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On Saturday, September 1, 2012, I will start an 8-month solo walk across Turkey, from the Aegean to Iran, 1305 miles in all. I will carry a backpack, a tent, and a sleeping bag.
Why will I do it?
To put my life where my mouth is.
In 2003 I met a girl on an airplane to Hong Kong. We ended up going out, then moving together to her hometown of Istanbul and getting married there. We lived in Turkey for 6 years, but in 2009 things unravelled and I came back home to the US.
When I came back to the US, people kept asking me about the differences I had seen in Turkey. Political differences, religious differences, cultural differences, gender differences, just about every kind of difference you could think of.
But I really wanted to tell them about how people are so much the same. Living in Turkey had reminded me that most of what we are as human beings, and how we act in any given situation, is pretty much the same. Human nature being what it is though, we can't take our eyes off our differences, and I think that focus on difference makes us more afraid of each other than we need to be.
I don't want to talk about this in theory. If these similarities are so profound, I should be able to walk, alone and unprotected, across the country.
The walk:
I will be walking from Kusadasi, a town on Turkey's Aegean coast, to the country's eastern border with Iran. I will be walking with only my backpack and a hefty dose of "I don't know what I'll find, but I guess I'll find out" attitude. I will be writing and photographing along the way.
I will be walking across the southern half of the country, through river valleys, mountains, plateaus, along coastline, and across high deserts. I'll be walking past miles and miles of fig orchards, cattle grazing pastures, sandy beaches, and rolling hills covered with scrub brush.
I will be walking through cities of well over a million people, and I'll be walking through sparsely-populated areas where I may not see a village for days.
I will be walking a series of mostly two- and four-lane highways and frontage roads, covering about 12 miles per day, 60 miles per week, 180 miles per month (I'll spend about one week per month resting up and writing in "layover cities"). At that rate, I estimate the walk will take me 7-8 months.
The whole point of the trip is to meet lots of people along the way. I will be seeking out and accepting invitations to drink tea with shopkeepers, join families for dinner, sleep on peoples' living room floors, attend weddings, entertain classrooms of children, and whatever other social opportunities come up.
I am only planning to walk about 4 hours per day so I can spend plenty of time with the people I meet. After all, they are the ones who are going to provide most of the material for my writing.
The people in that part of the world pride themselves on their hospitality, and I intend to work that hospitality for all it's worth, seizing it as an opportunity to get to know the people I meet along the way.
Creative output during the walk:
During the walk I will be posting daily photos and short trip updates (anecdotes, observations, progress reports, etc) to my website, www.heathenpilgrim.com. I will be using a digital camera and an iPhone with a local SIM card and data plan. Cell coverage in Turkey is quite good, so I expect very few days without a connection.
Those daily updates will be freely-available to the general public via the website. I want everyone to be able to follow the walk, whether they are Kickstarter backers or not.
I will also carry a laptop for longer-form writing and heavier photo and video editing. However, the iPhone and its data connection will be my main day-to-day connection to the rest of the world.
Creative output after the walk:
When the walk is finished, I figure that with 4 months of really long days I can finish producing the trip's "creative output." I plan on producing four books: two narrative books and two photo essay books.
The first of the narrative books is tentatively titled "Turkey on 12 Miles a Day." It will be a book about the preparations for and execution of the trip. There aren't many people who do walks like this, so even the sections about training, equipment, and logistics will have something that can be applied to life in general.
The second narrative book is tentatively titled "Walking Turkey." It will be a collection of stories about the trip, something people can read and feel like they are experiencing the walk from their own living rooms.
The two photo books will be coffee-table-style photo essays focusing on two different aspects of the trip. Their working titles are "Walking Turkey: the landscape," and "Walking Turkey: the people."
I plan to self-publish these books, since I will want to put them into the hands of my backers as quickly and as directly as possible. When the books are finished and distributed to my backers, I plan to make them available to the general public on Amazon, too.
Preparation and training:
I've already earned half of the money I'll need for this trip by working in the peach and plum orchards near my hometown of Reedley, California. I've already got all my equipment. I've already bought my plane ticket.
Since November I've also walked 1200 miles, most of them past those same peach and plum orchards I worked in, to make sure my body would be up to the task. In fact, after earning enough money for the trip, making sure my feet and legs could handle that many miles was my main concern. I wondered things like would I get blisters on my feet? Would my knees hold up? How far could I walk per day, per week, per month, and still recover for the next one? Could I carry a backpack day after day?
All that walking would have gotten kind of monotonous, if it hadn't been for the beautiful scenery and the dogs. Oh, the dogs...
I also spent hundreds of hours researching the route, going over it mile by mile on Google Earth. I've broken the route down into nine legs and written about each one here. I've divvied up those nine legs further, to smaller segments averaging 7 miles each, so I know where I will and won't have access to water, bathrooms, and grocery stores.
I also wrote a couple books and published them on Amazon. The main book is called "A Tight Wide-open Space" and is about adjustment to life in Turkey -- going through culture shock, becoming one of the family, learning to love the country. The book has been reviewed in the Today's Zaman newspaper and on Adventures in Expat Land and The Displaced Nation. One of my favorite stories from the book is about a run-in with the beggar kids in Istanbul's Taksim Square.
Where you come in:
If this project catches your eye, please become a backer here on Kickstarter.
There are rewards for just a few bucks, and there are rewards for thousands of dollars, and there are rewards in between. All of them are designed to help backers experience the trip vicariously in some way.
And if you back the project, please tell a friend about it.
Kickstarter funding is all or nothing:
Funding on Kickstarter is all or nothing. If I don't clear the hurdle of $3900, nobody is charged anything, and I don't get a dime.
What will the money be used for?
The money will be used for food and international health insurance (in case I break a leg or something along the way).
This walk across Turkey is going to happen regardless of what happens here on Kickstarter -- I am already seeing to that. So this is not funding to make the walk happen. This is funding to help me focus on bringing the country to you, my backers, not interrupting the walk midway through to dig ditches for additional food money.
What your contributions will mean to me:
I bought my plane ticket months ago. I've already walked 1200 miles to make sure my body's up to the task. My equipment is ready to go. If ditches need to be dug in order to finish the project, I'm going to dig them. I'm "all in" on this walk, and whatever happens here on Kickstarter will not change that.
So more important to me than money for food and insurance is what your contributions will mean to me day-to-day on the road: months into the trip, when I wake up in the morning and crawl out of my sleeping bag and pull on my boots, your contributions will be a reminder that I am not on vacation, that I have a job to do, and that people back home expect something from me. I like having that sense of purpose and duty, and that is why I am seeking financial backing here on Kickstarter.
Funding period
- (60 days)


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In a recent post for the Boston Product Management Association I outlined several steps that members of product development teams can take to improve the performance of their teams. These steps are a result of our ongoing research into what distinguishes high performance teams from the pack. Over the last five years we have identified over 25 statistically significant factors that can favorably impact product team performance.
In this post, I would like to list three items that executives should be mindful of if you want to help your teams perform at a higher level.
- Accountability metrics
- Cross-functional hand-offs
- Time spent with customers
Let's begin by taking a closer look at accountability metrics for product managers. In most organizations of scale the product manager brings heightened focus to a product or product line. However, our research shows that roughly a third (31.3%) of product managers "are not held accountable" to any performance metric. If executives want to improve performance it is important to have established and clearly understood success criteria in place. It is also critical to arm your product managers with the necessary tools to measure their progress and ultimate performance.
Additionally, our data shows that even when executives articulate clear accountability metrics and empower their product managers they can be undermined by ineffective hand-offs between the cross-functional team members that support overall product development activities. This factor has shown up in each of our five years of statistical research as a potent landmine. Organizations tend to think functionally, set goals functionally rather than cross-functionally, and this often leads to competing priorities and degraded communication. These issues undermine the success of product teams and are the number one reason product teams point to in terms of the factors impeding success. Executives should be paying more attention to cross-functional roles and the critical hand-offs that can determine the success or failure of a product team.
Finally, how well do you empower your product managers or owners to directly engage with clients and prospects? 28.5% of organizations have their product managers spend between 1% to !5% of their time in the field. While roughly 15% (14.8%) of product managers never leave the building! Organizations often say that getting close to customers matters but not all organizations make the necessary cultural or financial investments to ensure that this occurs.
These are just three factors that executives should be mindful of in order to help empower the success of their product teams but there are many more. You can download our latest research by clicking here.
Feature from Pixabay
Greg Geracie is the President of Actuation Consulting, a global provider of product management training, consulting, and advisory services to some of the world's most well-known organizations. Actuation Consulting provides popular training courses for product managers as well as product teams. He is the author of the global best seller Take Charge Product Management and the Editor-in-Chief of The Guide to the Product Management and Marketing Body of Knowledge (ProdBOK), an industry-wide effort to standardize the practice of product management. He is also an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University's College of Computing and Digital Media where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on high-tech product management.

subset: commoncrawl


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The GSA is pleased to announce a Roundtable to mark the publication of Barrie Axford's new book 'Theories of Globalization' (Polity Press). The panel will assess the likely impact of the book, its contribution to Global Studies, and its applicability to different academic disciplines. The author, Barrie Axford (Oxford Brookes), will have an opportunity to … Continue reading
Posted in December 2013 …
Post-graduate Forum
Check out the PG Forum section for an update on the inaugural workshop


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Archive | November 2010
You are browsing the site archives by date.
First show details
The date of our first show has been confirmed as SUNDAY 16th JANUARY 2011 between 4.30-5.30pm on http://www.fromefm.co.uk ! The recording will be done a couple of days earlier due to production reasons at this point although the long term plan is to arrange a live slot when we can. As FromeFM has an amazing […]
Welcome to the official BLUES TRAIN website!
From January 2011, FromeFM will have a brand new BLUES show for you all – BLUES TRAIN! This is the official blogsite for the show and over the coming weeks, we will be bringing you all the news as it happens – including that all important first show date!


