text:
The sound of gently lilting classical music drifted over me, as I checked my reflection in a glass cabinet and straightened out my bow tie.
I wasn't used to dressing this smartly and the tightness of the tie around my neck was already starting to irritate me.
With a sigh, I resigned myself to the fact that I would be wearing it for the next several hours. My only comfort was that I knew everybody else would be dressed just as ridiculously and would likely also be itching to get back into some comfy clothes! Although, that being said, I was under the impression that most of the people who'd be attending the Governor's New Year's Eve ball would all be dignitaries or at least people of importance from all over the system. So they'd all be used to wearing stuffy, tight clothes and being posh and civilised.
Oh well. At least Riley would be there. She'd said I looked rather handsome in my suit, so at least I had that going for me! We'd decided that it would be best if we didn't arrive at the event together, otherwise people might begin to suspect something was going on between us and so Riley had gone on ahead, leaving me to arrive alone.
As I turned and headed along the corridor towards the Grand Ballroom, where Judas' bash was being held, I prepared myself both mentally and physically for what was about to come.
After everything I'd been through, all the battles, all the fights and skirmishes, a simple formal ball scared me the most!
I turned a corner and headed towards a large door flanked by two Imperium soldiers and a smartly dressed Chetinuek. On my own, walking towards them, I couldn't help but feel intimidated, however, I just took a deep breath and carried on heading towards the music.
Chetinuek: "Your name, please, sir?"
Tank: "Chain Rockwell." I announced and he scanned though a data pad list. Moments later he smiled and stood aside.
Chetinuek: "Welcome, Mr. Rockwell. I hope you have a pleasant evening."
I thanked him as the two guards heaved the doors open and then I walked through them.
I'd never been in the Grand Ballroom before and so I was rather stunned by its magnificence.
The huge, circular room was located at the very top of the Town Hall, up in its dome, and offered stunning views out over Regentis in every direction.
The room itself was painted a brilliant white and boasted fantastically detailed carvings, especially in the domed ceiling. Large, circular pillars ran around the circumference of the hall and a glass doorway leading out onto a small balcony, was situated between each pair. It was a stunningly beautiful room, matching the High Priestess's Throne room in Měilsw�n on Fuyoria.
Judas: "Tank!" The Governor of Qoter greeted upon spotting me standing alone in the doorway. He strode briskly over to me, a huge grin on his face and a glass of wine in his hand. "I'm so glad you could make it!" He beamed as, using his free hand, he shook mine rather vigorously. It appeared that the good Governor had already had a few drinks!
Tank: "This place is amazing!" I commented as my gaze turned to the room's current occupants. Dignitaries, royalty and high - rollers from all over the system were mingling. Chatting, drinking laughing - generally having a good time.
There was an open area in the middle of the room where a handful of couples were dancing to the gently wafting music that the live orchestra were playing from a small, raised stage at the other side of the room.
Others were gathered at a buffet bar off to one side, taking their fill in free food - as if they weren't rich enough to buy their own!
Judas: "It is rather grand isn't it!" He agreed. "Still, it does the job!" He laughed and I nodded with a smile.
Tank: "It sure does!"
As we spoke, I continued to visually scan the room. I was looking for Riley. She'd seen me in my suit, but I hadn't been allowed to see her in her gown. She'd said she wasn't very confident about it and I joked that it seemed like a wedding! The fact I wasn't allowed to see her in her dress before the big day!
I couldn't see her yet, but I did spot the Archmage over at the buffet bar, which meant that the rest of the gang would be here as well.
I excused myself from the Governor, telling him I'd chat more in a bit and then headed over to the buffet. Eris was in the middle of a conversation with a dignitary I didn't recognise, but she saw me coming and waved me over with a smile.
Eris: "Excuse me, Senator." She asked, ending her previous discussion and then gave me a hug. "How are you?"
Tank: "Great, thanks. You?"
Eris: "I'm good, thank you. Care for a dance?" She inquired.
Tank: "Oh, I'm not much of a dancer!" I responded with a laugh.
Eris: "Good. Neither am I." Eris replied, but nonetheless grabbed my hand and escorted me onto the dance floor in the centre of the room.
Tank: "I really have no idea how to dance!" I insisted, feeling rather awkward.
Eris: "Don't worry. Just hold on and waft about a bit." She instructed.
Tank: "Nice. Should I not be asking Mr. Arathon's permission?" I joked as Eris placed my right hand on her waist and held the left out to the side.
Eris: "If you can find him." She replied with a smirk. "How was your Christmas? "
Tank: "It was... nice." I replied, thinking of the right word. "A little odd, but nice."
I had spent Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day with Riley and her dad, Alberto, at his house. It had been pleasant enough, but it had just been a bit strange spending the time with my girlfriend's dad! I had loved spending so long with Riley though. With her work and my careering around the system, we got to see very little of each other, so having three full days in a row together had been great!
Of course, we'd had to come up with a cover story to tell Judas though, as he still had no idea about the two of us. I must admit, I was surprised at how long we'd managed to keep it a secret from him, however, we weren't planning on telling him yet. Neither of us had told any of Eris� lot either but I was pretty sure that they knew. Eris, at least.
The Archmage smirked at my comment about the period being 'nice'.
Eris: "Good. I'm glad you had a nice time."
Tank: "What about you guys?" I asked in return. "Is everybody here?"
Eris: "It was lovely thank you. Considering it was only my second one ever, it was still rather special! And yes, they are. Somewhere, anyway!" She laughed, looking around at the crowd of people.
Throughout our exchange we had continued to waft from side to side in time with the music, doing our best to look like we knew what we were doing. At one point I stepped on Eris� toes and apologised, but she brushed it off as nothing.
Eris: "So where's Riley at?" She asked.
Tank: "Uh, I don't know." I replied, trying to act like I didn't know why she was asking, but the Archmage gave me a look that read 'Seriously? You know I know you better than that!'
I smirked sheepishly.
Tank: "I actually don't know. She's here somewhere though." I responded and Eris nodded.
At this point, Commander Ferris from Knightborn, or at least what was left of it stepped up beside us. I remembered my conversation with Dustin a few months ago, during which he'd told me not to trust Ferris.
I knew that he wasn't what he appeared to be and I knew that Eris didn't trust him either. However, he was a high - ranking officer of the Galactic Imperium and as such, commanded respect.
Com. Ferris: "Archmage. May I?" He inquired and with a polite smile to the Commander and a nod to me, Eris agreed. I stepped back, the Commander took my place and they began to dance.
As I walked away, Eris sent me a mental message,
Eris: 'Great...' I couldn't help but chuckle out loud.
I weaved my way through the crowd, heading vaguely in the direction of the bar, still keeping my eyes peeled for Riley, when, at last, I spotted her.
She was stunning. Wearing a floor - length, flowing, white gown, her arms bare and her hair tied back in an intricate bun, she was the picture of elegance. A far cry from her usual office blouse and trousers!
Tank: "Wow..." I breathed aloud, stopping in my tracks. Riley saw me and beamed a slightly nervous smile. We walked towards eachother and met on the dance floor.
Tank: "You look amazing." I commented, desperately resisting the urge to hold her in my arms and kiss her.
Riley: "Thanks." She replied bashfully. "You look rather dapper yourself!"
I smiled.
Tank: "Thanks. Well, this is all rather fancy, isn't it!" I stated, looking around.
Riley: "Just a little!" She joked and as she did, a thought struck me.
In another life, a parallel universe if such things existed, I would have grown up amongst such elegance. If my parents had not been murdered, I would be used to all this finery and glamour, I would feel a lot more at ease.
However, life had ripped that away from me, and as such, I felt rather awkward in my suit and tie!
Riley: "Did you have a nice Christmas?" She asked, keeping up our pretense.
Tank: "It was lovely thanks. I really enjoyed myself."
Riley: "Good." She replied with a warm smile. Then, she looked over my shoulder and flashed another smile at Judas as he joined us.
Judas: "There you are, you amazing person, you!" He beamed and put an arm around her shoulder. "How are you this fine evening?" He grinned as they kissed each other's cheeks in greeting. As they did, a little knot formed in my stomach.
Riley: "I'm perfect, thank you." She replied. "You've pulled off a wonderful party, Judas. It's lovely."
Judas: "It's great, isn't it! I wasn't sure what the band would be like, but they're on fire!"
Tank: "They are good." I agreed.
There was a momentary pause while we all soaked up the atmosphere, before Judas spoke again.
Judas: "Oh, I'm so glad you guys are here! It would be so boring without you! I was afraid it would just be me stuck here with all these snobs!" He commented, rather un-diplomatically, earning a disgusted look from a man stood nearby. "The three musketeers back together again!" He grinned, throwing an arm around my shoulder as well, so that he was stood between the two of us.
Tank: "Together again!" I agreed, while silently wondering just how much the Governor had had to drink.
Judas: "You know, my life used to be so boring ! Before you guys came along! In fact, I'm pretty sure life picked up around the time you joined the office, Riley!"
Riley: "Coincidence." She replied with a smile, but I could tell that it was a smile that masked how uncomfortable she was feeling.
Judas: "No, no! When you joined our office as Governor Wilson�s assistant, everything became much more bearable!" He laughed and with a polite smile, Riley slid out from under his arm. Not noticing her discomfort, it didn't bother the Governor, who's flirtatious manor, intentional or not, was starting to annoy me.
Judas: "Do you know that our Riley here does more work than anybody else in the office? She far exceeds her expected workload! She's a credit to the Senate!" He complimented.
Riley: "Thanks." She replied bluntly, now with only a slight hint of politeness.
Tank: "That's 'our Riley'." I agreed, also slipping out from under Judas's arm. "Care for a dance?" I asked, holding out a hand to Riley who looked thoroughly relieved.
Riley: "I thought you'd never ask." She replied gratefully and took my offered hand. We made our way into a more open space and began to waft in time to the music.
Riley: �He�s happy.� She muttered.
Tank: �He�s just had a few.� I replied, trying to brush it off. Truth was, I was a bit annoyed at Judas, but I knew he was just a bit drunk.
Riley: "A few too many." She muttered.
For a good minute or so, we simply wafted from side to side, gently swaying in time to the music. As we danced, I forced myself to forget my annoyance at Judas and enjoy myself. Standing here, with Riley in my arms, dancing together on the approach to midnight and the new year, it was lovely. I couldn't help but smile.
Riley "What?" She asked gently, seeing my smile.
Tank: "Nothing."
Riley: "No, go on. Tell me."
Tank: "I'm just enjoying myself." I answered. "This is really nice."
Riley: "Just the two of us." She agreed and I nodded. "Like Christmas."
Tank: "Yeah. It's nice." I grinned and with a smile, Riley laid her head against my chest and closed her eyes.
I held her close and felt the warmth of her close against me and as we gently rocked from side to side, I couldn't imagine anything better.
On the other side of the room, the Governor of Qoter laughed a little too hard at an un-funny joke told by a Senator, before excusing himself and taking another gulp of wine. Surveying the scene before him, taking in the success of his New Year's Eve ball, he was pleased.
And then he noticed Tank and Riley.
Stood close together on the dance floor, Tank had his arms wrapped around Riley. Her head was resting on his chest and her eyes were closed in contentment. Judas frowned momentarily as a thought came to him.
Riley's lips curved upwards and Judas realised that she was wearing his best friend's smile.
I couldn't imagine a better way to bring in the new year. Dancing with the woman I loved was blissful. I chuckled gently to myself at just how perfect I felt right now.
Riley: "What?" She asked me softly, looking up into my eyes.
Tank: "I love you." I replied simply and her smile widened.
Riley: "I love you too. Or do you just say that to all the women you dance with?" She responded with a smirk.
Tank: "You'll have to ask Eris!" I laughed.
Riley: "Ooh! I haven't seen them yet tonight."
So a few minutes later, we'd meandered through the crowds until we'd finally located 'The Vindicators'.
Jay: "When you said you had a New Year's story, Jace, I was expecting something a little cheerier!" Jay remarked as we arrived, in the middle of a conversation.
Tank: "Hey guys!" I announced and we all exchanged greetings and shook hands and kissed etc.
Jay: "Have a good Christmas?"
Tank: "Yeah, it was great thanks! How about you guys?"
Jay: "It was quiet." He replied sombrely.
Caesar: "Yeah, very."
I knew it must have been a very strange time for them all. Christmas last year, there were eight of us, myself included. This year, there was just the five of them. With the deaths of Kiara and Presh' earlier in the year, plus everything going on with Kiera running away and also with Sophia, Caesar's daughter, it must have been a very different occasion to last year.
Tank: "Has there been any news about Kiera?"
Caesar: "None." He responded.
The gang had been searching for Kiera ever since she walked out on them back in August, but as of yet, they'd yet to hear anything.
Eris: "She's a grown woman. Give her time. She needs to decide her own future."
Riley: "It can't have been easy for her, losing Kiara."
Caesar: "It wasn't. She held it together as long as she could, but she's only human."
Riley nodded sadly in understanding. She didn't know them all as well as I did, but she could still sympathize.
Tank: "What about Sophia? Any leads on where Rat took her?"
Caesar shook his head sadly.
Jace: "Again, nothing." He responded.
At that moment the band stopped playing and there was a loud popping sound - someone tapping on a microphone.
Judas: "Ladies and gentlemen!" The Governor's voice boomed and everybody looked around to see Judas stood behind a microphone atop a small stage at the other side of the room. "Thank you!" He beamed down at us all as the room fell silent to listen. "Thank you all so much for coming to my New Year's ball! I hope you're all enjoying the food, drink and entertainment as much as I am!"
There was a smattering of applause, laughter and murmurs of agreement.
Judas had removed his tie and loosened his shirt now, looking far more casual than the Governor of the entire planet should do, but that was what made him popular. He was an ordinary guy. Just a normal person with a big job.
Judas: "Now, I believe we have just a few minutes to go before we welcome in the new year. But before we do, I wanted to say a few words."
The little remaining chatter that there had been died down so that the room was silent.
Judas: "This year has been hard. On everybody." He began, addressing the gathered crowd and at this point I also noticed the TV cameras pointing at him - his speech must have been being broadcast live across the planet.
Judas: "This year, we've really been pushed to our limits. We've faced more trials and tribulations than anybody should face in a lifetime. The truce with Pax Aurelia was broken, forcing us back into a war that we didn't chose to be a part of. Knightborn, Argyle, Tarhaven: all gone. And Illbliss: Badly damaged. All as part of the ongoing reign of terror by Aurelia. We took small consolation in the fact that James Corvin, their founder, had been killed, but that seems to have halted nothing. We've had planet-wide power cuts. Junk robots attacking people at random. More recently, the Collective's drone soldiers have turned against both them and us and have been targeting civilians. I'd also just like to take this chance to publicly thank her grace, the Archmage, for her continued support in the matter and the tireless effort they are putting into bringing the drones back under control."
Eris smiled and raised her glass to Judas in appreciation.
Judas: "ROBKAT Engineering Systems have been almost destroyed, leaving our ships with virtually nowhere to go if in need of repairs." Judas continued.
Judas: "We had the rise of The Followers of the Universe and our already war - ravaged moon, Etrion, had to endure the tyranny of an evil Collective ambassador. And not only that, but we must remember that it is not just Qoter that has suffered. Other planets across the system and also in System 55, have suffered too. Earth saw the bombing of a peaceful remembrance service for those who died during The Collective war. D-12, the fatal virus, created as a potential cure for Ossillium poisoning, was leaked onto the black market as a weapon. Millions of innocent men, women and children were uprooted from their homes on Flouron and have had to seek sanctuary across the stars, some of whom are now living in poverty in refugee camps here on Qoter.�
Judas: �This year," He continued. "Has been probably the worst in living memory. And that�s saying something, considering the atrocities and events of recent years.�
There were murmurs of agreement from the gathered crowd.
Judas: �But tonight, here, now, we stand on the brink of a new year. A year that will hopefully bring us peace and justice. A new year that we hope will treat us better than 2096 has.� There was a small round of applause at this, before Judas carried on.
Judas: �But to ensure that it does, we, all of us here, must make sure that we do our part. This war that still rages, a war that has cost God knows how many lives and caused destruction and terror beyond belief, is on us. It represents a failure to listen! We may not have started it, but we have failed to help stop it.
So this coming year, in 2097, let us all do our part to bring peace to this system! I�ve had enough fighting for a lifetime! It�s time to end it! We�re not all soldiers. We can�t all fight our way to victory. But we can damned well talk our way there! Diplomats, politicians, senators! It�s our responsibility! We have to end this!�
As the Governor spoke, the applause grew louder and louder until he had to conclude because he could no longer talk over the thunderous sound. I looked around the gathered crowd, all nodding and clapping in agreement and I remembered why Judas had been voted in as Governor of Qoter. He really was a charismatic leader. One who could inspire hope in others, even when there was little to be found.
After a minute, the applause died down and Governor Boan continued.
Judas: �But we must also remember, that it is not just the war that is a threat � not just Aurelia. Every day, out there � somewhere, be it near, far, or even in this very room��
As he spoke, Judas�s gaze met mine for a second and I flashed him an encouraging smile, however, it was not returned and then his gaze moved on. I frowned momentarily but thought nothing more of it.
Judas: �People are plotting against us. Trying to take things away from us.�
Judas: (Continued:) �You don�t know who they are. Or where they will strike.�
Judas: (cont.) �But just know that they are out there. The galaxy is full of evil and we must do our utmost to bring it to justice.�
Judas: (cont.) �We, ourselves, must strive to be the good that this galaxy so desperately needs. To both be good and do good. For the sake of the galaxy.�
Judas: (cont.) �However, we must also not lose sight of those closest to us; those we hold dear. Whilst the galaxy may be full of evil, it is also full of love.�
Judas: (cont.) �We all have friends, family, people we care about. Either here with us tonight, or somewhere, out there in the system. This coming year, make an effort.� He implored. �Tell them how much they mean to you.�
Judas: (cont.) �Because thanks to the evil-doers, you never know when it may be your last chance. Take every opportunity. Not just with love, but with life in general. Take nothing for granted and push yourself daily.�
Judas: (cont.) �Make yourself the best possible you that you can be. Remember your worth and your value and treat yourself with respect, just as you should treat others. If everybody had a little more respect for one another, then the world would be a much nicer place.�
Judas: (cont.) �Everybody has a story. Everybody has a life. Everybody has their own set of beliefs, rules and habits. And everybody must remember that everybody is entitled to these. Who are you to force your ways upon others? Just because you believe something to be right, does not mean that others must believe the same. Do not try and brainwash others into following your path. Every single person has a right to choose.�
Judas: (cont.) �So look after one another. Please. I beg you. If everybody looked up from their datapads once in a while and saw the world around them, saw what life has come to� if everybody just cared a little more. About themselves� about others. Then that would be a great many of our problems solved.�
Now there came another loud round of applause and the Governor paused with a sad smile that slowly grew into one of hope and joy.
Judas: �Ladies and Gentlemen, the midnight bells are almost ringing. The new year is almost upon us. Somewhere, out there,� he gestured to a window on the far side of the room. �a ship is setting sail. Somewhere, there�s a new-born baby crying. Somewhere, two lovers are saying farewell. Life.� He continued dramatically. �Life goes on. Despite all of the tragedies of the past year, life finds a way.� He said quietly, before picking up the wine glass that he�d set down on the podium.
Judas: �So now I�m singing Hallelujah and I�m saying Amen.� He beamed, his glass raised in a toast and all over the room, myself included, every single person lifted their glass to the air. �Let us toast! To new beginnings! Raise up your glasses with me and say; �To all of our tomorrows!�
The room chorused the sentence.
Judas: �For what was yesterday.�
Again, everybody repeated him. Judas smiled broadly and drank from his glass, just as outside, the first notes of a melody, played by a giant clock tower nearby, began to play, preparing for the chimes that would welcome in the new year. Everybody drank from their glasses and around the edges of the room, waiters opened up the glass doors, allowing full access onto the balcony.
Judas: �Let�s hope tomorrow finds us.� He concluded slightly sombrely. �And now, ladies and gentlemen, it�s New Year�s Day! Please, join me on the balcony and welcome in 2097. Thank you!�
As the clock finished it�s tune and prepared for the first chime, the crowd made its way outside and onto the circular balcony that encompassed the entire room.
I stood with Riley beside me. With all the crowds, we were fairly sure nobody would see us holding hands. Eris stood on my other side, arm in arm with Jay, and surrounding them were Caesar, Basher and Jace. As the first chime struck, fireworks began launching.
As the first explosions thundered before us, I glanced around, trying to spot Judas, to invite him over to join us � but he was nowhere to be seen. I frowned as I visually scanned what I could see of the room and the balconies opposite, but I couldn�t find him anywhere.
I turned back again and gave Riley�s hand a squeeze. She smiled up at me and then we both turned and watched the fireworks. Looking out over Regentis, staring at the Senate building opposite, as the brightly coloured explosions lit up the midnight sky and the clock continued chiming, I smiled to myself.
It was a new year. A new beginning.
It was 2097.
The set for when Tank first comes in. Turns out I didn't take any other behind the scenes pictures for this one!
As my series is going to be jumping around though time, I will include a date on each episode and add it to the timeline at the end of each episode so that you can follow it.


