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Syttende Mai Celebrations Set for May 17
In honor of its Sesquicentennial and in recognition of its Norwegian heritage, Augustana College today announced plans for its Syttende Mai celebrations on Tuesday, May 17. Syttende Mai translates to Norwegian Constitution Day.
Details of the on-campus celebration include:
10 a.m.: Norwegian and English worship, led by the Rev. Jorunn Raddum, Chapel of Reconciliation.
10:30 a.m.: Panel discussion on "Augustana and Norway: The Next 150 Years." The discussion will be held in the Chapel and will feature:
- Dr. Tore Detlie, '78, a radiologist and a member of Norway America Foundation board. He was born in Oppdal, Norway, and later moved to Oslo, where he attended Kampen folkeskole and Vahl Gymnas. He previously served as medical director of radiology at Minneapolis-based Fairview Lakes Medical Center before merging his practice with a larger radiology group serving all of the Fairview Hospital System. He spent 10 years working as a general radiologist with a sub-specialty in breast imaging before joining a national radiology group with more than 350 radiologists covering multiple states.
- Rev. Jorunn Raddum, '91, pastor at Lesja Church, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway. After two years of Master's degree studies in church music at Luther Seminary, she returned to Norway to pursue her degree in theology at the University of Oslo. She is currently involved in Master's degree studies in practical theology, with a special emphasis on liturgy. Together with her family, she is planning to stay in the Sioux Falls area for a year in 2012-2013.
- Richard Engh, '81, chemistry professor at University of Tromsø. After a year of Fulbright studies in Mainz, (West) Germany, Engh completed Master's and Ph.D. studies in physical chemistry at the University of Chicago. In 1987, his professional and personal interests led him to postdoctoral research studies with Chemistry Nobel Laureate Robert Huber at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry (Martinsried, Germany), where he directed collaborative research in drug discovery with pharmaceutical companies.
In 2006, he accepted a professor of chemistry position at the University of Tromsø, the world's northernmost university, and home to the Norwegian Centre for Structural Biology. He continues to pursue research relevant to structure-based anticancer drug discovery, connected to Norway's research focus on marine bioprospecting, and teaches physical chemistry, crystallography, and topics in drug discovery and design
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Outdoor celebration.With the famed Ole the Viking statue overlooking the festivities, Norwegian children's games and free ice cream and waffles will be featured at the center of campus.
5 p.m.: Dinner Reception in the Commons Dining Hall featuring Norwegian meatballs, boiled potatoes and gravy, broccoli, Norwegian vegetable soup, salmon wraps and Norwegian desserts. Cost is $10.25 or $8 for those with an Augustana ID. In addition to the dinner, the 3-in-1 room will feature displays about Norwegian Constitution Day.
Nordland Fest
A celebration of Syttende Mai will also be held at First Lutheran Church, 327 S. Dakota Ave., on Tuesday, May 17. The event is hosted by the Norseman's Federation, Sons of Norway, Norse Glee Club, Minnehaha Mandskor and Nordland Fest.
Details of Nordland Fest include:
- 4:30 p.m.: Social hour in the atrium featuring punch and exhibits of traditional Norwegian arts and crafts.
- 6 p.m.: Scandinavian buffet dinner in the Reformation Hall featuring lefse, herring, rommegrot, sweet soup and Scandinavian cookies. The Minnehaha Mandskor, one of the oldest Norwegian male choruses in the U.S., will sing.
- 7 p.m.: "The Golden Age of Norwegian Art Songs," a program presented by Russell Sveningson, professor of music at Augustana.
Reservations are required for Nordland Fest. Tickets can be reserved and purchased by calling 605.338.5160. Cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children (kids 5 years old and under are free).
About May 17 – Syttende Mai
The Norwegian Constitution Day is the National Day of Norway and is observed on May 17 each year. Among Norwegians, the day is referred to simply as Syttende Mai (meaning May Seventeenth), Nasjonaldagen (The National Day) or Grunnlovsdagen (The Constitution Day). The Constitution of Norway was signed at Eidsvoll on May 17 in the year 1814. The constitution declared Norway to be an independent nation. The holiday is celebrated with parades (especially involving children), family gatherings, and a variety of other traditions including meals and the famous russ (high school students celebrating graduation).
Kelly Sprecher
Director of Communications & Media Relations


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One Way Then The Other- Fueding Mayors Do Battle Over One Way Street
Updated : Sep 4, 2009
Two feuding mayors of neighbouring Paris suburbs have each declared the same street one-way - in opposite directions.
Patrick Balkany, the conservative mayor of Levallois-Perret, made the D909 one-way to cut the commuter traffic flowing through his district.
But Gilles Catoire, the Socialist mayor of neighbouring Clichy-la-Garenne, complained this increased congestion in his area.
So he declared his section of the road one-way, but in the opposite direction, reports the Daily Telegraph.
With contradictory road-signs in place, police had to be called in to sort out the resulting commuter chaos, road rage and gridlock.
"What Clichy has done is not a long-term solution, but it is a response to a unilateral decision by the town of Levallois," Clichy's deputy mayor, Alain Fournier said.
But Mr Balkany insisted: "The mayor of Clichy has taken a position that is unreasonable and is hurting his own constituents."
Patrick Strzoda , the governor of the Hauts-de-Seine departement, has now ruled that Mr Balkany was in the right.
He said that Levallois' plan was "coherent" and a study showed that there would be "no notable" rise in traffic in neighbouring towns.
Clichy's decision, however, was done "without any prior study" and had caused "serious disorder", he said. Clichy's mayor has promised to appeal.

subset: commoncrawl


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|Lopburi Inn Resort Convenience in an architectural environment that conveys the overwhelming beauty of art and nature to every one of the senses. the resort environs are spacious and shaded by a variety of tree species. There is a grand lobby in classical style. There are 100 exquisitely decorated rooms with all conveniences for comfort during hours of rest. for your enjoyment rooms are dedicated to the 76 provinces. You may choose among the province names and get the feeling of traveling all over Thailand.
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with all facilities for you to use them during your personal leisure time.
Room Type
|The best of all entertainment is the
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You will taste the fame of Thai, Chinese, and
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During the day, you can workout swimming laps or must float away the hours , nap by the pool or enjoy same refreshing fun with the rest of the family.
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|By Car
From Bangkok. take Highway No. 1 (Phaholyothin Rd.) pass Saraburi Province. Amphoe Phra Buddha Baht towards Lopburi for distance of 153 km.
Alternatively from Bangkok, take Highway No. 32 which branches off from Highway No. 1 pass Ayutthaya Province until you reach a 3 prong junction of which you chose to:
By Bus
Air conditioned coaches leave from Mo-Chit 2 Bus Terminal daily from 05.00 - 20.30 every half hour.
By Train
You can take the Northern Line departing from Hua Lampong Station Daly.


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Copyright © 2020 Engineering Books and Supplies StorePowered by Engineers Edge