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Hot air rises and cold air sinks due to varying densities. Given the same volume of air, hot air is generally less dense compared to cold air.
The difference in densities between hot and cold air is determined by the absorption of heat energy that primarily comes from the sun. When air is heated, the particles present in the atmosphere begin to move faster and expand rapidly. The increased distance between air molecules results to the reduction in the density of air. Cold air undergoes the reverse process. Due to less absorption of solar energy, air particles are compressed and there is minimal movement in the air. This causes an increase in the density of air.


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Wirefly helps you save on cell phones and plans by offering innovative comparison tools so consumers can make educated choices. Start saving today with Wirefly!
Wirefly helps you save on Internet service by offering innovative comparison tools to compare Internet providers in your area.
Test your current internet connection with our speed test and see what services your provider can handle. Find out your download speed, upload speed, latency, and more.
Test Your Internet SpeedInternet Speed Test
Wirefly lets you compare the best home security systems in Pamplin, VA by feature, price, options, and more. Use the resources below to find the right residential security system for your Pamplin, VA home.
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Home security is of the utmost importance. Homeowners are gradually becoming more concerned about crime. This leads home dwellers to purchase home security systems to protect their families and homes. The problem many people have is there are many home security options available, which makes choosing the right system difficult. The goal is to find a system that fits the homeowner's needs, perfectly.
Research was performed by Wirefly regarding the top home security systems for the Pamplin, VA area. Researchers at the company talked to industry experts and others in the home security field. Customers who are currently using one of the top security systems were also an intricate part of this study. This will provide homeowners with the most precise and current information. The information we gathered should help home dwellers decide which home alarm and security company will best suit their needs.
Reviews of the top home security companies will be provided, and there are a few things one should look for when looking for a security system that the company will explore as well. Knowledge is the key to making the right choice.
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Wireless technology has changed the world in a myriad of ways, and the home security industry is a perfect example of that shift. One of the many benefits to choosing wireless home security is the quick and easy installation. The days of filling your walls with holes and running what seems like an endless amount of wiring throughout your home are over. These wireless systems communicate via the same signals that your cellular phones use (like Wi-Fi and cell signals), so there is no need to connect wires between all of the components. Yet another positive related to wireless systems is that you can easily move components around the house as often as you'd like. Perhaps the most important aspect of this type of home security system is that disabling it is not as simple as disconnecting traditional systems. With the introduction of wireless systems, burglars can no longer simply cut a wire or two in order to quietly gain access to your home.
Most good home security systems in Pamplin, VA are customizable to fit your particular home. Whether you're just looking for indoor or outdoor surveillance cams or more sophisticated varieties that include motion detectors or thermal imaging, you'll find a system that can accommodate virtually any condition. Along with remote entry to your home's security system, you can set up your mobile phone, laptop, or PC to stream live video from your surveillance cameras, or check already recorded footage. Motion-sensing cameras enable you to breeze through the day's events without needing to fast-forward through numerous hours of uneventful video footage. Surveillance cameras make it easy to watch out for your pets or shipments delivered while you're out of the house, as well as what's happening in the rest of the home when you're occupied in a different room.
Long gone are the days when we used to think that home automation is an idea of the future. Currently, technology has made it easy and cost effective to add smart features to your house. Therefore, you can have more control of your home when you are away on business trips or at work. You do not need to worry about whether you turned on the security system or left the doors locked. Your tablet, smartphone, or any internet-connected device can be used to control all appliances in your house. It is amazing that you can remotely close your front door if you left in a hurry. Automated security systems enable you to get notification emails and texts for different events such as security breach and emergencies. Pamplin, VA smart home Automation allows you to take full control of your home from wherever you might be.
Wirefly offers great deals on a large selection of smartphones, cell phones, tablets, mobile hotspots, and other wireless devices for the nation's most popular carriers. Use Wirefly's innovative cell phone and plan comparison tools to ensure you are getting the best deal on the market. Shop with confidence knowing that Wirefly wants to help you find the best prices on cell phones, cell phone plans, TV, and Internet service.


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A Bradford-based football tournament will be kicking off later this month as a local charity group aims to raise money in the fight against cancer.
SCAR (Sports Campaign Against Racism) will be hosting the event on Tuesday 17th June at the 5 Alive Soccer Centre on York Street, Bradford, with 10 teams competing for the crown of champions.
SCAR was launched in 1998 by chairman, Delroy Dacres, and secretary, Shadow Parvez, as an attempt to tackle racism at grassroots level in all sports in West Yorkshire.
Delroy explains how this latest initiative will aim to bring people from all ethnic backgrounds together for a truly international tournament.
"We have decided to stage the tournament because we want people from all backgrounds to come down and join in," he said.
"We held a World Cup style competition previously whereby people from all nationalities took part and we could have had over 50 teams that day which was terrific and shows how multi-cultural Bradford is.
"It's very important to promote a diverse community and allow people to play sport together without any abuse or anything like that. SCAR aims to cut out the racism in grass roots football and that message will of course be spread on 17th June.
"You play in a tournament to win but basically you have to play hard and fair and there are even trophies for the winners."
The indoor contest is the first of many projects SCAR hopes to launch in the near future.
Organisation secretary, Shadow Parvez, says he is excited about the launch of the competition and hopes to raise a lot of money for the charity.
"I can't wait to get started," he said. "We want as many teams as possible to come and participate in this tournament and help raise money for this important cause.
"Regal Bakery, are our main sponsor and we thank them for their support. Faisel [Ali] Director of Regal Bakery) has been very supportive; he's never turned me down and is willing to help with all the causes."
To receive an application form, for the 5-aside open age (16+) tournament, please email SCAR, at email@example.com or phone 01274 494100.
Each team will be charged £40 to enter whilst proceeds will go towards the Crocus Cancer Appeal. The tournament kicks off on Tuesday 17th June, with matches starting at 7pm.


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AGRO GUMS All Rights Reserved.(Terms of Use)
Developed and Managed by Infocom Network Ltd.


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I recently spoke with Tadd Spering, the CEO of a technology startup that could change how people choose their own clothes – and influence the choices of others. The company has recently launched a partnership with The Limited, and is in advanced talks with several other major fashion retailers.
Marc E. Babej: What is Stylinity?
Tadd Spering: Think of it as an automated photo booth that sits outside the dressing room in a retail store. It incorporates high-quality lighting, high-resolution imagery and a barcode scanner. The customer uses a barcode scanner to read the UPC tag of the items he's wearing. He then takes four high-quality selfies in the clothing. The images are then emailed to the customer and are also available to them in their account on Stylinity.com, if they sign up for an account.
Babej: You call it a Style Stage – it looks a bit like a human-size iPhone.
Spering: The images are far superior – and when you're buying clothes, its essential that you should look good. The camera and lighting are positioned well – not like a regular selfie. But even more important than the image quality: people now have a record of the exact items they were trying on and can see how they looked in different outfits – and purchase when they're ready. They can also share the images, and since the pictures are superior, they can get more accurate feedback whether they should buy these items.
Babej: But doesn't this run counter to people making impulse purchases?
Spering: Not at all. A lot of times when people look at themselves in the mirror, they aren't sure. But when they see themselves on a large screen, from various angles, they tend to feel more confident, which makes them more likely to purchase right then and there. The camera doesn't lie, and people know that. So we think of the Style Stage not as taking the impulse out of shopping, but rather as adding a second, less impulsive shopping occasion.
Babej: I see how it might benefit the customer and the retailed. But how do you make money?
Spering: We charge a lease fee for the Style Stage itself and get an affiliate commission for purchases made through images shared via the Style Stage – both from customers who took the images, and from people with whom the images were shared, if they end up buying. Shoppers who share their images are rewarded with gift cards when these images lead to enough purchases by their friends.
Babej: How did you come up with the idea?
Spering: In college, I used
We launched the product in November last year, with The Limited as our first customer. Their customers are enthusiastic about the Style Stages and they've become an added attraction in the store. The Limited are also making the experience of their brand omnichannel, and the Style Stage can play a significant role in bridging bricks and mortar and online. Several other major retailers have also agreed to sign on to Stylinity and we expect to finalize these new relationships in a matter of weeks. Stacy London, the host of What Not To Wear became a member of our board and our creative director.
Babej: Whom would you consider your key competitors?
Spering: We don't have any direct competitors and view ourselves as having a created a market where there was none before. In terms of indirect competitors: photo sharing apps like Instagram are being used for this purpose. But they don't monetize it – and even more importantly, the images that people can take with these apps don't come close to comparing to what the style stage can do. The truth of the matter is: not all selfies are created equal.
Babej: Could you see Stylinity Expand beyond fashion?
Spering: Absolutely – we plan to. Stylinity could be relevant to interior design stores, landscaping businesses, even car dealerships – really, any place where two conditions apply: style matters, and the quality of an image matters in conveying that style.


