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Recently Airbnb announced the formation of a technology partnership with SiteMinder, a cloud-based channel management platform used by more than 28,000 hotels around the world. Now, hotels that use SiteMinder and meet certain criteria from Airbnb can easily list their inventory on Airbnb.com. This includes real-time availability, rates, and content on Airbnb thanks to this new partnership.
If there were any doubt as to Airbnb's true intentions of entering the OTA space and start aggressively competing with online travel agency giants such as Booking.com and Expedia, they need to be laid to rest immediately.
Why is Airbnb Entering the OTA space?
The lure of higher commissions from hotels in the range of 15%-20% vs. the lesser 3%-6% from private accommodations is the main reason why Airbnb is venturing into the OTA space. Another reason is that hotel accommodations are typically instantly bookable while most of the private accommodations on Airbnb are listed on a reservation request basis. Indeed, out of more than 4.5 million private accommodations listed on Airbnb, less than 45% are instantly bookable.
Will travel consumers embrace this recent move by Airbnb?
Airbnb has established itself as the purveyor of unique private accommodations. However, what's the added value for consumers when many of the hotel accommodations are already available on a zillion OTA and meta search websites?
Further, hoteliers have to maintain rate parity on Airbnb since all rates are publicly available and Expedia is already monitoring Airbnb. Travel consumers will be seeing the same hotel inventory and rates that are available on every other OTA and meta search website, including Google Hotel Ads.
We have to ask ourselves, why do travel consumers use Airbnb to begin with?
When people want to book a hotel, Airbnb typically does not come to mind. We have clients on Airbnb that report they are getting occasional bookings from this site. The main reason for this is that consumers do not go to Airbnb to book hotels but to find and book unique private apartments and houses at a reasonable price. TripAdvisor learned the hard way with its Instant Booking feature the truth about entrenched travel consumer purchase behavior. Instant Booking was a major flop since consumers simply did not accept TripAdvisor as a hotel booking channel.
Overall, travel consumers will not be easily accepting Airbnb as a hotel booking channel and hoteliers should not expect an avalanche of bookings through this channel.
How should hoteliers handle this new move by Airbnb?
Hoteliers need to understand that Airbnb is not an ordinary OTA.
On the one hand, hoteliers may experiment with Airbnb as an OTA distribution channel. Although due to the reasons outlined above, we do not expect this to become a significant source of bookings. On the other hand, hoteliers must learn how to combat Airbnb and win the booking which would otherwise go to private accommodations.
There is no doubt that Airbnb has drastically disrupted the travel industry and positioned itself as a unique online travel agency for travel consumers. Yet while Airbnb paves the way for a new niche in travel, this industry player is disrupting hospitality and affecting a hotel's bottom line in a major way.
Airbnb has "hijacked" 10%-15% of the travel demand in many major metropolitan areas and leisure destinations, forcing hoteliers to fight for every guest. Example, Airbnb is taking 10-12% of travel demand in New York City, Paris and London.
The impact affects overall occupancy and hotel room pricing which has lead hotels to be unable to raise ADRs in periods of traditional peak demand. In fact, according to Morgan Stanley Research, 49% of survey respondents in the US, UK, France, and Germany reported that they booked an Airbnb in place of a traditional hotel.
Even more concerning, the research predicts this number will remain steady throughout 2018 and Airbnb's cannibalization of hotels' business will hover at approximately 50% for both business and leisure travelers. The impact affects ADR leaving hotels unable to raise prices in periods of peak demand, and ultimately, affects overall occupancy.
According to HVS, it is estimated that the hotel industry loses approximately $450 million in direct revenues to Airbnb each year. In light of this, hotels must take action with a unique value proposition on the hotel website and a strategic marketing strategy in order to combat the negative effects of Airbnb on their bottom line.
Here is an action plan to take on Airbnb and win the direct booking.
The Value Proposition on the Hotel Website:
To combat the effects of Airbnb on your hotel's bottom line, hoteliers should promote features and amenities that Airbnbs lack. Here are a few value propositions to consider promoting on the hotel website:
Guest Services
Hotels offer services that guests cannot get when staying in an Airbnb rental. These services include room service, concierge and information, and luxuries such as plush robes. Hoteliers should highlight guest services throughout the hotel website. They can also showcase their employees that are dedicated to making stays comfortable and convenient.
Hotels also offer amenities that are typically unavailable in Airbnb rentals, including spa services, onsite dining, and a fitness center. The hotel website should highlight these amenities with rich imagery and descriptive copy.
Inspiring Communal Spaces
Many hotels now offer spaces for guests to gather and socialize, including inviting lobbies, lobby bars and cafes, executive meeting rooms, and more. This can be a place to meet other guests or just a place to relax and work. Airbnb options lack this communal space, as many Airbnb spaces are just rooms within apartments or an entire space to a guest. In addition, Airbnb guests do not have the same opportunity to socialize and mix and mingle with other travelers. Hoteliers can highlight this on the website with images of guests enjoying communal spaces and socializing.
Security and Safety
Airbnb is not always a safe option for travelers. Accommodations are booked through property owners that are unknown to the guests. If the guest is unfamiliar with the area, they may be staying in an unsafe neighborhood or use unsafe transportation to/from the Airbnb rental. Hotels, however, have 24/7 front desk and security. Hotels can highlight this on their website by listing their security measures under FAQs or amenities.
ADA and Accessibility
Very few Airbnb accommodations are ADA compliant. Hotels are ADA compliant by law and offer ADA-compliant accommodations and access for disabled guests, such as wheelchair accessible bathrooms and elevators, which cannot be said for most private accommodations.
Baggage Storage
Travelers often arrive to their destination earlier than expected, or leave later in the day after check-out. Hotels often offer luggage storage so guests can explore the destination without having to carry around heavy bags. Airbnb hosts typically do not offer this service. They expect the guest to arrive at the time of check-in. Hoteliers should provide their baggage storage information under amenities and services.
Guest Appreciation Program/Loyalty Program
Many hotels offer guest appreciation or reward programs for repeats guests. They are free to sign up and reward guests for staying at the hotel to increase guest retention. Currently, Airbnb does not offer a loyalty program. Hotels can highlight their loyalty programs by putting a call-out to sign up directly on the homepage of the hotel website. They can also dedicate a portal on the website for members-only discounts to loyalty members.
While Airbnb is seen as a more cost-effective option to travel consumers, this is not always the case. Hoteliers should stay aware of Airbnb pricing in the property's neighborhood and emphasize the value and additional services guests will experience by booking the hotel at a comparable price. Featuring a dynamic rate on the hotel website homepage will also allow the property to highlight competitive rates.
Marketing Strategy to Combat Airbnb:
To combat the effect Airbnb has on the hotel industry, hoteliers will need an effective digital marketing strategy. Here are some digital marketing tactics to help protect your bottom line:
Experiential Packages
Hotels can offer packages that provide guests with the ultimate destination experience. For example, a New York based hotel can offer guests complimentary museum passes, Uber credits, and free walking tours. Hotels in warm destinations can provide poolside beverages and complimentary sunscreen. Tailor experiences that are unique to your destination.
"Live Like a Local" Messaging
A big appeal of Airbnb is that guests feel like a local with a unique experience of staying in a resident's home. Hotels can combat this by delivering "live like a local" messaging. They can launch campaigns that promote a more unique, local experience such as promoting discounts at local restaurants, a map of hidden gems and local hangouts, and complimentary passes for public transportation.
Smart Data Marketing
Through top travel ad networks such as ADARA and Sojern, a hotel can target travelers based on the dates they are researching. Travelers likely have already searched for flights and may even have searched for hotels before turning to Airbnb. ADARA and Sojern can target these potential guests with ads that appear at multiple touchpoints throughout the online travel planning journey, and ultimately drive traffic to the hotel website to win direct booking.
Blog Posts
Hotels can create blog posts with itinerary ideas in the hotel's destination that appeals to all types of travelers, including history buffs, art enthusiasts, and foodies, which will also help combat the local appeal of Airbnb. Blog posts will come up in search results when travelers are searching for things to do in the destination and will drive traffic to the hotel website to assist in driving direct bookings.
Social Media
Social media outlets are one of the most popular places travelers get inspiration for their next vacation. Therefore, hotels should have an active social media presence and post rich imagery showcasing the hotel's guest rooms, amenities, and services. They can also invest in video and Facebook Canvas Ads to allow the traveler to experience the hotel before ever setting foot on property and inspire them to book. Additionally, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter offer many targeting opportunities which allow hotel marketers to target potential guests who are interested in Airbnb.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Travelers often turn to TripAdvisor when planning travel. Having positive reviews on TripAdvisor is important, as this may encourage travelers to choose the hotel over Airbnb. Hoteliers can prompt guests to write a review in a post-stay email, or ask people who have left reviews on other channels such as Facebook and Google. When prompting guests to leave a review, hoteliers can also encourage them to mention their favorite local activity in their review to really help drive home that guests can stay at a hotel and still get a local experience.
TripAdvisor is also a great opportunity to advertise your hotel through destination targeted display or a TripAdvisor business listing on your property page. This will help ensure you drive traffic to the hotel website while potential guests are researching hotel options and price comparing to Airbnb options in the same neighborhood.
Following this strategy will allow hotels to stay competitive with Airbnb and combat the effects on the hotel's bottom line.
Founded in 2001, the firm is headquartered in New York City and has global offices in Las Vegas and Asia Pacific. Through its Smart Guest Acquisition Suite, including the smartCMS®, Smart Personalization Engine, Smart Data Marketing, and full-service digital consulting and marketing solutions, HEBS Digital helps hoteliers drastically boost direct bookings, lower distribution costs, and increase the lifetime value of guests.
Part of NextGuest Technologies, HEBS Digital and Serenata CRM, the most comprehensive Hotel CRM Suite today, are the creators of the hospitality industry's first Fully-Integrated Guest Engagement & Acquisition Platform.
A diverse client portfolio of top-tier luxury and boutique hotel chains, independent hotels, resorts and casinos, franchised properties and hotel management companies, convention centers, spas, restaurants, DMO and tourist offices across the globe are all benefiting from HEBS Digital's direct online channel strategy and digital marketing expertise.
HEBS Digital's technology, website design and digital marketing services have won more than 500 prestigious industry awards, including World Travel Awards, HSMAI Adrian Awards, Stevie Awards (American Business Awards), Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards, and more.
The HEBS Digital team is comprised of thought leaders, a diverse team of experts comprised of over 33 nationalities speaking over 22 languages. Contact HeBS Digital's consultants at 1 (800) 649-5076 (North America), +64 (0) 9 889 8489 (Asia Pacific) or email@example.com.
Garrick Lee
Marketing Manager, HEBS Digital
Phone: (212) 752-9425
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