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Ultimate Pride playlist: The 50 best gay songs
Get ready to celebrate with our list of gay anthems to stir the heart and move the hips. Happy Pride, everyone!
LGBT Pride month is here, and that means it's time to celebrate. Across the U.S.—and beyond—millions of revelers are gathering for parades, festivals and parties, all of which have one thing in common: great, anthemic songs. Music has always been an important part of gay culture. Songs of empowerment, hope and self-acceptance all resonate with the queer community, for obvious reasons. Of course, we also love a good novelty tune—hello, "It's Raining Men" and "Y.M.C.A."
So, with all that in mind, we set out to create a soundtrack for the perfect Pride party. Dance classics like "Relax," "Groove Is in the Heart" and "Finally" will have everyone on their feet and working up a sweat. While we did include a few chill-out moments—no Pride anthem list would be complete without Judy Garland's rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" or Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors"—some great, gay-beloved songs didn't make the cut in the interest of keeping the tempo up (apologies to Barbra Streisand and the Indigo Girls).
Gay Pride doesn't have to be confined to June, of course. Our playlist will revive the spirit of the season any time of year. So turn it on, crank it up and let your rainbow flag fly.
Written by Brent DiCrescenzo, Adam Feldman, Sophie Harris, Ethan LaCroix, Kris Vire and Kate Wertheimer.
RECOMMENDED: LA Pride 2014 guide
"Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
The BBC tried to ban this thumping, boundary-pushing 1984 debut single by Britpop provocateurs Frankie Goes to Hollywood, for sexually suggestive (if confusing) lyrics like these: "Relax, don't do it / When you want to suck to it / Relax, don't do it / When you want to come." The song's outré original video was a Fellini-esque fantasy involving leathermen, drag queens, tiger wrestling and an obese emperor in a toga, all building to an even more over-the-top climax; the video was banned by the BBC, too (and MTV). But it didn't matter: The song was a hit, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood's time had come.—Adam Feldman
"Finally" by CeCe Peniston
CeCe Peniston's 1991 hit holds up just fine on its own, but it's been elevated to anthem status (and makes the cut here) thanks to its inclusion in the 1994 film classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Two decades later, it's impossible to hear this song without picturing Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce lip-synching along in their eye-popping drag getups.—Ethan LaCroix
"Grace Kelly" by Mika
This bold, fabulous single, from Mika's 2007 Life in Cartoon Motion, is at heart about refusing to change who you are to find acceptance. It's the stuff gay anthems are made of, from the message to the sheer jam-packedness of the music—tap-dancing rhythms, iconic film dialogue, Elton-like piano riffs and campy vocals all work together to create a joyous pop hit. (It also doesn't hurt that Mika is such a dreamboat.)—Kate Wertheimer
"I U She" by Peaches
Peaches may be the sexiest human alive, and the reason is made clear in this song, off 2003's Fatherfucker: "I don't have to make the choice / I like girls and I like boys." Never has sexuality been so fluid (and never have gender norms been so completely disregarded) as in the career of super queer, super talented Merrill Beth Nisker, who pushes the envelope and offends sensibilities at every turn. Also, she fights zombies with Iggy Pop—double swoon.—Kate Wertheimer
"Michael" by Franz Ferdinand
With their sharp button-downs, clean cheeks, perfectly parted hair and Russian Constructivist artwork, Franz immediately stood out among the great unwashed masses of the aughties rock & roll revival. Lazily lumped in with the Hives and whatnot, the four Scots were far more concerned with the dance floor (rhymes here with "dance whore") than the garage. While his peers focused on sneers and riffs, Alex Kapranos zeroed in on sex. "Michael, you're the boy with the leather hips / Sticky hair, sticky hips, stubble on my sticky lips," he sings, as the band rips through disco-punk like a rush to unzip.—Brent DiCrescenzo
"Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover" by Sophie B. Hawkins
"I give you something sweet each time you come inside my jungle book," coos omnisexual chanteuse Sophie B. Hawkins in this sensual 1992 hit, an explosive ode to unfulfilled desire that's become a Pride staple. MTV banned the supposedly saucy video, but it's the song that sizzles, as this fully clothed but still sexy version attests. —Sophie Harris
"Wut" by Le1f
It's a rare (and brave) thing to be a gay hip-hop artist, but Le1f is unabashedly queer—and also incredibly talented. "Wut" (2012) was his coming-out single (pun intended?), featuring some insanely tongue-twisting verses and a lot of Le1f thigh in the music video. Is it the coming of a new banjee rap era? Perhaps. Though, as Le1f told Fader, "Gay rap…is not a genre. My goal is always to make songs that a gay dude or a straight dude can listen to and just think, This dude has swag." Mission accomplished.—Kate Wertheimer
"Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" by Bananarama
"He'll never love you / The way that I love you," the cool chicks of Bananarama sing in their 1983 pronouns-and-all cover of the Steam oldie. It would be easy to see the song as a bit predatory, but the postpunk trio delivers the lyrics with such casual affection that it comes across as refreshingly oblivious to traditional notions of sexuality.—Ethan LaCroix
"Gay Bar" by Electric Six
"You! I want to take you to a gay bar." Like many of the tracks on this Detroit dance-rock outfit's 2003 debut (Fire), "Gay Bar" is infectious nonsense. But its hand-clappy, surf-rock vibe is good fun, and a tongue-in-cheek video, featuring singer Dick Valentine cavorting homoerotically around the White House with a cadre of scantily clad Gaybraham Lincolns, helped make the song a hit at the…you know.—Kris Vire
"Make Your Own Kind of Music" by Mama Cass
Cass Elliott was a big, warm woman with a big, warm voice, and she didn't fit easily into the sleek, cool world of pop music; she was unlucky in love, and died of a heart attack at 32. But these are the kinds of things that can make a gay boy love you even more. Part good-time gal pal and part maternal figure, she had credibility in 1969 when—having just ended her stint with the Mamas and the Papas, which forever tagged her as Mama Cass—she sang Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil's words of encouragement and independence: "Make your own kind of music / Even if nobody else sings along."—Adam Feldman
"Hang with Me" by Robyn
Fuck buddies, open relationships, one-night-stands…gays don't have the market on casual sexuality cornered, but we certainly have it figured out a little better than our straight brethren. Critically adored pop sensation Robyn proved she could hang with the gays in 2010 when she released this single spelling out the pros and cons of friends with benefits.—Ethan LaCroix
"Battle Cry" by Angel Haze
The young rapper, who identifies as pansexual, doesn't directly address sexuality in this second single from 2013's Dirty Gold. But the track's themes of working away from a repressive religious upbringing and relying on inner strength to overcome obstacles ("I realized I was a teacher, not just one of the heathens / I'm going to destroy the fallacies, start creating believers"), combined with a seductively uplifting Sia-sung hook, make for gold indeed.—Kris Vire
"Sweet Transvestite" by Tim Curry
High-school and college boys looking for an excuse to wear sexy black lingerie in public found a perfect one in Richard O'Brien's B-flick musical spoof and midnight-movie cult smash The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Tim Curry's outrageous camp charisma as the antiheroic Dr. Frank-N-Furter—alien, mad scientist and deviant seducer in one gartered package—dragged cross-dressing out of the shadows and strutted it as a virtue. Shamelessness has never seemed so easy.—Adam Feldman
"Rebel Girl" by Bikini Kill
This muscular riot-grrrl anthem finds singer Kathleen Hanna straddling the line between platonic crush ("I think I want to be her best friend") and flat-out sapphism ("In her kiss, I taste the revolution!"). If you want to see a room full of gay girls (and more than a few boys) lose their shit, play this 1993 classic on the jukebox. —Ethan LaCroix
"Teenage Dream" by Darren Criss
In 2010, Glee struck a chord among gay viewers (more so than usual, even!) when new cast member Darren Criss sang a cover of Katy Perry's pop trifle to another male character on the show. It was a sweet, mildly subversive moment, the cover became a Top Ten Billboard hit in the U.S.—and Criss became an instant sex symbol among gay fans.—Ethan LaCroix
"Come to My Window" by Melissa Etheridge
Four years before Ellen declared, "Yep, I'm Gay," on the cover of Time, Melissa Etheridge titled her 1993 album Yes I Am after publicly coming out as a lesbian at an inaugural event for Bill Clinton. The rocker won a Grammy for this single, an appeal to a lover that's steeped in tumult and possible secrecy. The terrific bridge—"I don't care what they think, I don't care what they say / What do they know about this love anyway"—seemed almost tailor-made to inspire gay listeners to come out with confidence.—Kris Vire
"True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper's spunky 1983 debut album, She's So Unusual, overflowed with coded queer messages (including a reference to Blueboy magazine and a Prince cover that didn't change the gender pronouns), but the title track of her 1986 follow-up endeared her even more to LGBT listeners tired of being judged for being different. "I see your true colors / And that's why I love you," Lauper sings in a voice of tenderness tinged with urgency. "So don't be afraid to let them show / Your true colors are beautiful like a rainbow." In her long history of gay activism—perhaps no other straight pop star has been more actively engaged on that front—Lauper has always been willing to speak colorful truth to power.—Adam Feldman
"Last Dance" by Donna Summer
All good things must come to an end, and Donna Summer's 1978 disco smash is an invitation to go out with a bang. Written for the movie Thank God It's Friday by gay disco composer Paul Jabara—who won an Oscar for it—the number begins in a sleepy, reflective space, then rouses itself and its listeners to get back in the swing of things. Not surprisingly, it is often played as the final tune of a long night, offering one last shot to party like there's no tomorrow (and then, tomorrow, to party again).—Adam Feldman
"Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" by ABBA
ABBA may be synonymous with '70s soft rock, but this galloping disco anthem proved the Swedes could also turn up the tempo. Singer Agnetha Fältskog wails about the frustration of being lonely (and maybe horny) late at night while parked in front of the TV. It's a familiar scenario to anyone who's ever spent a long night flipping through Grindr (or Scruff or Manhunt or whatever).—Ethan LaCroix
"Tainted Love" by Soft Cell
Okay, the gay experience is not all about empowerment and acceptance and rainbows and unicorns. Sometimes it's about toxic narcissists who break your heart, and Soft Cell's 1981 single—a cover of a forgotten 1964 soul track by Gloria Jones—captures all the anger and hurt that unrequited love can bring. The confusion, too: "Don't touch me, please / I cannot stand the way you tease" quickly relents into a "Touch me, baby" fadeout. And gay lead singer Marc Almond gave it a subtle edge of queer insider knowledge.—Adam Feldman
"City Grrrl" by CSS
Bad girls and gay boys have always been besties, and this 2011 track from Brazilian combo Cansei de Ser Sexy is a loving ode to that special relationship. Lead singer Lovefoxxx looks back on adolescent fantasies of "being busy with my job and my gay friends, laughing and drinking with my one-night stands" in the "big city." Anyone who's ever felt trapped in a small town (and eventually escaped) will definitely relate. —Ethan LaCroix
"Your Loving Arms" by Billie Ray Martin
Most gay dance anthems are packed with drama of both the lyrical and vocal variety. But in 1994, German singer Billie Ray Martin invaded clubland with this icy floor filler that's so calm she almost seems detached. Don't let that near-monotone fool you, though—Martin is a formidable vocalist, and when she finally cuts loose ("Burning inside, burning inside, yeah!"), it's a master class in the art of delayed gratification.—Ethan LaCroix
"Viz" by Le Tigre
Before forming her dance-DJ-production project MEN, JD Samson stepped up to the mike as a member of this electro-rock trio. "Viz" (2004), about butch-lesbian visibility, offers an early glimpse of Samson's sly humor and her ability to make radical queer politics into dance-floor fodder. Bandmates Kathleen Hanna and Johanna Fateman join in on the final chorus for a joyous feminist sing-along.—Ethan LaCroix
"The Jean Genie" by David Bowie
The copper mullet, the lightning bolt across the face—in 1972, Bowie was at the peak of his androgynous alien phase, pushing Ziggy Stardust closer to the sun until he incinerated in a flash. A year before, in a Melody Maker interview, the glam rocker had declared himself gay. Though he later sloppily retracted the statement in a drug fog (he was living on a rumored diet of coke, milk and peppers), it remained a momentous occasion in pop music. As "Mannish Boy" echoed through Mick Ronson's dirty blues riff, the Jean Genie, or Aladdin Sane, or whatever Bowie's avatar might have been at the moment, proved you could growl through tough and gnarly rock while sporting perfectly applied lip gloss.—Brent DiCrescenzo
"Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" by C+C Music Factory
A gag in a 1997 episode of The Simpsons found a manly steel mill turning into a flamboyant gay club when this 1990 track came over the loudspeaker—an indication of just how thoroughly gay this song is. "Gonna Make You Sweat" is the second song on our list featuring the powerhouse vocals of Weather Girls singer Martha Wash, who never quite achieved mainstream fame (she was replaced in this track's video by C+C Music Factory member Zelma Davis), but has been beloved by the gay community for decades. —Ethan LaCroix
"Raise Your Glass" by Pink
"Don't be fancy, just get dance-y," instructs the chaotic force known as Pink in this rowdy 2010 toast to misbehavior. "Why so serious?" She's the first one to honor her own advice. The song is a defiantly anticool anthem—a call to the underdogs of the world, the "loud and nitty-gritty dirty little freaks," to ignore convention and just let loose. Before the final chorus, she even throws in a slyly self-undermining false start: "So raise your—(oh, fuck) / So raise your glass…" In the land of Pink, party foul is party fair.—Adam Feldman
"Let's Have a Kiki" by Scissor Sisters
In the summer of 2012, "Let's Have a Kiki" was so ubiquitous in New York gay bars and clubs that it nearly crossed over into annoying. By the time Sarah Jessica Parker sang it on Glee, we were officially over it. But after a brief break, it's time to accept this song for what it is: A hilarious primer on queer underground culture (as with "Vogue," the New York ball scene is the inspiration here), set to an irresistible techno beat. No wonder it got so big that your mom now thinks that MTA stands for "Motherfuckers Touching my Ass."—Ethan LaCroix
"Groove Is in the Heart" by Deee-Lite
Try not to smile when this one comes on. A tall glass of sweet bubble tea, Deee-Lite's 1990 dance hit offered an adorable version of New York club culture to the world, bouncing a message of love and good times on a bed of funky-psychedelic house music. Though a biological lady, frontwoman Lady Miss Kier brought more than a hint of winking drag-queen sensibility to her colorful retro style, and it was all in the spirit of togetherness—"Not vicious or malicious / Just de-lovely and delicious."—Adam Feldman
"Supermodel (You Better Work)" by RuPaul
RuPaul, you are a goddess. The drag queen next door debuted this sassy hit in 1992, winning over not only gay fans, but an audience as wide as that of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain, who cited the song as one of his favorites a year later. RuPaul is full of catchphrases ("lip-synch for your life," anyone?), but the ones in this song are by far her most widely known and most oft repeated. Sashay, shantay! Shantay shantay shantay.—Kate Wertheimer
"Firework" by Katy Perry
Only a grinch of the highest caliber could dismiss the feel-good factor of this 2010 smash. Katy Perry's sweetest and most dazzling pop moment, "Firework" is a clarion call to the down-at-heart and disenfranchised. "Do you know that there's a chance for you?" sings Perry, as this rainbow anthem builds to its explosive chorus and the line "Come on, let your colors burst!" The enjoyably dramatic (and predictably firework-heavy) video features a tender gay kiss to boot.—Sophie Harris
"Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera
A connecting link between Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" and Katy Perry's "Firework" (both on this list), Aguilera's 2002 power ballad—written and produced by 4 Non Blondes lesbian hit maker Linda Perry—proffers affirmation to those who feel they don't fit in. In the video, these include young people with body issues, a goth punk, a (biological) man putting on women's clothes and two guys tongue-kissing in public. "I am beautiful no matter what they say," Aguilera insists on behalf of all these surrogates. "Words can't bring me down." But songs can lift you up, and this one is a musical antidepressant.—Adam Feldman
"All the Lovers" by Kylie Minogue
The Australian pop princess may have scored her biggest dance-floor hit with "Can't Get You Out of My Head" (or, ahem, "The Locomotion"), but euphoric, gorgeous disco swoon "All the Lovers" really captures the spirit of Pride. Minogue herself has said that the video is an homage to her gay audience; it features a human pyramid of pansexual smooching (in the style of naked-installation artist Spencer Tunick). For good measure, there's also a galloping white horse, a dove, balloons and an inflatable elephant.—Sophie Harris
"Where the Girls Are" by Gossip
We could've gone with a number of Gossip tracks; fiery frontwoman Beth Ditto has said the group's later breakthrough hit "Standing in the Way of Control" was penned as a reaction to President Bush's endorsement during the 2004 election cycle of a constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage, after all. But there's something about the casual confidence with which the self-described "fat, feminist lesbian from Arkansas" introduces herself in this lo-fi come-on from the band's 2000 debut: "When I'm right, I'll say I'm right."—Kris Vire
"It's Raining Men" by the Weather Girls
Gay icons Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Cher and Barbra Streisand all turned down Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer's campy composition before the Weather Girls snatched it up in 1982. It's impossible to imagine any of those more famous singers diving into this ridiculous classic with the fearlessness and vocal pyrotechnics of former Sylvester backup singers Izora Armstead and Martha Wash, who take the song over the top in the best possible sense.—Ethan LaCroix
"Smalltown Boy" by Bronski Beat
The openly gay English trio Bronski Beat was a pioneer in integrating explicit LGBT-activist messages into its music, including this 1984 debut hit. Frontman Jimmy Somerville, in a sensitive falsetto, sings about a lad who flees hometown bullying—"Run away, turn away" is the recurring refrain—against a steady, reassuringly numb background of rhythm and synthesizer. The song takes the pain of rejection and makes it danceable.—Adam Feldman
"Believe" by Cher
Pop queen and gay icon Cher has been making records for six decades and has scored a No. 1 Billboard hit in each of those decades. But 1998 megahit "Believe" is the jewel in the crown, still one of the best-selling singles of all time. Hatched in the mold of "I Will Survive," "Believe" matches its message of romantic courage to shamelessly trashy Eurodance backing and lashings of vocal Auto-Tune. Ridiculous? Yes. Empowering? Utterly.—Sophie Harris
"Go West" by Pet Shop Boys
When the Village People got all Horace Greeley in 1979, it was most likely a wink and a nod to the growing gay utopia of San Francisco. By the time the Pet Shop Boys covered "Go West" in 1993, it was something altogether different. Coming at a moment after the most devastating years of the AIDS crisis, when the epidemic was better understood but its future was frustratingly unknowable, Neil Tennant's melancholy reading of the song's hope-filled lyrics, with backing from a large, all-male choir, finds something unexpectedly moving in a cheesy artifact.—Kris Vire
"Closer" by Tegan and Sara
The Quin twins may have become the world's most influential lesbian sister act with the massive success of this lead single from 2013's Heartthrob, which finds the ladies shifting away from fuzzy guitars and toward shimmery dance pop. It's the most accessible entreaty to getting physical since Olivia Newton-John went to Dancercise; that Tegan and Sara's young fans don't give a shit about the gender of the "you" in "how to get you underneath me" puts us that much closer to fine.—Kris Vire
"I Want to Break Free" by Queen
You'd never guess this emancipation anthem was written by Queen bassist John Deacon and not frontman Freddie Mercury, such is the relish with which Mercury belts it out: "God knows, I've got to break free!" The Brits didn't bat an eye at the video—a parody of U.K. soap opera Coronation Street, which has the entire band in drag, Mercury as a horny housewife—but it was banned over here in the U.S. Par for the course.—Sophie Harris
"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester
A decade after Stonewall, openly gay musicians were still a rarity (being out is arguably a risky career move to this day). But flamboyant singer-songwriter Sylvester proved that queerness wasn't incongruous with chart success, thanks to this incredibly infectious 1978 disco classic, one of the most beloved songs of its era.—Ethan LaCroix
"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
It starts off slowly, shrouded in fear; then the beat kicks in, the song builds in confidence, and by the end, now backed by a string section, it's a full-bore disco anthem of self-assurance. On its beautiful face, Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" is about a woman getting over the guy who done her wrong; but in 1978, as gay liberation was gathering steam in heated nightclubs around the world, it also played like an declaration of hard-won pride ("I used to cry / But now I hold my head up high") and independence from the hetero norm ("I'm not that chained-up little person still in love with you"). In the 1980s, when AIDS wiped out tens of thousands of those celebrants, the song took on new layers of resonance. Today "I Will Survive" carries all of that baggage, and lifts it up along with the spirits of anyone who hears its message. Did you think we'd crumble? Did you think we'd lay down and die? Think again. We're going to dance.—Adam Feldman
"Freedom! '90" by George Michael
Six years after scoring a No. 1 hit called "Freedom" with Wham!, George Michael crushed the charts with this tune of the same name. The redundancy was the point. Michael was destroying his past, writing over it, melting it away with acid house. In the video, the symbols of his "Faith" fame burned and crumbled—his leather jacket, the guitar, the Wurlitzer. The pop star didn't appear in the video himself, instead putting his words in the mouths of godly women from the golden age of supermodels—Campbell, Evangelista, Turlington, Crawford. The lip-synching proclaimed: Take this song, anyone, everyone, it is yours. (Though the less said about the Robbie Williams version, the better.)—Brent DiCrescenzo
"Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland
For generations who grew up as "friends of Dorothy," yearning to escape into a realm of Technicolor urban fantasy, the tacit gay national anthem was Garland's wistful ballad from 1939's The Wizard of Oz (with a gorgeous melody by Harold Arlen and touching lyrics by social activist E.Y. "Yip" Harburg). Garland's later performances of the song on TV and in concert—older, battered by life, but still dreaming of a happier place—had even greater power. But even now that so many closet doors have opened, "Over the Rainbow"—and don't you dare call it "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," lest someone threaten to revoke your gay card—still inspires pride and reverence. Listening to it feels like saluting the rainbow flag.—Adam Feldman
"Vogue" by Madonna
"Look around: Everywhere you turn is heartache." That's not exactly a fluffy opening shot for a dance-pop song—and that's the point. Recorded at the height of America's AIDS crisis and inspired by New York's underground gay ball scene (famously documented in the 1991 film Paris Is Burning), Madonna's deep-house–inflected 1990 smash commands you to leave the heavy stuff aside—if only for a few minutes—and find salvation on the dance floor. Nearly a quarter century later, this classic track from one of the most gay-beloved artists of all time sounds no less imperative.—Ethan LaCroix
"Black Me Out" by Against Me!
Singer Laura Jane Grace has always been a revolutionary—see songs like "Baby I'm an Anarchist"—but nothing rebelled as deeply against the heteropatriarchal terrain of the punk music mainstream than her explorations of coming out as a trans woman on her pivotal album Transgender Dysphoria Blues. This song isn't a feel-good tune—it's a glaring middle finger to those that keep you from claiming and presenting your authentic self. Bash back and scream along: "I want to piss on the walls of your house."
"Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed
With this dry, wry, bass-driven paean to sexual outlaws from his 1972 album, Transformer, Reed cemented his street cred as the epitome of New York cool. The subjects of his seen-it-all narration are five colorful characters from the crowd that Andy Warhol had declared, by fiat, "superstars": early trans icons Holly Woodlawn, Candy Darling and Jackie Curtis, plus a couple of very irregular Joes (Dallesandro and Campbell). The song became a top-20 hit (though the radio edit scrubbed out a reference to backroom blow jobs), and helped raise the voltage bar on what was considered shocking.—Adam Feldman
"I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross
Yes, this song is about that kind of "coming out." Chic's Nile Rodgers was inspired to write this funky 1980 gem for Diana Ross after seeing multiple drag queens dressed as the iconic singer at a gay disco in New York. For her part, Ross was in the process of extracting herself from her long relationship with Motown when "I'm Coming Out" arrived on the charts, giving the song additional significance for the music legend. Today, Ross still opens her shows with "I'm Coming Out," and the song remains a quintessential anthem of liberation—gay or otherwise.—Ethan LaCroix
"Y.M.C.A." by Village People
For any guy who's ever wanted to be (or sleep with) a cowboy, cop or leather-clad biker, the Village People reign supreme as gay-anthem chart toppers. Songs like "Macho Man," "Go West," "Cruisin'" and "In the Navy" are full of double entendres, and 1978's "Y.M.C.A."—which became one of the most popular singles of the 1970s—is no different. In fact, the Young Men's Christian Association was so appalled at the song's implications that it threatened to sue, until it noticed that membership had significantly increased in the wake of the tune's success. Turns out any press is good press—eh, boys?—Kate Wertheimer
"Queen," Perfume Genius
Though Seattle singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas first came to prominence making fragile, melancholy songs hidden behind a piano, he reinvented the program with this single from his 2014 opus, Too Bright. Blaring '80s-pop synths, orchestral flourishes and lustrous backing vocals make for a triumphant party banger about turning the things other people see as "broken" into your armor and strength, all achieved with a smirk—"No family is safe / When I sashay."
"Free" by Ultra Naté
A global smash for dance diva Ultra Naté in 1997, "Free" offers liberation not as a luxury but as an imperative: "You've got to live your life—do what you want to do," urges the singer. The melancholy guitar riff that kicks off the song gives way to an ecstatic, celebratory chorus that's the musical embodiment of throwing your hands in the air. So don't hold back!—Sophie Harris
No. 1
"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
It starts off slowly, shrouded in fear; then the beat kicks in, the song builds in confidence, and by the end, now backed by a string section, it's a full-bore disco anthem of self-assurance. On its beautiful face, Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" is about a woman getting over the guy who done her wrong; but in 1978, as gay liberation was gathering steam in heated nightclubs around the world, it also played like an declaration of hard-won pride ("I used to cry / But now I hold my head up high") and independence from the hetero norm ("I'm not that chained-up little person still in love with you"). In the 1980s, when AIDS wiped out tens of thousands of those celebrants, the song took on new layers of resonance. Today "I Will Survive" carries all of that baggage, and lifts it up along with the spirits of anyone who hears its message. Did you think we'd crumble? Did you think we'd lay down and die? Think again. We're going to dance.—Adam Feldman


