in the winter, not bike riding in the summer. Boards ran length wise from end to end with gaps between them wide enough to easily grab a bike tire. Hitting this bridge at high speed would spell disaster for even the most skilled rider. As I questioned my approach to the wooden beast my front wheel dropped into a slot while my rear wheel found a different track. I clipped a foot out and did the hop, hop, hop, move of a man about to go down. Somehow I stayed upright, but I was at a dead stop now and that's when I watched Matt ride away from me for the last time.
It was a solo flight for me now, but I was happy. I didn't even know I'd be racing the event until seconds before the start, now here I was destined to finish 4th, but more importantly I had done it with a great group of guys and in an effort that I could be proud of. With the remaining miles slowly passing I navigated alone, noticing from time to time Matt's figure a mile or so up in the distance fighting whatever demons may have been riding on his shoulders. My demons had left me somewhere after mile 82. I was riding in good spirits, my head was up, the sun was shining, and the critters of the wilderness were flitting about. I had started what I thought was another bike race, but ended what came to be an adventure of camaraderie and spirit. The Heck Epic lived up to it's name in every way. What a race, what a ride, what an adventure!
I crossed the finish line and into the handshakes of my buddies. Their slaps on my back and smiles let me know they were just as happy as I to have shared so many miles together. It was good to be off the bike, but I'll admit I took a moment to glance back down that gravel road, a piece of me wanted to go right back out there and do it again.
http://atver-acis.lv/tyre/2249 Amy Fullerton, in my mind and in my heart you were right there with me during those closing miles. Thank you for your support and thank you for reminding me that with all that is going on in our lives right now, I still need to get on my bike and ride.
great post to read Jeremy Kershaw and his crew, words cannot express what this event meant to me. Thank you for putting on such a professional operation. Most importantly, you know why we're all out there and that makes it even more special.
http://summerbeam.com/sumer/krematoriy/2144 Salsa Cycles, my Cutthroat was the right tool for the job and it performed flawlessly. Thank you for always having my back and thank you for getting behind all the right events.
24 heures annonces rencontre Rudy Project, once again I forget that your gear is even with me, which to me means it's working as it should. Thank you for keeping my head and eyes safe and for standing by me while I take on challenges that I'm not even sure I can do.
my company Schwalbe Tires, my Thunder Burts were durable, light, and fast rolling, perfect for the Epic. I never worried about them, not once!
moved here FLUID Nutrition, you were with me for all 217 miles and you've been with me for thousands over the years. Cramping was never an issue and nothing was more important to me after day 1 than getting my FLUID recovery drink down, it made all the difference.
http://fili.hu/elisey/4374 Charlie Farrow, not only did you get me to this race, but you've always believed I can do more than I think I can, for that I thank you. Thanks for all the miles!
agence de rencontre gaspГ©sie Ross Fraboni, Todd McFadden, Matt Lee, I've ridden a lot of miles with a lot of people, but never have I felt more comfortable and more on the same page as I did with you guys. It seemed like we'd been riding together for years. Thanks for making my Heck Epic one I will always remember.
Wednesday, 16 January 2019
Being a cyclist I always go for miles so as to practice in a right way to win the race. I am very glad to read you personal experience about the cycling. When I used to go for assignment writing on the cycle my muscles were quite strong.
Thursday, 07 February 2019
I've been with my boyfriend for about Pablo Picasso, and things are going amazingly. For the first time in my life, I feel emotionally healthy and secure with myself.
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Cycling is my best hobby in sense of exercise to fresh a mind and do lots of activities like this and this platform is really a good to enjoy the life and this is not easy to ride a bicycle but when you have learnt something new than you feel as a expert as yourself, This platform is really a good to discuss about the riding of bicycle. Dissertation online UK always appreciate these types of platform to inspire by the skills.
Saturday, 23 February 2019
The trailhead for the mountain biking is in the northeast section of the recreation center, and with its notoriety among bikers, explorers, and trail sprinters, in addition to the lovely landscape, coursework writing service it's prescribed you take as much time as necessary as you pedal your way through Park Reserve.
Thursday, 16 May 2019
If you spare a few minutes to take part in the Dollar General customer satisfaction survey means DGCustomerfirst , you will earn yourself a chance to win a $100 gift card.
njmcdirect |
home depot survey |
Tuesday, 30 July 2019
This is extremely fascinating substance! I have completely delighted in perusing your focuses and have reached the conclusion that you are right about a hefty portion of them. You are extraordinary. Cpanel hosting
Wednesday, 31 July 2019
I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement the concept. Thank you for the post. MONEYLENDING SINGAPORE
Wednesday, 31 July 2019
The data you have posted is extremely valuable. The locales you have alluded was great. A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing... 파워볼사다리
Saturday, 03 August 2019
I like this post,And I figure that they having a great time to peruse this post,they might take a decent site to make an information,thanks for sharing it to me. over/under betting tips
Saturday, 03 August 2019
Excellent .. Amazing .. I'll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I'm happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. Contract lawyer
Monday, 05 August 2019
I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading. I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well! lucky dube songs download
Monday, 05 August 2019
I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading. I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well! lucky dube songs download
Monday, 26 August 2019
A fascinating dialog is value remark. I feel that it is best to compose more on this matter, it may not be an unthinkable theme however generally people are insufficient to chat on such subjects. To the following. Salud. content marketing
Monday, 11 November 2019
Incredible post yet I was pondering whether you could create a litte more regarding this matter? I"d be outstandingly appreciative if you could elucidate a slight bit further. Worth it! energy comparsion site