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- WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Accessible
- Gym
Choose your room
The Hotel Tropical is well known not only for its professional customer service but also for its quality. Our restaurant situated on the ground floor offers a buffet breakfast (english and continental) served from 08.00 o´clock to 11.30 in the morning and a buffet dinner (drinks not included in the price). Our thematic dinners offer you the chance to enjoy our cuisine and experience different menus such as Italian dinners, Mexican food, chinese or an english roast meal. On the ground floor you can also find a large lounge with high speed internet connection and satellite T.V together with our night bar opened until 1.00 a.m.
Opposite the hotel you will find our leisure area with, amongst other things, a large swimming-pool surrounded by gardens and terraces, as well as a games room, a gym and a snack bar with food service where you can enjoy our wide range of cocktails under the wonderful Ibiza sun.
Useful information:Other names for Hotel Tropical:
Hotel Tropical Ibiza
Tropical Ibiza Hotel

subset: commoncrawl


text: June 16th is father's day. We had guests and decided to make something different not very known in Greece or maybe Europe. It is, however, quite well known in the United States Of America. It is "Chicken with beer in the butt" . We all know what butt means but in this case the butt of the chicken is the big hole between the thighs . I think is a marvelous idea to stick a small beer can at room temperature with lots of holes on the top in this hole…let the chicken stand and cook in this manner.


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The Fields Opening Day at Art Omi: June 16
GHENT — Art Omi presents Fields Opening Day 2018 on Saturday, June 16 from 1 - 4:30 p.m. Concurrent openings will inaugurate the inclusion of works by Tamar Ettun, Rachel Hayes, Lonnie Holley, Sara Greenberger Rafferty, Nari Ward in The Fields Sculpture Park.
From the playful inflatable forms of Tamar Ettun to the grave contemplation embedded in work by Sara Greenberger Rafferty and Nari Ward, Fields Opening Day offers the opportunity to explore exciting new work by contemporary artists recently installed in the Fields Sculpture Park. Art Omi: Education will activate the Education Pavilions with a collaborative Block Party. All are invited to collaborate, experiment, and build with wooden planks and become a part of this day-long installation. In addition to the new sculpture works on view in The Fields, an exhibition of paintings by Thomas Nozkowski continues through September 4 in the Newmark Gallery in the Charles B. Benenson Center. Lunch and snacks will be available at Café Omi throughout the afternoon.
The Fields Sculpture park is free to visit, and open daily from dawn until dusk. All activities during Fields Opening Day are free and open to the public.Nari Ward: Scapegoat
With a colossal faux-stone head that recalls the enormous busts of historical figures, this forty-foot long hobby goat toy can be understood as satire of masculinity and monument. In Scapegoat, Ward infantilizes the impulse towards the mammoth by the addition of handlebars and a precarious wheel of rusted steel and used tire. The title invokes individuals shamed and blamed by others, thereby addressing communal values and modes of inclusion and exclusion. Scapegoat appears courtesy the artist and Lehmann Maupin, New York and Hong Kong.
Nari Ward (b. 1963, St. Andrew, Jamaica; lives and works in New York) is known for his sculptural installations composed of discarded material found and collected in his neighborhood. He has repurposed objects such as baby strollers, shopping carts, bottles, doors, television sets, cash registers and shoelaces, among other materials. Ward re-contextualizes these found objects in thought-provoking juxtapositions that create complex, metaphorical meanings to confront social and political issues surrounding race, poverty, and consumer culture. Nari Ward received a BA from City University of New York, Hunter College in 1989, and an MFA from City University of New York, Brooklyn College in 1992. Ward has received numerous honors and distinctions such as the Joyce Award, The Joyce Foundation, Chicago (2015), and the Rome Prize, American Academy of Rome (2012), and awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the National Endowment for the Arts, New York Foundation for the Arts, John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation.Lonnie Holley: These Sharing Eyes & The Lookers
Two new wire and steel sculptures by Lonnie Holley, exploring themes of ancestry, tradition, and how humans coax beauty even from positions of despair. Said Holley about his recent work: "I think really what got me interested in the wire sculptures was my grandmothers ways of using materials, my father's mother, she used to get up and go to our city lot every morning and she would rake out these big bundles of copper, brass or aluminum, and she would ball them up, crush them as tight as she could, and put them in barrels. And later they would take them as a recycled material to the junkyard. So one day I just took a bundle of this wire out of her trash container and I start unweaving it and I kept unwinding it and I ended up straightening it out. And I made this beautiful butterfly for her, and I hung it up in the house, and when she got home that evening, the butterfly was there and when she saw it, she started crying."
"A lot of these things I'm doing now is part of my appreciation of my ancestry or to my peoples or to my mother, grandmother, great grandmothers. And so a lot of times you come up with a lot of faces in my works, a lot of times you're going to see a lot of connections, a continuous fold or continuous binding into one big head. A lot of people say, well he's bringing it from a traditional point of view. I didn't know that much about other people's habits, I only learned what I have learnt from my family-my grandfather on my mother's side, and the steel works that he did working in the industry, my father, and whatever his work habits were, even my grandfather's work habits, and my great grandfather."
Since 1979, Holley has devoted his life to the practice of improvisational creativity. His art and music, born out of struggle, hardship, but perhaps more importantly, out of furious curiosity and biological necessity, has manifested itself in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, performance, and sound. His work is now in collections of major museums throughout the country, on permanent display in the United Nations, and been displayed in the White House Rose Garden. In January of 2014, Holley completed a one-month artist-in-residence with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation in Captiva Island, Florida, site of the acclaimed artist's studio.Sara Greenberger Rafferty: After Harry
Created for the Public Art Fund in 2008, this work was originally sited at Metrotech Center in Brooklyn, a public plaza ensconced in the judicial center of Brooklyn. While the title After Harry explicitly references Harry Houdini-the famous magician that figured prominently in Greenberger Rafferty's practice at that time-this work also alludes to the grave impacts of the judicial system. The courts are a place where justice is handed out and the terms of bondage are determined: will the invisible actor in this piece escape or be held in chains?
Sara Greenberger Rafferty has exhibited widely since 2001, including solo exhibitions at The Kitchen, New York; MoMA PS1, New York; Eli Marsh Gallery at Amherst College, Massachusetts; The Suburban, Illinois; and a commissioned sculpture for the Public Art Fund. In 2014, she participated in the Whitney Biennial; the Hammer Biennial; and had solo exhibitions in Portland, Oregon, Riga, Latvia, and New York. In 2015, her work was included in exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center in Georgia, and Galerie Andreas Huber in Vienna. In 2016, she mounted her 4th solo exhibition at Rachel Uffner Gallery; and had a solo project at Document in Chicago. In 2017, she opened a traveling museum show with accompanying fully-illustrated catalogue, published by SUNY Press.