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This is an archive page. The links in this content are no longer being updated.
Jessica Milteer (301) 734-3265
Andrea McNally (301) 734-0602
Inspectors Cite Multiple Issues
WASHINGTON, May 11, 2009--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the results of an inspection of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's New Iberia Research Center. The inspection was conducted on March 17 by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in response to a complaint filed by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
The inspection revealed evidence of several issues with the facility's compliance with Animal Welfare Act (AWA) standards. USDA will be taking immediate action to ensure that these issues are corrected.
The complaint filed by HSUS was in regard to the facility's treatment of its nonhuman primates, but APHIS conducted a thorough review of all areas of care and treatment under the agency's authority. Inspectors cited the facility for issues with its handling of animals as well as its environment enhancement of nonhuman primates.
The inspectors also found problems with New Iberia's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) which is tasked with the review and approval of research protocols. The AWA requires each research facility to have a properly trained IACUC made up of at least three representatives--one of whom must be unaffiliated with the institution--to conduct proper reviews of its protocols before granting approval. APHIS' inspection of New Iberia documented several non-compliances related to its IACUC including incomplete descriptions of protocols and insufficient consideration of alternatives to procedures that may cause distress.
APHIS will be working with the facility to ensure that corrective actions are taken that bring the facility into compliance with the law and ensure the humane treatment of its animals.
The AWA is a minimum standards law that requires certain commercial animal businesses and research institutions be licensed or registered with USDA and inspected for compliance with the law. Penalties for violators range from letters of warning to significant monetary penalties, and license suspension or revocation for dealers and exhibitors.
The complete inspection report on USDA's findings at New Iberia can be found on the APHIS' Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/efoia/index.shtml.