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In this issue
Jack Nicholson • Summer 95
Jack Nicholson • Summer 95
Up Front
Top 25 Cigars
It's one thing to make a good cigar. It's something else to make a great cigar. But it's something else entirely to make a great cigar over and over again. And that kind of consistency is precisely what is required to make Cigar Aficionado's list of Top 25 cigars.
The Good Life


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Student Spotlight: Michelle Varshavskiy
Sarah Long, Contributor
October 29, 2019
Michelle Varshavskiy, 16, is a West Bloomfield High School senior who maintains a 4.4 GPA while participating in her sport of choice, Rhythmic Gymnastics. As a senior, Varshavskiy is planning her future which most likely consists of this sport. Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines ballet, gymnastics,...
SPOTLIGHT: Clarence King — Future Policeman
September 26, 2019
Clarence King, 15, is a West Bloomfield High School student who stands out from his peers by taking part in a program called Police Explorers. While he is only a sophomore, King has a vision for his future: a badge and a blue uniform. Police Explorers is short for Law Enforcement Exploring. This na...
Spotlight on: Kyla Cristopher-Moody
Jasmin Lee, Writer
November 13, 2018
KYLA CHRISTOPHER-MOODY sprinted into 2nd place at the Cross Country State Championship. This competition was held at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. This was her 8th State Competition and she is excited to see what the future holds as she heads off to college next year. ...
WB Swim Glides into Finals
Jasmin Lee, Writer
November 13, 2018
WEST BLOOMFIELD Girls Swim and Dive took 3rd place at League Finals. At Royal Oak High School, more than half of the Girls Swim and Dive Team placed in the top 16 of their individual events and relays. Mattie Smith qualified for States in the 100 Breaststroke. She will be swimming at the State Meet o...
Breakfast on the Go
Ashley Allen and Ilana Schwartz
November 13, 2018
High school students are often up before the sun, with West Bloomfield High School being no exception. Not only are students getting up before six in the morning, but they also spend the entire night before finishing their homework. This rough sleep schedule leads to rushed mornings. Students wake up l...
An Outline of HOSA
Deepa Jha, Editor
November 9, 2018
Health Science Club at West Bloomfield High School has been the largest club at the school for years now. The club attracts kids of all grades due to one main cause: learning more about the health sciences. Most of the club is geared towards the regional health science competition. In this compet...
WBHS'S Marching Band and Color Guard Land 7th
Parker Semanson, Writer
November 9, 2018
On Saturday November 3, WBHS's Marching Band and Color Guard concluded their season by performing at the MCBA state finals, located at Ford Field. Their show, which was titled Technologic Takeover, received a score of 90.075, earning them 7th place. Shruthi Ravindran, a junior and proud member of ...
No School 2 Vote
Ashley Allen, Writer
November 6, 2018
The West Bloomfield School District made a last minute change to the district calendar. Midterm elections are coming up, and the district decided to take off for the day. According to the calendar on the official West Bloomfield District website, we have school that day. They recently posted on the...
WB Gets Spooky
Parker Semanson and Ilana Schwartz
November 6, 2018
Students at WBHS went all out with their costumes for Halloween this year. At lunch, WB's student leadership class hosted a raffle and anyone who dressed up could enter for a chance to win a bucket of candy and an Amazon Alexa. The lunchroom was full of different monsters and characters all excited for ...
The Race for the School Board
Jenna Anderson, Writer
November 6, 2018
On Tuesday, November 6, the midterm elections will be held. In West Bloomfield, the race for the School Board includes 4 people campaigning from 3 spots. The candidates are Julie Beaty, Carol Finkelstein, Nelson Hersh, who are incumbents running for re-election, and David Flaisher, the only new challeng...
Chamber Choir goes to CMU!
Janelle Karana, Writer
November 1, 2018
Last Friday, October 19, Chamber Choir from West Bloomfield High School took a bus ride up to Central Michigan University for Vocal Arts Day. This is where students get the chance to meet up with other high schools and colleges to gain further knowledge and feedback. "We get to build on experience...
Mr. Martinez: Where Is He Now?
Jenna Anderson, Writer
October 27, 2018
Over the 2018 summer vacation, counselor Jeffrey Martinez announced that he would not be returning to West Bloomfield High School in the fall. As a former teacher in the district and a reliable counselor for 10 years, Martinez earned a popular reputation as someone students could trust. Though many were s...