text:
10 guests maximum
160 m2
4 bedroom apartment
2 bathrooms
4 single sofa bed
3 double bed
2 single bed
A few words about the apartment…
You'll particularly enjoy staying here if you plan to discover Prague´s old town. The spacious and comfortable living space will be great to come back to after you've sampled the local bars. And we particularly like the design and the location. If you're coming with a larger group, this is the perfect place to stay.
Please read this extra info
Party groups are not allowed, because of the neighbours in this residential building. Without prior approval the owner can refuse upon arrival entry to stag, hen or young groups. Please contact us before if you're not sure. Groups of 4 or more people will be charged €100 security deposit per person.
Check-in / Check-out
The standard check-in time is from 15:00 and the check-out by 11:00.
Arrivals and departures outside this standard time are always tried to be accommodated on request.
Refundable damage deposit upon arrival : € 500.00 cash. The damage deposit will be returned at check-out.
City tax : please check details after clicking the "book now" button
For a late check-in between 22:00 and 08:00 there is an extra cost of € 40.
Please note : non smoking, pets are not allowed, no parties please, no young groups
Facilities and amenities
- Internet
- Pets allowed
- Smoking allowed
- International TV
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Fan
- Bed linen
- Towels
- Baby cot
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Oven
- Complete kitchenware
- Balcony
- Terrace
- Garden
- Swimming pool
- Parking
- Lift (apt. is on 3rd floor)
Back to the top