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Renaissance at Regency
Cary, NC | Priced: $1.3M to $3M+
Call or Text:
(919) 880.0414
One final homesite available for custom presale on .84 Acre Homesite in the Estate Collection of Homes. Please contact Sales Associate for more details.
ONE FINAL HOMESITE AVAILABLE IN THE ESTATE COLLECTION FOR A CUSTOM PRESALE WITH BLUESTONE BUILDERS - ON .84 ACRE HOMESITE W/ BASEMENT. Nestled along Symphony Lake in prestigious Regency Park, Renaissance at Regency features Estate Homes from $1.8M. These homes are crafted by the Triangle's finest luxury home custom builders. Live in established Regency Park and enjoy the benefits of walking to concerts at Koka Booth Amphitheatre and the trails around Symphony Lake and the Cary Greenway.
- Enjoy nature at its best when walking or jogging along the trails surrounding beautiful Symphony Lake - which adjoins the neighborhood
- Stroll to outdoor concerts at Koka Booth Amphitheater, the region's premiere lakeside concert and entertainment pavillion featuring the NC Symphony Summerfest Series, concerts, festivals and Summer movie nights
- Less than 1/2 mile from Life Time Fitness - Cary's state-of-the-art health club facility featuring an expansive selection of premium health club amenities in a resort-like setting
- Minutes away from an array of shopping, recreation, and cultural opportunities
- Wake Med Hospital & other medical facilities are less than one mile away
- RDU International Airport is only 17 miles away
- Beautiful Jordan Lake is approx. 15 miles away for all your boating, fishing and watersport recreation
- Convenient South Cary location - minutes from the I-440 beltline - providing easy access to all points of the Triangle area
Ange Signature Homes
Bluestone Builders
Loyd Builders
Rufty Homes
Upright Builders
Developer: Creedmoor Partners, Creating a Legacy of Luxury Neighborhoods throughout the Triangle
Penny Road Elementary, Dillard Middle, Athens Drive High
From Kildaire Farm Road and Tryon Road, take Tryon Road west to a left on Regency Parkway, stay right to remain on Regency Parkway. Renaissance at Regency Manors will be on the left. Community is unstaffed so please call for an appointment.
From Kildaire Farm Road and Tryon Road, take Tryon Road west to a left on Regency Parkway, stay right to remain on Regency Parkway. Renaissance at Regency Manors will be on the left. Community is unstaffed so please call for an appointment.


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SAN ANTONIO (AP) Tony Parker had 22 points and eight assists to help the San Antonio Spurs beat the Boston Celtics 103-88 on Saturday night.
Gary Neal added 20 points, Danny Green scored 12 and Tiago Splitter finished with 16 points and eight rebounds for San Antonio (19-6), which improved to 8-2 at home.
Paul Pierce and Jason Terry each scored 18 points for Boston (12-11). Kevin Garnett added 13 points and Courtney Lee had 11.


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I was well impressed with this grow, and so it seemed, were others!
The Night Queen came 4th in UK420's Cream of the Crop competition Nov 2016 - and they don't like Autos, or LEDs there!
The Lime Daiquiri ran away with the Plant of the Month competition and came in 1st for November 2016
- winning me the following seeds:
4x Dutch Passion 'Think Different'
4x Mephisto's 'Toofless Alien' - This is supposed to be the bollocks!
3x Fastbuds 'Pineapple Express' - from the film of the same name - check out the Fastbuds advertising on this one!
and 3x Sweet Seeds 'Cream Mandarine XL'
The entire grow also featured on the Dutch Passion blog https://www.dutch-passion.com/en/news-a ... is-review/
That's my second DP Blog
.... and I'll be getting some freebies from them as well!!! Hopefully some Glueberry OG and Cinderella Jack
This was my first grow with the new Skylines....... I think that shows just how damn good these lights are! (and I don't get a penny for saying that )
Now it's February, the bud has been well cured and jarred with Boveda 62's. The Lime has been the regular smoke..... I'm having some right now. Tasty zingy lime flavours, and gets you well stoned. The sativa component keeps you from passing out.
The Cookie - although not much of it - is again a lovely smoke - a bit heavier than the Lime, I keep it for those times when I wanna go deeper during the day - a complex tasting smoke.... delicious luxury gear!
The Night Queen is just mental, easily the strongest weed I've ever had, heavy heavy effect, half a joint and your eyes go blurry and you can't function.
A long night on the Queen leaves you feeling lazy in the morning, its hard getting to work on that stuff but I manage
My WIfe wont touch it, she just can't handle it. Man I love this stuff


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Sanctuary : Denim
Find the right fit and wash in our designer denim shop - we have flare, crop, high-rise, and straight leg styles you'll love.
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Sanctuary CONNECTOR KICK CROPSpecial Price $26.69 Regular Price $88.95
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Women's Denim
At Sole Society, you'll always find the perfect denim gear in the right fit and wash.We've partnered with some of the best names in fashion to bring you a carefully curated collection of denim apparel for any time of year. Shop our denim tops, jeans, and more above.
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For some, finding the right pair of jeans is like finding a needle in a haystack. At Sole Society, we make it easy to find the perfect fitting pair of jeans and other denim gear. All of our jeans come in a vast variety of sizes and fits to ensure you always get the perfect fit. No matter if you're looking for high-waisted jeans or sleek skinnies, you'll find at here at Sole Society.