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You've got 22 days to spare, so what's next? How about an unforgettable Latin American adventure that includes Peru, Bolivia and Chile? This trip combines buzzing cities, out of this world nature, local experiences, some of the worlds most iconic sights, and of course a whole bunch of new friends to share it all with.
A new day, a new country – let's do this! Steeped in Spanish colonialism yet buzzing with modern metro vibes, Lima is sure to ignite your love for Peru. Spend your morning marvelling at lavishly decorated churches and an underground tunnel cemetery overflowing with bones or catacombs, then hit the Barranco district this afternoon to get a feel for its bohemian ambiance. A stroll over the Bridge of Sighs is also a must. And of course no trip to Lima is complete without devouring at least one portion of ceviche – it's a pretty massive deal in the city. Round off the day watching the sun set over the Pacific, most likely with a pisco sour in hand…
We'll catch a flight the city of Puerto Maldonado in Peru's southern jungle. We'll have lunch on the river as we travel upstream by a traditional Peruvian boat to our Contiki Special Stay Rainforest Lodge in the mighty Amazon jungle, where we'll try to spot toucans, macaws and capybaras along the way.A quick tour of the city will reveal colourful fruit stalls, open air markets, and locals going about their day. But now we're back underway and we just want to get to the jungle.Our lodge is a special experience in itself! Located in then luscious rainforest and made from wood and clay, its open walls leave you sleeping virtually amongst the rainforest! After you settle in, we'll get a different take on the jungle as we take a hike to the canopy tower. After climbing the 100ft of stairs you will be provided with a birds-eye view of the rainforest! Home to monkeys, birds, bromeliads and other jungle life, this is the ultimate way to see the jungle. After dinner you can experience something really different, heading out to look for caiman, a member of the alligator family native to the Amazon. Scan the shores with flashlights and see if you can catch the red gleam of the light as it reflects off of the caiman's eyes.
With another day at the jungle lodge, keep your eyes peeled for a wildlife like the giant otter,monkeys, tropical birds, bromeliads and other jungle life, this is the ultimate way to see the jungle.
Wave goodbye to your jungle home as we're off back to the capital of Peru!Spend today exploring the beautiful city of Cusco - wander the main plaza, visit the Tread Right support weaving centre or feed your sweet tooth with a visit to the chocolate museum. Then get into Cusco's amazing nightlife & join our Illary (Sunrise) Club!
Heading out of Cusco and bound for the Sacred Valley on our private coach, this is where our journey into the ruins and mystique of this land truly begins. But first, llamas. An iconic symbol of Peru, we'll be stopping off at a llama farm to show some love to these furry favourites up close, and we're talking the whole humpback family – llamas, vicuna and alpacas. #llamaselfie achieved, we'll then stop off to witness the ancient Incan art of weaving in practise by a group of talented local artisans. Throughout the journey, play close attention to your surrounds – there's the chance to spot the Incan farming technique of terracing, as well as the 'salineras' (salt mines). Want to know what the Peruvians do for fun? You'll get the chance to play the traditional game of "Sapo", and exactly what that entails we'll leave to the imagination… Our explorations of the Sacred Valley will begin with a guided tour of the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. Our Local Guide will give you the d-l on both, visiting the circular terraced Pisac ruins first which date back to the 1400's. Moving on to Ollantaytambo, base camp for those taking the trek tomorrow, we'll appease dry mouths with some homemade Chica de Jora brew. This tiny town may be small in geographical terms, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude, with artisan shops and cafes spilling out onto streets, and the roaring Urubamba river providing the perfect natural background noise. For those embarking on the Inca trail tomorrow this is your final chance to stock up on last minute essentials (socks, socks and more socks). For all others, spend your time soaking in the vibes, hanging with other travellers and just getting a feel for this iconic little town.
For those embarking on our epic 1 day trek, we'll catch the train to KM104 and the start of a day to remember. With just 3.5 hours on foot and 6-kilometres to cover, the enchanting site that awaits us will make it all worthwhile. Descending into the site we'll take in Wayana Picchu 'Little peak' – the iconic peak you'll have seen in every picture ever – marvelling at the incredible handiwork of the ancient Incas. Satisfaction levels at an all-time high and with a big ol' smile on your tired face, we'll head back to Aguas Calientes and a squishy hotel bed you couldn't be more deserving of. For those not embarking on the Inca Trail,the morning is yours to enjoythe surrounding lush mountains of Aguas Calientes.Can you feel the excitement mounting? Yep – those are pretty much the feels when Machu Picchu is quite literally on the horizon. This afternoon we'll hop on the train to Aguas Calientes, a cute town in its own right complete with roaring river, quaint bridges and local haunts, but most famously known as the gateway town to Machu Picchu. We'll meet up with those who opted for the one day trek, and basically spend the evening hyping each other up for what's to come tomorrow.
Excitement levels at an all-time high, the day we've all been waiting for is finally here – it's Machu Picchu time! Built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the new world. We'll be treated to a guided tour of the site taking in such wonders as the Temple of the Three Windows and Wayana Picchu (the peak you'll of seen in every Machu Picchu image ever), and of course you'll have some alone time to explore the area as only you can do. This is one big old tick off the life goals list, so enjoy every single second of it.Back on the train we'll de-brief on our once-in-a-lifetime experience as we head back to Cusco. Last time round was all about getting acquainted with the city, so now you've got you're bearings you can really get lost amongst the market stalls and cobbled streets, maybe even going truly local by trying out a serving of cuy.
Another day, another incredible Latin American destination to uncover; today it's sun up 'til sun down in Cusco. Shop for artisan jewellery and woodworks, roam the cobble-stone streets or just stroll the Plaza de Armas, eating cacao buds and sipping on coca leaf tea. Today you're in control of your adventures... except for dinner with the crew tonight, on us. Bolivia is on the horizon tomorrow.
Bolivia, you're in our sights. Filling up on breakfast, it's all eyes to the border as we make our way through Peru's spectacular Altiplano Plateau and over the border to Lake Titicaca, iconically the highest body of water in the world (and said to be the original birthplace of the Incas).Small, bright and enchanting, Copacabana sure as hell turns on the charm. Situated on Lake Titicaca's shores, this is more than just a place with sandy beaches and lakeside cafés. Opt for a cultural walk toward the Basilica of Our Lady Copacabana, or shop for local goods in its famous shopping street.
Today we'll journey through the pretty Bolivian countryside towards La Paz. Situated a slightly unnerving 12,000 ft above sea level (yeah, for real), this city is big on altitude AND energy.If you're looking for vistas, La Paz is your gal. Sitting in the midst of a narrow canyon and dwarfed by the mighty icecapped peak of Mount Illimani to the South, this is a city of contrasts, where 19th century churches rub shoulders with towering office blocks and pretty, colourful markets. Take your time adjusting to the altitude, then make the most of your afternoon in this hustling, cosmopolitan city.
Cameras on full charge and free breakfast fully taken advantage of, it's time to hit the streets of La Paz. Your Trip Manager will take you on a guided walking tour where'll get to explore all that the city has to offer. Feel the cultural vibes by the San Francisco Church and Metropolitan Cathedral, before you make your way to the colourful Jaen Street and Plaza Murillo. And for those feeling ultra spiritual, the Witches' Market is only a short walk away.
Adios La Paz, you've taken our breath away (quite literally).Steeped in history with narrow tree lined streets, white stone buildings (some dating back five centuries) and endless blue skies, Sucre is a place where time stands still. Get your bearings on a guided walking tour and let the impressive Convento de San Felip Neri work its magic on your inner architecture nerd. The afternoon is then yours to explore places like Cal Orck'o (did someone say real dinosaur footprints?), wander the cities various museums, or just take it easy before the evenings shenanigans.
With a full day in Sucre, the choice is yours of how to DIY your time in this cultural melting pot. Maybe the museums, galleries and parks are calling your name, or perhaps your itching for something a bit more physical? If that's the case, our ME Time Optionals are likely to be your jam.
Think you've seen it all in the last few days? We've barely gotten started... Today we big adios to enchanting Sucre and make our way to Potosi, a town rich in history, architecture, and silver.Situated at the foot of Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain), Potosi is a treasure trove of markets, churches and friendly locals. We'll get you adjusted on a locally guided tour around the city, stopping off at the Cathedral Market to check out the local wares and visiting sites like the impressive Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Carangas. Later, head out with your crew for a traditional local dinner, washed down with Chuflay a plenty. Que bueno!
Another lazy morning in Potosi, before making tracks for Uyuni, and we think you know what comes next...Welcome to Uyuni, the official gateway to the Salar de Uyuni...or the Bolivian salt flats to you and I. Excited much? You should be. To get you in the mood, we'll be heading to the Great Train Graveyard, which is every bit as incredible as it sounds. A place full of deserted steamtrains that were abandoned sometime in the 40s, if you're into deserted theme parks, ghost walks or general creepy stuff, you've found your mecca.
Wanna know what makes a breathtaking photo? Well, let's just say that in Salar de Uyuni, every angle is picture perfect. We hope you've been researching the best poses and use of props, because this is one experience most only get to enjoy once in a lifetime.
It's goodbye mini bus and hello 4x4's as we kick start our 2 day expedition across the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna Reserve.Not much can beat yesterdays views, but this sure gives them a run for their money. Hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, mountains, lakes and flocks of flamingos will have your head spinning 360 as you try to take it all on. Nature on steroids is probably the best description.
Can it really get any better? You ain't seen nothing yet. Up with the birds, we'll stop off first for some geyser spotting before journeying on to the Salvador Dali desert. And yes, it's every bit as impressive as the name suggests.Who's ready for a new country? Oh hi there, Chile! From one other worldly landscape to another, we'll venture into the Atacama desert with San Pedro de Atacama in our sights, our home for the next 2 nights. Feel the dryness in the air? That's because this land is the driest non-polar desert in the world. Don't say we don't try to impress you.
After two days of crossing the Avaroa reserve, it's time to chill, and that poolside seat has your name all over it. But then again with sandboarding on offer, maybe the lure of the desert will be too hard to resist? As the afternoon rolls in we'll head out to Valle de la Luna. Literally translated as the Valley of the Moon, this lunar like landscape was carved by wind and water and is the probably the closest you'll ever get to a space travel experience. Seriously, can this trip get any better?
This morning we leave the desert behind and jump on flight to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival we'll get acquainted with this bustling place on a city tour. The afternoon is yours to explore and this evening we'll wrap up our 3-week adventure with a farewell dinner.
The day is yours. Choose to visit the colorful, hillside city of Valparaiso or spend a day exploring Chile's wineries.
This morning your trip ends. Not ready to say goodbye to South America? Why not join us on another Contiki tour with your new mates?
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Giving Family Caregivers the Respect and Support They Deserve
By Lynn Friss Feinberg , September 23, 2013 08:00 AM
Caring for a loved one with chronic or disabling conditions is a daily struggle for millions of American families. For decades, these intensely personal and family needs have generally been viewed as private issues and largely overlooked in public policy, although it would cost an estimated $450 billion to replace that care.
But that may be changing.
The federal Commission on Long-Term Care has taken an important step to elevate family caregiving as a public issue that can no longer be ignored. Although the Commission could not agree on how to help individuals and their families pay for long-term services and supports (LTSS) comprehensively, their final report to Congress addresses the information and support needs of family caregivers - an isolated and unpaid workforce that fills big gaps in health care and LTSS.
The Commission's report recognizes that millions of family members and friends who serve as unpaid family caregivers provide complex chronic care with little preparation for their roles. One of the Commission's fundamental principles is that "family caregivers should be identified and assessed for their needs, especially when care plans are dependent on them, and they should receive the support they need to continue providing care to their loved ones."
The steps endorsed by the Commission to strengthen family caregiving, which Chairman Bruce Chernof characterized as "one of the most fundamental and transformative recommendations in the report," call for:
- Including family caregivers and their needs in assessment and care planning processes, in electronic health and LTSS records, and as key members of care teams
- Ensuring family caregivers have access to relevant information through technology to facilitate communication and decision making
- Promoting research to study caregiver interventions to see what supportive services work best and for whom
The Commission also recommends that Congress require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a broad national strategy to support family caregivers. This strategy should identify specific and effective actions that government, communities, and others can take to address the challenges facing families in their caregiving roles. It should also accelerate the development of caregiver support services to help families avoid burnout and improve the experience of care for the individuals receiving supportive services and their family members.
In the not too distant future, the " caregiver support ratio" will start to plummet when the first baby boomers begin turning 80, the age at which the need for LTSS increases. By 2030, only 4 potential family caregivers will be available for every person 80 and older, down from a high of more than 7 to 1 in 2010. By 2050, when all the baby boomers have reached old age, the ratio will fall to less than 3 to 1, and more individuals with LTSS needs may need to rely on paid services for all or a part of their care.
It is time to respect and support family caregivers and get this right. If not, many of us will be on our own when we need help the most.
Photo courtesy of the Family Caregiver Alliance.
Author: Lynn F riss Feinberg, MSW, is a senior strategic policy adviser for the AARP Public Policy Institute. She has conducted policy analysis and applied research on family caregiving and long-term services and supports issues for more than 30 years.
Also of Interest
- What Are We Willing-and Not Willing-to Do for Mom and Dad?
- Video Games May Help Make Old Brains Act Young Again
- Questions about the Affordable Care Act? Get your answers here.
- Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being
See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more


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"let it snow queen."
faerie tale feet piece inspired by hans christian andersen's "the snow queen."
some of you may know the tale as disney interpreted it for the recent animated (understatement: hit!) "frozen." it was originally a pretty episodic tale by our beloved hans christian andersen. various versions include an evil goblin flying through space who breaks a mirror which only reflects the worst in people. so when a shard lands in both the heart and the eye of kai, he gets carried away with his own meanness, runs away with the snow queen by hitching his stolen sled to her magical flying sleigh, and is about to freeze (inside and out) until gerda, through a LOT of brave & heroic & often distracting adventures, rescues her friend from the snow queen's coldhearted grasp. spoiler: her tears of love melt the coldness in his heart and the deception in his eyes.
you should read it. i don't do it justice.
seen in my original gouache (& ink for her snowflake tattoos!) painting are four creatures who help or hinder gerda along her path to rescue her best and dearest friend when she refuses to give up on him.
i tried something different than my usual patterned background iconography– i could have used: the mirror shards, the rose arch, a sled, a sleigh, icicles, gerda's red shoes, a boat, magic comb, sunbonnet, owls, a wise old woman with grey braids, the troll, angels, a prince & princess, a throne in the middle of a lake, a muff, the snow queen's fireworks, a magnifying glass, the talking flowers, and more.
but in the vastness of the tale are also the reindeer, the wolves, a raven, and a polar bear guard. they are both friends, foes, obstacles, and sages; gerda ultimately wins, for, as the wise woman said:
"i can give her nothing more powerful as that which she already has– a loving heart."
have a look at the painting process below!
you can order the limited, signed edition prints here on my etsy site: http://etsy.me/1NDMQC5
and the snow queen greeting cards here: http://etsy.me/1EcG4kI
original painting is available framed for $450. contact me.