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Perhaps the most important treasure at the Grand Palace in Bangkok is the Emerald Buddha, housed in its own vast room for worship. Photography is forbidden, but the outside of the building is remarkable, as is the entire palace, in any case.
These photos are of the entrance into the Emerald Buddha temple.


text: Wow, Time magazine is really plugging the hell out of Charla Krupp's hateful-but-bestselling tome How Not To Look Old — a book that advocates Botox and hair-dye for the post-menopausal set. It's been mentioned twice in the magazine in the past month and there's an entire blog post devoted to the book today. And lo, what do we have here? Krupp's husband, Richard Zoglin, is a Time senior editor. How Not To Look Old is now on the New York Times top-10 list for advice and how-to books. Krupp proves yet again that making women feel bad about themselves is an endlessly lucrative endeavor. [Portfolio, Time]


text:
Statement: The Purple Martin Preservation Alliance (PMPA) is an
all-volunteer conservation organization dedicated to the recovery and preservation of Purple Martins through hands-on conservation projects, public education, and scientific research.
We are headquartered in the Alle-Kiski Valley of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Please help us
bring back the Purple Martin! --The
Staff of the Purple Martin Preservation Alliance (PMPA)
Scientific Advisors
Scroll down past "LATEST
ARTICLES" for basic information about Purple Martins TO E-MAIL THE PMPA:
Nesting Pairs in Southwestern Pennsylvania 2014 - added 11/13/14
Former MLB Pitcher Jack Kucek visits PMPA - added 4/6/2014
Sacramento Purple Martin Nesting Population Threatened by Kestrels - added 2/7/14
Mirror, Mirror - Updated for 2012 - added 11/27/12
Purple Martins Breed in Birdville, PA after 40 Year Absence - added 01/12/12 updated 12/17/13
A History of Purple Martin Colonies in Natrona Heights, PA and Surrounding Areas - added 11/10/11 updated 12/17/13
Vigilance is the Key in a "One-Pair Colony"; 23 Ways a Single Nesting Pair Can Fail - added 10/31/11
Nesting Pairs in Southwestern Pennsylvania 2011 - added 10/27/11
Feeding Blackie; Supplemental Feeding at a Non-breeding Purple Martin Site - added 01/14/11
Forced Dispersal Instrumental in Establishing 3-5 New Colonies - added 12/01/10
Nesting Pairs in Southwestern Pennsylvania 2010 - added 10/15/10
An Editorial: Weather can be a Predator! - added 11/29/09
Nesting Pairs in Southwestern Pennsylvania 2013 - added 12/13/13
Nesting Pairs in Southwestern Pennsylvania 2012 - added 10/20/12
Guest Writer: Duke Snyder - Martin Panhandlers in Western PA - added 02/12/10
Black Rat Snake Predation at a Purple Martin Colony near Pittsburgh, PA - added 12/15/09
A Lesson Re-Learned: Missed Opportunity at Crooked Creek Lake - added 12/12/09
Effects of Moving Housing: A Five Year Look at the Lock 4 Colony - added 12/05/09
Purple Martins Attracted to a Typical Suburban Backyard in Pennsylvania - added 11/05/09
2008 Purple Martin Season Summary for Western Pennsylvania - added 9/6/08
The Successful Transplant of a Pair of Breeding Purple Martins in 2007 - added 8/16/07
A Proposal to Establish Purple Martin Colonies by Transplanting Nesting Pairs -added 8/15/07, updated 02/25/08
Martins Removed to the Zoo - added 08/06/07, updated 08/23/07
Martins Flourish in the Face of Adversity - added 07/31/07
The Martin Killing Weather of April, 2007 - added 04/25/07
Two Breeding Pairs of Purple Martins Nest in the Same Cavity in 2006 - added 02/28/07
Emergency and Supplemental Feeding of Purple Martins in Spring 2006 - added 12/31/06
Homing of Purple Martins - added 11/15/06
Purple Martin Colony Established in Natrona, PA, in 2006 - added 10/26/06
The New Excluder Gourd - added 9/14/06
The Smicksburg Triangle - added 9/7/06
Emergency Cold Weather Feeding in the Spring of 2005 - added 3/14/06
Seven Advantages of the T-14 Wooden Purple Martin House - added 2/07/06
Behavior of Purple Martins Captured in Pre-nesting Compartments - added 1/29/06
A 53 Year-old Article: Attempting to Establish Martins by Hacking (Hand-raising) (requires Adobe Acrobat) - added 1/23/06
Cross-species Fostering: An Attempt to Establish a Purple Martin colony by using Tree Swallows - added 12/23/05
New Purple Martin Staging Area Discovered in Pennsylvania: The Ralph Bell Roost - added 12/02/05
Purple Martins Breed in Natrona, PA, in 2005, as a result of Forced Dispersal Project - added 11/17/05
Forced Dispersal as a Method of Establishing New Purple Martin Colonies - added 10/12/05
Owl Guards: Preferences and Breeding Success at an Established Colony - added 9/21/05
Preference & Breeding Success in 6" x 6" Cavities with 2" Round Holes vs. 6" x 12" Cavities with Excluders - added 4/7/05
First Arrivals 2005 at Saxon Golf Course Colony Include a Banded ASY-M - added 4/05/05
Troyer Horizontal Gourd Advisory - added 4/03/05
Standards for Purple Martin Housing - added 3/23/05
Operation Martin-Start II: New Beginnings - added 3/21/05
The Mysterious Appearance of 30 Purple Martins at an Unused Martin House - added 3/05/05
Birthplace of Purple Martins Breeding at Saxon Golf Course Colony in 2004 - added 2/18/05
Banded Birds seen at Gastown Racetrack Colony, Armstrong Co., PA - added 2/14/05
Operation Martin-Start: Evaluating Purple Martin Breeding Attempts at New Sites - added 2/02/05
Comparing Breeding Success: Snyder Excluders vs. Conley Excluders - added 1/25/05
Martin Management Models: East and West - added 01/14/05
Indiana Purple Martin Spotted in Pennsylvania in 2004 - added 01/10/05
Why Would Martins choose to Nest Alone? - added 01/07/05
Comic relief: A Look at Purple Martins in the Year 2204 - added 12/30/04
Sevin for Parasite Control - added 12/24/04
Snyder Excluders vs. Conley Excluders; A Preference Test - added 12/15/04, updated 1/20/05
Designing a Scientific Experiment - added 12/14/04
"[Band#] 65290" - From A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold - added 12/13/04
Purple Martin Hacking Project Conducted by Pennsylvania Game Commission in 1985 & 1986 - added 12/02/04
The Search for the 56 Purple Martins Banded as nestlings at The Saxon Golf Course Colony in 2002 - added 11/01/04
|IDENTIFICATION The Purple Martin (Progne subis) is a large blue-black swallow (very dark glossy blue body with black wings) that is best known for its habit of nesting colonially in large, multi-compartmented houses or gourds. Martins are 7-8 inches long with a wingspan of about 12 inches, and weigh close to 50 grams. They are significantly larger than any of their better-known cousins, the Barn, Tree, and Cliff Swallows, but this size difference is not apparent unless perched next to one of these smaller species. Many other birds are commonly mistaken for Purple Martins. Some of these species include European Starlings, Common Grackles, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, and Brown-headed Cowbirds, (click on name to view photo). Keep in mind that Purple Martins rarely perch in trees or land on the ground during the breeding season. Most of the time they are perched on martin housing or telephone wires. Only adult males are all purple. MORE ON MARTIN IDENTIFICATION
|ATTRACTING PURPLE MARTINS Once common throughout western Pennsylvania, martins have become scarce and difficult to attract. Several factors are to blame. First, in June of 1972, Tropical Storm Agnes stalled over Pennsylvania and dumped 7 inches of rain over the course of six days, killing almost every Purple martin adult and nestling in western PA. Since constant, heavy rain prevents flying insects from taking flight, and since Purple Martins are "obligate aerial insectivores" - which is a fancy way of saying that they eat only flying insects - all of the Purple Martins starved to death during the continuous rains associated with this 100 year weather event. 5 KEY PRINCIPLES OF MARTIN ATTRACTION
|MANAGEMENT BASICS If you want to keep from losing the martins you've attracted and to create a thriving colony site, you must adhere to 5 basic management rules: 1) Prevent European Starlings and House Sparrows from nesting in your martin housing. 2) Prevent martin predators (snakes, raccoons, and owls) from gaining access to your martin housing. 3) Control nest parasites. 4) Train your martins to eat crickets and mealworms. 5) Keep trees and shrubs from encroaching on your martin housing. THE 6 KEY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
|COLONY SITES IN PENNSYLVANIA Though Purple Martins can still be considered scarce in Southwestern PA, things are looking up! For several years, the PMPA has been managing many of the established colony sites in the area. By improving the martin housing and controlling European Starlings and House Sparrows, the martins have bred much more successfully, which means that these sites are now acting as a source of martins to start new colony sites. The PMPA is also managing a variety of unestablished sites where it is attempting to attract martins. To view individual locations of colony sites in southwestern Pennsylvania, click SITES.
|BANDING PURPLE MARTINS Since 2001, the PMPA has been banding hundreds of martins in order to study such things as dispersal trends, housing preference, and longevity. Ken Kostka is a federally licensed bird bander. For more about Banding, click HERE.
|EXCLUDER ENTRANCE HOLES A HIT! The colony site at Saxon Golf Course grew from 13 breeding pairs in 2002 to 23 breeding pairs in 2003. During both years, 71% of the cavities were 11" deep with Snyder Excluders and 29% were 6" deep with 2" round entrance holes. I am very pleased with excluders and plan to go to all Excluders in 2004. To view breeding success information at this site, click on the Nest Check Sheet 2002: House#1 orNest Check Sheets Year 2003: House#1 House#2 Check out nesting data summaries comparing the round vs. excluder entrance holes. To read an article about the invention of the Excluders, click HERE. To see a video of a Purple Martin entering and exiting an excluder entrance hole, click HERE.
|EMERGENCY FEEDING TECHNIQUE: The photograph at left depicts Purple Martins eating mealworms and crickets off of a feeding platform. Thousands of martins died of weather-induced starvation in June of 1972 in Western Pennsylvania when Hurricane Agnes caused 1 week of constant rain, depriving the air of flying insects, the Purple Martin's only source of natural food. Ken Kostka played a key role in developing an emergency feeding technique that allowed martin "landlords" to save their martins from starvation by offering them supplemental food! This technique has been a major boon to martin conservation efforts, and has saved thousands of Purple Martins since it was developed. For more information, and to view a video clip of this technique in action, go to http://purple-martin.org/Archives/cricketfeeding.htm
|$ Please Consider Making a Donation $ to the Purple Martin Preservation Alliance. All donations are used to aid Purple Martin recovery efforts in Southwestern Pennsylvania, The PMPA directly manages many active colony sites in a four county area of southwestern PA. We have erected managed housing at many other sites in an attempt to attract martins. In addition, we advise and educate landlords at a number of established colony sites in the area. Send a check or money order to: Purple Martin Preservation Alliance (or "PMPA") and mail to PMPA, c/o Jeff Hunt, 176 Paradise Dr., Export, PA 15632. Thanks!
Archives - Articles about Martins and Martin
Western Purple Martins
Many thanks to Glenn Davis for photographs used throughout this site.
PURPLE MARTIN CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION: http://www.purplemartin.org
BIRDS' PARADISE (T-14's): 1-800-872-0103
EXCLUDER GOURDS: http://www.excludergourd.com
ENTRANCES BY SANDY: http://www.entrancesbysandy.com
NEW YORK STATE PURPLE MARTIN PROJECT: www.friendsofiroquoisnwr.org/purplemartins/index.html
PURPLE MARTIN CONSERVANCY: http://www.purplemartin.biz/
FRIENDS OF HARRISON HILLS COUNTY PARK: http://friendsofharrisonhills.org