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Hearings and Business Meetings
Jun 21 2006
Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee Hearing
SD-366 Energy Committee Hearing Room 02:30 PM
Hon. Mark Rey
Undersecretary of Natural Resources and the Environment, Department of Agriculture
Statement of Mark Rey
Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment
United States Department of Agriculture
Lynn Scarlett
Deputy Secretary, Policy
United States Department of the Interior
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests
GAO Report – Wildland Fire Suppression – Cost Sharing between Federal and Nonfederal Entities
June 21, 2006
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee:
Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you to provide the Administration's view concerning the May 2006 Report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) entitled "Wildland Fire Suppression: Lack of Clear Guidance Raises Concerns about Cost Sharing between Federal and Nonfederal Entities." As the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture work closely together in fire management, the two Departments are providing a joint statement.
In our previous appearances this year before this Subcommittee, we have discussed fire preparedness, fire aviation, hazardous fuels reduction work, partnerships, and our efforts to contain the costs of large fires. Large fire events are costly and Congress has routinely expressed its concerns about rising fire suppression costs. We share those concerns and are working to address suppression costs.
Multiple factors contribute to the expense of fighting fires including weather, fuel type, terrain, and location with respect to the wildland urban interface and other highly valued landscapes as well as managerial decisions made before and during fire incidents. Over the last few years, we have reported regularly to Congress on the steps we have taken to address the hazardous fuels situation. Likewise, we have reported to you on the growth of the wildland urban interface. Forest Service and University research estimates that 9 percent of the land area and 39 percent of the homes in the United States are located in the wildland urban interface where jurisdictions overlap and fire suppression is more expensive. Programs such as FIREWISE help those who live in fire-prone areas learn how to protect their homes with a survivable, cleared space and how to build their houses with fire resistant materials.
The Forest Service, the Department of the Interior agencies, and our partners operate the largest wildland fire management program in the world. These agencies and partners pioneered the use of the Incident Command System in the 1970s in order to respond to wildland fires. Wildland firefighters realized that a standard organizational structure would help them to communicate, set priorities, and be more effective in rapidly changing situations. The Incident Command System has proved itself to be adaptable and has provided a common system to unify emergency responders from Federal, Tribal, State, and local organizations to fight fire or respond to other types of emergency situations. Incident command teams use their logistical, organizational, and adaptation skills to rapidly deploy people and resources form many areas and respond to a wide variety of tasks needed during emergencies. For many cases, the use of unified command is the most efficient means to facilitate communications and actions with all first responders. Jurisdictional responsibilities can be effectively combined within a unified command structure to address wildland fires, particularly within the wildland urban interface. This sharing of jurisdictional responsibility in conjunction with the increased incidence of wildland fire within the wildland urban interface, has added to the complexity for equitably sharing the costs of suppressing a wildland fire.
Over the past 15 to 20 years the Federal wildland fire agencies have developed relationships with state cooperators. As time evolved, sharing of jurisdictional responsibilities continued to grow due to the proximity of resources from an agency, rather than each agency having to staff all areas of ownership. This created the need for enhancing cooperative agreements. In the mid-1980s, the assistance of these cooperators on Federal fires grew, as well as the joint suppression of fires that crossed ownership boundaries. Local units developed individual cost sharing agreements for each incident, but referred back to the master cooperative agreement. The basis for cost sharing was typically acres burned in the end, or a combination of acres burned, and the first 24 hours of support. Since the mid-1990s, the complexity of responding to joint ownership fires, as well as the growth in the wildland urban interface, has prompted a different basis for cost sharing, but no standard has been established.
The GAO report on cost sharing between Federal and non-Federal entities accurately highlights the complexities associated with large, multi-jurisdictional fires, especially in those that occur in wildland urban interface areas. Given that safety is unequivocally the top priority, fires in areas populated by homes and citizens generate a larger, more aggressive response that includes the use of both structural and wildland engines, aircraft, and additional crews and equipment. Also, these lands tend to fall under a mix of ownership and jurisdictions that typically involve a response from Federal, State, county, and local departments. These factors increase the complexity and costs associated with incident response in wildland-urban interface areas.
The GAO report identifies the inconsistent application of cost-sharing which has led to inequities in the proportion of costs borne by federal and nonfederal entities. Lack of guidance in determining responsibilities can lead to difficulties in reaching agreement for appropriate levels of sharing costs. The report highlighted the need to define the financial responsibilities for wildland fire suppression for federal and nonfederal entities particularly in the wildland urban interface. The definition of these responsibilities needs to occur prior to a wildfire incident, preferably prior to fire season.
The GAO report recommends that the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, working with relevant state agencies, provide more specific guidance as to when particular cost share methods should be used and clarify financial responsibilities. Over the years, a number of cost containment reports have also noted the complexity of sharing costs for these multi-jurisdictional fires. The Departments agree with the GAO report that more guidance is needed as to when a particular cost sharing method should be used in order to clarify an entity's financial responsibilities. We also agree cost sharing should be equitable.
Experience suggests that the current framework for sharing costs, including the availability of funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse non-Federal entities in certain cases, results in additional costs to the Federal government.
We appreciate the GAO's balanced and through examination of the issues surrounding cost sharing among Federal, State, and local entities. The Departments recognize the need to negotiate cost-sharing methods that will take into account the multitude of factors that occur in each incident. We have already begun crafting an interagency template to assist in addressing a number of cost sharing issues. In 2005, the National Fire and Aviation Executive Board, made up of fire managers from the Federal agencies, developed a template for cost sharing agreements. This template is currently being reviewed. We will continue to develop guidance to be used in negotiating cost share agreements among the Federal government and our various non-Federal partners.
The GAO report provides thoughtful recommendations that will help guide us in our efforts to ensure consistency and equity in cost sharing agreements among the Federal government and our various non-Federal partners. It is our intent to finalize this guidance before the beginning of the next fire season.
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this issue. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have.


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Here's another chance at a free book! Nicole from Baking Bites is giving away a copy of The Baking Bites cookbook.
I got a sneak peak at The Baking Bites Cookbook last month. The recipes are scratch, the design is bright and cheery, and the directions are concise yet thorough enough for novice bakers to understand. And what I was really happy to hear was that all but 4 of the book's 51 recipes were completely new. Nicole, who manages to post almost every day, was able to set aside her favorite original ideas and save them for the book.
What's also admirable is that Nicole chose to see the project through from start to finish and published the book in a way that it is both beautiful and affordable. With a few mouse clicks, you can buy a copy for $16.95, and if you buy two copies, you save a few bucks. And trust me, it's pretty enough to give as a gift.
So buy a copy, and win a second for a gift. I'm giving one copy away this weekend. For a chance at a free book, leave a comment saying your favorite brand of chocolate. I'll pick a random winner at noon on Saturday, so make sure you get your comment in before then. Good luck! It's a great book and I'm very proud of Nicole.


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Cards sign reliever Neshek to Minor League contract
Veteran, who played last two seasons with A's, will be in big league camp
With Spring Training set to open next week, the Cardinals added another player Thursday, signing reliever Pat Neshek to a Minor League contract. Neshek will be in big league camp as a non-roster player.
A seven-season veteran in the Majors, the right-handed Neshek spent the past two seasons with the Athletics. He also pitched for the Twins from 2006 to 2010 and Padres in 2011. He has postseason experience in 2006 and '11.
Neshek, 33, had a 3.35 ERA in 45 games for Oakland last season and finished 17 of them. Over 40 1/3 innings, he allowed 40 hits with 15 walks and 29 strikeouts.
Over his career, the sidearm-throwing Neshek has a 3.07 ERA over 226 career appearances, all in relief. His best season was with Minnesota in 2007 when he was 7-2 with a 2.94 ERA in a career-high 74 games. He has held right-handed batters to a .181 batting average over 492 career at-bats and has limited the opposition to a .193 average with runners on base and .183 with runners in scoring position.
Cardinals' Spring Training opens in Jupiter, Fla., when pitchers and catchers report Feb. 13. The club will have 58 players in big league camp.