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If you've ever walked around a showhome before then you've probably been enchanted by the contemporary style, spacious rooms, and glitzy centrepieces that are all designed to woo you and reel you in. Of course, a real-life household isn't like a showhome. It's full of clutter, broken things, and (often) faded or outdated design pieces. Still, your house likely has personality and sentimentality attached to it. That's something you can't say for a lifeless showhome that has yet to become a place of memories for a loving family. But it would be nice to combine the design aspects of a shiny new showhome with the character of a "lived in" family home. Let's talk about how you can give your uninspiring house the "showhome" treatment.
Create a minimal design.
Minimalism is a timeless trend because the goal is to simply make your home more spacious, and that's something everybody wants. Whether you live in a huge mansion or you prefer the intimacy of a small cottage, nobody wants to feel cramped in their own home. That's why minimalism works so well. It's practical and pleasing to the eye. For starters, you should declutter your house from top to bottom. Get rid of belongings that you don't want or need anymore; many of us are guilty of hoarding a growing collection of possessions. You'll find that your home feels much bigger once you let go of the clutter you don't need, and this is the first step towards creating a minimal design.
In terms of the belongings that remain in your house, you should think of smarter ways to use the space in your home so that it doesn't become cluttered again. For example, you could put up shelving on the walls so that you create additional storage for your belongings. If you leave a lot of crockery lying around on kitchen surfaces then this might give you more storage space for those utensils. Additionally, you need to get creative with the space you have available in your house. You could convert the space under the stairs into a cosy reading corner for people to enjoy. You could even convert your attic into a games room. There are many ways to extend your home that you probably haven't considered.
It's all about the art of illusion.
Continuing on the topic of spaciousness, the art of illusion is crucial to making your home feel big and inviting. Showhomes use this trick all the time, but it's an important trick; it makes your household feel more comfortable and welcoming. And making your home more inspiring is all about improving your perception of it, at the end of the day. As suggested over at https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/, the simple addition of a large area rug to a room can make it feel much larger. It's an impressive illusion. Additionally, you should use mirrors to make rooms feel bigger. There are so many ways in which you can alter your perception of your home to create a more comfortable and spacious environment.
Let there be light.
One of the biggest things that ruins the design of any home is a lack of light. You could buy all the contemporary furnishings in the world and rearrange the layout of a room a thousand times, but it won't look as powerful and well-designed as you imagined if it's poorly-lit. We've discussed the importance of natural light in another post on this site. Perhaps a room lacks light because of poor placement when it comes to the windows. You should use mirrors and reflective surfaces so that the light bounces around and fills up the room. Additionally, you should think about the colors you use for furnishings and wall paint. White is a good option; it's a neutral color that reflects light and will definitely help to brighten up the space in any room.
Obviously, artificial light is important too. You need to think about making your home look nice once the sun goes down and you can't rely on daylight to brighten up your household anymore. Think about the type of lighting that each space demands. For example, a kitchen countertop needs bright lighting so that you can see what you're doing when you prepare a meal. However, bright light will not work if you're relaxing on a couch in the living room or sitting down to eat at the dining table. You need to choose warmer and softer lighting for places of relaxation. Dimmer switches are great too; you can choose low lighting when you're settling down with a book or a Netflix show before bed and brighter lighting for a gathering with many guests. As mentioned over at https://freshome.com/, dimmer lighting is essential to creating the right mood in your house. The point is that lighting has a huge impact on the appearance of a room.
Classic design is essential.
It's important that you know the distinction between classic design and old design. Old design is that outdated wallpaper which looks like it belongs in a house from the 80s rather than a modern-day home. Classic design is a granite countertop or stylish wooden flooring. Classic design doesn't go out of style, and that's exactly what your house needs if its aesthetic is looking a little faded and uninspiring. As mentioned over at http://www.homelife.com.au/, vintage design can add some character and luxury to a home. With a lick of paint and a quick clean, a thrift shop purchase can add a bit of elegance to the appearance of a room. Think of the magnificent centrepieces you often see in showhomes, such as a chandelier that makes the living room look extraordinary or a majestic grandfather clock in the hallway. That's what your home needs. You need a chic aesthetic piece to give your house some character.
Natural design is very classic if you're looking for a place to start. We've already mentioned wooden flooring and granite countertops as perfect examples. These materials give rooms a timeless appearance because they're natural and don't belong to any specific era of design or fashion. Nature isn't bound by manmade style. That's why you could make simple but powerful improvements to rooms in your home by getting more plants and flowers to spruce up the place. Nature adds some colour to the aesthetic of a room. Whilst showhomes might be quite sparse and minimalistic in appearance, you're bound to see floral arrangements of some kind in the house (perhaps it'll be a fake floral arrangement for the sake of maintenance, but the point still stands).
Work on your home's front exterior.
Of course, glitzy interior design means nothing if your home still looks old and run-down from the outside. You should work on the front exterior if your house if you want to feel inspired by your home again. After all, you wouldn't feel intrigued to look around a showhome if it looked unimpressive from the curb. You should make sure that your house looks colorful and inviting from the outside. It should have a welcoming and vibrant exterior. Perhaps you could do a little bit of gardening; some potted plants on the windowsills or flowers lining the path that leads to the front door could completely change your perception of your home. You should be inspired by your house's exterior appearance.
You could repaint or perhaps even replace the front door; the entrance to your home should be vibrant and captivating. You might even want to check out http://www.prestigegaragedoors.com.au/ for modern and high-quality garage doors so that you can spruce up your home's front face. A brand new aesthetic can really revitalize a tired and worn-out household exterior. It's all about creating a look that has a powerful impact on your family and any guests who might visit your home. You and your family want to return home every day and find yourselves greeted by a visually impressive sight as you stroll up to your front door. Reinventing your home's exterior can change your entire perception of the house. After all, first impressions are everything.
Work on your garden.
Once you've finished with the exterior of your house from the front, you might want to take a look at the back of the property. How does your garden look? Maybe you mow the lawn frequently to keep the space looking neat and tidy, but it might not necessarily be an exciting patch of land to admire. Yet, your garden should be just as visually stunning as the interior of your household. Your outdoor space is still a part of your home, after all. You should create a cosy patio area to enjoy with your family. Most showhomes have a homely garden space to impress buyers, so you should have one too. You could get a dining table, some cushions for the seats, and a string of fairy lights to really create the right ambience. Give yourself a reason to spend more time in your garden.


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YOU'VE got to feel sorry for Helen Russell Brown, who lives on the Allyn River Road.
Helen wrote a letter to the Herald this week, wishing aloud that the newspaper hadn't published an article singing the praises of Ladies Well, on the Upper Allyn River in the Chichester State Forest.
Writer Emily Steele penned the article, recommending city dwellers take their tents and families and friends to experience the joys of a ''semi-discovered haven''.
''When you arrive you will instantly hear the gushing river only metres away, see the lush greenery surrounding you, smell the fresh water and feel the sun beaming down on you,'' Emily wrote.
''I have been going camping all my life and nothing, I mean nothing, has ever compared with Ladies Well.''
Helen agrees, but wishes for less publicity.
"While this is a place of stunning beauty it is best appreciated by nature-respecting and law-abiding people. Articles such as this also attract those with no appreciation and respect for nature," Helen remarked.
That's the trouble, isn't it? When we disagree about ways to enjoy beautiful places, we end up with conflict and unhappiness.
When I go bush, for example, I love to just chill out and listen to the river and the birds. I like to spend some time weeding out lantana and privet, as therapy I guess, and to make myself feel useful.
I love watching the ever-changing parade of nature and marvelling at the surprises that it constantly brings me.
I like cooling off in the river, snorkelling with the fish and tortoises, skipping rocks with my kids and having a beer near the fire in the evening.
But I know, from direct experience, that lots of other people like to go to the same places as I do and enjoy themselves in different ways.
Some bring trailbikes, for example, and ride them around and around all day long. Others bring guns, and fire off shots at random intervals at goodness knows what. Some groups bring ghetto-blasters and play loud music and they drink premixed bourbon and coke and yell as loudly as they can into the wee hours of the morning.
Some bring chainsaws and cut down trees to build big bonfires and sometimes they bring pig dogs and let them loose around the place.
And because it's a nuisance to take their rubbish home, I suppose, some of them leave it where they drop it.
While I sit and listen to their noise I like to tell myself that those people are having fun in their own way and I should just try to focus on something other than the insistent buzzing roar of the bikes and the jarring rifle shots. But I must admit there are times when it's a battle not to hate them.
Helen wrote of her beloved Allyn River: "There have been numerous times in the past few years when antisocial behaviour at Ladies Well has resulted in damage to nature, pollution (trash left behind to pollute the area and river downstream) and need for the police to attend the area to restore law and order."
"At particular times of the year the Allyn River Road becomes a super-highway for those with no respect for the local people or animals," she wrote.
Yep, I've seen that first-hand too, especially at Easter and Christmas-New Year, on the dirt roads outside Gloucester.
Some families bring their kids' pushbikes and they ride around the hills. I dread the day I will read about a bunch of them being cleaned up by a wannabe rally champ throwing his ute sideways around a bend, maybe distracted a little by his need to throw an empty bottle out the window.
"Sadly your article may well attract more of the great hordes of the disrespectful and destructive drongoes that have been coming this way of late," Helen lamented.
Sorry Helen. There's no solution to it, I'm afraid. We try to keep our favourite places secret but every lovely place gets found, sooner or later.


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D3G is in the news again and we couldn't be happier to be partnering with the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso (HACEP) as they pioneer the RAD program and wrap up Phase One of the project.
"In the RAD world, HACEP and it's partners are rock stars."
A big shout out to all of the D3G employees who worked towards this success. They certainly are rock stars!
Check out the article here.