text:
Extending the Horizon with Manufacturing Intelligence
Paving the path towards Industry 4.0 requires building the manufacturing digital capabilities in order to turn the ever-growing data into sound and accurate actions. This is where manufacturing intelligence comes into play…
Industry 4.0
The digitization of the manufacturing sector accelerated by the advent of emerging and disruptive technologies (such as cyber physical systems, 3D printing, cloud computing, big data, etc.) is gaining in importance and popularity in Europe. This undergoing digital transformation is commonly referred to as the fourth industrial revolution Industry 4.0 also known as Industry 2025 in Switzerland and is considered to be the next era of global growth and innovation.
Inspired from W. Wahlster, DFKI GmbH
In order to capture the potential of Industry 4.0, manufacturing companies need to build the digital capabilities for capturing, tracking, measuring, integrating and analyzing manufacturing related data as a valuable business asset for value creation. Manufacturing Intelligence is a key enabler to build these capabilities.
Manufacturing Intelligence
The goal of Manufacturing Intelligence is to improve manufacturing performance by bridging business and manufacturing systems from the shop floor to the top floor, enabling thus an integrated and smart management of product information across the entire lifecycle.
For manufacturing intelligence to be enabled, three pillars are to be considered. First, solutions for real-time data capturing have to be acquired in order to record production and process data. Second, integration strategy has to be carried out in order to federate data coming from scattered data sources. Third data analytics and deep learning techniques need to be applied in order to make a smart use of collected data.
The key dimensions of Manufacturing Intelligence
Infrastructure for shop floor real time data collection
Different industries require different automation instruments, devices, systems and robots for their manufacturing processes and yield different outputs (temperature, pressure, weights, speed, downtime, etc.). When recorded, these outputs help in monitoring quality, resource consumption, production status and other key indicators and offer a rich ground for value creation. Analyzing the current state of all systems helps in defining to which extent existing installations such as PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) or DCS (Distributed Control System) cover a set of equipment or the entire facility and when new installations have to be acquired.
Solutions for manufacturing IT-landscape integration
Manufacturers in a variety of industries depend on the capabilities of different information systems. Of central importance for manufacturing intelligence is the interface between shop floor and top floor systems. MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) are considered to be the backbone for enabling such an interface. They are meant on the one hand to manage and schedule production orders and resources and on the other hand to analyze and report on real-time production performance. MES communicate to PLCs and DCS work instructions and collect from them process and production outputs for analysis. They also communicate to ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) information on production from the shop floor to update inventory, costs and procurement. While every system has a specific role in the manufacturing IT landscape (MES, ERP or in-house systems), their integration will secure a unified product information flow and strengthen manufacturing performances.
Advanced analytics and deep learning
When analyzing a large amount of data coming from various data sources, it comes as no surprise that some results may be omitted and left unnoticed simply because they were not assumed while setting the metrics or indicators. This is where advanced analytics and deep learning come into play. They aim to understand data behavior over time, analyze correlations and dependencies within data, identify separate clusters, extract hidden patterns and predict future events. Performing advanced analytics requires the application of a set of tools and techniques from statistics and machine learning.
With this integrated and holistic approach along with analytics and deep learning the ever-growing data can be turned into sound actions supporting thus current industries in their transition towards Industry 4.0.


text:
Go Back
Go To Articles Directory Home Page
To get the current article, - See Below (at the bottom of the page) -.
For top news titles, see below.
Web sites and videos listed in this page are frequently updated.
If you find that this page is useful (quality of web sites, images and videos, ...), you can add it to your favorites.
Bookmark Page !
Find the Best Cat Condos & Cat Trees at Petsupplyfactory.com
Cats have a natural urge to scratch. Scratching on a sisal scratch post acts as a sort of therapy or stress release for your feline. It also assists your cat in the removal of layers of their claws for claw regeneration. If you do not provide your feline with a scratching post, you may see the negative results on your sofa or your favorite carpet, etc. Therefore, to avoid any such domestic mishaps investing in a cat condo otherwise known as a cat tree is a good idea for your cat as well as your home.
About the Author: Jim is a well known author and has been writing content for Pet Products available online for so many years. His content is worth reading as it gives you an insight about different aspects of purchasing furniture for your pets. For more information visit "www.petsupplyfactory.com"


text:
Buy Steaks: gourmet, steakhouse quality steak - available online!
Looking to Buy Steaks Online? Buy Steak 100% USDA Choice or higher!
If you are looking to buy steaks online and want only the best hand-cut, fresh, quality steak, you've come to the right Steak Ordering Website! Steak cut daily to ensure you receive only the freshest mail order steak. Steak orders are processed, cut, packed and shipped via USPS within 24 hours! Buy quality steak, fine meats and cheeses from Buy Steaks Online. Now you can enjoy Gourmet Steakhouse Steaks (restaurant quality steaks) at home. Buy steak from us and you are buying steak directly from our Nebraska beef producers. We sell only the finest steak, fine meat and cheese. Nebraska Ranchers know what a good steak tastes like. Steak that is 100% USDA Choice Grade or higher. Steak that is shipped in the mail within 24 hours from when you order your steak online. Steaks that are flash frozen and sealed immediately after the steak is cut to preserve the quality and freshness of your steak order.
Buy Steaks with us to save!
Buy steaks with Buy Steaks Online and you save on your steak purchase! We only sell THE BEST STEAK - Choice Steak that we would serve at home with our own friends and families. We sell steak, meat and cheese that is affordable. Compare our steaks to any other online steak website and you will find you get only the best steak at a very good price.
Buy Steaks Online - Our Mission:
At Buy Steaks Online/Order Up Steaks, we believe in the principle that we will not sell steak, other meat or cheese to any customer that we ourselves would not purchase and serve to our own families and friends, We treat every customer like family!
A Local Favorite (Our Nebraska Steak) goes Worldwide!
Buy Steaks Online/Order Up Steaks are quickly becoming well-known for exceptional quality and as one of the finest steaks available online today. Steak that is 100% Choice Grade or higher. Steak that is tender, juicy and exceptionally tasty!
We specialize in selling quality steaks to our customers. Our customers all agree we have only the finest steaks, meats and cheeses. We take pride in our steaks as a Certified Angus Beef meat locker. Our meat cutters select our filets according to the most exacting grade and marble standards. Each steak is hand-cut to perfection.
Nebraska Steak/Beef is known worldwide for the quality and unique taste. Many of you know that right in Omaha, Nebraska there is a company that sells steaks to consumers worldwide. Nebraska beef is in demand. We are not in Omaha, but there is a reason we're located where we are. We choose to be located in the heart of Nebraska so we stay close to our beef to select from the best cornfed cattle in the area. We've gone global, you can order our steak and other product on our website, on the phone or by mail. We are quickly becoming more than just a local favorite meat locker offering great steak, meat and cheese. Our steaks and other products are available online and we've been shipping orders across the USA and beyond. You've tried the other guys, now try one of Nebraska's Finest Meat Lockers. We look forward to hearing from you!
Ordering Steak and other product online...
If you buy steaks, cheese, or our other meat products online you must order at least $20.00 or more. Steaks purchased in bulk may qualify you for additional discounts not shown on site. We have huge specials everyday on steak and other Order Up Steak items. Call us to find out more.
Omaha Steaks vs. Nebraska Steaks
Omaha Steaks | Everyone loves searching for Omaha or Nebraska beef. (Why should you order steak from us?) The online steaks debate answered now.