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"The Dark Knight Rises" has already been a blessing for Pittsburgh and Newark, N.J., two non-traditional film locations that replaced Chicago as Gotham City in the third Christopher Nolan-directed Batman film.
The superhero movie, in theaters Friday, is proof that both Eastern cities can handle a blockbuster (estimated at $250 million) budget, which should lift them in the eyes of Hollywood for years to come. But what the most anticipated film of the year is not is a postcard for those cities — at least not like 2008's "The Dark Knight," and to a lesser extent 2005's "Batman Begins," was for Chicago.
Gotham City is far less vibrant and enticing in "Rises" than it was in "Dark Knight." Sure, as "Rises" begins, crime is down and the city is as peaceful as it's been in a long time (thanks to the late Harvey Dent — or at least that's what the citizens of Gotham think), but the mood begins to match the cold and gloomy cinematography. Not long into the film, viewers suddenly feel like they're watching an apocalyptic scenario with people hiding in their homes rather than bustling around a metropolis.
It doesn't help that "Rises" — which also filmed in New York, Los Angeles, Scotland, India and England — spends a good portion of the movie underground. Sewers and subway tunnels don't exactly shine on screen, not even in IMAX. (You know what does shine? Bruce Wayne sitting in his bat suit sans mask in his luxury penthouse high above Chicago with the skyline in the background, as in "Dark Knight.") And while viewers will now be more familiar with the subway tunnels in Newark, the city probably would have benefited more if its architecture and landmarks were showcased instead.
(The Chicago-filmed "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" had more of a destructive, end-of-the-world feel as well, but director Michael Bay's flashy and over-stylized sequel showcased Chicago. The city's old buildings looked historic and new buildings glistened, even when under alien attack.)
An extra scene or two in an actual nightclub or restaurant would have given Pittsburgh and Newark some life. They certainly did in "The Dark Knight," which filmed Batman roughing up Sal Maroni's men at Sound Bar nightclub in the River North neighborhood, police arresting Maroni at The Berghoff Restaurant in the Loop and Dent approaching a crooked detective by the bar at Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern in Lincoln Park.
To be fair, "Dark Knight" filmed in Chicago for three months; in Pittsburgh and Newark, "Rises" filmed three weeks and two days, respectively (and in New York for about 21/2 weeks). It's also harder for a city to look its best in the winter, which is when "Rises" takes place.
Pittsburgh, however, still manages to impress when given the opportunity. Overhead shots of the city's picturesque skyline will have some viewers thinking "Who knew?" And the unforgettable scene at Heinz Field and cameos by actual Steelers and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl can only add to civic pride.
The good news for Chicago is the city and western suburbs will provide part of the backdrop when the Superman reboot "Man of Steel" is released June 14. The movie filmed here last summer at the same time "Dark Knight Rises" filmed elsewhere. It is being produced by the Chicago-raised Nolan.
"It would have been difficult to have two big blockbusters from the same producer side by side in the same town," said Chicago Film Office director Richard Moskal. "Perhaps there were some concerns about that. Sure, we were disappointed, but we're pleased Chicago was chosen as the location for Superman."
(Director Tim Burton was supposed to film a Superman movie starring Nicolas Cage in Pittsburgh in 1998. The movie eventually fell through.)
In "Man of Steel," Plano doubles as Smallville, where Clark Kent/Superman was raised. The town 57 miles from Chicago isn't waiting for the movie's release to take advantage of its potential claim to fame. Plano plans to host Smallville Superfest — a Superman-inspired street fest with a parade and live music — Aug. 17-19.
Pittsburgh began reaping the economic benefits of "Dark Knight Rises" immediately. Pittsburgh Film Office director Dawn Keezer said the city's hotels, car rental agencies, restaurants and hardware stores saw a boost in business. And as of late, there have been more calls about potential film projects there.
"It really woke people up (to the fact) that the film industry is alive and well in Pittsburgh," said Keezer, later claiming that last August "the unemployment rate in southwest Pennsylvania dropped one percentage point because of the 10,000 extras at Heinz Field."
Keezer said Nolan and company approached Pittsburgh because of its many bridges (the city closed a bridge for 30 days during filming of 1999's "Inspector Gadget"), but ended up using bridges in New York instead. Nolan's staffers approached Newark because they wanted to film a subway scene in the city. But Newark's City Hall caught their attention as well, and they decided to film more than just the subway. It took months to prepare for the two-day shoot in Newark, according to Steven Gorelick, executive director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, mainly because the city was closing down a subway line.
"There was so much attention and media for Newark," said Gorelick. "We estimated they dropped $2 million during their time here. They created a lot of sets in City Hall and were here weeks before and a number of days after. … We were thrilled. Newark is enjoying this renaissance. Any attention and positive publicity is a good thing. We got a lot of good PR out of it."
Well before Newark and other locales were chosen there was little to suggest that the third film in the rebooted Batman franchise would bolt Chicago. "Batman Begins" and "Dark Knight" filmed here, and in addition to earning nearly $1.5 billion at the box office, the movies contributed an estimated $50 million to the local economy. Nolan and city officials had nothing but good things to say about each other in interviews.
Chicago was Gotham City — or so we thought.
Rumors began to circulate that Nolan was scouting other U.S. locations to double as Gotham. What appeared to be a given was in doubt. Eventually, it was revealed Chicago had, in fact, been replaced and, even more surprising, would be left completely out of the film.
"I've learned that you can't ever take anything for granted," Moskal said. "I certainly thought that, based on how successful 'The Dark Knight' was, there wouldn't be any reason not to shoot in Chicago. … Chris Nolan was so pivotal in bringing both of those films to Chicago. He clearly likes to work here and loved the look the city offered and the cooperation he received. He fought to bring those films here.
"I believe that he felt Gotham needed freshness to keep the franchise interesting. The decision to not shoot here wasn't anything against Chicago. He was in favor of a unique, fresh look after shooting here so extensively."
Even though Chicago got Superman, its six weeks of filming in the area was only about half as long as "The Dark Knight" shoot. So Nolan's decision to film elsewhere meant less business for Chicago casting agencies, film scouts, film crews, prop rental stores and catering services, some of which worked on the previous Batman films.
"Some Hollywood producers and designers are going to look at something like imdb.com and see what films you were involved with," said Al Cohn, a Chicago location scout and manager who worked on "Transformers: Dark of the Moon." "Certainly, decision-makers would look to see if you worked on a blockbuster."
There are plenty of Chicago actors and extras who no doubt would have loved to add "Rises" to their resumes. The movie prominently featured locals, including Pittsburgh student C.J. Coyne, who sang the national anthem during the football scene. But Chicago didn't get completely shut out. "Rescue Me" actor and Mount Carmel High School alum Daniel Sunjata plays a Special Forces operative brought in to assist Gotham's police department.
"It would have been awesome to film (in Chicago)," Sunjata said. "It's still one of the things on my bucket list to do. It didn't work out that way, but … I would have assumed it would (film in Chicago). I wonder what's up with that. I need to write a letter to Rahm Emanuel."
Chicagoans shouldn't feel too sorry for themselves. There will be other films, and the city will have Batman to thank, in part, for that. "There's disappointment, but we're still benefiting from the previous two films shooting here," Moskal said. "Chicago is associated with the Batman franchise, and the franchise has been a blockbuster success. Other filmmakers saw what Chicago was capable of. I prefer to think of the opportunities we're still seeing."
Twitter @aboutluisgomez


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Enjoy this uniquely designed cell phone case as a great gift for an art lover!
The painting Under the Umbrella is custom designed for your favorite phone!
This slim-fitting phone case is made from poly-carbon, and is scratch and fade resistant.
Available for the iPhone 6/6s, iPhone 5/5s, Samsung S4, S5, & S6 and as an iPad mini cover.
Please allow 5-7 days before shipping, each case is custom made to order.
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Know of any historical tales in which a man kills the woman he loves as a sacrifice in the name of duty, religion, etc.?
I'll take mythological tales too, but for the purposes of the novel I'm writing, I'm hoping there will be a story from history that can be a good jumping off point for me. Preferably something B.C. as I'll be using future time periods as well. She does actually have to die to further the story, and I'd like to avoid familial ties (brother/sister, parent/child) being the relationship between the two characters.
Perhaps this is an odd request, but this seems like a site full of knowledgeable people, so I thought I'd go ahead and ask. Thanks! :)


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A Sandwich a Day: The Reggie Deluxe at Pine State Biscuits in Portland, Oregon
A different sandwich profiled every single day.
In this great nation of ours, one could eat a different sandwich every day of the year—so that's what we'll do. Here's A Sandwich a Day, our daily look at sandwiches around the country. Got a sandwich we should check out? Let us know. —The Mgmt.
Most diners wouldn't associate grits, fried green tomatoes or Andouille sausage with the Pacific Northwest, but if you're under the spell of the mythical Pine State (for the record, Oregon is the Beaver State—fortunately for the dam-building animal, no one has gone that locavore...yet) a towering Paul Bunyan-sized biscuit swimming in sausage gravy makes perfect sense.
Overflowing knife-and-fork sandwiches are Pine State Biscuit's calling card and the Reggie Deluxe ($8) is like brunch on a plate. The homespun kin of KFC's Double Down, but on a biscuit, this cooked-to-order treat contains fried chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese and gravy, topped with an over-easy egg (that's the deluxe part). A runny yolk might have made this extra deluxe, and if you're not eating on-the-go, why not make a mess?
Pine State Biscuits
3640 SE Belmont Street, Portland OR 97214 (map); 503-236-3346
2204 NE Alberta, Portland Oregon 97211 (map); 503-477-6605
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Saw unit «500»
Stable and compact saw unit built to last:
Ready to take the next step?
It's amazing how many perfect components are integrated in this machine – and all for an unbelievably low price.
The Felder CF 531 combi perfectly integrates performance, versitilty, ease of use and solid build quality into one machine – all at an outstanding price.
Quickest possible conversion time and extreme ease of use. In such a small space you can carry out professional, planing, thicknessing, spindle, saw and even mortising work. With the CF 531 the sky is the limit.
... Your decision for Felder, a risk-free decision
Stable and compact saw unit built to last:
The Felder 500 Series saw unit is fully compatible with Dado tooling. Thanks to a removable table insert and flanges, specialised Felder dado tooling can be used.
Scoring Saw Blades have 2 parts and can be adjusted to the thickness of the main saw blade with a shim set. They feature square carbide teeth and positive hook. The scoring saw blades rotate in the opposite direction to the main saw blade.
The continuously developed linear guiding system from Felder has been astounding woodworkers since 1990. The high quality format sliding table guiding technology "X-Roll" comes with a 10 year Felder guarantee and offers amazing operating smoothness and is completely maintenance free. The 'x' design of the position of the roller bearings ensures that they move smoothly along hardened guides.
The outrigger table enables the user to process large and heavy workpieces. The four ball bearing rollers guide the telescopic support arm and ensure maximum precision and smooth running. The telescopic crosscut fence with mounting system and ergonomically designed scale with magnifying lens on the crosscut stop guarantees precise settings and crosscuts up to 2600 mm. The crosscut fence can be positioned between 90°-45° and has one crosscut stop as standard. There is a fixed end stop position for 90°.
Accurate angle adjustments, efficient operation and calibration are all made possible by the precision mitre guide index system.
The ripping width is 800 mm. The ripping scale is large and perfectly integrated into the saw table. The anodised straight edge for the saw can be moved to assist with set-down jobs and to help with workpiece infeed.
Increase your working surface area as needed – Felder System Table Extensions Since their invention in 1969, Felder system table extensions have become a very common and useful choice for many Felder owners. Within seconds and without the use of tools, you are able to increase the working surface of your Felder.
The solid cast iron cutterblock housing is built for heavy duty work. The serrated steel infeed roller and micro-serrated steel outfeed roller ensure a smooth transport of the workpiece through the machine. Both steel rollers are well dimensioned and are non-wearing.
Exclusive for planer/thicknessers from the Felder Group. The Silent-Power® spiral cutterblock reduces noise emissions by more than half when planing. The continuous pulling cut ensures tear-free results when planing all types of wood. With this revolutionary new development from Format-4 you are obtaining all of the advantages of a spiral cutterblock at considerably lower operating, investment and adjustment costs. The advantages of the Silent-Power® cutterblock at a glance ...
A space saving solution with optimum ergonomics: Planer tables tilt away from the user operating area, this ensures working with your Felder is as userfriendly as possible and also requires less workshop space.
The cast iron planing tables are solidly ribbed and can withstand the toughest jobs.
The patented Felder planer table adjustment system, uses prism guidance for the highest level of adjustment precision. Quick and accurate adjustment of cutting depth from the operator side of the infeed table.
The space saving planer guard is integrated into the machine chassis which stabilises the workpiece when planing and bevelling.
The planer fence: A masterpiece of engineering providing stability, precision and performance! The fence can be tilted with end-stops at 90° to 45°.
The horizontal mortiser is mounted on the planer side. An optional dowelling device can be added to increase the mortiser capability.
Thicknessing accuracy to one tenth of a millimeter with the use of the handwheel and its integrated digital display.
Max. Thicknessing height 220 mm.
Stable and compact spindle unit for long lasting precision:
Optional – 10,000 rpm high speed router spindle in place of 30 mm moulder spindle. (must be ordered before the machine is produced).
Large dimensioned and designed for maximum load bearing capacity, the aluminium format sliding table "hovers" on the "X-Roll", a highly developed guiding technology. The X shape ("X-Roll") design of the rollers distributes the load optimally on all sides. The linear surface of the steel rollers running on the hardened and ground guiding surface guarantees unbeatable precision and smoothness. "X-Roll" will guarantee you the quality and precision that you expect from your new tilting spindle moulder. Another reason to choose Felder: 10 year factory guarantee to underline the reliability of "X-Roll".
With just a couple of turns of your hand, the spindle shaft can be swapped with varying diameters, without losing any of the settings.
Professional equipment: "240" spindle fence for max. tooling diameter 230 mm, MULTI adjustment system for spindle fence "240" enabling parallel alignment and quick setup
The fence allows tooling of a maximum diameter of 230 mm to be used. The fine adjustment can be set between -5 to +25 mm. The extraction of the chips is done via the integrated extraction connection.
The safety bar guides are great for end-grain work (optional).
The use of a power feeder ensures that standard work when moulding can be carried out cleanly and precisely
The Felder device for tilting the feeder away means the power feeder always remains on the machine and can be used at any time with no difficulties.
OUTSTANDING! The patented double mitre gauge from Felder allows for mitre cuts on pieces of differing widths and at any angle. Really easy to use: simply type in the desired angle as well as the widths of your workpieces on the keyboard. Immediately, you will receive the settings and can set the electronic double mitre gauge accordingly. The fence stop on the fence can be adjusted up to 1350 mm with the scale. Regardless of the angles set, the length compensating vernier scale allows you to compensate for the workpiece length.
We are going to show you step by step, how you can make your very own unique pine bed, using just Felder machines, a few hand tools and a passion for woodworking. With the Felder CF531P full combination machine and our Felder FB510 bandsaw we have almost everything we need. Jointing, planing, cutting and shaping all safely done with machines from Felder.