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Going out with friends for Sunday brunch is a Beijing tradition for both well-heeled locals and expats alike. Most of the best brunches are served in big hotels, offer dozens standard and exquisite food options, and come with Champagne. Below are a few of the most popular brunch destinations. Be sure to reserve in advance.
The Westin Beijing
This is a true brunch extravaganza. The Westin brunch has endless stations offering just about everything for their Sunday champagne brunch, from foie gras and sashimi to chocolate fondue. It also has one of the best and most creative pastry selections in the city. The brunch is free for kids under 6 and half price for kids 6-12, and offers a bunch of activities to keep them occupied.
7 North DongSanhuan road, Sanlitun Yanshaqiao
(010) 5922 8880
Capital M
Melbourne-born restaurateur Michelle Garnaut (owner and founder of M on the Fringe in Hong Kong and Shanghai's M on the Bund) has created another masterpiece in Beijing, with a dining area that offers the one of the best views in Beijing, right behind Tiananmen Square. Capital M serves brunchtime classics like blueberry pancakes, Eggs Benedictine, M's weekend fry-up, and a kid's menu.
3/F, 2 Qianmen Pedestrian Street (southeast of Qianmen)
(010) 6207 2727
The Orchard
An institution among Shunyi residents, The Orchard comes highly recommended for its affordable menu of western food and emphasis on organic produce, and it provides well for little ones, making it an ideal weekend dining excursion. The restaurant's remoteness from the city centre lends it added appeal as a retreat and offers a health piece of mind.
12pm-3pm, 6-9pm
Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township
(010) 6433 6270
Chef Too
If you don't feeling like splurging on five-star opulence or driving out to the countryside, but rather a simple, classic, brunch experience, Chef Too is your destination. This American-owned restaurant offers great American food all week, but the Sunday Brunch is exceptional and affordable, offering traditional eggs benedict, pancakes, and huevos rancheros.
Tue-Fri 11am-2pm; Tue-Sun 5-10pm; Sat & Sun brunch 9:30am-3:00pm
Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Between the West Gate and Lucky Street
(010) 6591 8676
St. Regis Garden Court
A light and airy brasserie-style brunch experience that is pleasant and refreshingly not overdone, combined with a superb buffet and a la carte menu are a great way to kick off a Sunday devoted exclusively to doing nothing. This is a great place to enjoy the ambiance of the St. Regis and lets the kids play.
21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, The St. Regis Beijing
(010) 6460 6688 ext. 2340
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This is where the magic really happens and your video takes shape. A good editor will give your video the right pace and timing to keep the audience captivated all the way to the end. Thoughtful use of sound and music can enhance the feel of the video and reinforce your message on an emotional level – even small changes to the colour tone or the use of a creative filter can really make the video stand out and stick in the mind of the viewer.
More than just the icing on the cake, post production can elevate your video to greatness. Post is all about ironing out bumps, grading colour to achieve that cinematic look, and adding a few bells and whistles of course. However you want to style your video Dragonfly will ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
Sound effects, colour grading and motion graphics all combine to keep your audience watching, right to the end. Let our expert editors work their magic and elevate your video to greatness.
Easily add excitement and guide your audience through a cinematic roller-coaster. We have the style and experience to use effects tastefully and to your best advantage.
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Sound design provides the tone and feel of a video, from ambient background atmosphere to bespoke and bizarre effects, sound can make a big difference to your production.
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Bringing all the separate elements of a video together can be like conducting an orchestra, luckily we have a team who can produce a symphony.
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With our bespoke post-production services, Dragonfly's wizards in the cutting room can click their heels together and transform your film into a sleek, smooth and stunning final product. You can even pass us footage you already have in your archives. You will be surprised what we can do with it.
Our personalised approach to each post-production project means that when you sit down with our editors, we'll help you find the best way to finish your film. From the colour grading to sound design, visual effects and simple video editing services, our talented team will assist you in capturing your audience and let you fully express what you have to say.
Often overlooked in the film making process, post production is where those strokes of genius transpire – where our visual artists give your video those stunning effects, where we can warp reality, turn cute into gritty, flip the world upside down and turn it back around again.
Through colour grading we can distort the emotions of a scene. We can make the harshest shoots, that don't exactly flatter the talent, into a softly lit setting, give your video a unique angle and change the whole vibe. You won't believe what we can do with some simple adjustments! Our sound design team will develop unique soundscapes that stamp your film with authenticity and professionalism. Don't just take our word for it though, watch our work – and judge for yourself.
Dragonfly are well known for our ability to bring the glamour and the quality of a high end commercial to even the smallest corporate project. We've got a team of editors, graders and other wizards standing by to work wonders and turn your video into something really special. If you think you need a little bit of sparkle, let's talk about how we can help!
Dragonfly bring the glamour and the quality of a high end commercial to every project. If you think your video production needs a little bit of sparkle, let's talk about what we can do for you!


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With an overall population of 67,518 and a student population of 53,696, approximately 43,881 of Champaign students attend one of Champaign's schools that offer supply chain management programs.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the largest supply chain management school in Champaign, based on student population. In 2010, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign graduated approximately 15 students from its supply chain management program.
In 2010, 15 students graduated with a supply chain management degree from one of Champaign's supply chain management schools. If you decide to join their ranks, you can expect to pay an average of $25,522 per year in tuition if you are eligible for instate tuition. Out of state tuition for all Champaign supply chain management schools was an average of $39,664 per year in 2009.
In addition to tuition costs, you should plan on spending an average of $1,200 for books and supplies each year, while enrolled in a supply chain management program in Champaign. And if you live on campus, you will face an additional expense of $9,284 per year, on average, for room and board. If you live at home, you can cut this cost down to approximately $0.
Many supply chain management graduates choose to work as supply chain managers after graduation. If you choose to follow that path and remain in Champaign, your job prospects are not very good. Champaign's supply chain manager workforce is projected to increase by 6% by the year 2018. This anticipated change is faster than the projected nationwide trend for supply chain managers.
The average salary you can expect to earn as a supply chain manager in Champaign is $82,100 per year. This is higher than the state-wide average salary for supply chain managers.
601 E John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820-5711
Awards Offered:
2-4 years certificate
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate


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Having reached the final in each of the two previous editions of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, Korea DPR are no longer a mysterious entity at this age level. The North Koreans emerged from virtual obscurity to win the tournament on their debut at Russia 2006 before finishing runners-up at Chile 2008.
With the fabulous trio from the class of 2006 - Kim Kyong Hwa, Hong Myong Gum and Kil Son Hui – having graduated to take part in the FIFA Women's World Cup the following year, it was natural that the cream of the 2008 crop, including Ra Un Sim, Ri Hyon Suk and Ri Ye Gyong, should also progress to the senior ranks. And so it has proved, with all three set to participate in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, which kicks off next week.
The man who has masterminded the North Koreans' successes in Russia and Chile and who played a pivotal role in the transition of the golden generation is coach Choe Kwang Sok, who is set to make his third trip to the world finals this summer. At the beginning of the North Korean fairy tale in 2006, Choe had told FIFA.com: "Up to seven of these players could be lining up for the senior national team in the very near future. This could be the perfect opportunity to prove to the senior manager that, in a year from now, they'll be ready to move up a category and help the country."
If you analyse our team some of the players are physically good but technically they need to prepare more. Our task is to beat the European teams [at the finals] so our goal is to win in the name of Asia.
His prediction proved to be correct, and has been repeated ahead of this year's latest edition of the U-20 showpiece. The current crop of young players came into prominence at the AFC U-16 Women's Championship in 2007, where forward Yun Hyon Hi struck seven goals to become the tournament's top scorer and MVP as the North Koreans lifted their first Asian trophy. Yun was subsequently called up to the senior national team for that summer's FIFA Women's World Cup along with attacking midfielder Ho Un Byol, although the promising duo could not make an appearance at China 2007.
However, Yun and Ho were to play decisive roles again for their country, scoring two goals apiece at the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup the following year. Korea DPR were ultimately crowned champions in New Zealand, with striker Jon Myong Hwa stealing the show with four goals that earned her the adidas Bronze Boot. However, for all these prodigious attacking players, the North Koreans could not have maintained their unbeaten run without flawless organisation and strong determination.
An team almost identical to the New Zealand 2008 champions reunited for last year's AFC U-19 Women's Championship under the guidance of Choe. Although they won all three group matches, scoring 13 unanswered goals, the defending Asian champions lost 1-0 to Japan in the semi-finals. However, they duly accomplished their mission by qualifying for Germany 2010, with Ho heading home the only goal of the game against hosts China PR to claim third place.
Despite failing to retain the continental title, Choe remains optimistic about the task ahead. "If you analyse our team some of the players are physically good but technically they need to prepare more," he said. "Our task is to beat the European teams [at the finals] so our goal is to win in the name of Asia."
Korea DPR find themselves in Group B with South American champions Brazil, European runners-up Sweden and Oceanian queens New Zealand. It is a tough section, but with talent at their disposal and Choe at the helm, another North Korean triumph cannot be written off.


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Robert Samuelson is once again calling for cuts to Social Security and Medicare, ostensibly in the name of generational fairness. Samuelson makes the now common argument that a hugely disproportionate share of government spending goes to these programs that primarily serve the elderly. Of course, using Samuelson logic we should also complain that a hugely disproportionate share of government expenditures go the very wealthy.
The reason that the wealthy get a disproportionate share of government expenditures is that they bought government bonds which pay interest. The reason that the elderly get a disproportionate share of government benefits is that they paid Social Security taxes and Medicare taxes that were intended to support these programs.
Samuelson goes on to complain that Social Security has become a "middle-age retirement system," citing Eugene Steuerle of the Urban Institute. Samuelson apparently is not familiar with data on life expectancy that shows that workers in the bottom half of the wage distribution have seen relatively small gains in longevity over the last three decades. He is apparently also unfamiliar with Steurele's calculations on the rate of return that retirees get on their Social Security benefits. For many middle income retirees in the baby boom cohorts it will be less than 1.0 percent and in some cases less than zero, according to Steuerle.
What is remarkable about Samuelson's piece is that there is absolutely zero effort to consider any real issues of generational equity in a piece that is ostensibly devoted to the topic. For example, there is no discussion of the fact that the current generation of near retirees experienced an unprecedented period of wage stagnation over their working lifetime. The median hourly wage in 2010 is less than 10 percent higher than it was in 1973.
By contrast, the Social Security trustees project that average hourly wages will rise by more than 40 percent over the next three decades. While it is possible that income inequality will continue to increase so that these gains again go overwhelmingly to the top, there is no precedent in U.S. history for the level of inequality that this would imply.
It is also striking that Samuelson never mentions health care costs in discussing the enormous burden created by Social Security and Medicare. If per person health care costs were the same in the United States as in any of the countries that enjoy longer life expectancies, we would be facing huge long-run budget surpluses, not deficits. In other words, the problem is not that our benefits are too generous but rather that we pay too much for them.
There are simple mechanisms that would help to restrain health care costs in the United States. For example, supporters of the free market would suggest allowing retirees to buy into the more efficient health care systems elsewhere, with the U.S. government, the host government, and the beneficiaries dividing the savings.
We could also develop more efficient mechanisms for financing prescription drug research. This could save hundreds of billions of dollars a year on prescription drug costs, in addition to eliminating the incentive for drug companies to lie about the safety and effectiveness of their drugs.
However, raising these issues involves confronting powerful interest groups like insurance companies, drug companies, and the doctors lobbies. Robert Samuelson and the rest of the crew at the Washington Post (a.k.a. Fox on 15th) doesn't like to get these folks angry, they would rather just beat up the elderly.