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Shanghai (AFP) - Chinese football fans anticipating the first clash between the "Fabios" -- Italian heavyweight coaches Cannavaro and Capello -- will have to wait as their sides have been bumped from a stadium this weekend by China's hottest boy band.
The Tianjin-Jiangsu clash was scheduled for Sunday at the stadium on the grounds of the Olympic Sports Center in the eastern city of Nanjing -- Jiangsu Suning's home pitch -- but it now conflicts with a concert in an adjacent indoor arena by the wildly popular TFBOYS.
The Chinese Football Association said Tuesday the game would be postponed until September 28 for "security" reasons.
A separate statement by the Chinese Super League's official broadcaster, China Sports Media, said the Nanjing sports complex would be unable to provide adequate security for both events on the same day.
The Chinese Super League match had been scheduled months ago. It was not immediately clear how the scheduling snafu occurred.
The TFBOYS, whose name stands for "The Fighting Boys", have won millions of passionate female Chinese fans with their schoolboy looks and bubblegum dance pop.
The band's three teenage members had announced last month that they would hold concerts in Nanjing this Friday and Sunday to mark the fourth anniversary since they formed.
Both shows have been sold out, with tickets going for as much as 1,880 yuan ($280), according to the website of Yongle, the concerts' designated ticket vendor.
Cannavaro, Italy's World Cup-winning captain in 2006, has led Tianjin to a current third place in the Super League.
Capello, a former England, Real Madrid and Russia manager, was hired in June to revive the fortunes of struggling Jiangsu Suning.
But his side is still near the bottom of the table despite possessing talent like Brazilian duo Ramires and Alex Teixeira.


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Submitted by editor on
Unique taboo-busting drama takes to the streets
Young people are bringing vital information to the streets of their communities through an engaging new drama project.
Premiered at Nepal's annual Earthquake Safety Day event, the drama features youngsters drawn from communities where the show is being performed.
And as well as acting in the show, they also help decide the storyline of the play.
"This was the first time I'd been in a play like this," said 13-year-old Babita Shrestha, one of the stars of the show, from Sankhu, the small town near Kathmandu where the Earthquake Safety Day event was being held. "Sometimes I was scared that I would forget my words or that I would try to speak and nothing would come out, but when it came to the actual performance I felt really confident."
The aim of the drama, called Gauthali (House Martin in Nepali) and supported by the British Red Cross in partnership with the Nepal Red Cross Society, is to share information which can help people in their on-going earthquake recovery efforts.
With a team of young people from the community on board to fill the majority of roles, there is the opportunity to inject storylines the cast feels are important specifically for their community, ensuring every performance will be unique.
To bring people further into the action, the play also features direct discussion and participation with audience members, asking them to give their own thoughts and opinions about the situations they see playing out in front of them.
Scheduled for 24 performances around the Kathmandu Valley, new members will join the cast each time the play moves area bringing with them new ideas to inject into the show.
In Sankhu, within a plot highlighting safe reconstruction practices, hygiene, health and livelihoods, there were also stories about alcohol abuse, domestic violence, female health and the role of women in the community.
"The issues raised are really important for the community; not just the earthquake recovery information, but also the social messages. We made the play fit the issues that we felt were important to our community," said Babita, who dreams of one day becoming a doctor.
"I feel really proud to be part of this, lots of people came to see us and because we are from the community people know us and will listen to us more."
According to Babita, the team of young actors have also been sharing information from the play with their friends and family, further increasing the drama's impact
Kamala Shrestha, a 47-year-old tailor from Sankhu, was one of many fascinated audience members.
"I really liked it, and I was so impressed with the young people's performance, they only had a few days practice but they were great," said Kamala. "There was a lot of information in the play and I think this will really help to spread information, I will definitely go and talk to my friends about it. Every village should have a play like this."
In particular Kamala was struck by the play's final scene in which a woman collecting water collapses in pain clutching her abdomen.
"Female reproductive health is a real issue in our community and people don't like to talk about it, they won't even discuss it with a doctor," she said. "It was good to raise it in public to help break the taboo."
Sagun Shrestha, coordinator of the Nepal Red Cross Society Earthquake Response operation in Kathmandu district, where Sankhu is situated, was delighted with how the play had been received.
"We wanted this street drama to involve the local community and highlight and support issues around Red Cross recovery activities, but it's done more than that," she said.
"This kind of participatory drama really brings the community itself into the play to address pressing concerns and issues.
"We're really looking forward to seeing how the show develops as it visits more communities around the valley."


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Historic District Porch Remodel
As phase two of the planned multi-phased project, the front porch of the original portion of the house was completely redone. The new entry and stair were placed on center of the house with a prominent new paired front door. A proper balustrade replaced the existing partial height sided wall, all with details in keeping with the original house.


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Comedy Central renews 'Brickleberry' so we're giving away a big fat prize package! (Giveaway)
Fans of crass, funny animation rejoice! Comedy Central has renewed Brickleberry for a second season. Executive produced by Daniel Tosh, the show centers around a dysfunctional crew of park rangers and features the voices of Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Jerry Minor, Kaitlin Olsen (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia) and more. Obviously, the show's creators and co-executive producers Waco O'Guin and Roger Black are thrilled. "This is incredible news!" says O'Guin. "I can't wait to get more angry phone calls from my mother," while Black adds, "Now I can pay off my Chevy Cobalt."
In honor of this news, we'd like to offer our Laugshpin readers something special. So, how about a nice, fat Brickleberry prize pack! Check it out. One lucky winner will win the following:
Brickleberry Backpack
Brickleberry Rangers hat
Brickleberry Canteen
A roll of Brickleberry toilet paper
Brickleberry Compass
Brickleberry T-shirt
Brickleberry Binoculars
Not too shabby, right? And here's all you need to do. Simply e-mail us at email@example.com with the subject line BRICKLEBERRY and tell us you want the the prize pack. Also — and this is important — leave your mailing address so we know where to send your prize if you happen to win! We'll choose a winner at random by the end of the day tomorrow (Nov. 14). Preference will be given to any reader who designs their own e-card to Laughspin using this link. You can see our e-card to you guys here. Ok, now get to it!