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We were so blessed to be able to be with my brother and his family for our niece's first Christmas! We weren't sure what exactly to get her though until one day we were walking around Michael's and saw a tiny wooden rocking horse. We both stopped and gave each other a big smile, knowing what the other was thinking.
We purchased the horse and decided to paint it and cover it with scrapbook paper. This turned out to be a little harder than it sounded at the time. I didn't really take any photos of the "during" process, but I'll walk you through what we did. You could do this with just about anything – a wooden stool, doll house, rocking chair . . . the possibilities are endless!
I don't have a photo, but when we purchased the rocking horse, it was unpainted and wooden. You'll just have to trust me on that.
Next, my amazing husband filled in any dents and abnormalities he found with wood putty and then painted the horse green to match her nursery. And then created a template for the parts I planned to cover in scrapbook paper.
And then . . . the horse sat in our livingroom that way for about a month.
Have you ever seen The New Girl? Sometimes I think they based some of Nick and Jess's personalities off of James and I. I don't want to name names, but one of us might sing and dance about what they are doing on occasion, and the other one of us might have a tendency to yell what others would normally say in a calm manner.
For example, one day James came home from work and says "Hey, don't you think it's about time that you finish the horse?"
To which I replied "I know . . . I'm just afraid that I'm going to do it wrong and ruin it."
Ok, now imagine how Nick would say this, because it's exactly how James said it. "What are you talking about! Look at that horse! It's exploding cuteness all over our living room. YOU CAN'T RUIN THAT!"
Oops. I guess I just gave away who is most similar to Nick. Well, to be fair, I might have have done a little song and dance the day we bought the horse. Moving on . . .
I chose scrapbook paper that matched our paint color and cut out the pieces using the templates James made. This took quite a bit of time, as I wanted to match the patterns up so the seams were less noticable. The plan was to Mod Podge it on, but the glue caused one of the papers to bleed its color a bit, so I just used Mod Podge to glue it only. I used a sponge brush to brush the glue on to the paper and then placed the paper on the horse, smoothing out wrinkles and bubbles. This was the really tricky part—smoothing it out quickly before the paper had a chance to dry, but not so fast that it created more wrinkles and bubbles.
Lastly, we had planned to cover the finished horse with clear sealant, since the Mod Podge made the color run, but the sealant caused the paper to wrinkle, so we ended up just leaving it unsealed.
It's not perfect, but I think it turned out pretty cute. And Hannah seemed to like it, which is what matters most, right? 🙂
Is it just me, or is she the cutest baby in the whole world?
Thanks for stopping by!
This post was featured on Tip Me Tuesday, Skip to My Lou, Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons, Flaunt it Friday, A Bowl Full of Lemons, and The Frugal Girls.


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Having cut out the wonder-weed along with the demon weed, I find that I am dreaming rather vividly at the moment. Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me. Well, desired me. But it was a friend of mine, so it was a bit odd. She came into my room and lay on top of me, on top of my duvet too, so that I couldn't move. Then she kissed my face repeatedly and told me she'd had an erotic dream about me. I told her she'd better go because I was becoming aroused.
Then I dreamt that Tony Soprano was whipping me with a chain. I tried to crawl away but I realised that this might anger him further, so I crawled back into whipping range, and he continued to whip me, mercilessly.
Then I dreamt about kittens. Lots of dreams about kittens. One in particular about two kittens, one of which was grouchy and unplayful, the other of which was your classic frolicking kitten. I chastised the grouchy one, grabbing it roughly and shouting at it. 'Why can't you be like the other kitten?' I yelled in its miserable face.
Then a fox hissed at me and another cat coolly caught a pigeon, wrapping its jaws quite savagely around its neck. The pigeon did not resist. It barely moved, just accepted its pain, blinking calmly.
What can it all mean?
In a couple of weeks, I'm going to get hold of an anti-smoking pill that apparently has vivid dreaming as a side-effect. I can't wait. The scarier, the better.
Now I must attempt to write something amusing. In the last month, three new writing opportunities have arisen through this blog, a couple of them very interesting, one not so much. The one I'm about to embark on now is potentially extremely interesting. No money at the moment, but you never know where these things might lead. You know? You never know.
Pleasant Tuesday to you. Blessings be upon you.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Night Terrors
Having cut out the wonder-weed along with the demon weed, I find that I am dreaming rather vividly at the moment. Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me. Well, desired me. But it was a friend of mine, so it was a bit odd. She came into my room and lay on top of me, on top of my duvet too, so that I couldn't move. Then she kissed my face repeatedly and told me she'd had an erotic dream about me. I told her she'd better go because I was becoming aroused.
Posted by La Bête at 14:12
Labels: cats, dreams, The Sopranos
12 comments:
- Panda said...
Well, the beasts represent you and the kittens are facets of your personality. You're annoyed at yourself when you have grouchy or less creative days, sometimes, and you want to shout at yourself.
I'm pretty sure that the fox and the predatory cat represent something inevitable, something that cannot be avoided, and the fate of the pigeon is your acceptance of this. This is also mirrored in the Tony Soprano scene. It might just be the weight of oppression you feel upon giving up various stimulants.
As for the sexy bit, I can't possibly imagine what on earth that's all about. Complete mystery....
- 10 November 2009 at 14:31
Means you need to buck up and go down the pub.
- 10 November 2009 at 15:54
- gongman said...
Is it mushroom season in your region?
- 10 November 2009 at 17:01
Yikes! Someone or something is being punished in all those dreams, especially the Soprano dream. Like the Gimp in Pulp Fiction. Except perhaps the erotic friend dream, which sounded good.
So, did she go away or did you consumate (spelling?) your friendship? Methinks you need a massage so you can dream of sugar and spice and everything nice.
A Twitter friend
- 10 November 2009 at 18:58
Yikes! Why pay for cable TV (or drugs) when you can have dreams like that! haha I go through phases of weird dreams. Most of the time I don't remember them. I agree with Panda's interpretation of yours. Sweet dreamin'...
Maria in Oregon
- 10 November 2009 at 19:27
- Artful Kisser said...
I had an erotic dream about you...it was all that talk of Carmela and Furio...
A friend took those pills you speak of and told me she had dreams about massacring people Charles Manson style. She'd wake up desperate for a ciggie.
- 11 November 2009 at 03:43
Oh dear Stan, are you knackered and on edge in the morning after these dreams?
And go careful on the no smoking pills, one of them can make you severely depressed.
Gaffer tape your gob instead.
- 11 November 2009 at 06:32
I've been having Sopranos dreams - I'm working my way through all the series. I'm almost done with the third series, and it's taken over my life. Not sure what I'll do when I eventually finish - probably have to end it (my life). Amazing writing, amazing characters ... just, well, amazing.
- 11 November 2009 at 12:41
- Queen of Cuts said...
I'm on anti-depressants which give me vivid dreams. I'm enjoying them because I hardly ever have nightmares. Last time I dreamt I finally met my father, who was black and very nice and he was hugging me and I felt loved. I'm white.
Well done for quitting. Keep it up.
- 11 November 2009 at 13:25
- La Bête said...
Thanks, Panda, that was very convincing.
Thanks, AndrewM, that was less convincing.
Funny you should say that, Gongman. A friend of mine has just collected a bag and we were going to take some this weekend, but now he has to work so it's off. Soon though hopefully. If you were suggesting that I've already taken some though, no.
ATF, no, there was no consummation. I never dream about consummation. Never. It pisses me off. 'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished.
Hey, Maria. No, come on. Dreams are great, but let's not underestimate the healing power of good drugs.
AK! I didn't know you were you. Ha. Small world. I've just seen what happened with C and F by the way, and now I am furious.
Hey, Clumpf. No, not at all. I never feel bad after dreams, even really bad ones. On the contrary, I think I always feel somewhat invigorated.
Anon, yes. Yes, yes, yes. I've just started Season 5. When it's all over, there's always West Wing, or 24, or Mad Men. Or, I suppose, books. Anyway, suicide seems a bit unnecessary.
Thanks, DD. And good luck to you.
- 11 November 2009 at 13:54
I hope you get your wish, Stan
- 11 November 2009 at 15:13
Ha! You think they're weird? Try mine Mr, there aren't actually words to describe them. They are beyond wrong and go on forever. That's just from my prescribed meds. Oh joy! I don't suppose it helps when I dream I'm suffocating and wake up with a certain furry bathroom item sitting on my chest... xxx
- 12 November 2009 at 22:34