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On Wednesday, October 1st at 2:30pmPDT/5:30pmEDT, I have the privilege of facilitating a free webinar lecture entitled "Career Path for the NEXT Generation Records Manager" hosted by San Jose State University as part of its MARA (Master of Archives & Records Administration) program.
The world of records management as we have known it is undergoing a rapid change and you are asking yourself, how do I keep up? There are so many options, which one do I choose to help me along my career path? Should I pursue a certificate or a certification? This presentation will help you understand the difference and provide you with some detailed information on many of the options available to help you move up the career ladder of records management and information governance. Attend this presentation to help you make the choices that are right for you and your career growth.
Register here: http://ischool.sjsu.edu/about/colloquia/Fall%202014
Are you a seasoned Records Manager? Which certificates and/or certifications have helped you advance your career? Please share in the comments field below for inclusion in my lecture.


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Find us on:
3960 Broadway, 6th FloorNew York, NY 10032
212-928-2121 (Voice)212-928-2172 (FAX)
The Hereditary Disease Foundation (HDF) aims to cure genetic illness by supporting basic biomedical research. The Foundation uses a variety of strategies – workshops, grants, fellowships, and targeted research contracts – to solve the mysteries of genetic disease and develop new treatments and cures. HDF has spent over $60,000,000 to support pioneering research in genetics, gene therapy, molecular and cell biology, cell survival and death, animal models, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and other areas relevant to the understanding of inherited diseases. HDF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Serial Publication: Hereditary Disease Foundation Newsletter
Monday, Oct 31, 2011
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Disappointments abound when a home owner decides to begin a home improvement project. Improper planning and a bad contractor are what most leads to disappointment. Keep reading to find out how to avoid such a negative situation. Keep reading to find out more.
If your trailer, house, or apartment is too small to house a dryer and washer separately, think about installing a combination unit instead. You can find many combination machines that can fit in small spaces. With these combination units, you have the ability to wash clothes and dry them in one unit.
Prior to adding paint to your walls, cover up each electrical outlet cover with a small sheet of aluminum foil. Conveniently placed aluminum foil can do a good job of protecting your covers from paint and is easier than tape to apply. It's also pretty easy to clean it up. Wait until the paint is dry and just toss the foil into the recycling bin.
In order to make storage containers for small items like screws and nuts more useful, try hot-gluing an example of the contents to the outside of the container. It will make finding what you are looking for much easier. Written labels may all start to look the same when you rifle through all of your containers looking for a part.
Make sure you turn the power off in the area you're in and before you start work on anything hooked up to your electric supply. It is dangerous and can even be fatal to touch live electrical wires.
While you might be courting the prospect of installing a traditional fireplace to help heat your home, this could be a bad decision. While a traditional fireplace looks great, it is an inefficient heat source. Most of the energy is lost through the chimney. In addition to this, the fire requires plenty of fresh air, which will be provided from within your house, essentially eating up much of the oxygen inside your home.
When you can afford to, stick to natural supplies. Wood, ceramic, stone and other real materials are usually superior to synthetic substitutes. They look better and last longer. In the long term, the initial expense will pay for itself because you will not have to replace the materials as frequently.
Before working in your bathroom or kitchen, shut the water off. This seems obvious at first blush, but it's precisely because it's obvious that many homeowners forget it, which can result in costly water damage.
If you have elderly people or people with disabilities living with you, it's important to plan renovations and home improvements for their accessibility, mobility and safety. Installing a step-in shower can be easier access and provides a safer place to shower without fear of being slippery. Even better, railings can do a world of good.
Home improvement projects can easily go wrong if they are not managed correctly. This article will give you tips on how to go about your project the right way. Using this advice can be the difference between added home value, and certain failure.


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Ethan J. Skolnick
It's no accident Miami Heat youngsters are coming of age
After Monday's 124-119 win against the Nuggets, Erik Spoelstra provided a rare peek into the process that helped Josh Richardson help the Heat so much now. He recalled an off day in December, when Spoelstra learned that Richardson was looking to leave the practice court after making fewer than 100 three-point attempts. So the coach stepped in, shagging balls, and, when Richardson failed to reach the goal, he ordered sprints between rounds, with Richardson so exasperated with himself that he ripped off his shirt.
Upon finally sinking a 70th shot on a 100th attempt, Richardson held his follow-through in relief until the ball hit the floor.
"Just setting a standard's been big, man," Richardson said. "Because I never leave the gym until I make 70. And I never really shoot under 70 now."
Standards. That's what a quality sports organization establishes, not just for players, but for itself. One critical standard: the expectation of improving those in its employ.
So, sure, it is remarkable that Richardson's accuracy has carried over to games, leading all NBA players in three-point shooting (62.9 percent) since the All-Star break, after spending some of the season shuttling back and forth to Sioux Falls. Yet it would be inaccurate to accept that single snapshot as some sort of isolated lightning strike, whether for Richardson or for the franchise as a whole. It would be giving short shrift to the painstaking work that has gone on for years, and is ongoing, toward perfecting the art of developing prospects.
You see, the good that's happening for rookies Richardson and Justise Winslow, as well as emerging center Hassan Whiteside — and what was happening with combo guard Tyler Johnson prior to shoulder surgery — hasn't been mere happy happenstance.
Spoelstra, who took a development route to his current position while working daily on shooting with a rookie named Dwyane Wade, has been central to the current vision. Still, he doesn't — and we shouldn't — ignore those he has entrusted to execute it, day after day, drill after drill, to make the work feel essential and even, at times, enjoyable, so players keep coming back for more. Those who have established the guidelines but also the trust, so players don't counter the constant calls for more work, whether in Miami or some strange gym on the road, and even after the best performances, with eyerolls and headphones.
Simply, the Heat has never had a staff more aligned in this effort. Nor is the unification and communication evident only at the NBA level, where former Heat players Juwan Howard and Chris Quinn, in particular, have embraced their roles as personalized assistants. It also trickles down to the D-League, where Dan Craig, after stints of Heat's summer-league coach and Spoelstra's summer-league successor, made sure that Richardson gets 25 pick-and-rolls whenever the Heat entrusted him with the rookie's services.
The Heat has deeply valued internal development since Pat Riley brought his brand of Vulture Capital in 1995. The Heat president is better known for swooping in for starfish at the surface of the sea, such as Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, LeBron James or Goran Dragic. But he has also scavenged the bottom, diving deeper for discards John Starks and Anthony Mason in New York and Isaac Austin, Bruce Bowen, Anthony Carter, Udonis Haslem and Joel Anthony here. That steady stream of unexpected contributors sputtered in recent years, as Riley preferred proven complements to James. While many veterans, including James, made significant incremental improvements, most of the major projects (Greg Oden, Eddy Curry, Terrel Harris) bore little fruit.
What's different this season? Well, ability matters. Winslow was the No. 10 overall pick; Richardson went No. 40 but the Heat pegged him higher; Whiteside always had the talent but not the tutelage; and Johnson had NBA tools but a poor Portsmouth pre-draft camp that allowed Miami to snag him.
Maturity matters, specifically the part of the two rookies, one (Winslow) who hardly acts his age (19) and another (Richardson) coming off four years in college. Motivation matters, and all four have that, whether naturally or financially, with Whiteside pursuing a new contract. Opportunity matters, with Miami needing to replenish its roster after James' departure, even before a spate of injuries and ailments.
It's mostly, though, about emphasis. Spoelstra's chosen staff is chock full of gym rats — Quinn made the NBA that way and Howard maintained that mentality even after making millions. Both bring credibility from their playing days, plus knowledge of precisely what Spoelstra wants after playing for him.
"Our program's not for everybody," Spoelstra said. "It's just not. You have to be the right individual and embrace the work and embrace the sweat and embrace the single-day grind. And some people get chewed up by it. They absolutely thrive in that environment, which is unique for young players."
That environment is unique too, even if the Heat now deems it standard.
Ethan J. Skolnick: 305-376-3483, @ethanjskolnick


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In New England, the winter months traditionally mean less shooting, and more hibernating. I look forward to this time of year because it allows me to slow down and focus on the images I created throughout the wedding season. During the wedding rush, I am less able to sit with my images and create something meaningful with them. I have been designing a lot of wedding albums this winter, and thinking about how important each one truly is. While you will have all of your images in an online gallery, or on a thumb drive, the wedding album is special in that having one allows you to preserve your images in a way that tells a complete story. It is the beginning of your family heirloom. Your wedding album is what your children will look at throughout the years (AND proof that you WERE once young and care free, and DID NOT have wrinkles and grey hair!) It is what your children's children will look at. It is what you and your spouse will look at for many years to come, and remember countless moments throughout the day that otherwise could have been forgotten. In this day and age, we have access to a number of different album design companies. And while you can certainly get an sufficient album with many of the online companies, I encourage couples to order a fine art/photo art book. I have spent several years personally researching different wedding album companies, and have found the company that I consider to offer the best books around: Vision Art
At Vision Art Every book is printed on fine art, museum quality paper with vibrant and vivid archival inks. When you open up a Vision Art book you see a full panoramic display of your art. Because there are no cuts or gutters in the binding, your images display without any distractions. They print your creations on matte paper that is rated to last generations without discoloring, yellowing or fading. With Vision Art, you are creating fine art bound in a book.
Below are some photographs from my very own wedding a few years back.