text:
Russian | Mandarin | Italian | French
vvvv is available in two different forms:
Download the Core and the Addons!
The Addonpack is a highly recommended collection of useful nodes provided and maintained by members of the vvvv community.
Take the 64bit version.
We're not offering an installer.
We recommend 7zip for unpacking ZIPs.
If you have problems with any of these steps, see an illustrated Installation Guide for more info.
Just started vvvv.exe?
Tired to read?
Check some real examples.
Other resources
The written Documentation is structured in three main parts:
Not sure about a certain term? Try the glossary.
Here is a listing of Contributions provided by our ever-growing community.
See the Using Addons Guide on how to install them.
Interested in how this all began and where it is all going? Check our roadmap.
anonymous user login
~37min ago
~5h ago
~7h ago
~1d ago
~1d ago
~1d ago
~2d ago


text:
Learning isn't fun. There's no two ways about it — it's not something most people do leisurely — but whether you need to brush up on your Spanish to decipher details on a discount dentist's billboard, or you're simply in the mood to witness one of Japan's many subway molestation's firsthand, there's always ample reason to add another language to your skill set. The problem is, learning a new language isn't easy. In my experience, which I admit is rather limited, nouns, verbs and adjectives tend to meld together after a sliver of chapters, forming into a giant ink blot that, according to my most recent — and completely fabricated — psychological survey, looks a lot like something I wouldn't be capable of conquering without some sort of direction.
It doesn't have to be so hard, though. At least not according to Influent, the latest in language learning technology from creator Rob Howland, the Lee-proclaimed "language extraordinaire" of gaming. Influent is, by all accounts, a learning system. Indeed, it presents itself in game form, with all the trimmings of your typical first-person, exploration based puzzler, only instead of gears to spin and levers to pull, you'll be memorizing words in an ever-expanding vocabulary list. But it's that gaminess that makes Influent stand out; it's where it separates itself from the pack, chiseling a place in any respectable study round.
You see, school isn't always entertaining. There's a lot of reading, writing, remembering and, usually after ingesting enough coffee to cripple a Colombian farmer, test-taking. And that's where Influent shines. Gone are the traditional methods of memorizing text; reading over material for countless nights, slowly developing an adderall dependency. Where study helps build a foundation, Influent acts as a supplementary learning tool that — through a quirky storyline involving a crazy invention and its resulting lawsuit, open exploration of a 3D apartment, and some colorfully vibrant visuals — teaches you a basic vocabulary in the language of your choice. Most importantly, though, Influent is fun. And that's something that can't be said about most educational programs.
Now, you're probably wondering if Influent is right for you. Good question. First, I'll explain what Influent won't do for you, because that's where most of its value as a product is best represented. For instance, Influent isn't going to help you master any sort of fluency. For that matter, it mostly ignores things like grammar, and doesn't focus much on the finer points of each respective language in its roster. The intention of the game, and thus the end result of your playing through its story, isn't to teach sentence structure, or improve whatever conversational jabber you're struggling with. Rather, Influent sharpens an existing — or budding — skill, by forcing the memorization of a chunk of vocabulary (420 words total), and teaching proper pronunciation of said words. It's best described — by me — as an exercise tool, well suited to help those with a developing interest in any of the available languages.
In terms of gameplay, you'll explore an apartment littered with interactive items, both concealed in drawers, cabinets, etc., and at surface level. Your primary goal is to click on the objects to reveal a text bubble, each offering information such as spelling, pronunciation and, in some cases as with Japanese, various forms of orthography. While in its exploration alone Influent can easily improve on rough-but-established vocabularies, it's the approach it takes that's most impressive.
Learning to associate words with their respective object doesn't feel like a chore in Influent, stripping much of the negative stigma revolving language studies. Once you locate an object of interest, you click on it, learn its definition/proper pronunciation, and add it to your vocabulary list. After enough words have been gathered (10), you'll be tested on your knowledge — or more accurately, memory — of the assorted words. While in that regard, memory (rather than skill) plays a strong role in successfully conquering Influent, it also does a fine job of forcing you to dig deep into your brain for an answer you've recently learned — and in some cases would have forgotten. It ultimately boils down to Influent's visual edge, however, as absorbing information is made all the easier when walls of text are replaced with exploring a 3D environment.
While the system itself is fairly simple, your bout of word masterly will eventually unlock a remote control airplane of sorts. This mode, which allows for a swifter exploration of the apartment, offers a nifty alternative to clicking things: shooting them. The controls can be somewhat finicky, but they don't take long to get used to, and in the end it's a nice addition to an already engaging practice. It does make for a satisfying method in which to study words, that's for sure.
Most surprising, though, is the humor. I didn't expect a game with such a strong emphasis on education to make me laugh, especially not as often as it did. With references galore, including nods to classic video games and obscure pop culture, running through the apartment on a word hunt is a breeze, and you'll rarely feel the pressure of study in the process, instead learning at a natural and comfortable pace. There's something amusing around every corner, and that's what really encouraged me to brush through the environment with a fine tooth comb — something I'm quite glad I did.
Before jumping into Influent, I knew it wasn't going to be a typical review. The game's fun, sure, but it also has an underlying purpose that needed evaluation. Does it actually improve your vocabulary in the chosen language? Does the information stick outside of the game? The answer to both is a resounding yes. I was quite surprised at how quickly I picked up on around 75 words, gaining the ability to reference them as I walked about my own apartment. I found that Influent worked a lot like a series of virtual flash-cards, quickly reminding me of the learned words as I scoped my room for their real-world equivalent. Likewise, the pronunciation of words I thought I knew was corrected, as the game's audio is loud, clear and easy to understand.
Closing Comments:
Its best feature, outside of any obvious educational benefits, is that Influent feels very much like a video game. Where most programs would have you sift through walls of text, painfully memorizing bits and pieces at a time, Influent has you explore, on your own terms, a game space chock-full of interactive study points. Indeed, it's not the end-all educational tool, but you'll walk away satisfied with your accomplishments and, in terms of vocabulary, more prepared to cross further barriers in your language of choice. For a starting price of $10, and with each additional language set costing a mere $5, there's no reason not to jump aboard, if only to tinker with its innovative approach to study. I hope to see Influent grow beyond its current state and, perhaps in future updates, become gaming's Rosetta Stone.
Version Reviewed: PC