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Four Reigns by Kukrit PramojRead about the other entries on the list.
Kukrit's epic novel follows one woman's life spanning the reigns of four kings – Rama V to Rama VIII – from the 1890s to the second world war.
At the age of 10, Phloi goes to live in the royal palace in Bangkok with her mother, who serves as a minor courtier. Phloi's eventful life inside and outside the palace – as daughter, sister, wife and mother – reflects the enormous changes taking place in the country. Traditional Siam is buffeted by historic events at home and abroad – a palace revolution, two world wars, Japanese occupation, allied bombing – as it evolves into modern Thailand.
After the absolute monarchs are forced to become constitutional rulers, "the air is thick with politics". That, along with increasing western influence and the turbulence of the second world war, causes fissures in society that intrude into Phloi's family.
This leisurely paced novel is both intriguing and entertaining. And despite being bathed in conservative nostalgia, offers a fascinating insight into the country.
Four Reigns is regarded as a classic in Thailand and has often been staged and serialised on TV.
Kukrit was something of a renaissance man – Thai prime minister, journalist and newspaper proprietor, Hollywood film actor and classical dancer. He died in 1995.
--Marshal Zeringue


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Other Ways to Think About the Copyright Debate
I recently started a discussion on TED.com discussing Rob Reid's presentation, The $8 billion iPod, and a response that was posted by Ken Sanney. While my original intent was to discuss the simplification of complex issues, people began some passionate arguments about piracy and copyrights. You can read the whole thing (with comments) here from TED's conversation page.
I started getting frustrated because the majority of the people posting were not involved in the music industry nor did they have any knowledge of copyright law. If there's one thing that I can't stand, it's simply the regurgitation of rhetoric, especially when there's no basis in logic and not supported by evidence.
Here's my personal take on the issue. If you'd like to see my responses to all of the traditional arguments in favor of unauthorized piracy and the debate on whether copyright protection should exist at all, please check out the TED debate linked above.
First, I believe that the right to offer creative works online (or anywhere) for free should be up to the artist, not the consumer. If someone wants to share their music and give out unlimited copies of their music or book, that's their right to do so. However, if it isn't, nobody should be superseding those wishes, even if they believe that it is in the best interest of the artist/author/filmmaker in question. In fact, some things that we believe are "good for someone" could actually be detrimental to them. For example, most people believe that everyone should drink eight glasses of water per day. However, there's no scientific evidence to support this, and in fact, that amount could cause over-hydration in some people, leading to serious health issues. In the same way, there's no clear data that directly supports the notion that file-sharing furthers the career of all artists. In fact, many artists have voiced the detriment that it has caused their careers.
Second, there are some people who believe that all copyright laws should be abolished because they only benefit large corporations. For one, most works are protected copyright, whether they are for personal or commercial use. It is irregardless if that work has been registered with an organization like the U.S Copyright Office or not. Also, if copyright laws did not exist, there would be a looming danger to independent artists being exploited by large companies with greater resources because they'd be able to use/distribute/take those artists' works with no recourse or compensation to them. Most people tend to view the copyright/piracy debate as individuals taking profits from mega-corporations who don't pay artists anyway, they don't think about the actual creators needing protection from other people stealing their work (which does happen quite frequently).
Some argue that "the money from album sales don't go to the bands anyway" or that "they'll make more money elsewhere, like from concerts." What about songwriters who don't have merchandise for sale or tour because they only create music, not perform it? Besides, there's more independent content being created and published than being being distributed by major firms. A person wouldn't go into an In 'N' Out Burger and start giving away all of the food in the street saying "they make most of their money from t-shirts anyway" or that "most of the money doesn't go to the employees so it's OK."
Personally, I'd rather get rid of all the outlandish arguments made by both sides (such as "the music industry will disappear" or "it only hurts corporations") and get to the heart of the matter. Do we, as a society, value our artists and the arts as a whole? Do we appreciate them enough to support them so that the arts can continue to grow and that artistic expressions of ideas can be protected? Or do we believe that all artistic works should be free, no matter the cost, even if that cost includes the actual content creators themselves?
Before we quibble over the details of the law and what kind of systemic changes need to be made, I think it's important that we ask ourselves these kinds of questions first.
Simon Tam is owner of Last Stop Booking and author of the forthcoming book, How to Get Sponsorships and Endorsements. He has helped hundreds of bands through booking and consultation services. Simon's writing on music and marketing can be found at www.laststopbooking.com


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Arthritis Home > Septic Arthritis Treatment
Antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment for septic arthritis. The antibiotic used will depend on which type of bacteria is causing the condition. Treatment may also involve draining the infected joint. Children with septic arthritis often require surgery; surgery may also be recommended to treat infections affecting the hip. In the early stages of the disease, treatment may also include splinting the joint.
How Is Septic Arthritis Treated?Treatment for septic arthritis needs to be received as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent joint damage. Treatment usually involves the use of antibiotics. It may also involve draining the infected joint.
Antibiotics Used to Treat Septic ArthritisThe specific antibiotic the healthcare provider recommends for septic arthritis treatment will depend on the results of the synovial fluid analysis. If no bacteria are seen in the synovial fluid, the choice of antibiotic will be based on the person's age; certain types of bacteria are more likely to cause septic arthritis in people belonging to certain age groups.
For example, in infants under one year of age, the most common cause of septic arthritis is Staphylococcus aureus or Group B Strep. Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus are the most common septic arthritis causes in children younger than five years of age. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause in children age five and older. In cases involving adults, the most common cause of septic arthritis is an infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the bacteria that cause gonorrhea).
Initially, antibiotics are administered intravenously (through an IV). After a period of time, the healthcare provider will often switch the person to antibiotics taken by mouth. The length of treatment with antibiotics will depend on the specific type of bacteria responsible for the condition. Streptococcal arthritis can usually be cured with antibiotics in 10 to 14 days. Septic arthritis caused by other types of bacteria may require three to six weeks of treatment.


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Updated: Dec 29, 2015
How much do you love GENERAL HOSPITAL's Chad Duell (Michael)? Your chance to tell him will be Sunday, July 24, when the young actor hosts his first-ever fan event during the GH Fan Club Weekend! Last year, Duell was the "surprise guest" during Steve Burton's (Jason) event, and was quite a big hit! "The fans were great to me at the last GH luncheon and I look forward to meeting them again," Duell tells Soaps In Depth. "I can't wait!"
Ticket information for Duell's event -- as well as those hosted by Burton, Maurice Benard (Sonny), Jonathan Jackson (Lucky), and Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) and Julie Marie Berman (Lulu) -- will be announced in early 2011.


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Today is a pursuit of sustainable development era, new materials and new energy emerge in an endless stream. The SPC floor is the only surface decoration material that can be recycled, which has great significance for protecting our natural resources and ecological environment. SPC floor is a new type of environment-friendly floor based on high technology. It has the characteristics of zero formaldehyde, mildew proof, moisture proof, fire prevention, insect proof, simple installation and so on. SPC floor is widely popular in developed countries in Europe and America and the Asia Pacific market, with its excellent stability and durability, from the German brand "JOKA Jin Jia" SPC mute floor, which can solve the problem of rotten wood floor damp deformation, and other decoration materials, formaldehyde and other environmental problems, in line with the domestic use of high-end customer requirements. In the future, many office, hotel, business, home and other indoor places have chosen SPC floor.
The name of the SPC floor is easy to cause misunderstanding. The SPC floor is one of the PVC flooring. When we think of the PVC floor, we think more about plastics. Many people will also confuse the PVC floor and PVC tube. The plastic contains toxic substances, which are harmful to the human body. But SPC floor and plastic are not the same thing at all. In the process of SPC floor production, no glue is needed, no toxic substances such as formaldehyde or benzene, and no radiation. It belongs to green environmental protection decoration materials, and it will not cause harm to human body. SPC floor is an economical ground material. Consumers can enjoy the texture of wood grain or stone grain in use, and are not disturbed by the noise. According to the requirements of consumers on the insulation, can choose bulk, sheet or coil. At the same time with technical and design sense, we produce environmentally friendly products and pay attention to the health of the users.
At present, the market of customer consumption concept is to quality of consumption, the annual domestic SPC floor decoration industry rapid growth, with the promotion of the city, the future of decorative building materials market will be very prosperous, at the same time, is a new generation of consumers, young and vibrant consumers will be more inclined to environmental protection, beautiful appearance, economy of the concept of design. Therefore, SPC stone plastic floor furniture because of the excellent performance will be more popular than the real wood floor, stone floor and other floors.
Let's talk about the advantages of the SPC floor.
1. Green and environmental protection
The main raw material of SPC flooring is PVC, PVC is an environmentally friendly, non-toxic renewable resource. It has been used in people's daily life for a long time, for example, tableware, medical infusion bags and so on. Its environmental protection needs no worry. SPC floor (sheet) is mainly composed of natural stone powder. It is detected by the state authorities. It contains no radioactive elements. It is also a new green surface decoration material. Any qualified SPC floor needs to be certified by IS09000 international quality system certification and ISO14001 international green environmental protection certification.
Two. Ultra light ultra thin
The SPC floor has the thickness of 3.2mm 12mm. The weight per square meter is only 2 - 7.5kg, which is less than 10% of the ordinary floor material. It has an unparalleled advantage in the high-rise buildings for building body bearing and space saving. At the same time, in the two decoration, the transformation has a special advantage.
Three. Super strong wear resistance
The surface of the SPC floor has a special transparent and wear-resistant layer with high technology processing, and its wear-resistant transfer number can reach 8000 or more. The wear-resistant fortified wood floor of the traditional ground material is only 800-4000 rotations. The wear-resisting layer on the floor of SPC can be used for 5-10 years under normal conditions according to the thickness. Therefore, the SPC floor is becoming more and more popular in places where people have larger traffic, such as hospitals, schools, office buildings, shopping malls, supermarkets and transportation facilities.
Four. High elasticity and ultra strong impact resistance
SPC floor is soft with good elasticity, heavy impact of good elastic recovery, soft elastic sheet flooring is better, the comfortable floor is called "soft gold". At the same time, the SPC floor has a strong impact resistance. It has a strong elastic recovery for the impact damage of heavy objects, and it will not cause damage. The excellent SPC floor can minimize the damage to the human body and disperse the impact on the foot. According to the latest research data, the percentage of people falling and injured is reduced by nearly 70% compared with other flooring after a good SPC floor is laid out in larger flow space.
Five. Ultra strong anti-skid
SPC floor wear-resisting layer has a special anti-skid, and compared with common ground floor materials, in avoiding situations. More astringent, not easy to fall, the more water the more astringent. Therefore, in public places with higher public safety requirements, such as airports, hospitals, kindergartens, schools and so on are the first choice of ground decoration materials. In recent years, it has been very popular in China.
Six. Fire retardant and flame retardancy
The fireproof index of SPC floor can reach B1 level. Don't leave the flame retardant, spontaneous combustion, 5 seconds automatically extinguished, does not produce the toxic and harmful gas asphyxiation (according to the authoritative department statistics: in the fire 95% people hurt is caused by the gas produced by the burning poison), can be said that the fire performance of the floor is very good.
Seven. Waterproof, moisture-proof, antiseptic and anti mildew
The main component of the SPC floor is vinyl resin, which has no affinity with water, and will not be mouldy because of the high humidity. The surface of the floor has a special antibacterial, anti pollution treatment, the overwhelming majority of the bacteria have strong ability to kill, inhibit the ability of bacterial reproduction.
Eight. Sound absorption and noise prevention
The SPC floor has the sound absorption effect which cannot be compared with the ordinary floor material, its sound absorption can achieve 20 decibels, needs the quiet environment (such as the hospital ward, the school library, the lecture hall, the movie theater and so on) chooses the SPC floor.
Nine. Small joints and seamless splicing
The SPC floor is strictly constructed and installed. Its joints are very small. The joints can hardly be seen from far away. Seamless welding technology can maximize the overall effect and visual effect of the ground.