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Lattin's tip lifts No. 2 Oklahoma past No. 11 W. Virginia
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — West Virginia came agonizingly close to posting a historic week of basketball.
Khadeem Lattin's tip-in with one second remaining gave No. 2 Oklahoma a 70-68 victory over the 11th-ranked Mountaineers on Saturday.
West Virginia beat No. 1 Kansas on Tuesday. The Mountaineers were trying to become first team to beat the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in consecutive games since Kansas topped North Carolina and Memphis in the 2008 Final Four.
West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said his team gave its all both games.
"We play hard," he said. "We try. I think we compete. They're good guys. They want to win, they try to win."
West Virginia entered the day alone in first place in the Big 12. The Mountaineers might still be there if they had shot better than 13 for 22 from the free-throw line or hadn't turned it over 16 times.
"What kills us is when we go to the free throw line and can't make free throws," Huggins said. "You can't shoot 50 percent from the free throw line, and you can't turn it over the way we turned it over."
Jaysean Paige scored 18 points for West Virginia (15-2, 4-1). Devin Williams, the team's top scorer and rebounder for the season, played just 15 minutes because of foul trouble and finished with five points and six rebounds.
"Devin Williams is ... probably a first team all-league guy if he can play," Huggins said. "He plays 15 minutes. That doesn't help us. We want to sit here and talk about their second-chance points. It's a hell of a lot easier to get second-chance points when he's not on the floor."
Buddy Hield scored 17 points, Jordan Woodard had 13 and Ryan Spangler added 10 points and 14 rebounds for the Sooners (15-1, 4-1 Big 12).
Oklahoma is in position to move to No. 1 in the AP poll since top-ranked Kansas lost to West Virginia on Tuesday. It would be the Sooners' first No. 1 ranking since March 1990. The Sooners won despite shooting a season-low 33.3 percent.
Woodard grabbed an offensive rebound to set up Hield for a 3-pointer that gave the Sooners a 34-32 lead late in the first half. Hield blocked Jevon Carter's shot at the buzzer, and the teams were tied at 34 at the break.
A 3-pointer by Hield put the Sooners up 39-34 in the opening minutes of the second half.
Isaiah Cousins was called for a flagrant foul with 15:11 remaining. Paige made two free throws to put the Mountaineers up 42-41, and Daxter Miles, Jr. scored on the inbounds pass to make it a three-point lead for West Virginia.
The Mountaineers expanded their lead to seven before the Sooners rallied. Two free throws by Spangler gave Oklahoma the lead, and a 3-pointer by Woodard put the Sooners up 55-51 with about 9 minutes to play. Oklahoma led 65-58 with 4:32 to play before West Virginia stormed back in the final minutes.
West Virginia: Missed its first five shots and didn't score for the first 3:38. ... Shot 48 percent in the first half. ... Committed 27 fouls.
Oklahoma: Five of the Sooners' eight first-half field goals were 3-pointers. ... Outscored West Virginia 13-3 at the free throw line in the first half. ... Lattin played just 6 minutes in the first half because of foul trouble.
West Virginia hosts Texas on Wednesday.
Oklahoma plays at No. 17 Iowa State on Monday.
Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP.


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There's something bothering me about the interesting project pulled together by Jeff Young at The Chronicle, intended to demonstrate that today's college students are bored with yesterday's lecturing tactics. In January, Jeff asked students to video their thoughts on the traditional lecture experience. Here's his compilation of some of their responses:
I don't particularly disagree with anything the students say, and I really like that they took the trouble to video their thoughts and send them in. Honestly, I think it's good for us to be reminded that we digress, we read from PowerPoint, we repeat ourselves, and we don't use technology well.
But none of this is a revelation. In fact, all these experiences and more are waiting in the workplace, and we know this because we've all sat in meetings wondering idly about chewing off our own arms in frustration while someone handles a communications task we believe we would execute with much more competence and flair. We've all felt the waves of panic as our remaining time on earth slips away while someone searches for the projector cord, or drifts like an untethered balloon far, far beyond the printed agenda, until you can barely make them out in the distance.
And we've all surreptitiously—or openly—multitasked our way through work meetings, conferences, seminars, and even public lectures, half-listening while actually checking emails, grading papers, tweeting, clock-watching. Yesterday I caught myself looking at haunting images of abandoned swimming pools and losing track completely of a discussion about business planning. As you do.
In fact, academics are experts in pokerfaced management of boredom, and this is why we're genuinely sorry when in turn we're the cause of it for others. We don't set out to bore, or to drone, and we're not indifferent to the passing of time. (Mostly we're looking distracted because we're trying to find somewhere to pin the lecture mic and its surprisingly heavy battery pack without triggering a wardrobe malfunction.) It's true that sometimes we're genuinely underprepared, still thinking aloud, and asking ourselves questions as we go—both because we care about the ideas we're introducing, and because in the rest of our working lives we're flat out, just as our students are.
But the real issue is that we're not television performers: there's no autocue, no rehearsal, no script, and no production crew making sure that we have nothing to do except face front and read aloud. None of us had a hand in choosing either the timeslot, the traditional running time, the technology mix, or the shape of the room for the standard university lecture, and while most of us do what we can to hack this infrastructure, the big invisible to our students (and, apparently, to The Chronicle) is the way in which traditional lectures plug in to the conventional measures of academic labour.
That is, we keep on lecturing because—as a colleague reminded me this week—when we don't, we're often assumed by either administrators or students to be reneging on the deal that trades student college costs for academic face-time. The delivery of most courses assumes that the lecture represents an ideal mode, mixing prestige delivery with financial efficiency, and to that end some universities are even increasing the time spent in lectures rather than seminars or tutorials, because the one-to-many model is an obvious way to handle increased enrolments without a matching increase in delivery cost.
These efficiencies are sensible and they're part of a raft of strategies that universities are using to ensure their sustainability into the future. At one level, this means that they're a form of good practice that has student wellbeing at their heart. But in the short term, they're also positioning academics in direct conflict with what we all know about the ways in which many people prefer to learn. As Jeff Young puts it, a bit obviously:
PowerPoint is boring. Student attention spans are short. Today many facts pop up with a simple Google search. And plenty of free lectures by the world's greatest professors can be found on YouTube.
Interestingly, Mike Wesch brought this up already, back in 2007. That's five years ago, which is a long time in dog years. His deservedly famous YouTube video, 'A Vision of Students Today' has been seen four and a half million times (and probably more, in copies), and here it is again for those of who you don't know it:
Revisiting this video, which continues to strike me as gentle, thoughtful, and well-argued, I feel that perhaps The Chronicle should be doing more than simply stirring up antagonism to the traditional lecture format. We know this stuff. What we know less about is how to move from where we are.
What would help is an invitation for students to contribute ideas on the basis of what they like, not simply what irritates them. What kinds of participatory models that are manageable for large classes, using available infrastructure, would work best? How can we provide appropriate levels of professional development, peer support and time to academics so that they can learn new technologies without doing yet more work in the evenings and on weekends? How best can we build a partnership that encourages creativity and risk in teaching, when we are already over-surveying everything teachers do, and in many cases using the results punitively?
And how can we encourage administrators to join the conversation about the future of the college lecture so that the evangelistic fervour of flipped-class advocates is continually tempered with the practicalities of cost, load and labour management in a highly casualised profession?
Until we do, I think we may be stuck in the lecture hall, so perhaps we need to get better at explaining what we're doing there.