text:
A SEEMINGLY eternal symbol of youth and an inspiration to countless millions, Muhammad Ali turns 71 on Thursday. One of the greatest pugilists of all time, Ali transformed the sport of boxing both in his style of combat and the crazy theater he produced to build up interest in his fights.
In a world of grunt and truculent glare, he was and remains a comedic trickster. Ali's late trainer, Angelo Dundee, once confided to me, "Being with Ali was like riding a comet. We had so much fun. I was so blessed."
When the Adonis-like Ali was coming up through the ranks, fighting with his hands at his waist, almost all the cigar-chewing boxing scribes predicted, "Just wait until he gets hit. He won't be able to take it."
The truth, which was both good and bad for the supersonic heavyweight, was that Ali could absorb a blow as well as any fighter in history. He had endless resolve and his ability to see shots developing allowed him to roll with punches that would have turned the black lights out on others.
But the hurricane blows that Ali weathered eventually exacted their price. For decades he has been suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder, now identified as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a disease in the same family as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
In the saddest of ironies, the man who enjoyed and excelled at banter as no other athlete in history has been largely silenced by the sport that made him so beloved and popular.
Ali, of course, was far from the first fighter to suffer lifelong damage from his life in the ring. It would be easy to list scores of boxers who after long — or sometimes short — careers have become a pocket full of mumbles.
Recently, Americans have become attentive to the long-term effects of football-related concussions. But well before this awakening it was understood that between bouts and countless rounds of sparring, boxers were putting their brains in peril. In the past, the governing bodies of the bruising game have tweaked rules to protect combatants; for example, championship bouts have been shortened from 15 to 12 rounds. However, more needs to be done to shield these modern-day gladiators from their craft and courage.
In 2011, Dr. Charles Bernick of the Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center began the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study. Dr. Bernick, who is based in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world, has enrolled scores of professional boxers and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters for a study that he hopes will be completed in four years.
In addition to examining the cumulative effects of "repetitive concussive and subconcussive injuries to the brain," Dr. Bernick and his associates are working to detect the earliest signs of brain injury and to determine why some boxers seem more likely to develop neurological disorders than others. What determines who is most vulnerable? Genes? Physical attributes? Perhaps the age at which one start's exchanging blows?
Dr. Bernick is adamant that he is not trying to put boxing on the canvas but instead wants to protect fighters by letting them know when they might be entering the neurological danger zone and intervening, "by perhaps convincing them to take a pause from the sport" and in more dire cases to retire. He said he also hopes that medications might one day be developed to help protect athletes from the effects of taking punches.
A well known Las Vegas trainer, Pat Barry, has been encouraging his charges to sign up for the study. In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, he noted, "I think for young fighters, it can be a good thing. You start with a baseline and follow their progress throughout their career. You can get an accurate measurement of how their brain has been impacted." However, Barry cautioned, "I can see where an older fighter might not want to participate. They might be afraid they'll find something [that will] force them to quit boxing."
Of course, the Professional Boxers Brain Health Study came too late for "The Greatest." Ferdie Pacheco, Ali's doctor of many years, wrote, "After the ruthless destruction of the 'Thrilla in Manila' " — Ali's epic third fight with Joe Frazier, in 1975 — "I began to see obvious signs of deterioration in Ali's physical condition. His kidneys were beginning to fall apart. …Then I saw a marked diminution of his reflexes in the gym. No one in his camp…wanted to acknowledge the change." Pacheco warned Ali that it was time to put his boxing career to bed, and, to the doctor's credit, he soon thereafter walked out of the warmth of the Ali circle rather than participate in what he was sure would be the champ's demise.
It is hard to say, but perhaps if Ali could have been shown some of the objective evidence of the havoc going on behind his eyes, he might have been convinced to put his gloves on a nail. But then again, maybe not. Even toward the final bell, there was still so much money to be made, and most great artists would rather die than give up their canvas.
Gordon Marino is a philosophy professor at St. Olaf College in Minnesota and also a boxing writer and trainer.


text:
Bikaner is conveniently connected via rail and road network with all major cities of the country.
It has direct trains from Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jammu etc.
Rail : Bikaner is directly linked by rail with major cities. Some important travel connections are from Delhi Sarai Rohilla, Jaipur, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jammu, Kalka, Ambala, Ahemadabad, Jaisalmer, Guwahati, Trivendrum, Secundrabad, Haridwar (The holi city), Baroda, Surat, Agra, Allahabad, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Bhatinda, Jodhpur etc.
Road :A wide network of bus services link Bikaner with several destinations. There is Rajasthan Roadway Deluxe, Super deluxe and AC buses as well as private travels also available from the major cities to make your travel comfortable.
Air: Nal Airport is 17 Km from the city center. At present there are no commercial flights. Nearby airports are Jodhpur (254 kms) and Sanganer airport Jaipur(325 kms).
Local Transport: Un-metered taxis, auto-rickshaws, and tongas are easily available for local transport.


text:
Democratic Meeting
The Democratic Meeting is the heart and soul of Brooklyn Free School. Once a week the entire school comes together to make announcements, give props, voice concerns, and work together to take responsibility for the governance and well-being of our school.
Students learn to develop and advocate for proposals meant to solve problems in the community and to assess the solutions. Meetings are chaired by students. With the exception of issues of health and safety, all students and staff have an equal vote in decision-making at school.
Many advisories also choose to have an additional weekly democratic meeting that focuses solely on their ideas and concerns. The all-school Democratic Meeting takes place every Wednesday from 10:45-11:45 in our Community Room.


text:
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Target Audience
Expected Duration
Lesson Objectives
Course Number
Do you pay attention to your emotions and the feelings of those around you? The answer to this question can help you discover how in tune you are with your emotions and help determine your emotional intelligence quotient, or your EQ. Your emotional intelligence quotient is your capacity to reason and analyze emotional information. Becoming aware of your emotions can help you become attuned to your own needs and the needs of others, and can help you make better decisions and develop better relationships. This course explores the power of emotions and the concept of emotional intelligence. It also discusses emotional intelligence competencies in areas of self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and relationship management. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.
Target Audience
Individuals at all levels who want to understand and develop their emotional intelligence skills
Expected Duration (hours)
Lesson Objectives
What is Emotional Intelligence?
recognize the power of emotions
recognize examples of situations where being aware of the role of emotions in every day life can help you understand situations more clearly
distinguish between traits associated with IQ and EQ
identify strategies which can be used to improve emotional intelligence competency areas where weaknesses exist
Course Number:


text:
Players have been begging for years for Yatch Club's Shovel Knight to appear in a Smash Bros. game — and when he showed up as an Assist Trophy, there was a disgruntled contingent flustered at the missed opportunity.
If you're wondering why Nintendo would pass up on a hot property like Shovel Knight, well…
…they may not have. Looks like Shovel Knight was taken! (Or, at least for the platform genre — it's not like he doesn't already show up in every other fighting game.)
While there is no official release date yet for the Blue Shoveler, the trailer shows that he sticks pretty close to his original platformer appearance — Mobile Gear, War Horn, Propeller Dagger, and more give him a wide variety of projectiles and mobility options unique to his character.
Source: Rivals of Aether


text:
Funny how admissions officers at the best law school in FL admit UM's starting salary dwarfs theirs. Gosh these rankings everyone talks about leave me curious.
Prize fighter is bitter because he got rejected from UF I believe
Quote from: bill braski on May 22, 2008, 12:50:34 PMPrize fighter is bitter because he got rejected from UF I believeActually, I didn't apply to UF but my numbers would have more than sufficed. I can't believe I am defending myself on a discussion board, but my numbers were well over UF's 50th percentiles and I'm paying 25% tuition at UM.I didn't apply because my feet are already soaking wet in my desired industry here in Miami. I should not have called Gainesville a rural farm; it was rude. It just amuses me that because US News says UF is better, that means it's unequivocally better to the obnoxious Gator Nation. Let me think here... UF is a regional Florida school ---> the biggest law market in Florida by FAR is Miami ---> UM places much better in Miami as admitted by UF personnel. Yes.. I agree that it is a no brainer.What happens when Time magazine comes along and ranks Miami higher than UF? Uh oh!! Now there's two??? A huge dilemma for the rankings-huggers. They would be so confused their heads would explode like the Fembots is Austin Powers.


text:
Adult Discipleship
Adult Ministries
Our adult discipleship ministry at First Pres takes many approaches to help adults strengthen their relationship with the Lord, grow in faith, develop strong relationships with other believers and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill their individual ministries. We offer:
Sunday Mornings - 9:00 am
Each class is focused on understanding what God's Word says and how we apply it in our daily lives.
Wednesday Evenings (FISH) - 6:00 pm
Our Wednesday evening all-church gathering is FISH (Fellowship, Inspiration, Scripture and Hope). We begin with dinner at 6:00 pm, followed by classes for all ages at 6:45pm until 8:00 pm. We usually offer 1-2 classes for adults at FISH.
Small Groups - Various times throughout the month
We have a number of small groups that meet monthly or bi-weekly that provide our adults with the ongoing support and Christian friendship that all believers need. They focus on different themes and styles and we are always open to starting new groups as the need arises. For more information on small groups click here.
Bible Studies
In addition to our small group Bible studies and our Sunday morning/Wednesday evening classes, we also offer a weekly Thursday morning Bible study for women and a bi-weekly Wednesday morning Bible study for men.
We seek to offer retreats during the year that provide that extra time for fun, fellowship and study.
Teaching and Service Opportunities
An important part of our spiritual growth is serving others by using our spiritual gifts. We encourage people to use their gifts to help any of our ministries or to start a new one. Giving people opportunities to serve, via short-term or long-term, is important to First Pres.


text:
JOB OPPORTUNITY: Director of Anti-Bullying Project (Bakersfield)
The Gay & Lesbian Center of Bakersfield is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director of our Anti-Bullying Project. This is a one-year, grant-funded position. Candidate requirements include:
Qualification as an independent, self-monitoring contractor who has performed work for other organizations.
Be in possession of an established office facility separate from the Center, including computer and phone service, with appropriate insurance for an independent business structure separate from the Center.
Skilled at in-person and written communications.
Transportation to fulfill responsibilities and valid California Driver's License.
Skilled at using Microsoft Office.
Ability to provide professional representation of the Center.
$20,000 over a one year period, including regular operating expenses (Source is the grant from The California Endowment). Board to establish benchmarks and time frames and amount of payment.
Position Responsibilities
- Create a work plan to fulfill grant requirements.
Set appropriate objectives and priorities to achieve the work plan, and conduct activities, recruit board and volunteer support as needed to accomplish objectives.
Build positive relationships with individuals and organizations as needed to accomplish objectives.
Participate in Center Strategic Planning sessions as needed.
Make advance requests to board for Center financial support if unusual expenditures are needed to accomplish objectives.
Interested candidates must provide a letter of interest and a resume to be received no later than February 27, 2015. Applicant information may be provided by email to email@example.com, by mail to GLCB, P.O. Box 2712, Bakersfield CA 93303, or by in person delivery to the Gay & Lesbian Center, 902 18th Street, Bakersfield CA 93301 during regular operating hours. For more information, contact board president Jan Hefner by email or at 661-301-4218.


text:
Deborah the Judge (Judges 4:1-23)
We don't often hear the stories of women in the bible. But they are there! And even though some of these women are only mentioned in one line, they still have a great impact and can teach us wonderful lessons. Follow this 5 part vlog.


text:
You're getting married...Congratulations! Planning and hosting a wedding is so much fun, but it can also be so much stress! For some reason, one of the things some couples find most stressful is anticipating having to stand up there in front of their families and friends and pledge their love to each other.
Did you know that most often its the Officiant who does all the talking? All you will have to do is follow his instructions and now and then repeat a word after him. It can be as easy as that! A truly beautiful wedding ceremony is made up of many components, which we'll talk about on our "Ceremonies" page. Adding things like readings and musical pieces bring an almost magical feeling to a ceremony and all you have to do is stand there and enjoy it!
Please take the time to look through our website for ideas, insights and an occasional sweet story of real weddings we have participated in. When you've finished, we think you'll be excited to begin planning your ceremony.
Click Here!