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Posts Tagged 'open source'
Business - Written Thursday, September 18, 2008 by Patrick Harnett - 0 Comments
Wesabe: The Frugality of Crowds
If you're anything like me, you tend to enjoy things that may be a little beyond your budget. And if you're really like me, you tend to enjoy them far more often than you should. But I'm going to avoid any discussions of my own indulgence, but use them as a segue to mention Wesabe. It's an open source community that tracks your spending habits and shares them with the group. If prediction markets are for harnessing the "Wisdom of Crowds", this truly does try to capture the "Frugality of Crowds".
- Sweet! More Portal!
- Forcing Governments to use Open Source
- Wikinomics Roundup: Week in Review
- The Underbelly of Open Source: SPORN
- Run Linux? Save the World, Please.
- Does this count as open source?
- The Wikinomics Roundup: Week in Review
- Wild speculation: reddit is run by some very smart people
- Google abandonware becomes open source


text: Team Freestyle traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada with a singular goal: Win their first Sin City Rumble Title. Competing against a strong field, they returned home with the win, and look to build on that success in 2016, including defending their title. Want to see how it all went down? Check it out below!


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Formatted Memo of Intent (DOC)(opens in new window)
Note: Contact Curriculum Services if there are questions about the content or format of the memo.
For all Memos of Intent:
Response due - Allow two weeks while regular classes are in session for advertising.
Distribute by e-mail using the Intent Distribution List.
Subject area of e-mail - Include course number and title after "Intent to . . ." (Include both numbers for cross listed courses.)
Attach syllabus or outline to e-mail.
Responses to the memo should be forwarded to the dean for resolution or referral. After the two-week period for response, attach a hard copy of all responses to the Memo of Intent and forward, along with all other course paperwork, to Curriculum Services, zip 128. Curriculum Services will notify the college within 30 days of receipt of the paperwork if the course is not approved.
This document is the property of Academic Affairs and maintained by Curriculum Services


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How to Survive a Yacht Party10:19 PM
I went to a yacht party the other day and found myself with a box-full of not-so-useless discoveries.
Nice to know I learned something new. Aye aye.
This one's dedicated to unfortunate party goers with motion sickness, like so...
Another set of Ruddy Guidelines, this time in the hopes of contributing to ocean cleanliness (by decreasing barf pollution)
1. Just like an airplane, expect turbulence.
People tend to enter in bulk and when they do, the boat tilts uncomfortably to one side. It can play with your brain, if you know what I mean. (Afterwards I had to make sure my right thigh had the same weight as my left.)
2. Sit down, sit down you're rocking the boat.
You will get sea sick. Unless you have the innards of a sea man, you are bound to get a wee bit dizzy. So I suggest you find a comfy spot (preferably with a cushion) to sit on and enjoy the breeze. Your throne will serve as a stabilizer for the next 30 minutes or so until you've gotten used to the boat.
3. Rock and Roll.
If all else fails and your innards are screaming "barf!!", begin swaying with the music.
"The trick is to sway with the music so you don't realize the boat is rocking" - Zep.
In lay man's terms, just ROCK and ROLL.
4. If all else fails, find a room
Yachts are built for fancy traveling, so go ahead, find a room and hibernate. The only con is you missing the sight of half-naked men falling out of the boat. (If you know what I mean) *wink wink*
On a totally unrelated note,
6 comments
you forgot to mention we got tipsy without even drinkingReplyDelete
ikr. :)) i felt the boat rocking all the way till homeReplyDelete
- cerebralflipAugust 3, 2010 at 1:25 AM
HAHAHAHHAAHHAHA!!!!!! WINNER! Water pollutant ka pala eh! hahahaha!!!!!ReplyDelete
HAHAH CRAZY! I DIDNT BARF :)) We just felt like drunk girls without even drinking :))ReplyDelete
- My talking desk lampDecember 20, 2010 at 3:40 AM
"I like the part where the bee says 'HELLO' to the elephant". :DReplyDelete
haha. 'HELLO' :pReplyDelete


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Our Office Hours:
- Monday 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Tuesday 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Wednesday 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Saturday Closed
- Sunday Closed
- Emergency Hours 24/7
Here's what you should expect from us every time you call.
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Written under difficult circumstances while he was employed at the Moscow Conservatory, Tchaikovsky's Symphony No 1 held the composer's affection throughout his life as "a sin of my sweet youth". The melodic richness and skillful orchestration in his later music can already be found in this and the Symphony No 2, which owes its subtitle to the use of folk music from the Ukraine, a region known as 'Little Russia'. These youthful masterpieces are heard here "in performances full of grace and zest. Schwarz is a passionate advocate of this music, and it shows." (The Seattle Times)
Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Il'yich
Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Il'yich
Schwarz, Gerard
Seattle Symphony Orchestra
Label: Naxos
Genre: Orchestral
Period: Romantic
Catalogue No:
Release Date: 12/2012


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Mare Penny and her 2018 Colt Poseidon 2 Unstretched Canvas Prints
Mare Penny and her 2018 Colt Poseidon 2 are featured on this image taken at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, ND. Framed photo prints are available upon request, please message us for more information.
You can do just about anything with Unstretched Canvas. Put it in a frame, stretch it around wooden stretcher bars, mount it to gatorboard, or cut it out for custom greeting cards.
All of our canvas is certified museum-grade, designed to withstand the test of time. Our canvas is also OBA (Optical Brightener Additive) free to ensure quality and accuracy. We use only archival inks designed to prevent fading and we preserve as much fine detail as possible with no over-saturation or color shifting.
Unstretched Canvas Prints ship rolled.


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Jane Thakoordin runs Birmingham Craftivists. On their site she says "the use of art and crafts for political comment is not new, and we have stumbled across this slow, methodical activism process at a stage where many of us are a bit burnt out from years of active campaigning." You can find out more about their work, and Jane's approach to slow activism during her talk at the Creative Citizens Fair on Saturday June 27th (11am-4pm).
There are only a handful of tickets left now on Eventbrite, so sign up to avoid disappointment.
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Today we are providing the Wallpaper of Birthday Cake for your PC, Laptop, Iphone, Android Phone, and Tablet etc. You can download free and put these free wallpaper of birthday cake in your pocket. These cake photos happy birthday are the latest and best wallpapers for birthday boy / girl.
Also Check: The Best Stylish Wishes Photo For Happy Birthday
Author: admin
Our Team providing all wallpaper in HD quality, high definition. You can download to make your desktop and mobile look beautiful.


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All the small things
When can we expect the results of all this trickery? Look no further than the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS), which offers the industry's best guess. It predicts three more processes: 22nm, 16nm and 11nm. Chips using 22nm process are scheduled at around 2011. These will use similar techniques to the existing 32nm process.
It's predicted that this may be the limit for current planar designs however, and it might be necessary to build the gates vertically on what are termed 'fins'. Experimental 22nm SRAM chips are in the labs now. The 16nm process is expected before 2018, although Intel reckons it will be there by 2013. New problems will arise, including excessive quantum tunnelling.
This is where things get a bit weird as materials stop dancing to the rules of classical physics and Schrödinger's wave-equation pops up. Basically, it gets hard to stop the electrons breaching a barrier that's only a few nanometres thick no matter what material you use. This is also at the edge of commercial fabrication, nothing can currently be consistently and reliably made this small.
Toshiba has built a prototype memory module with 15nm lines, but such sizes are still lab experiments. Next stop on the ladder down is the 11nm process, predicted for 2022 by the ITRS, although, again, Intel is more buoyant and talks of 2015.
This is the expected limit of CMOS and may well mean silicon chips are no longer silicon. At this level dielectric thickness could be down to one atom, making it difficult to keep anything going where you want it to go.
It is also expected to be the end for conventional photolithography, etching and polishing methods. After 11nm the roadmap has yet to be drawn, it appears that this is as far as current technologies can take us. Possible ways of making even smaller and more powerful chips include three dimensional arrays, using nanowires and tubes, single electron devices, spinbased computing, photonics and any number of other weird and wonderful ideas.
Whichever proves the most commercial will win, business being business. Until then though, the good times will continue to roll, Moore is still right and chips will continue to shrink.


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The Drama department at Outwood Academy Shafton aims to provide a safe and inclusive environment where students are inspired to work both together and independently to create and to see a wide variety of drama and theatre work.
Through Drama students will develop both drama specific skills and transferable skills such as empathy, teamwork and confidence which will prepare them for life after school, whether or not they should choose to pursue a career in drama.
The Drama department encourages students to explore and take risks as well as developing a sense of responsibility thereby becoming independent learners.
In Years 9 and 10, students study the Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Performing Arts (Acting). The qualification allows students to focus on the development of personal, learning and thinking skills in a performing arts context.
The qualification also provides opportunities for our students to develop their communication skills as they progress through the course. This can be achieved through presentations and in discussions where they have the opportunity to express their opinions. From the knowledge and skills developed in this qualification our students may expect, in due course, to seek employment at a junior level working with companies in the performing arts and related sectors in a range of roles, including performing in its various forms, stage management, production and set design and related
administration/technical roles.
Units – There are three units to complete within the BTEC. Unit 3 Focuses on developing students' acting skills and Unit 2 gives the students an opportunity to plan and perform in a production of their choosing. In Unit 1 students will prepare and perform 2 monologues, and complete a letter of application for work or further education within the world of performing arts.
In September 2018 the department will offer the new BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts which replaces the BTEC First Award.
Many students enjoy attending drama as part of the school's enrichment programme. Performances have included full school productions of Alice in Wonderland, Bugsy Malone and Our Day Out. The BTEC Performing Arts students plan, prepare and perform in a production for their unit 2. This year the theme was Northern Grit – 1980s in the North. Our Y7/8 drama group contribute to regular performances throughout the year including our Christmas Carol Concert. We have recently introduced a Year 8 Gifted and Talented enrichment to our programme of sessions which also includes a KS4 supportive enrichment opportunity on a Thursday.