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Sweet Tea Slushies
Serve up this summer slushie for your family and friends. Or make Sweet Tea Slushies to enjoy by yourself!
**today's post is sponsored by Pure Leaf Iced Tea, all opinions are 100% my own**
This week celebrates a special anniversary. Not a wedding. Not anything family related.
It's a personal one. A small victory for me. One year ago I gave up drinking pop (I'm sorry, do you say soda? Coke?).
Okay, so for you this may seem trivial, but for me it was a huge deal. It would be like saying I gave up COFFEE.
Haha, okay, maybe not THAT huge, but close. Very very close. As much as I love my coffee, I also LOVED pop. Diet pop. Before we went on our big 3 week roadtrip last August, I made the decision to give up pop. Forever. As in no more.
And it turned out okay. I turned out okay. I survived. And in the process I found a new love.
Pure Leaf Iced Tea. See, one day (I believe it was actually DAY 1 of our road trip) we stopped at a gas station. Which is usually when I would crave a diet pop, fountain drinks have that lure. So I opened up the refrigerated case and saw a bottle of Pure Leaf Unsweetened Iced Tea. I was hooked.
Naturally, when Pure Leaf approached me about creating some recipes, I had a hard time containing my excitement. Because of all the iced tea I drink, Pure Leaf Iced Tea is my favorite. It's never bitter and it's made with natural ingredients.
You guys, Pure Leaf kinda saved me. (dramatic much??). My love for iced tea and the refreshing taste helped me lose my craving for pop! And, Pure Leaf Iced Tea is made with freshly brewed tea and no preservatives; I love knowing exactly what is going into my body!
For today's recipe, I wanted to show you that Iced Tea can replace pop in even your milkshakes and slushies! Have you ever had an iced tea float? I made one the other day using Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Pure Leaf Sweet Tea. DELISH.
But today, it's about the slushie. Cause summer is just better when slushies are involved. You may remember this watermelon slushie from last summer. Today's recipe is easy too.
First though, do you ever freeze juice and tea in your ice cube trays? If not, you totally should. This keeps your summer drink from getting watery! Pour your iced tea over some frozen ice tea ice cubes and voila! Delish anti-watery drink.
Or, use those frozen iced tea cubes in today's slushie recipe. And add some Lemon sherbet and fresh strawberries. Off course, add more Pure Leaf Sweet Tea to get the right slushie consistency. That's all you need for one of these frozen drinks!
Help Pure Leaf Share the Love of Leaves! The real brewed iced tea brand has made a $100,000 donation to Wholesome Wave, a nonprofit that focuses on making fresh, healthy, locally grown food affordable and accessible to all, and now you can get involved and make a difference in your community by helping to bring Pure Leaf's total donation to $150,000.
For every social engagement from fans on Pure Leaf's Facebook or Tumblr, and use of the #loveofleaves hashtag on Instagram and Twitter, Pure Leaf will donate an additional $1, up to $50,000, for a grand total donation of $150,000. This will help provide 100,000 pounds of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables for communities nationwide. C'mon Shugary Sweets readers, let's raise those numbers and max out the donation!! Will YOU help?
Also, visit TheLoveOfLeaves.com for recipes, household tips, DIY projects and daily inspiration, all while keeping an eye on how the campaign donations add up.
Sweet Tea Slushies
Yield: 2 servings
Prep Time:5 minutes
- 6 frozen Pure Leaf Sweet Tea ice cubes**
- 2 cup frozen lemon sherbet
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup Pure Leaf Sweet Tea
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients above, and blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and enjoy. Garnish with fresh berries and lemon if desired
MAKING THIS RECIPE? Share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #ShugarySweets so I can see what you're cooking up in the kitchen!
**Today's recipe is sponsored by Pure Leaf Iced Tea. While I was compensated for recipe development, all opinions about the product are 100% my own!**
Aimee is a dessert lover (specifically rice krispie treats), workout enthusiast, self-taught foodie, and recipe creator. Her recipes have been featured in over 15 magazines, and her passion is to share her love of cooking with the everyday home cook! Learn more about Aimee.
**There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I love! Thank you for supporting Shugary Sweets! See my disclosure policy for more info**


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Repatha Receives New Indication to Reduce Cardiovascular Events
December 1, 2017 – The U.S. FDA has approved a new indication for Repatha® (evolocumab), manufactured by Amgen, to decrease the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients who have existing cardiovascular disease. Repatha was originally approved in 2015 to treat certain patients who need additional help lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol when diet and other approaches, such as maximum dosing of statins, prove insufficient.
The new indication is based on a clinical trial in which Repatha was shown to decrease the risk of heart attack by 27%, and the risk of stroke by 21%, when combined with appropriate use of statins. A proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, Repatha works by targeting a specific protein and rendering it inactive. This reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Lower levels of LDL cholesterol have been shown to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as strokes and heart attacks.
Recommended dosing for Repatha is either 140mg taken every two weeks, or 420mg taken once monthly. In patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), Repatha should only be given as a 420mg dose once monthly. The 420mg dose should be administered over the course of 9 minutes, or as three separate, consecutive injections within a 30-minute timespan.
Repatha is available in a 140mg/mL solution in either a single-use prefilled syringe or autoinjector, and in a 420mg/3.5mL solution in a single-use on-body infuser with prefilled cartridge. Patients can self-administer Repatha once trained in proper technique by a healthcare professional.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of a recalled product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by U.S. mail or by fax.
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
- U.S. Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Actual drug patent expiration dates and availability of new medications are subject to change due to patent litigation, settlement agreements, additional patents, exclusivities, and final FDA approval. Distribution and availability of new medications at pharmacies may not occur immediately following FDA approval. Patients are advised to speak with their healthcare professional or pharmacist regarding appropriateness as well as actual availability.
*This is provided for information only. The reference to any medication above does not mean the medication is covered by your plan.


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Join Legacy Church as we blog through the year using Darlene Zschech's Jesus Revealed Devotional!
Week 7 (February 13-19, 2017) themes:
- *Let's be the ones who go the extra mile with kindness.
- *We make things too complicated. I like to keep life simple. Love God. Love others.
- *When you express God's goodness in the world, you are indeed making a difference.
- *When someone is slinging mud at us from a hardened heart, we don't need to defend ourselves. Our life will do just that.
- *As we grow closer to God, we realize that a full life is not about what we get, but what we give.
- *Prayer gives us the ability to take life on Planet Earth very seriously because we are able to see this is not all there is.
- *When love is our purpose, when love is the goal, when love is our anchor, our lives and actions change to mirror the heart of our great God.
Week 8 (February 20-26, 2017) themes:
- *You will find when you share love or wisdom or food to eat, your supply never runs out.
- *Be diligent; do everything you do to please God, not out of obligation; don't lead for what you can get but because of what you can give; don't lord it over people but lead by example.
- *Don't forget, no matter how ferocious this lion from the pit of hell appears, he can do nothing to harm us.
- *Please God with your obedience and service. Show your salvation through your love for others. But never forget for a second that salvation is a gift from God.
- *I also rest in the fact that God sees me as perfect in His sight, through the blood of Jesus and not my own works. What a relief.
- *Positive words and thoughts— as an act of the will and as an expression of our salvation— lead us to joy.
"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice!" Philippians 4:4


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text: How is this similar, or different , from what you have been doing, i.e. flying around, doing business, eating food? I wonder if "road warriors" is really a "phenomenon," or, rather, just another way to appropriate chic language for mundane activities. -Robert On Thu, 23 May 2002, Barry Wellman wrote: > I am posting this query to both the Community list and the AOIR list, > because of its relevance to both. > > I've been flying around a lot recently giving lectures and attending > conferences: to scholarly, governmental and corporate dot.com groups. > > In so doing, I frequently encounter what _PC Magazine_ calls "road > warriors", albeit the opposite of Mad Max. > > These are managers, professionals and technicians who spend a good deal of > time traveling, either between organizational offices, or to other > organizations or conferences. Modally, 2-4 days per week. They live by > computer-supported and 800-number contact back to their home base. If you > get into business lounges, you can see them pounding their laptops, > checking their emails, and talking via 800 numbers to their colleagues > elsewhere. They spend a lot of time in corporate hotels (e.g., the > misnamed Holiday Inn), bars, medium-priced restaurants, and airport > lounges. > > Has anyone seriously studied such folks? > How do they sustain this mobile life? > What is their community, with work colleagues and friends -- and household > members? > Etc. > > Barry > ___________________________________________________________________ > > Barry Wellman Professor of Sociology NetLab Director > wellman at chass.utoronto.ca http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/~wellman > > Centre for Urban & Community Studies University of Toronto > 455 Spadina Avenue Toronto Canada M5S 2G8 fax:+1-416-978-7162 > ___________________________________________________________________ > > > _______________________________________________ > Air-l mailing list > Air-l at aoir.org > http://www.aoir.org/mailman/listinfo/air-l >


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Top 5 Disney World Tips
1. Breakfast with a favorite Disney character will delight your children. Arrange to have Cinderella or one of her princess friends greet your child while dining at the Royal Table restaurant in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. To ensure this surprise, book advance reservations here or at one of many restaurants in the resort that offer character dining.
2. Take a ride on the monorail. Bus trips are long and boring, but the swift monorail transports Disney guests straight into the park. If the kids get tired and cranky after a fun-filled morning in the park, the monorail can help you get them back to the hotel and down for a nap quickly. Since the monorail operates all day long, you can easily hop back on and return to the park after the kids have rested for a couple hours.
3. Enjoy a ferry ride between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center. The trip is more relaxing and interesting than a bus ride, and the ferry will transport you straight into either park so that you can avoid lines and congestion upon entry.
4. Don't forget the stroller. If you can't bring your own, Disney has them available for rent, along with toddler-friendly amenities to make your visit as pleasant as possible. Air conditioned baby care centers in each of the Disney parks offer rocking chairs for calming upset little ones, a place to get out of the heat if your child needs it and basic necessities such as diapers for unforeseen emergencies.
5. Plan ahead. Before you arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort, amongst some of the top hotels in Orlando, do a little pre-planning and schedule each day for maximum enjoyment and minimum exhaustion. Convenient apps that give approximate wait times for each attraction are available to download on your smart phone.
Keep in Mind! A FASTPASS can be purchased to allow you and your family to bypass long lines. Do your research beginning several weeks prior to your trip, and let the kids participate in order to build anticipation as they prepare for the most exciting time of their lives.