text:
Skoda has finally prepared its Octavia Scout with an auto gearbox.
In the two years since its Australian launch the Skoda Octavia Scout hasn't really lived up to sales expectations for head office, despite initial positive media acclaim.
Numbers have been low and the main reason for that has been the lack of an automatic transmission that's more favoured by Aussie buyers than their Euro counterparts. (And unfortunately lingering negative brand perception Down Under hasn't helped move Skoda units.)
So, in an effort to shift that perception and numbers, Skoda has embarked on a campaign that will see new models arrive (including the AWD Yeti later in the year), expanded the dealer network and, importantly, slotted parent company VW's six-speed DSG auto into the Scout. It is an option, though; the six-speed manual remains the standard cog-swapper.
The auto would be the icing on the cake, if that honour wasn't taken by the introduction of the Premium model Scout, which is a blatant tilt at main rival: Subaru's Premium Outback.
The DSG (dual clutch, automated manual) auto offers a manual mode for self shifting and drivers can select a sport or economy setting to maximise acceleration or minimise fuel use.
The new gearbox remains mated to the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that puts out 103kW at 4200rpm and 320Nm between 1750 and 2500rpm, which together offer a combined claimed fuel consumption of 6.1L/100km. (We've managed 8.6L/100km on a previous outing with the manual.)
The AWD system continues with the Haldex electronically-controlled clutch set-up and the Scout's on-road stability is safely managed with ESP, ABS, EBD and anti-slip regulation (ASR) traction control and a hill-hold function to halt rollback. Inside, passengers are protected by six airbags; front, side and curtain.
The drive is a pleasant, quiet affair only marred by the slightly underpowered oiler struggling with steeper inclines and subsequently kicking down, but across the board the auto is smooth.
Comfort and convenience levels are high and the standard inclusions are impressive. Dual zone climate-control aircon; Columbus satellite navigation; 30GB hard drive and voice control with eight speakers for the sounds; reverse parking sensors; and heated front seats are the standard highlights, while a step up to the Premium Scout adds polished alloys; electric sliding glass sunroof; privacy glass for all rear windows; electric driver's seat; and Alcantara leather upholstery.
In the wagon wars it's all about space and the Scout has that in spades. Rear-seat passengers are a tad tight in knee room, though feet aren't squished, but the cargo area can manage a 660kg payload with more space (seats up) than the Outback and only marginally less with the rear seats folded down.
Heading off into the wilds for the weekend warrior, confidence is boosted with 180mm ground clearance and bash plates under engine and gearbox.
The Scout definitely has a confident and fairly classy Euro feel and it appealed enough to draw buyers to the showrooms, only to put them off with the manual-only proposition, which was also quite stiff in operation.
Now, keenly and squarely in the price ballpark of the Subaru opposition, with premium appointments and that leather-wrapped and chrome T-bar auto lever removing 90 percent of the barrier to purchase, let's see if Skoda achieves the 100 sales per month target it's chasing.


text:
Books among items at Elmore Leonard estate sale
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Fans of Elmore Leonard were among those Thursday who browsed books, furnishings and other contents during an estate sale at the late author's suburban Detroit home.
The three-day sale at the home in Oakland County, northwest of Detroit, runs through Saturday. Items include first edition "and/or signed books, furniture, lamps, linens, rugs, garden accessories, outdoor furniture and more," according to a listing on the website EstateSales.net.
"Just to be in his home is a dream," David Brunell, a Livonia attorney and Leonard fan, told The Detroit News. "He's always been a hero of mine."
Leonard died Aug. 20 at age 87 from complications of a stroke he suffered weeks earlier. The home, where Leonard lived and wrote, is being sold separately.
In addition to literary followers, the sale drew antique dealers, collectors and garage sale junkies.
Some of Leonard's family members were on hand for the sale as well as others who knew the author. Photographer Linda Solomon, whose portraits of the author at his desk adorn many of Leonard's book jackets, came early.
"I picked up a little vase to remember him, and a book that I'm sure he read," she said.
Leonard won an honorary National Book Award in 2012, and fans made best-sellers out of pretty much every one of his books since 1985's "Glitz." Hollywood adapted his work into dozens of movies and TV shows, including the films "Out of Sight" and "Get Shorty."
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Planning Constraints The site is a Local Nature Reserve with an access bridge over the Trent and Mersey canal. The location of the building was proposed to be adjacent to the existing car park; however two major sewer lines with 10m restrictions influenced the final position. Extensive public consultation exercises took place, both on the site and with visits to nearby schools and newspaper features. A local community group, Friends of Westport Lake, provided Walker Simpson with valuable historic site information. The location of the Centre is in the position of a former water inlet to the lake and an artificial beach. The history of the nearby Staffordshire Potteries was the subject of the Interpretation Display and murals were constructed with local participation including tiles found on the site. The site was subject to anti social behaviour at night and residents on the opposite side of the canal were concerned that any development should alleviate this problem. The design was carefully developed with this in mind. The raised building is accessed over a pedestrian bridge, which can be easily secured at night. Bringing the water under the building created not only a habitat for wildlife, but prevented congregation points under the building. The new Visitor Centre provides a landmark in North Staffordshire for boaters across the canal network; therefore it was import to create vistas to both the canal and the lake. The roof form opens up to the north east and west and is in filled with full height glazed walls. Consultation with the Ecologist was undertaken as part of the Planning Process, careful choice of wind turbine (a helical blade was specified) and positioning to avoid migrating bats and flight paths of Canada Geese resulted in a successful planning approval.
Materials The building, constructed using reclaimed brick (including Staffordshire Blue bricks) and a timber glulam frame, is clad in sustainable timber, energy efficient glazing and lime rendered straw bales. The roof is covered in a sedum mat for storm water attenuation, insulation and biodiversity purposes. The straw bales provide high levels of insulation combined with low embodied energy. The energy demands are minimised by the super insulation; the residual energy demands are mostly met by renewable energy technologies including a lake source heat pump, solar thermal panels and photovoltaic panels. The building is not connected to the public storm water sewer and water is collected from the roof and decks to flush the toilets in the boaters shower room, some water discharges back into the lake.
Method of Construction Featured in Detail as one of only 12 projects selected from around the world, the building is founded on pile foundations due to the poor soil conditions and the proximity of the lake creating a high water table. Due to constraints of loading on the canal bridge and poor ground, the main structure was conceived as a lightweight timber frame. A number of primary steel elements were introduced in the structural deck due to the large spans, but the reach and size of the crane minimised due to the access. The upper structure was constructed off the floor deck using portable lifting plant. The frame is constructed from a series of glulam beams with steel connectors with engineered timber joists between the primary glulams. The curved roof edge and balustrade was constructed using plywood formers with layers of curved ply screwed into place. The base of the building is constructed in mass brickwork, a one and half brick thick (partially curved) wall of reclaimed bricks with lime mortar. The first floor structural deck is supported on slender green oak columns with stainless steel pin joints along the waters edge and supported on the reclaimed brick walls with galvanised steel connectors. The solid walls at first floor are constructed in straw bales, by the subcontractor Amazonnails. The bales are non loadbearing and are tied to the timber posts for wind loading. The bales are reinforced by small columns and areas of loose straw were used to infill at the primary column positions. The columns are effectively inside the straw, omitting any cold bridging and enhancing the thermal insulation of the wall. Summary of Timetable: Architects appointed April 2006 / Planning Approval Granted October 2006 / Start on site February 2007 / Contract Determined September 2008 / Completion Contract July 2009. Programme Budget Constraints: Project was required to start on site in Feb 2007 due to Funding requirements. £1.3million, £2530/m2
Testimonials: "The Westport Lake Visitor Centre has added a much-needed and much-loved improvement to the already highly popular Local Nature Reserve in which it stands. The Centre has provided a warm welcome whatever the circumstances, whether as a place for quiet enjoyment and reflection for carers' groups, or as the heart of the hustle and bustle associated with a half-term playscheme, when excited children have been informed and entertained, whilst their parents have enjoyed their delight, as well as some welcome refreshment". (Guy Corbett-Marshall, Chief Executive, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust