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Morrissey has announced he is going on a world tour with dates in Japan, China, North America, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the UK.
Morrissey has announced he is going on a world tour.
The former Smiths frontman is heading out on the road this autumn and will be travelling to Japan, China, North America, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.
The 'How Soon Is Now?' singer is performing only one concert in the UK in his hometown of Manchester on 20 August at the Manchester Arena.
The tour kicks off at Berlin's Tempodrom on 16 August 16 and will end at the Abraham Chavez Theatre in El Paso, Texas, on 23 November.
Morrissey's decision to tour comes after he stated last year that he couldn't see the point of playing live unless he had new material to release.
The outspoken songwriter - whose last album, 'World Peace Is None of Your Business', came out in 2014 - said: ''We are obsessively grateful for all interest and loyalty from our audience ... throughout 28 years. But without new releases, there is no point in any additional touring.''
Morrissey, 57, has been plagued by health problems in recent years and has undergone several treatments for oesophageal cancer since 2014.
His former band The Smiths - also comprised of guitarist Johnny Marr, drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke - broke up in acrimonious circumstances in 1987 and despite being offered massive money to reunite for concerts they've never come close to getting back together.
Marr, 52, previously revealed ''I think we were offered $50 million for three ... possibly five shows.''
Relations between the band members has been poor since 1989 when Joyce and Rourke successfully sued Morrissey and Marr to get more than 10 per cent of the group's royalties.
Morrissey world tour all dates:
16 Berlin, Germany - Tempodrom
20 Manchester, England - Manchester Arena
17 Chicago, IL - Riot Fest
20 Louisville, KY - Palace Theatre
22 Philadelphia, PA - Tower Theater
24 Brooklyn, NY - Kings Theatre
28 Tokyo, Japan - Orchard Hall
29 Tokyo, Japan - Orchard Hall
October 01 Yokohama, Japan - Bay Hall
02 Osaka, Japan - IMP Hall
06 Hong Kong, China - MacPherson Stadium
12 Jakarta, Indonesia - Senayan Golf Driving Range
15 Singapore City, Singapore - Marina Barrage
18 Bangkok, Thailand - Moonstar Studio
22 Melbourne, Australia - Festival Hall
26 Adelaide, Australia - Thebarton Theatre
28 Canberra, Australia - Royal Theatre
29 Wollongong, Australia - WIN Centre
31 New Castle, Australia - Civic Theatre
November 09 Irvine, CA - Bren Events Center
11 Reno, NV - Grand Theatre
14 Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater
16 Dallas, TX - McFarlin Auditorium
17 San Antonio, TX - Tobin Center
19 Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall
23 El Paso, TX - Abraham Chavez Theatre
After nearly thirty years since his first solo record Mark Lanegan has just released one of his very best and there's not many artists who can claim...


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Project Description
BAM Dragados Joint Venture have been appointed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the new N25 New Ross Bypass in Wexford.
The Bypass scheme comprises approximately 15kms of roadworks including dual and single carriage way, at-grade roundabouts and a compact grade separated junction. The project works have been have divided into two delivery operations – the first being the road network and all associated structures; and the second being the Barrow Bridge construction.
Monford Construction Ireland Ltd were engaged to carry out works on both components of the project.
Scope of Work


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Ex-dean on trial for embezzling $1M found hanged in NYC
A former dean at St. John's University was found hanged at home Tuesday morning, a day after she took the stand at her trial for allegedly embezzling more than $1 million from the New York school and using overseas students as servants.
Firefighters found Cecilia Chang's body hanging from a folding ladder leading to the attic of her Queens home after her son could not reach her by telephone, the New York Daily News reports. Sources told the paper that police were translating a suicide note Chang wrote in Chinese.
The 59-year-old Chang testified Monday in federal court in Brooklyn in what the New York Times called "an effort to rebut the prosecution's presentation that depicted her as a thief who was fueled by greed."
The Daily News described her testimony, given against the advice of her lawyers, as "belligerent and often incoherent." The paper writes she "defiantly admitted she lied to an FBI agent, expensed personal items and used her students as personal servants. But Chang argued the money she took was owed to her for the thousands she spent on fundraising."
The Times writes:
Dr. Chang acknowledged that she had used school money to pay for her son's graduate school and had made students hand-wash her underwear.
Dr. Chang, who led the Institute of Asian Studies at St. John's and served as its vice president for international relations, was accused of using her position to recruit scholarship students from overseas, promising them a free education, but then forcing them to clean her house and shuttle cases of liquor to her room at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.
She had faced up to 20 years in prison on the most serious charge against her, forced labor.
Prosecutors presented considerable evidence against Dr. Chang. Documents and e-mails from the university showed hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal items, including repairs for her Mercedes-Benz car, that had been charged to a university credit card. And a series of former students testified about the menial labor they performed for her and the threats of lost scholarships they faced if they balked.
Chang was a former St. John's student who raised an estimated $20 million for the school.
U.S. District Judge Sterling Johnson, who announced Chang's death to stunned jurors, called her death a "Shakespearean tragedy." He declared a mistrial and suggested her testimony Monday was an intentional confession, the Associated Press notes.


text: BUSINESS South Africa's homegrown film sector is struggling 12:57 PM PDT 5/8/2008 by Stephen Galloway , AP FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Country flourishing as a shooting destination The news could not have been worse.Just after principal photography wrapped in November on "Hansie," one of the more intriguing projects to shoot recently in South Africa, the producers learned that a major source of their funding had disappeared. Suddenly, they had to scramble to finish their film."Unfortunately, the funding that was supposed to come through didn't," says producer Frans Cronje. Since then, "it's been a roller-coaster ride."That may be an understatement. As Cronje struggles to piece together the money for his postproduction work before a planned September release, "Hansie" has become something of an alarm bell for local filmmakers."Production was started before the funds were secure, which is a cardinal sin in our industry," says one leading South African film executive. "Word, of course, will spread and make new private investors much more wary of the industry."Just as South Africa seemed to be increasing its profile on the global movie scene, with an Oscar for 2005's "Tsotsi," a burgeoning infrastructure and top-notch crews, "Hansie" was a reminder that -- in terms of indigenous moviemaking -- the country still has a long way to go before it can join the ranks of other leading filmmaking nations.As so often, economics is at the heart of the matter."You cannot make a film for local consumption here," says Philip Key, managing director of production services company Moonlighting. "There just isn't enough money in the system; the audience isn't big enough; the broadcasters don't pay enough; and there is very little soft money for local production, particularly with respect to script development."What is so maddening for insiders is that South Africa is flourishing as a destination for foreign film projects, even as it is floundering when it comes to its own.Helped by some terrific rebates and a weak currency that is one of the few to have declined against the dollar, the euro and the pound in recent years, South Africa is riding high as a venue for foreign filmmakers.Hal Sadoff, who heads ICM's international and independent division, says he is currently putting two movies together that will shoot in South Africa, where, in addition to rebates, filmmakers can count on "very good and experienced crews."Big-budget American ventures like "10,000 BC" and "Starship Troopers 3: Marauder" have shot there over the past year, and European movie companies appear particularly eager to use South Africa's locations and English-speaking crews, as do foreign commercials makers.The proof: Key says his company alone has seen a rise of 12% in the number of commercials it has made this season.While Americans have been less visible in South Africa than before (largely because the rich subsidies offered by almost all the U.S. states have induced them to shoot on native soil), many South Africans believe that will change when Hollywood executives become aware of just how low the rand is against the dollar.Indeed, the currency that just two years ago traded at 6 rand per dollar is at press time trading at 7.6 -- a decrease of almost a third.Add that to recent changes in the government rebates -- changes that are particularly beneficial to lower-budget films -- and filmmakers may begin to see even more advantages to shooting in South Africa over staying at home.But no matter how generous the rebates are, producers are still left with the problem of raising the rest of the money.With few film financing entities and almost no private investors, the indigenous South African film sector is in a state of near paralysis. And the few private investors who have risked their money on local films have done so badly that their experiences do not bode well for future investors.Such was the case with Ronnie Apteker, an investor who made his money through an information technology company, Internet Solutions, then invested in features like 2005's "Crazy Monkey Presents Straight Outta Benoni" and "The Flyer" as well as last year's "Footskating 101.""The budgets of the films I have been involved in range from as low as 2 million rand ($264,000) to over 10 million rand," he says. "Most of them did not recover their budgets."In his case, just breaking even is not an enticing prospect, he says, because the high interest rates in South Africa mean that a financier can just leave his money in the bank and earn a substantial gain. A movie, he says, must make a 200%-plus return for it to make any financial sense. "There's no evidence of any South African film doing this," he adds. "My experiences to date have been largely filled with financial loss and a lot of disappointment and frustration. Numbers never lie." Producer Tendeka Matatu was luckier in that he was able to find one investor who covered the entire cost of his feature "Jerusalema," which was sold recently during the Berlin Film Festival.The movie, which chronicles the rise of a self-made millionaire from the slums of Soweto and shows how crime has come to pay in South Africa, stars some of the country's leading actors. Even so, Matatu says, the project faced considerable difficulty raising money in South Africa, including from the government."It's a pity," Matatu notes. "South African soft money or tax breaks would have helped in reducing the investors' risk and provided for a more attractive upside.""We have failed to really develop a homegrown feature industry," adds David Wicht, CEO of Film Afrika, a production services company. "So the only way we can make films is by resorting to international co-productions."A case in point: the recently completed "Goodbye Bafana," the real-life tale of Nelson Mandela and his former jailer. "Even though that was thought of as a South African story, it became an international film, with American and German actors," Wicht explains. (The film stars Joseph Fiennes, Dennis Haysbert and Diane Kruger.) "That's the realistic way to get South African stories told at the moment." In doing so, of course, "they cease to be domestic product and become the product of whoever is putting up the bulk of the money."Will this change? Perhaps not, at least in the near future. But insiders see hope in two recent developments.First, four new licenses have been granted for television stations, and each will have a quota of indigenous material it needs to buy. So far, South African television has largely bought mini-series or finished product, rather than investing in movies upfront, but the added stations may lead to a change in that strategy.Second, private investors are moving ahead with a brand-new studio complex, the Cape Town Film Studios (formerly known as Dreamworld), with four soundstages totaling 7,000 square meters. The 410 million rand complex will open in 2010, not only providing resources for foreign filmmakers, but also giving opportunities for native filmmakers to work on projects and access local soundstages.Whether all this will be enough to give indigenous moviemaking the jump start it so badly needs is open to question. For the time being, the struggle to make truly South African films continues unabated."We're a small industry building an audience and an awareness of South African film," Matatu says. "It's not the easiest place to make movies. But it's certainly a fascinating place." Nikki Temkin contributed to this article from Cape Town. FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Stephen Galloway email@example.com GallowayOnFilm AP email@example.com @thr