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As requested... I uploaded The Secret Behind Numbers 3, 6, 9 Tesla Code Is Finally REVEALED! (without music)
Nikola Tesla did countless mysterious experiments, but he was a whole other mystery on his own. Almost all genius minds have a certain obsession. Nikola Tesla had a pretty big one!
He was walking around a block repeatedly for three times before entering a building, he would clean his plates with 18 napkins, he lived in hotel rooms only with a number divisible by 3. He would make calculations about things in his immediate environment to make sure the result is divisible by 3 and base his choices upon the results. He would do everything in sets of 3.
Some say he had OCD, some say he was very superstitious.
However, the truth is a lot deeper.
"If you knew the magnificence of the three, six and nine, you would have a key to the universe." – Nikola Tesla
Music By:
1. Frost Waltz Alternate - Kevin Macleod
2. Blue Paint Atlantean Twilight - Kevin Macleod
3. Solo Cello Passion - Doug Maxwell
Universal Truth - http://www.369universe.com
If you wish to make a small donation, it would be Greatly appreciated - Thank you
PayPal Donation Link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin…d_button_id=6QHHNJVALEQDN


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Error message when trying to save information in shared outlook 07 calendar
In outlook 07, i share a calendar with a group, each week they are to go in and update information on the calendar, when they try to do so and save it they get an error message;the function cannot be performed because the message has been changed. Everyone is the group has full permissions for this...Thanks! We'll email you
when relevant content is
added and updated.


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https://www.itstimetoinsure.com/insurance-mississippi/wp-content/uploads/enfold_wpheader_logo.png 0 0 Admin https://www.itstimetoinsure.com/insurance-mississippi/wp-content/uploads/enfold_wpheader_logo.png Admin2015-02-17 09:59:252015-02-17 10:15:31Sponsor of 505 Multisport
Sponsor of 505 Multisport
505 Multisport is a diverse, fun group of local athletes. We love to exercise outdoors. We love to run, bike & swim. We love to race in triathlons & race on trails. We do a little bit of everything, but we are moms, dads, grandparents, blue-collar & white-collar, but above all else, friends & a training group dedicated to fun, fellowship, and working hard.
Anyone interested in training for their first triathlon or looking for a group to train with in north Mississippi is welcome to join us.


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#anatomy #graphite #nature #oil paint
Birds and Fauna Sprout From Nunzio Paci's New Graphite and Oil Anatomical Renderings
Taking the analogy comparing blood vessels and tree branches literally, Nunzio Paci (previously) creates oil and graphite paintings that connect humans back to nature. Paci's works look almost straight from a medical textbook except for one flaw—the trees and animals that sprout from his subjects' mouths, chests, and necks. Paci ultimately takes a painterly approach to his works, paint dripping down the canvas to add balance to his extreme detail.
Paci's practice centers on the relationship between man and nature, especially focusing on the visual overlap of our intrinsic and extrinsic systems. The beautiful and minimally colored works could be interpreted as extremely morbid—Paci showing us our ultimate fate when nature takes over.
Paci lives and works in Italy. His last exhibition was titled In the Garden of Idne at Oxholm Gallery in Copenhagen this past January.


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We grew pumpkins again this year. They didn't grow as well as we'd hoped. We had a few white ones which were too small for much of anything and their rinds were THICK. So, I hacked them in pieces, cooked them down, and stuck them in the blender. They made a lovely pumpkin puree, which I then packaged in baggies. I had done this before, but it is always nice to find someone else who has done it as a reference.
This gal writes a GREAT blog. And her directions are very simple.
Easy Mini Pumpkin Pie Bites)
Kit Kat Blondies, this week. They were fun to make, just not exactly what I'd hoped for. My next projects will be a yummy Nestle's chocolate candy pizza for my friend Noelle's Thanksgiving birthday and I might use pumpkin for something or other!


text: You are here: Home> Programmes > Applied Information Technology Course Description This programme is designed to enable the students to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to obtain and retain employment in the private or public sector in an office environment or to progress to further training and/or education. Course Details Category Computer & IT Duration Up to 2 years Modules Induction, Health & Safety, ECDL, ECDL WebStarter, Communications, Payroll Manual and Computerised, Bookkeeping Manual and Computerised, Statistics, Business Calculations, MOS, Personal & Interpersonal Skills, Self Advocacy, Leisure Activities, Job Seeking Skills, Work Experience. Certification QQI Level 5 Major Award, ECDL, MOS This Course is Available In National Learning Network, Kerry Do you want to apply to this course? Contact Us


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FEATURED Posts
Life-Changing Travels in the Philippines 12 Reasons Why Travel is an Investment 7 Real Last Frontiers 22 Dream Resorts 11 Awesome Shots Why Men Should Envy Solo Women Travelers Don't Date a Boy Who Travels Cebu Food Trip The Walkalator for Commuting Google Map Views of Interesting Places in the Philippines
From Malaysia to the Philippines - One Shout Away
There are nine landforms that belong to the Turtle Islands in this frontier area. Six belong to the Philippines and the other 3 are in the territory of Malaysia. The Philippine side is actually a municipality whose people depend mainly on fishing. It belongs to the province of Tawi-tawi (which is another major tourism treasure just waiting for its right time).
Both countries have agreed on a pact to cooperatively protect the area which has been classified into an international heritage site because it has become one of the very few remaining major turtle nesting grounds in the world.
The islands are only 45 minutes away by speedboat from Sandakan but a good 12 hours by slow boat from any take off point in the Philippines.
Malaysia has been successfully operating turtle watching as an ecotourism program in one of their islands for 30 years now. With high demand on turtle watching (many tour operators book the tours one year in advance), the Philippines can become an ideal expansion area.
It is an exciting possibility! The two countries working together for economic development and environmental protection, the frontier community of Turtle Islands finally getting a shot for their own socio-economic upliftment, providing them added and enhanced livelihood, and the turtles can become better protected.
I would really like to see that scenario in my lifetime.
at 12:58 AM


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Billain - Conflicted (Critical Music)
Steelan - Plethora (Forthcoming NFG)
Cause4Concern - Phatcap Remastered (Forthcoming C4C Recordings)
GUESTMIX - Deathmachine (Bio beneath the mix - for bookings and more info // email@example.com)
Hybris - Timeloop
I Am Legion - Make Those Move (Teddy Killerz remix)
Mefjus - Suicide Bassline
Hybris - Garbage Truck
Evol Intent & Eye-D - Jim Skynner
The Outside Agency - Enlightened Species
Machine Code & Counterstrike - Barebones
Meander - Another Monster
The Limewax - Arsch Noisyum
Traffik - Incriminating Evidence (Deathmachine remix)
Switch Technique & Cooh - Iron Factory
Deathmachine - TBA
N-Vitral & Deathmachine - Time To Meet The Devil
Tapage - Three of Eight (Ad Noiseam)
Deathmachine has been actively involved in the underground Hardcore scene since 1998. He started out like most people by going to raves around the UK. After falling in love with Hardcore Techno and dancing away at raves during the mid-90's, he soon wanted to connect further with the music. He started DJ'ing and after a year secured his "first gig" in Scotland at "The Underground", run by Simon Underground. After that, he worked his way through the ranks playing around the UK, and has now played at nearly every major Hardcore Techno event in the country.
The next step on from DJ'ing was production. Stef started dabbling in production around 2000 and (with the help and tuition of DJ Traffik) released his first track on Corrupt records in 2001. The next few years were spent developing and experimenting but soon more tracks followed, including notable releases on the iconic Rebelscum and Deathchant labels. His early productions were focused on futuristic Hardcore Techno which incorporated breakbeats (the now typically defined UK sound). Soon, a connection was made with The Dj Producer who supported Deathmachine's sound greatly, and eventually they worked together on various releases which included the very successful track "Pixelshifter" on Rebelscum.
Around 2009, the emerging Crossbreed sound grabbed his attention. Always a lover of DnB, and a history of trying to fuse his Hardcore with breakbeats and D'n'B, meant that this style was just a natural progression. He began writing Crossbreed tracks and found great inspiration and newfound ideas as a result. Recognition and support from The Outside Agency lead to 2 very successful solo releases on Genosha One Seven Five proving his position at the forefront of Crossbreed. Deathmachine has also worked with Switch Technique (Union Recordings) and Forbidden Society (Forbidden Society Recordings) both on solo and collaborative projects which were also well received. This connection with D'n'B will only strengthen in the future – watch this space! Other releases and remixes have appeared on The Third Movement, Industrial Strength Records, Pacemaker and many more.
Always active in the studio, his focus is on creating powerful genre-pushing (but still of course danceable) music that engages the listener on a number of levels. At this time (start of 2013) there are forthcoming releases on Rebelscum (2 collaborations with The Dj Producer), Nekrolog1k Recordings, Future Sickness and more yet to be announced. Deathmachine is currently working on his first solo album which will represent every dimension of Hardcore Techno that he knows and loves. His background in underground Hardcore along with his new work in the direction of Crossbreed and D'n'B results in great diversity both in the studio and in the clubs.
Deathmachine has played in many countries around Europe (Holland, France, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Spain, Italy), at many large events (Dominator Festival (NL), Defqon Festival (NL), Boomtown Festival (UK), Therapy Sessions (various), Astropolis Festival (FR), Maxipulse (FR), Nightmare Outdoor Festival (NL)). With over 15 years experience and a wide stylistic taste, a hard intense musical experience is guaranteed whenever he plays. He is equally comfortable playing at a Hardcore event or a D'n'B event…or any event that plays music your parents would hate .
All enquiries to firstname.lastname@example.com