text:
Posts Tagged 'War'
An Anatomy of Incompetence
The Oxford Companion to the Mind – always worth dipping into on a rainy day – contains a thought-provoking entry on something I had never thought of as a mental illness: military incompetence.
There are scores of battles that have gone horribly wrong throughout history – and even some where the battle itself was a mere detail in the horror, as in the 'imbecilic' Walcheren campaign of 1809. Here, inadequate medical supplies meant a 39,000-strong army was forced to withdraw just five months after arriving because 4,000 had died from easily preventable disease; the death toll from actual combat was 106. The article lists a number of other hideous mistakes from the Crimean to Vietnam, and asks what caused them. What caused the generals leading these campaigns to act in a way that resulted in such spectacular wastes of human life?
It's easy to say incompetence. But what exactly does that mean? Certainly not stupidity – that would predict failures coming from all directions, at random, with no pattern linking them. According to studies of some of history's most pointless massacres, there are common themes running through them.
The inability to use new technology or recognise old technology as obsolete. The tendency to prefer big battles and full-frontal attacks. The habit of ignoring bad news. The belief in following instinct rather than reconnaissance. All these things crop up over and over again.
When a number of symptoms appear together, they might be identified as a syndrome. And this leads us to wonder whether or not there might be some underlying cause.
An army is not like society. Society has evolved over thousand years basically to prevent violence from being the normal state of things. In order make a solder capable of using the violent forces that every other aspect of society does its best to suppress, the military has created a system of punishments and rewards that might have unexpected effects on the people it trains. The rigid discipline that benefits a soldier in the field might be a handicap to a general who needs to adapt his tactics.
The unnerving question is whether there is something about the kind of mind that rises through the ranks in the military that reproducibly leads them to make the same kind of mistakes over and over.
In his book on the art of war, General Rupert Smith urges us to be flexible. Of all the equipment he has used, nothing except the most basic – the hand grenade, the rifle – have been used exactly as they were intended. Indeed, he argues, the whole nature of armed conflict is changing, to the extent that 'war' as most people understand it has ceased to exist altogether. If the military lifestyle generates people who are unable to adapt to these developments, disasters resulting in appalling loss of live will never be eradicated.
It's all depressingly reminiscent of the Peter principle: people who are promoted for demonstrating competence tend to accumulate at the level at which they are incompetent.
The Oxford Companion the the Mind (1987)
Rupert Smith – The Utility of Force
War No Longer Exists
"War no longer exists."
This is a bold statement, but Rupert Smith is certainly one with the authority to make it. He was a general in the British Army, seeing action in the Gulf, Sarajevo and Northern Ireland among other places. With these words he begins his book The Utility of Force; he goes on to say that the last real war in the sense that most people think of it was the Yom Kippur War – fought in 1973.
The problem, he says, is how you define war.
The general pattern of war is this: Peace, Crisis, War, Resolution, Peace. And it has always been clear that the more power you dedicate to fighting the war, the better your chances of success will be. The best chance of winning, therefore, will come from a society that totally dedicates itself to winning, by conscripting an army from the general population and by diverting industry to produce munitions – in essence, bringing civilian life to a standstill for the duration of the conflict.
For the generals and governments at in conflict, the rule is this: in order to restore the peaceful way of life you are trying to protect, you need to declare war at the last possible moment, and win it as quickly as possible.
And, in the West, we have been getting increasingly good at both of these things. For hundreds of years we improved our means of dealing with the massed armies of our various enemies, until 1945, when we built and used the atomic bomb. It is now absolutely guaranteed that, if push comes to shove, any massed army anywhere in the world can instantly be defeated. We are invincible.
Or at least we would be, if our enemies just played by the rules.
Because now, among nations of the world too poor to assemble their own nuclear arsenal, people have developed their own way of fighting: they have learned that, against an opponent who can destroy any massed army, the secret is not to mass. They fight on their own ground, on their own terms, at their own pace, and among their own people.
They have also redefined victory. To us, victory is expressed in terms of capture, destroy, kill, incapacitate. Our enemies instead would use words like persuade, wear down, exhaust. They know that the real battle takes place, not in the country being invaded, but in the country doing the invading: they must make the war unpopular at home. They do this by fighting wars of attrition. They allow us to capture cities, then keep up a steady drip of assassinations and bombings that make the headlines here. The conflict always remains below the level at which we would have to mobilise to fight a war, but never gives any respite. They wear us down. They take their time, knowing that the longer it drags out, the harder it will be for us to continue.
War no longer exists. Instead, we have a situation where gigantic armies invade a country in a matter of weeks, win every engagement and declare themselves victorious… and then, after years of ceaseless, sourceless violence, are forced to withdraw in the face of popular pressure from back home. It is a kind of conflict we do not yet know how to fight.
Rupert Smith lays this all out in exhaustive detail in his book The Utility of Force, but I found it extremely heavy-going. His speech given to the University of Bath, however, was exhilarating. Download the mp3 here.