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Pipelife awarded Top Exporter
At a solemn ceremony of the top Austrian export companies and in front of more than 100 company representative, Pipelife International was awarded as one of the TOP EXPORTERS 2012 by the Austrian Economic Chambers.
Commerce President Christoph Leitl thanked the best companies of the Austrian economy for their "business committment and tireless efforts abroad, which contribute significantly to the economic success of Austria."
The keynote speaker Professor Stern from the Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Insitute of Technology (MIT) impressed the guests with his presentation "Global Innovation: The new Austrian competitivesness challenge". He vividly conveyed how international operating companies can be even more competitive in the future.
The ceremony took place end of June in the Sky Lounge of the Austrian Economic Chambers and Pipelife was presented by Zoran Davidovski, Product and Innovation Officer.


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In the heart of a vineyard, right next to the Gorges de l'Ardèche, with direct access to the river
Come and spend your next holiday in the Ardèche! Located on the banks of the Ardèche river, in an exceptional setting, Yelloh! Village La Plaine will make your stay an unforgettable one. Enjoy a relaxing, comfortable and fun holiday here, with the site management team at your service and premium accommodation. With its aquatic park and natural beach, this campsite will be the ideal spot to enjoy the delights of swimming!
You can also take advantage of your stay at Camping La Plaine to discover or rediscover watersports and outdoor activities: try your hand at paddling down the Ardèche in a canoe! It's a great opportunity to admire the scenery and take in a bit of nature, making for an exceptional family holiday.
At Yelloh! Village La Plaine, you'll enjoy spending time in the water with a heated pool, paddling pool and water slides, and a superb natural beach next to the Ardèche river.
Camping La Plaine has thought about the kids too: activity clubs are available for all ages, with sporting challenges, competitions, shows and handicrafts all on offer! Children can also enjoy the play area or have a game of crazy golf.
On the banks of the Ardèche, Yelloh! Village La Plaine offers you a wide range of activities throughout your stay. Take a canoe ride to explore the Gorges de l'Ardèche or enjoy a spot of fishing in the river… It's up to you!
La Plaine Yelloh! Village makes holidaying simpler, by providing a small supermarket with everyday products, a catering service allowing you to relax, and all the quality facilities needed on a campsite.
La Plaine Yelloh! Village is in the heart of magnificent countryside, surrounded by vineyards and the treasure trove that is the Ardèche valley. Along our beautiful paths, you'll be able to explore the spectacular valley with its caves and potholes, and its typical little villages, clinging to the rock face.


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Local Information: Temple Bar, Co. Dublin
Full Profile | Menu | Reviews | Book a Table!
Welcome to The Old Storehouse online. Visit our site as often as possible to keep abreast of upcoming events.
Here at The Old Storehouse we are committed to providing our customers with quality service and entertainment at affordable prices. We are renound for live music 7 days per week with no admission charges.
The Old Storehouse is a Classic Irish Bar in the heart of Dublin's Cultural Quarter - Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
Note: Map is an approximate indication ONLY. Please contact The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant for directions and precise location prior to your visit.


text: Look-A-Likes® BougainFeelYa ('MEIckinava') is a compact, spreading shrub rose with vibrant red single blloms. Bred by Meilland International in France and introduced by Star® Roses and Plants in the U.S., this rose performed well in the DFB Köppen climate region. Based on our data this rose is an excellent choice for a rose garden located in the cool northern United States or any place with similar climate conditions.


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Industrial lighting
Thanks to digitalisation, it is now possible to promote and distribute the products regardless of the location, which leads to expansion of the production and logistic companies. Diverse technologies and types of industry require diverse levels of illumination, security, cleanleness, and all installed equipment, including lighting, must be in accordance. Quick and easy mounting is implied, but also adaptability of the lighting system to new disposition of equipment and rearrangement of the floorplan. Industrial lighting system provides not only good visibility and visual comfort, but also increases safety and efficiency of the workplace, regardless the time of day or period of the shift.


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This week: JC Penny is still in business? Seattle pizzerias are still in business! Dunkin Donuts threatens its own business. And otters do their business…
She may have a career in online organizing though
Because of course policing women's bodies is part of running a department store, a JC Penny manager sent an employee home for wearing shorts they said were too short. It's the kind of thing that happens to hundreds of workers a day in the world of retail, where the customer service frontlines are disproportionately filled by women and the managerial positions by men — except for two factors that made this time special. 1) The shorts in question were purchased from the "career" section of that very JC Penny store. And 2) the worker in question is a feminist blogger. Enjoy the results.
Wonder why there hasn't been national coverage of this one yet
A few months ago, a less-than-successful pizza chain called Z Pizza closed an outlet in Seattle, said it was because of the minimum wage, and ignited a national media storm. Business-backed right-wing groups are just that determined to "prove" the $15 minimum wage law isn't working — even though all the evidence shows that Seattle restaurants are booming, and all the anecdotes show that numerous pizza places were hiring that very week.
This week brought two piece of news that show everything the scare patrol had to say about this is false: Seattle Met wrote about a shortage of pizza cooks in Seattle. And Capitol Hill Seattle reports that a new pizza place is set to open in the very same location — with plans in place before Z Pizza even vacates the premises. The new place even provides healthcare benefits. Who thinks local Fox news will follow up on their initial story?
"French cruller" always sounded like an insult somehow
The CEO of Dunkin' Donuts, who previously did time at Papa John's and Burger King, got paid $10 million last year. But what's "absolutely outrageous" to him is the idea of a $15 minimum wage — even though his own compensation is more than 300x what a full-time $15/hour employee would see on their paycheck. He also said higher pay would reduce hiring, even though much higher pay doesn't seem to reduce the number of jobs available to obnoxious corporate executives.
In an era of record inequality, it all makes a compelling case — to raise the minimum wage, argues Seattle Times economic columnist Jon Talton.
If it were this snake, it wouldn'ta bit ya
A panda who is one of the star attractions bringing visitors to a Taipei zoo sought to improve her working conditions by faking pregnancy. She got a single room, air conditioning, better food, and an ultrasound, which she failed.
An Arizona man broke into an enemy's home, called him a rat, and attempted to attack him with a rattlesnake. The snake wouldn't bite on command so he shot a speaker box instead.
A large British fish was killed by an otter, sparking demands to "do something" about the ferocious carnivorous cutie pies. The fish had been called "Big Lady" because of its size, its gender, and the low creativity of local anglers.


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- Ukip candidate Roger Helmer reckons that Farage would do a better job in the by-election campaign and defends employing an Italian citizen as his assistant
- Tory Robert Jenrick denies being a 'carpetbagger' and says he wants the UK to remain in Europe
Yesterday our contributing editor Harry Cole interviewed the next MP for Newark. If the polls are to be believed that will be the Tories' safe if dull candidate Robert Jenrick. But Ukip's Roger Helmer is confident of causing an upset.
Robert Jenrick denied being a 'carpetbagger' or a 'career politician' ,claiming he had 'has never worked in politics', despite having stood in Newcastle-Under-Lyme in 2010 and attempting to get selected to a safe Tory seat in Croydon before landing Newark. He stood by his claims that was an 'entrepreneur', but admitted to never having set up any business beyond the company he registered while renovating his £2.3 million SW1 property.
Jenrick made much of the fact that he had moved his family to the area, settling in Southwell – although our informants in the Midlands say that Jenrick needs to sharpen up his pronunciation: it's 'suthull' to the local cognoscenti.
Jenrick also said that he was a 'consistent' Eurosceptic. But, ideally, he would like Britain to stay in Europe, which Ukip will want to play up. As a former employee of Christie's, we thought we better set him an antiques challenge…
Roger Helmer was bullish about Ukip's chances, though he thinks that Nigel Farage would do a better job at campaigning than him:
'Nigel has that enormous box office presence, and I'm sure he would do a better job than I would do. Obviously Nigel is the biggest face and the biggest asset for the party.'
He defended employing an Italian citizen as his assistant, and distanced himself from his comments on homosexuality while welcoming Ukip's first gay MEP.
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Mother's Day Brunch Menu
Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to host a brunch in your mom's honor. Here's a family-friendly menu that kids of all ages can help out with. Read 'til the end for some helpful tips on how to involve your children in preparations.
The Menu
Orange Julius
Pumpkin French Toast
Griddle Potatoes
Strawberries & Cream
Orange Julius
This frothy drink is a refreshing way to start off your Mother's Day brunch. Our recipe uses soy creamer, for a healthier twist.
1 c French Vanilla Soy creamer
1 c fresh squeezed orange juice (2-3 oranges)
6-8 ice cubes
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serve in a cup with a straw.
Serves 2.
title: mother


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Boutique Cafe - Prime Location
Auckland City
- Proposed Usage
- Other Businesses for Sale
- Property ID
- 1bznq9h
If you are looking for a cafe, try to imagine the following combination:
- Cathedral view
- Japanese chef
- English barista
- Upstairs lounge
Sitting in the upstairs lounge to enjoy a beautiful cathedral view with your cup of coffee. A current owner hired an English barista and a Japanese chef. Only one word comes to mind - Fantastic!
This cafe is located on the main street of a central Auckland suburb. The key customers are tourists, office workers, and local residents. The Cathedral, located opposite this cafe, attracts many visitors.
The upstairs lounge accommodates approx. 20 people, while downstairs seats a further 10. There is a reasonable sized and well-equipped kitchen which is easy to manage.
The current weekly turnover is $4,000 and rent is $3,333 + GST per month.
If this business is of interest, please feel free to contact Raymond Tam 021 037 4290 for a confidential talk.
Price $65,000 + estimated stock value $1,000..