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Mirror, Mirror: Tips For Totally Enviable Skin
Skin care used to be just a matter of vanity. But it can also be a matter of health. Your skin can reflect your health. For example, if you don't take care to protect your skin from the sun, you can be facing skin damage at the least and skin cancer at the worst. This article can help you to know how to care for your skin.
Your skin care regime should include a healthy diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed full of nutrients that will give your complexion a boost. Foods rich in Vitamin C can aid in maintaining the skin's collagen, ensuring firmness and elasticity. Lycopene, which is found in red-colored fruits and vegetables, can help to protect the skin against damaging UV rays.
If you are a young teenager, then you should watch what makeups you use on your face. Many heavy makeups can cause your skin to be damaged and break out. Ultimately, you need to experiment to find that makeup that fits your personal skin type so that your skin stays healthy and beautiful.
Increase the effectiveness of your facial cleansing routine by using a two-step process. First, use a mild and gentle cleanser to remove cosmetics, sunscreen, and other impurities. This prepares the skin for the second step, which involves applying a soothing, hydrating moisturizer. Use gentle, upward motions to evenly spread the moisturizer over the skin.
Exfoliate your body with an oatmeal scrub. People with sensitive skin will benefit from an oatmeal scrub, as it exfoliates gently. Simply http://www.sciencevsevolution.org/Holzschuh.htm mix a little oatmeal with body oil and rub on the skin in circular motions. Leave for a few minutes and then rinse http://expatriatehomes.net/?stepping-up-operations-for-maintaining-your-fitness-guide-website-written-by-max-cooney.html off with warm water. This also has a moisturizing effect, so it is useful for people who suffer from dry or flaky skin on their body.
If you work out, try to limit the amount of jarring exercise that you do. Things like running and jumping can be bad for your skin. Jarring exercises can lead to weakening of the collagen, which will result in your skin sagging. While the occasional high-impact exercise is okay, you should also consider exercises, such as cycling, that can be less damaging to your skin.
If you have oily skin, then there are products out there for your specific skin type. You should opt for a gel cleanser to absorb oil and use a light moisturizer or serum with included sunscreen specifically labeled for oily skin. At any point in your day, you can also use oil blotting sheets to blot away excess oil to make your skin look and feel less oily.
Use jasmine extract to moisturize your skin. Jasmine extract contains antioxidants which will make your skin have a healthy glow. Jasmine extract contains skin-friendly antioxidants which make your skin soft and supple. Jasmine can be hard to find, but it is normally available in a healthy food store. It is also a lot more expensive.
One of the most important tips to keep in mind for healthy skin is to keep yourself hydrated. If you are dehydrated, your skin will dry out, which allows bacteria to more easily penetrate the skin, as well as causing cracking and irritation. Make sure you drink 8 glasses a day.
There are things that can ameliorate the visual effects of sun damage on the face. Laser abrasion, dermabrasion and chemical peels are a few examples of these solutions. They can be used with other treatments or alone. There are also facials which can help.
Staying out of the sun is a good way to preserve your skin. Too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, and also lead to rapid aging of your skin causing things like wrinkles, and age spots. If you must be in the sunlight, wear clothing or lotion to block UV rays.
Wash your hair, cure your skin problems. Oil is a major component in pimple creation, and what gets greasier than your hair? Make sure that it is held back out of your face and that your hairline gets an extra scrub when you shampoo to ensure none of your scalp oil gets spread elsewhere.
Consider cutting out high-glycemic foods in order to better care for your skin. Studies have shown that individuals who ate more protein and stayed away from foods like French fries and candy had better skin. In particular, they had significantly less pimples, indicating that what you eat has an impact on the way your skin looks.
If you suffer from allergies or skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, you may want to try hypoallergenic skin care products. Hypoallergenic skin care products, are specially formulated for those with sensitive skin and provide all the cleanliness that regular skin care products offer, without the possibly of irritating skin.
When you exfoliate your face, start with dry skin. The scrub will make the skin become softer because it is going to remove dry, flakey skin before the cleansing cream that you use can moisturize it. This will eliminate a lot more dead skin cells from the face and leave you with a glowing complexion.
For men who are prone to skin irritation, razor bumps, or ingrown hairs, the easiest solution may be to simply grow a beard. Continually shaving over irritated skin will result in premature aging of that area. If you are extremely prone to ingrown hairs and razor bumps, you might even notice scarring over time with constant shaving. Keeping a well-trimmed beard can look just as neat without the stress on your skin.
One secret to keeping skin healthy is to never expose the skin to bright sunlight without protection. Even brief forays into the sun or the ordinary exposure from traveling around can damage the skin. Sun-blocking products should be incorporated into daily skin care routines. And of course, when intense sun exposure is anticipated stronger sun-block should be used.
For the softest and smoothest legs, do not use a body scrub before shaving. The act of shaving itself will exfoliate the skin by removing both the hair and the top layer of dead skin. Your skin will be best protected if you wait until the end of the bath to shave; this ensures that you do not soak your skin in sloughed-off skin and shaving products.
Healthy skin is easy when you follow the above advice. These tips will give you healthier skin when you apply them to your skin-care routine regularly for the best results.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - Discharge DaySubmitted by Nancy Galbraith on Tue, 2009-03-24 21:23.
Today Erin was given the okay to go home. YEAH!! I was so happy and so was she. The last week has had its emotional ups and downs. We thought we would get to come home on Monday, but the doctors wanted to observe her for another 24 hours.
Monday, March 23, 2009 - Still doing Good!Submitted by Nancy Galbraith on Mon, 2009-03-23 14:45.
Erin has been doing good. She has handled the increased pressure of the EVD very good. I am really glad.
They took her drain out today after another CT scan. The scan looked good, so they took the drain out. They wil observe her for another 24 hours then if all goes well we will be going home.
Friday, March 20, 2009 - Erin is recovering quite nicely!!!!!Submitted by Nancy Galbraith on Fri, 2009-03-20 07:51.
Wow! What a week it has been. Talk about an emotional roller coaster. I decided we will get to go home when I learn to love roller coasters. Hahaha!
Erin is doing very good. She has her EVD (Exterior Ventricular Drain) in still. They increased the pressure last night and she has done great. So far no complaints of pain. I was told they will continue to increase the pressure every 12 hours and see how she responds. If she does good, which means the body starts to absorbs the cerebral spinal fluid on its own, then we get to go home. If not...well I don't want to go there.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - Erin is doing goodSubmitted by Nancy Galbraith on Wed, 2009-03-18 16:36.
Hello my dear friends and family. So the big question is what in the world happened to Erin? Well she was doing great. So great that we were discharged from PCMC on Monday. Both of us were so glad to sleep at home. I have a greater appreciation for my own bed and pillow. You know how it is.
Anyway, at 5:30 Erin woke me up and told me that her head hurt real bad. She had a headache the night before and I gave her some Tylenol. I thought maybe I should given her some during the night and that was why she woke up with a headache.
Back to PCMCSubmitted by Nancy Galbraith on Tue, 2009-03-17 14:07.
Erin is getting worse. I talked with the neurosurgeon and we are taking her back to PCMC.
Look for more updates.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - St. Patrick's Day - Now I am wondering...Submitted by Nancy Galbraith on Tue, 2009-03-17 08:39.
So far today, Erin is not feeling good. She woke up at 5:30 am with a bad headache. I gave her some tylenol. It didn't help. At 7:30 am I called PCMC and talked with Neurosurgeon Dr. Bragg. She said she would call in a prescription for a stronger pain medication.
8:45 am Erin is throwing up. Now I am wondering...
9:15 I gave Erin the medicine and she is sleeping. I am hoping the rest of the day is better for her. I feel so bad for her.
Monday, March 16, 2009 - Got to go home.Submitted by Nancy Galbraith on Mon, 2009-03-16 08:34.
I am amazed! After checking Erin out today, the Neurosurgery team gave us the okay to go home.
Erin ate a great breakfast and lunch. We went and visited the Physical Therapist Lisa, one of Erin's favorites, then waited for the pharmacy to fill her prescription.
At 1:30 we were on our way home.
I am still amazed that we are home so soon. On the way home Erin fell asleep in the car. She was so tired.
Sunday, March 15, 2009 - Just a fun day!Submitted by Nancy Galbraith on Sun, 2009-03-15 07:40.
Today, Erin felt great. She is recovering so very fast. I believe God has a hand in her recovery.
The surgeons came for rounds and they were so pleased. They told us since she was doing so good that if she had a bowel movement today, we could go home tomorrow. I didn't think I heard them right. I said, "are you serious, tomorrow?" They said, there is no reason to keep her here, her recovery is amazing.
Saturday, March 14, 2009 - Day after SurgerySubmitted by Nancy Galbraith on Sat, 2009-03-14 07:24.
Wow! Yesterday was a long day.
We tried to get some sleep, but any one who has spent time in ICU and especially the PICU at PCMC knows that it was not intended for sleep.
Friday, March 13, 2009 - Surgery DaySubmitted by Nancy Galbraith on Sat, 2009-03-14 03:53.
Well today has been a long day. Erin was nervous from the begining and did not want to be here. Shw tried so had to be brave.
We arrived at the hospital at 10 am. We checked in at Same Day Surgery where the took her vitals, got her into her hospital pajamas, etc. Around 11:00 Dr. Walker her surgeon came to talk to us. He had been studing her MRI scans and we talked of what he felt would happen during the surgery.


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We have a selection of sliders avaliable at Panavision Grip and Remote Systems.
Ronford Baker
The Ronford-Baker Slider is available in many lengths, designed for maximised carriage travel, with a minimum height of 4.75". Mitchell to Mitchell fitting, with an overall width of just 24.5cm (10"), the whole unit has a lockable rotation of 360 degrees. It is built for ease of setup and enables a camera operator to achieve tight camera shots without disrupting production for dolly movement, thus saving valuable production time.
|Available in length from 640 mm (25″) to 2440 mm (8')
|360 degree lockable rotation
|'Soft stop' adjustable buffers
|'Tritium' spirit level
|Mitchell to Mitchell fitting
|Linear damper available