text: Home > Overseas Filipina accuses male accountant of sexual harassment in NYC ABS-CBN North America News Bureau Posted at Mar 21 2017 01:11 PM Share Save Facebook Twitter LinkedIn A Filipina has accused a male accountant of the world-renowned architecture firm, Despont Studios, of sexual harassment. According to an exclusive report by the New York Daily News, a lawsuit was filed Friday in a Manhattan federal court, which claims that an architecture firm employee harassed 36-year old Trinity Sunaz by "yanking her head, and thrusting it into his crotch." The same male employee also reportedly grabbed the Pinay former office cleaner's breasts, and would allegedly slap her behind without her consent. Sunaz, who worked at Despont Studios from December 2014 to January 2017, was reportedly forced to quit her job because of what she went through. Sunaz, from Jersey City, New Jersey, is still unemployed. She is a single mother to two kids. Read more on Balitang America: https://www.balitangamerica.tv Share Save Facebook Share on Twitter LinkedIn Pinay cleaner, NYC, harassment, sexual harassment, balitang america Read More: Pinay cleaner NYC harassment sexual harassment balitang america /entertainment/11/01/16/tippi-hedren-accuses-hitchcock-of-sexual-harassment-in-memoir/news/03/02/17/office-of-the-president-rebuilds-sexual-harassment-investigative-body/news/10/07/16/ilocos-norte-town-police-chief-charged-with-sexual-harassment/news/08/30/16/cop-convicted-of-sexual-harassment-faces-rape-complaint/overseas/07/22/16/fox-news-chief-resigns-after-sexual-harassment-claims


text:
Does anyone know of any good sites or tips for finding an apartment for the summer in SoCal? I looked at Craig's List but not much there. And timeshares are ridiculously expensive at $1500 per week. Advice greatly appreciated.
See more
See less
Summer Stay Advice in SoCal - 2 Months
This topic is closed.
new posts
[Question] Summer Stay Advice in SoCal - 2 MonthsTags: None
Jester of RandomnessMiceChat Moderator
- Jan 2005
- 66030
Re: Summer Stay Advice in SoCal - 2 Months
What specifically are you looking for? How many bedrooms do you need? For exactly how long? In Orange County, it may be hard to find even long term rentals for less than $200 a night. I know there are websites now where you can rent houses for the week pretty reasonably, but I can't find them now. There are vacation rental websites, but there are so many options depending on your specific needs.
Here's a few sites I found doing a quick search. Not sure if this will help any or not!
Anaheim Vacation Rentals, Anaheim California Vacation Rental Homes - Vacation Rentals.com
Anaheim Vacation Rentals, Anaheim Rentals, CyberRentals
Anaheim Vacation Home Rentals, Anaheim Home Rental in California
Anaheim Area metro area California Vacation Rentals by Owner - Anaheim Area metro area California VRBO, Vacation Home Rentals, Condo Rentals, FRBO Vacation Rentals, Anaheim Area metro area California Travel Information
Anaheim California Rental Condos, Villas, Anaheim CA House Rentals
Help me get more security in Pingvinivlle! Click here!
Originally posted by AGhostFromThePastall you need to know about the mommy stick is.. out of all the bad things that could happen to you... it's right between wetting yourself and death.
Re: Summer Stay Advice in SoCal - 2 Months
Thanks for the links, it's much appreciated. I'm just surprised how much most of these places want (especially considering the economy)... it would almost be cheaper to just buy a cheap condo in Riverside since I plan to be in the area for two months.
Compared to the lowest price of $150 per night, I could use Priceline to get the Crowne Plaza for $50 per night; I just need a kitchen, plus a bathroom and a bedroom with 2 beds.
Re: Summer Stay Advice in SoCal - 2 Months
Look at "Corporate and Transitional Housing" places - Oakwood Condominiums is one that has buildings scattered all over the Southland, fully furnished Condos by the month. There are a lot of 'Future Movie Stars' that get put up there as their new pilot is shot, and they wait while they find out if it gets purchased by a network - or not. Then it's back to Ohio.
Or long-stay hotels like the (Marriott) Residence Inn, Kitchenette hotel rooms with reduced housekeeping. (They aren't in there every day unless you really want it. And that's part of the secret to the reduced price, making your own bed in the mornings.)
You can often cut quite attractive Monthly Rates deals with local hotels, but they do require you to move between rooms or otherwise "Check Out" and "Return" monthly or bi-monthly, so you don't convert legally to a Tenant. The laws vary in places (some cities regulate this heavily to avoid the Hotels deteriorating) but IIRC the main conversion point they want to avoid is after 60 days.
The problem with traditional apartments is they want you in there for a minimum of six months to a year, and though long-term leases aren't as prevalent on the West Coast you won't get the best prices without one. Costs them too much to do the "Turnaround" painting and upkeep between tenants if you are only there for a month or two.
--<< Bruce >>--There's No Place Like 127.0.0.1
Re: Summer Stay Advice in SoCal - 2 Months
The Oakwood is about $100 per night, and that Marriott is on my list to call next. I'll probably start calling some of the local, non-chain type places to see if they can cut me a deal to get under $100 per night. I don't need anything fancy or even a pool so there's got to be something out there. Thanks for taking the time out to provide some good advice.
Re: Summer Stay Advice in SoCal - 2 Months
Heck, if you have a car you can do some really aggressive Priceline wrangling and only move once or twice.
Another lower-cost option is to buy or rent a motorhome or travel trailer, and find good long term rates at a campground. Problem being finding a vacancy...
Oh! Any relatives in the area with a house? Rent the trailer or motorhome and stay in their driveway. I'll come over and install you a 30-amp 120V or 50A 120/240V RV power outlet, and you can have a plumber intercept the sewer line and install a conveniently placed cleanout...
(Subject to local zoning - a lot of RV Storage Lot Owners band together and push for 'No Parking of Motorhomes' laws to "clean up our neighborhood!" Yeah, right, suuuuure - Follow The Money. You have to apply for a "long term loading" permit to park it longer than a few hours - and that only gets you a day or two.)
--<< Bruce >>--There's No Place Like 127.0.0.1
Re: Summer Stay Advice in SoCal - 2 Months
Other Ideas:
There's a Holiday Inn in Burbank that buys ads in the L.A. Times - around $1200 a month for a single room, and $1500 (IIRC) for a "Suite" with a kitchenette. But that's a bit of a commute away, especially if you won't have a car.
Check the Orange County Register and the other regional papers for the same type of offer closer to where you want to be.
Call Real Estate Agents in the target area and see if they need any House Sitters. The way some homeowners insurance policies work, if the house sits vacant for more than 30 days the property coverage goes down or they have to pay extra to retain coverage.
If they have a house sitter in the residence the insurance stays in force. It might be as simple as them keeping the lights and gas on, and you paying for the utilities you used.
Be creative, be flexible, and something will click.
--<< Bruce >>--There's No Place Like 127.0.0.1
Re: Summer Stay Advice in SoCal - 2 Months
Those are some great suggestions, thanks! I'll look into contacting some real estate agents in the areas I'd like to stay and see what they have available. Thanks again for taking the time out to respond!