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Can Sheffield Arena date be the first step towards another Kell Brook world title?
Kell Brook enters the New Year with the challenge of becoming a two-weight world champion.
The Sheffield man loves big time boxing.
He wants to dominate the light middleweight division in a way he did as IBF world title holder.
However Brook finds it hard to "get up" for so-called ordinary fights.
So his comeback in March, against an opponent who hasn't exactly been on fire for the last 18 months, has to excite him.
Brook faces Siarhei Rabchanka at Sheffield Arena on Saturday, March 3.
The son of South Yorkshire and the Belarussian have things in common, they are both 31 and have similar if not identical records including two losses on their sheets.
But that last fact masks a telling difference.
Brook suffered serious facial injuries against world class fighters in Errol Spence Jr and middleweight Gennady Golovkin, in his last high profile outings.
Rabchanka's last two scraps have been against unknown opponents you wouldn't have expected to have troubled him in the slightest.
He stopped Siarhei Krapshyla in two rounds of a scheduled six rounder in September - Krapshyla entering the ring with a won four lost 18 record. It was Rabchanka's only fight of 2017.
In December of the previous year, he got in with another fighter with a mixed record, Robizoni Omsarashvili, dismissing him in a single round.
These were intended to be comeback fights after Rabchanka lost what could have been a big break for him - he was stopped by American Tony Harrison in July 2016. If he'd have won, he could have gone on to dispute the IBF light middleweight championship with Jarret Hurd, as Harrison did, although he lost.
Hurd has defended that IBF title once - and could eventually be a target for Brook...who could then carve himself a place in history again.
And that prospect should be enough to give Brook all the stimulation he needs at Sheffield Arena in March.


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Gower Brewery wanted to expand their website by allowing to purchase their wonderful range of beers online and around the clock. They wanted to keep their blog and other content in place from their existing website.
We built Gower Brewery on the Shopify platform with a customised theme and content migration from WordPress.
Using existing branding we created a customised theme optimised for online shopping:
- Complete end-to-end solution using Shopify
- WordPress Migration
- Product line creation
- Payment processing setup
- Custom page templates


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Sea Shell Party Lights
Item # : 382SH
These beautiful sea shell party lights are great for creating a beach theme. They're the perfect party light for summer gatherings at the beach house, ocean side bars or any space you want to remind you of the ocean!
- 12' green cord.
- 10 mini lights with 10 plastic covers.
- Size of plastic covers are 2.25" h x 2.5" w, 3" h x 1.5" w and 3" h x 2.25" w.
- 12' green cord.
- 10 mini lights (12V bulb) with 10 plastic covers.
- Includes an extra fuse and four replacement bulbs.
- Single-end connection. You can connect up to 2 strands together on one end.
- Indoor or outdoor use.
- No assembly required. The covers are already attached to the light strand.


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Membership is due for renewal on January 1st each year. You can download the membership form here: Henfield Joggers membership form
Please complete the form fully following the instructions provided, so that we have the details needed to register you with the relevant Associations, and see below for payment details.
Don't forget the tangible benefits members receive, such as various In-Store and/or Online discounts (see here for details), London marathon draw for places, regular weekly news updates, and of course friendly advice and encouragement.
Basic Club Membership – £20
England Athletics competition licence – £15
England Athletics registration is separate from the Club membership and runs from April to March each year. We will contact all members in Spring 2019 and register everyone interested with the UKA in April after payment has been received)
This licence is required to obtain the price reduction for events run under UKA rules (Sussex Championships for example) it is also a means of England Athletics raising funds, and brings other benefits to individuals – *see below for a detailed list [applicable as at January 2019].
1) The simplest and most preferable is by bank transfer to:
a/c: 10733817
Sort code: 53-50-39
Name: Henfield Joggers
Reference: Please use your name(s)
Please e-mail confirmation that you have paid online to Liz Pamment, Membership Secretary, at: firstname.lastname@example.com, and any queries should be sent to the same address.
2) Send cash or a cheque to: The Membership Secretary, 2 Eglantine Cottage, High Street, Partridge Green, RH13 8HU.
Data protection: Your name and address and all other relevant details will be stored on a computer. This data is considered to be 'personal data' for the purposes of data protection legislation as covered by the Data Protection Act of 1998. Henfield Joggers will only use this data in connection with the running of the Club and will not provide this data to a third party unless requested to do so by a government or law enforcement agency in connection with a criminal investigation or court action. You may request a copy of the personal data held by the Club.
*Benefits of England Athletics individual membership may change but at January 2018 are:
As a registered athlete you are able to access a number of benefits:
- Entry to events exclusively available to registered athletes – under UKA Rules for Competition many competitions, particularly track and field, are only open to registered athletes.
- Entry discounts (minimum £2) on UKA licenced road and multi-terrain events
- ebulletins including key information on the sport and exclusive registered athlete offers. You can ensure your email address and mailing preferences are up to date at www.englandathletics.org/registered-athlete
- The ability to have a say on how the sport is run and funded in a way that reflects your fundamental importance to the sport
- Opportunities for you, (and at times your club or your school) to get involved in exclusive events and experiences in association with British Athletics
- Your registration fee helps make a difference to many areas of the sport
- Exclusive offers – We work with partners including New Balance, InterContinental Hotels Group, and AfterShokz to provide registered athletes with exclusive offers and vouchers for money off.
Some of these can be accessed via the benefits page at www.englandathletics.org/registered-athlete. Others are sent by email so ensure your contact details are up to date and you have opted to receive information!
- Entry in the Great Run Club Challenge competition in the Great Run Events


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Posted by Word Camel on April 13, 2005
In Reply to: A LOAD OF CODSWALLOP posted by Gary on April 13, 2005
: : I'm having difficulty remembering where I read this, but I was under the impression that codswallop referred to the stuffing that was used to artificially accentuate the contents a codpiece when it was worn by men with great panache during the 15th and 16th centuries. You could probably use the same expression for the socks that Nureyev used to make his tights look - well - so tight.
: : Its meaning - exaggerated pretences that have no significant substance.
: That's an interesting theory. The origin is uncertain though. See
I looked it up in the OED and it only appears in print in 1963. There is nothing known about its origin but it's probably unlikely that it goes all the way back to the era of cod pieces, otherwise there'd be some evidence. The piece Gary links to is interesting. I imagine it could have been in use before 1963, but probably not for several hundred years.


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Tinkers Quotes
With all of their benefits, and there are many, one of the things I regret about e-books is that they have taken away the necessity of trawling foreign bookshops or the shelves of holiday houses to find something to read. I've come across gems and stinkers that way, and both can be fun. - J. K. Rowling
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Five Tips for Moms Expecting Twins
I remember being pregnant with the boys and searching every blog I could find that had tips for moms expecting twins. I was impressionable and thought other peoples' experiences, I was able to gain insight on how to make life easier for myself. But realistically, most new moms of multiples…View Post


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Learning to manage your money is an ongoing process. To help you on your journey, our partners at College Ave Student Loans pulled together a list of money mistakes you might not even realize you're making. After all, even the most financially-savvy among us can make money mistakes from time to time.
Paying for subscriptions or memberships you don't use.
Are you signed up for a subscription box that you toss in the trash each month? How about that gym membership that's gone unused for weeks? It just might be time to cut the cord. Sure…making these financial commitments might seem like a good idea (only $10 a month!), but they're actually a waste if you're not putting them to use.
Don't feel the need to cut everything off at once. Try cutting back on 1 or 2 to start and then go from there. Need some help? Free apps like Trim, TrueBill, and Bobby can help manage and cancel subscription services for you.
Not buying generic.
Thanks to fancy packaging and prominent advertising, many of us fall into the trap where "name brand" equates to "higher quality." This is simply not true! Opting for generic products, rather than name brand items, offers up the opportunity to save big – especially at the grocery store. Next time you go food shopping, consider making the switch.
Buying things "because they're on sale."
We've all been there. You're minding your own business when a 50% off sale pops into your inbox. Suddenly, you're tempted to stock up on all sorts of items you haven't even thought about prior to this notification. They're on sale, so it's okay….right?
Buying items you don't need just because they're discounted is an easy way to drive up unnecessary spending. Instead, think about whether you actually need these items before you fill up your cart. Is the sale on the moisturizer you use every day? Is it on a new coat you've had your eye on for weeks? Go ahead and take advantage of the savings. If it's a polka-dotted tie you never knew you wanted, it might be a good time to pass.
Letting small purchases add up.
A latte one day, takeout the next, and a couple of snacks at the end of the week…these items add up. Small indulgences are okay here and there, but pay attention to how much they cost you each week. You might be surprised by how much you're shelling out for things that, on an individual basis, are fairly inexpensive.
There are a few different ways to start tracking your spending. One simple and straightforward method is simply to jot down everything you buy for one week. Another strategy would be to download an expense tracking app like Mint, which helps you track and categorize your spending.
Not having a rainy day fund.
You pay your bills on time and you even have some spending money left over each month. You're all set, right?
Unfortunately, we live in a world where "things happen" and having an emergency fund can be a huge life-saver. Whether it's an unexpected fender bender or an extra trip to the doctor, it's important to have money stowed away in the event you need some extra cash. Each month, take some of your income and put it into a savings account – even if it's just a little at a time. You'll be thankful in the long run.
Head to the College Ave Student Loans blog to find more financial advice and student loan tips.


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BRUSSELS — Europe's controversial trading system to cut carbon emissions is showing faint signs of working, according to analysis of preliminary figures released Wednesday by the European Commission.
Emissions among industries covered by the E.U. system fell between 4 percent and 6 percent during 2008 compared with increases of roughly 1 percent in the two previous years, according to analysts who reviewed the figures.
Most of the decline was from falling industrial and electricity production linked to the economic slump. Even so, the size of the decline compared with the increases in previous years showed that some businesses were becoming marginally cleaner as a result of the system, these analysts said.
"What we're seeing today is that it is easier to meet the emissions targets in the short term because of lower economic activity in the world, but it doesn't change the fact that carbon markets do work," said Henrik Hasselknippe, the global head of carbon analysis at Point Carbon, a research company.
The European Commission said it would not comment on the figures before the end of May because the data was incomplete and would need to be carefully analyzed.Continue reading the main story
But the E.U. environment commissioner, Stavros Dimas, said Wednesday that the trading system was functioning as it should, to force heavily polluting industries to reduce emissions.
The E.U. system began in 2005 and requires heavily polluting industries to have permits for each ton of greenhouse gases they produce. The permits can be bought and sold, even as the overall cost of burning fossil fuels and emitting gases like carbon dioxide is supposed to rise.
Critics say the system has handed huge windfall profits to electricity utilities and that national governments have handed out too many permits at no cost to favored industries.
Mr. Hasselknippe estimated that emissions fell by 6 percent among industries covered by the system. He had forecast a fall of 5.3 percent, and said the larger decline was caused by the slump in economic activity in the last quarter of 2008 rather than by the carbon trading system.
Even so, Mr. Hasselknippe said that a significant number of power utilities had switched to relatively cleaner natural gas during the first half of 2008 because carbon trading had driven up the price of burning coal. That was a strong indication that some of the decline was the result of carbon trading system, he said.
Emmanuel Fages, an energy market analyst at Orbeo, a carbon trading unit part-owned by the French bank Société Générale, said emissions from industries covered by the system had declined by 4.3 percent. He also said some of that amount was because of carbon trading.
"Measuring the impact of the existence of the carbon market is very difficult," Mr. Fages said. "But the constraints on emissions are tightening."
Mr. Fages said higher use of gas, rather than coal, especially in power utilities in Britain, contributed to the decline in emissions.
Mr. Dimas said the E.U. retained global leadership on climate issues in part because emissions-reduction legislation put forth by two U.S. representatives, Henry A. Waxman of California and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, and targets described by President Barack Obama, were significantly less ambitious than E.U. measures already in place.
The Waxman-Markey bill, put forward on Tuesday, would lead to a reduction in emissions of 5 percent to 6 percent by 2020, Mr. Dimas said. That compares with an E.U. target of reducing emissions by 20 percent by 2020. The E.U. has said it would cut emissions by about 30 percent if developed countries, including the United States, took measures to reduce emissions that are roughly in line with European efforts.Continue reading the main story


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Democratic Bishops for the Roman Catholic Church
The two most famous living Catholic theologians, ProfessorJoseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) and Professor Hans Küng, were colleagues both at Vatican Council II (1962-65) and on the Catholic Theology Faculty of the University of Tübingen, Germany (1964-70). Both Professors Ratzinger and Küng, along with their ten colleagues, signed the introductory essay of a special issue (1969) of the Tübingen Theologische Quartalschrift, the print organ of the Catholic Theology Faculty of the University of Tübingen, which advocated 1) the election of bishops by their constituents, and 2) limited term of office of bishops.
Professor Leonard Swidler (Temple University, 1966-) received a Licentiate in Catholic theology (STL) from the Catholic Theology Faculty of the University of Tübingen in 1959—probably the first Catholic layperson to receive a degree in Catholic theology in modern times—and was a Visiting Professor there in 1970. He and his wife Professor Arlene Anderson Swidler (co-founders in 1964 of the premier scholarly journal of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, theJournal of Ecumenical Studies), translated, edited, published the Theologische Quartalschrift special issue in 1970, under the title: Bishops and People.
With the growing current calls from below for the true implementation of both the letter and the spirit of the Vatican II reform of the Catholic Church, it was judged opportune to reissue—with an appropriately new title, Democratic Bishops—this carefully thought out scholarly advocacy of the very core of democracy in the governance of the Catholic Church—election of bishops by and limited term of office—by the two most famous Catholic theologians today: Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) and his Loyal Opposition, Hans Küng.


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Microsoft is NO Exception.
One of the major problems with earlier version of Microsoft Windows was that a user had to apply a number of security templates, tweaks, registry edits, etc. to bring it to a safe state. Now, Microsoft delivers a secure out of the box product, Windows 7. Microsoft Windows 7 comes with built-in security features to make the product highly secure and usable, depending on what the user requires, without the need to apply any sort of templates or patches.
Enable BitLocker
BitLocker is a driver encryption utility that allows you to encrypt any drive, including boot sector, system area, or any other removable devices like USB drives. In windows explorer, right click the drive you want to encrypt and BitLocker will provide you a combination of security measures like PIN, smart card, password and TMP (Trusted Platform Module) chip to encrypt the drive. It supports all types of volumes like FAT, FAT32, NTFS and Extended Fat.
However, you should be cautious while using BitLocker because if you forget the password, BitLocker will scramble your device. It's better to backup your data in some other media before encrypting the drive.
User Account Control Settings
Windows Vista must be familiar with UAC (User Account Control) setting that was the most annoying part of Vista, where one has to grant permission for every accessed program. In Windows 7, a new UAC slider has been introduced to control the level of security. Raise the bar to increase the security, and it will always notify you if the program runs and lower the bar to reduce the security and you will never be notified. The best part is that even in the highest security mode, you will be notified fewer times in comparison to Windows Vista.
Update Windows
By default, Microsoft Windows 7 allows for critical updates only. According to a study, Microsoft releases too many patches for its software. Therefore, you should manually configure the settings to allow for all updates as hackers usually attack systems that are more vulnerable to attacks.
Install Anti-Spam and Anti-Malware
The biggest threat to Microsoft Windows is the Trojan horse that fakes to look like Outlook Express, movie codecs, videos, etc. A Trojan horse takes control of the PC by installing malware and other malicious code on the system without the user's permission. This is done to steal important information and send it back to the intruder.
To get rid of such crap, you need to install anti-malware and anti-spam software's that are genuine and reliable. You should always download such software's from a trusted website.
Enable SmartScreen filter in Internet Explorer 8
Microsoft has introduced a complete new version of internet explorer that seems to be smarter than earlier versions. It comes preloaded with set of features like SmartScreen filter or Private Filtering to keep the internet experience safe and secure. The smartscreen feature checks every website against a database to make sure that the website being surfed has earlier been marked as malicious or legitimate. Internet explorer 8 users must enable this option to make their browsing safe and secure.
Doe, John. "Assessing a computer for Windows 7". PreciousJohnDoe, Jan 26, 2011
Image Credits: screenshot taken by author


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Top 14 Orange
Kelleher departs from Stade
ESPNscrum Staff
April 13, 2012
Byron Kelleher has left Stade Francais © Getty Images
Former All Blacks scrum-half Byron Kelleher has left Stade Francais a year before the end of his current deal.
The 35-year-old's contract was due to expire at the end of next season but Kelleher has opted to leave the Parisian giants. He arrived at Stade after four seasons with Toulouse and has since made 12 Top 14 appearances for the club. But in a statement on his website, Kelleher announced that he will now be on the lookout for a new deal.
"I've been released from my contract with the Stade Francais," Kelleher said. "I will now focus on my next season. I want to send all my best wishes to the guys.
"I sincerely hope they will have a great end of season, and that they will have other excellent ones. This is a great group that deserves to earn titles.
"I am a player, and I will still be a player for sure next season. Then, I will work on many projects."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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Postgraduate research student
1/10/16 → 22/08/17
1/10/16 → …
1/10/17 → …
My current interest is post quantum cryptography. I have been working on estimating the complexity of lattice reduction and on security proofs in the quantum random oracle model. In general, I'm interested in mathematical aspects of cryptography.
I graduated with a BSc in Mathematics from Imperial College in 2014, and with an MSc in Applied Mathematics, always from Imperial, in 2016. Throughout, I focused on mathematical physics while keeping an interest in algebra, differential geometry, and computational mathematics.
During the years I worked as a software developer, focusing on frontend (JS, CSS), backend (NodeJS, PHP), and mobile (Cordova) development.
You can also find me at https://fundamental.domains.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed)
Research output: Other contribution
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution


text: I just bought your software to use with my Cressi Giotto dive computer. I've connected the computer to my MacBook Pro, I can run the Cressi software and it connects and can download the dives, but every time I try to download them with your app I get the error "Error downloading dives from dive computer - try again". I have selected the Giotto in the dropdown for model. How can I get the app to recognize my Giotto?


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In the year 2012, a lot more happenings took place; for example, there was sandy hurricane, Olympics, etc. it is usual that whenever a social event occurs, a talk and buzz starts off via internet as it is providing social websites to discuss the ideas, and events happening around the world.
Many figures were greatly discussed on Facebook, Twitter and other social websites; but few were the talk of the year and consequently they are categorized the top 10 internet figures of the year 2012.
1- Psy
In showbiz, many popular singers and actors were acclaimed a legend this year; but a Korean singer "Psy" for his song" it's a gangnam style" is the top most internet personality of the year 2012.
2- Chistiano Ronaldo
In sports and games, football player Chistiano Ronaldo was the name who sustained the brilliance on the accord of 84 goals.
3- Barack Obama
In politics, Barack Obama is the top most internet celebrity who was surfed by web surfers; his peaceful cause and missions made him a leading and most popular politician of the world.
4- Mark Zuckerberg and his wife
Mark Zuckerberg and his wife were also among the list of popular figures of the year, he is the inventor of facebook. His marriage made him a hot cake of discussion for the internet users.
5- Malala yousufzai
Malala yousufzai, a girl of 14 belongs to mingora, Pakistan was also an internet personality. She was assaulted by the Taliban in Sawat district and then medicated in England. She is the youngest nominee for global prize this year.
6- Dhoni
In cricket, Dhoni of Indian cricket team was the top most Indian cricketer who was surfed by the users.
7- Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan
Kareena Kapoor married Saif Ali Khan in October 2012; their marriage made them more celebrated.
8- Justin Bieber's
Justin Bieber's scandal and his girlfriend made people to explore him on the internet. And thus he is also categorized as one among the top 10 personalities of 2012
9- Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton was one of the top leading personalities of 2012; she is the Secretary of the U.S.
10- Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy was the lady who got Oscar for her Saving Faces. She was an extra ordinary lady who was greatly gossiped on the internet through 2012.


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I used Vogue 9057 and made view B. With a few changes I got the loose tunic type top that I wanted. First, I lengthened it by 2 inches. Then I added fullness through the waist and hips by moving the center of the pattern away from the fold of the fabric. And, obviously, I shortened the sleeves. I really like how it turned out.
Vogue 9057
The black and white dot fabric is a light weight ITY that's perfect for summer tops. It's very soft and was easy to work with. I don't remember where I got it, but I bought 4 yards. This top only took 1 yard, so I still have a lot of it left.
The black fabric that I used for the sleeves is a thin poly knit from Joann's. I also used it for the neckband. This is the method I used for the neck: cut a strip 2 inches wide and fold it in half; attach it to the neck and then serge the seam; then fold the seam down and top stitch.
I like the contrast of the black sleeves and neckband with the print fabric. I also like the rounded shape of the hem.


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Delicious chicken on a fresh kaiser bun, made fresh with a lime twist.
|Maple Leaf� Natural Selections� Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast slices
|Kaiser buns
|1/2 cup
|2 tsp
|Lime juice
|1 tsp
|Chili powder
|1/4 tsp
|Cayenne pepper
|1 cup
|Shredded lettuce
|Cucumber slices
|1/2 cup
|Havarti cheese
Combine mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
Spread the mayonnaise mixture on each bun bottom. Place chicken, lettuce, cucumber and grated cheese over the mayonnaise. Add top of bun to sandwich and serve with fresh, crunchy vegetables.
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I-26 hit-and-run victims coming home from hospital
Less than two weeks after they were involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed 14-year-old Grace Sulak, Andrea and Emma Dewey are returning to Bluffton on Wednesday.
"This is beyond our wildest dreams," Emma's father, Chris Dewey, said Tuesday about his daughter and ex-wife's rapid recovery.
Andrea and Emma were injured May 7 as they drove home on eastbound I-26 in Calhoun County from a track meet in Columbia. Sulak, Emma's friend and fellow teammate, rode in the backseat.
The Nissan Rogue Andrea Dewey drove was struck by what S.C. Highway Patrol investigators believe to be a white Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck with possible damage on the right front fender.
The driver of that vehicle fled the scene and remains at large, Sgt. Bob Beres said Tuesday.
Emma and Andrea Dewey suffered injuries that doctors originally estimated would require a longer stay at the Palmetto Health Richland Trauma Center, Chris said.
Instead, they will return with the help of medical transportation, he said.
"We have been very fortunate," Chris said.
Emma will return with a custom back brace as she continues to heal. She will wear the brace for at least a month, Chris said.
Andrea's parents and neighbors have already volunteered to help with meals and home care for both Andrea and Emma, Chris said.
"Everyone in the Woodbridge neighborhood has just been wonderful," Chris said.
He said Sulak's twin sister, Faith, also plans to visit Emma when she gets home.
He added that though Emma and Andrea's physical recoveries have gone well, challenges still lie ahead.
"The emotional voyage will be much harder," Chris said.
Caitlin Turner: 843-706-8184, @Cait_E_Turner
Highway patrol flier
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While millions of American soldiers were fighting with the Allies to save Europe from the Nazis in World War II, a relative handful were involved in a different struggle: to protect and recover tens of thousands of the continent's greatest art treasures looted by the same enemy.
That fascinating and inspiring, if little-known, historical chapter is recounted in George Clooney's "The Monuments Men,'' which brightens the normally bleak February release schedule because it wasn't ready in time for a planned opening in the December awards-movie corridor.
Except possibly for a superlative supporting performance by Hugh Bonneville of "Downton Abbey,'' Clooney's low-key directorial effort is not quite an Oscar-caliber movie, though it's got a great cast, a worthy theme and plenty of things to reward adult moviegoers.
The Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section was a multinational group of mostly middle-aged museum officials, artists, architects and restorers who volunteered their services when it became clear that Hitler's elaborate plot to steal famous paintings, sculptures and other masterpieces for his planned personal museum posed just as real a threat to art as the bombing of the continent.
In this somewhat fictionalized version of Robert Edsel's book using made-up names, the unit is created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the urging of art restorer Frank Stokes (Clooney), who recruits James Granger (Matt Damon), a medieval-art curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as his chief lieutenant.
Damon has the largest role in the ensemble cast, assigned to Paris after the D-Day invasion. James is tasked with winning the confidence of Claire Simone (Cate Blanchett), the director of an annex to the Louvre that had been pressed into service to store priceless art the Nazis confiscated mostly from Jewish collectors.
Claire, who secretly worked for the resistance while pretending to collaborate with the Germans, may know where the art the Nazis spirited out of the annex has been hidden, but fears James may want to ship it back to America. (Claire ultimately tries to seduce James in a scene that doesn't work at all.) Blanchett's character is based on Rose Valland — who famously recruited French railway workers to sabotage a Nazi attempt to ship some of France's greatest treasures to Germany just before the liberation of Paris.
That earlier episode was vividly depicted in John Frankenheimer's thriller "The Train'' (1965) with Burt Lancaster. Clooney takes pains to avoid comparisons to that earlier classic with his own, far more episodic and sprawling story.
Among the other cast members, Bill Murray plays a famous architect teamed up with a grumpy Jewish officer (Bob Balaban) who seems to be based partly on New York arts impresario Lincoln Kirsten — and they have a great scene where they discover some very famous paintings from the Rothschild collection in a French farmhouse owned by a Nazi collaborator.
Another ace character actor, John Goodman, is cast as a sculptor who comes under fire with a French officer (Jean Dujardin of "The Artist'') assigned to the unit.
Bonneville is the film's standout in a small but crucial role as a disgraced English art historian with a drinking problem given a chance at redemption when he's posted to Belgium to protect a Michelangelo sculpture, the Madonna of Bruges.
Another priceless artwork the film focuses on is a huge and elaborate Flemish altar piece looted from a church. The Monuments Men are in a race with time to find and empty the Nazi hiding places ahead of the Russians — who will treat them as spoils of war rather than returning them to their rightful owners. Clooney (who co-wrote the script as well as directed) mostly delivers exposition and eloquently explains why it's worth risking men's lives to save centuries of man's greatest achievements, which some German leaders were prepared to destroy rather than let fall into Allied hands.
"Monuments Men'' is a handsome-looking movie, with great period detail and a jaunty score. Most important, it's a heartfelt tribute to men who gave up comfortable lives and careers to do what they had to do for posterity under incredibly difficult and dangerous circumstances.