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Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. won't be washing cars for a living anymore.
The 37-year-old soulful crooner beat the competition on the star-studded season six finale of NBC's "America's Got Talent" Wednesday. He takes home the show's $1 million prize and a headlining gig on the Las Vegas strip.
"It has been a long, hard journey," Murphy said above the roar of the audience after thanking his fans.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
The father of four was the only solo-performer left in the competition, voted winner ahead of innovative dance troupes Silhouettes and Team iLuminate.
Teen rock and soul group PopLyfe came in fourth place after voters delivered their verdict following a final performance round on Tuesday.
The finalists learned their fate at the end of a 2-hour finale featuring duets and performances by Def Leopard, Queen Latifah, Tony Bennett, Jackie Evancho, Cobra Starship and Patti LaBelle.
Stevie Wonder joined PopLyfe to perform his hit "Higher Ground."
"We performed with our idol," PopLyfe singer Kehlani Parrish said later. "We just lived our dream."
In the end, it came down to Murphy and Silhouettes, a Colorado-based troupe whose members range from ages 3 to 19.
Murphy, a West Virginia native, had belted out Frank Sinatra's "My Way" on Tuesday. Afterward judge Sharon Osbourne said the performance gave her "goose bumps," while Piers Morgan called it a "million dollar performance."
Judge Howie Mandel had predicted Tuesday night that Team iLuminate also deserved to win. But he said America would likely not deliver the necessary votes because the troupe lacked one personality to rally around.
Jerry Springer said on Wednesday's finale that all the finalists, as well as last year's "America's Got Talent" winner Michael Grimm, would perform during a 3-night concert at Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas beginning on Oct. 28.


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against (one's) principles(redirected from against principles)
against (one's) principles
In opposition or contrary to one's values or beliefs, such as those of religion, ethics, or ideology. I'm afraid it goes against my principles to vote for a measure that would limit funding for public schools. He told me it's against his principles to drink alcohol.
See also: principle


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I can really say that 2016 has been an epic year so far. August was also filled with amazing moments that fill me with happiness. It started with the fact that my vacation started on August 1st. We booked a hotel in Brussels for three days, because we went to the Harry Potter expo! I really enjoyed this exhibition, where you could see all the real trinkets and costumes they used in the movies. I especially loved walking around the room where they recreated Hagrid's 'house' and the Great Hall.
Here are a few pictures to give you an idea:
It has also been a while since I visited Brussels, so we had a great time wandering around the city. A few days later we celebrated my boyfriend's birthday, right before we left off for our 12-day tour in Italy. This was our first vacation together and it was great! The weather was A+, with only sun and temperatures around 30 degrees.
On Monday we left off for a stop in Germany.
On Tuesday we arrived in Toscane at Montecatini Terme.
On Wednesday we visited VATICAN CITY: the musea, Sistine chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's square with the Obelisk. Late in the afternoon we arrived at our hotel in Fiuggi Terme.
On Thursday we went to ROME, where we had a guide to walk us through the historical parts. We saw the Colosseum (only the outside though :(), Forum Romanum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. After that we had 5 hours of free time, so we had a pizza and then tried to see as many things as we could find. I LOVE Rome. This city has stolen my heart and I really want to return to see more.
On Friday we saw the MONTECASSINO ABBEY & NAPELS. I was disappointed by Napels, to be honest.. We arrived at our hotel in Castellammare, where we stayed for four nights.
On Saturday we went to the ISLAND OF CAPRI. What a beautiful island. We took the funicular to the top from Ana-Capri and we had the most fantastic view on the Vesuvius and other islands. Then we had a boat tour around the island, where we sailed through the Faraglioni rocks. If you kiss someone, you will stay together forever (or if you throw a coin over your shoulder, your wish will come through)
On Sunday we had another day I will never forget. We climbed the VESUVIUS, had a spectacular view, and then we went to POMPEII.
On Monday we went to SORRENTO, where we had a free day. National holiday, so in the evening there was a DJ at the hotel. Fun.
On Tuesday we drove around the AMALFI COAST and we visited AMALFI.
On Wednesday we started on our way back home. We had a stop in ASSISI for 2 hours and what a lovely place! Medieval buildings, my favorite. We went to our hotel in Montecatinni Terme.
On Thursday we had another stop in Germany.
On Friday we arrived at the station around 22:30.
Italy, I LOVE YOU and Rome, I will be back soon! Here some impression photographs (if you want to see some other shots, go check out my Instagram)
We had the bookclub sleep-over here! Instead of our usual read-a-thon, we had a watch-a-thon. It was hilarious to watch the Shadowhunter TV show (and the terrible Vampire Academy) together. This show is SO bad, but entertaining at the same time. We also had a walk through a park nearby my house (where we tried to find Pokemons) Good times :)
I found a Waterstones in Brussels, where I snagged a copy of The Cursed Child – and I used their offer for second book half price by picking Wolf by Wolf and Passenger. My signed copy from Nevernight came in the mail, together with a signed copy of This Savage Song that I won from Victoria Schwab. I finally bought a copy from Poison, which I loved years ago, and I had to by PS: I like you from my auto-buy author Kasie West. The Warrior Heir was a belated birthday gift from Daph, I got A World Without You in my Booklybird subcription box and I got a copy from Barefoot on the moon, because duh, Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Megan Shull – Bounce. 1.5/5. Not for me.
Mira Grant – Parasite. 4/5.
Mira Grant – Symbiont. 3.5/5.
Claire LeGrand – Foxheart. 3/5.
Jen Malone – Wanderlost. 3.5/5.
Rhiannon Thomas – A Wicked Thing. 4/5. A re-read I liked so much more than the first time.
Rose Mannering – Feathers. 3/5.
Jessica Khoury – The Forbidden Wish. 3.5/5. Liked it, ending let me down.
The Hateful Eight. So weird.
Vampire Academy. The universe must hate me. Second time I had to sit through this terrible, awkward movie. There is not even a hot Dimitri to look at, ugh.
TV shows.
Black Sails binge-watch. We flew through the three seasons and I'm really digging it. Season 3 crushed me, so many feelings!
Shadowhunters season 1, episodes 1-6 with the bookclub. I will miss the funny commentary from my friends. What a show.. AND I HATE "flat-chest" CLARY. You and asshole Jace deserve each other. Also, slutty and nice Isabel? Nope.
How was your June?


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How to Say Borehole in Chinese Simplified
Categories: Technology and Engineering
If you want to know how to say borehole in Chinese Simplified, you will find the translation here. We hope this will help you to understand Chinese Simplified better.
Here is the translation and the Chinese Simplified word for borehole:
Check out other translations to the Chinese Simplified language:
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Laxmi Rajak (Nepal)Further education, community service and volunteering - Head, Heart and Hands.
Laxmi graduated Pestalozzi in 2011 and is now studying International Comparative Studies and Mathematics at Duke University in North Carolina. She writes:
I have been enjoying Duke so far, the fact that I spent two years at Pestalozzi made my transition to Duke life easier. Academically wise, this semester I am taking Hindi, Advanced Multivariable Calculus, International Comparative Studies and a writing class.Apart from the the academic load, I try to get involved in other non-academic activities. Last semester I volunteered as a personal tutor at a local school here in Durham. This summer, I am doing an internship with an NGO called Door Step School in Mumbai, India. I will be working with the street and slum children, helping them with English and Math. Similar to my country (Nepal) there are many street and slum children in India who haven't been able to receive education because of their social-economic staus. I strongly believe that education is the best way to improve an indivudual's life, I think an opportunity at Door Step School will give me a chance to use my skills to empower the children to access all areas of curriculum and to achieve their maximum potential.
Before I joined Pestalozzi, I barely knew what community service and volunteering was, but being at Pestalozzi for two years instilled a strong desire within me to help other people who are in a similar situation. I would like to mention that Pestalozzi has paid an important role in who I am today. Coming from a family which is not only poor but also treated as untouchable because of my caste, I would have never been able to attend a University like Duke. If I didn't get the Pestalozzi scholarship, I might have ended up washing the clothes and dishes at other peoples house like my mother does.
Pestalozzi has made a huge impact, not only on my life, but also on the lives of my family members. Thank you!
An update from Laxmi, January 2013:
As you know, I am on study abroad this semester. I am having a great time here in India and can't believe that it's already been a month, with only one month more here. I've attached some photos (below). However, I am excited to spend the other half of the semester in Beijing, China. I just wanted to let you know that I got onto the Dean's List with Distinction last semester (the students who are on the top 10 percent of their class get into this list)!
An update from Laxmi, July 2013:
After my study abroad program in China and India, I went back to Nepal to see my friends and family. It was great to see them after a year. I'm now in Kenya working with WISER (Women's Institute of Secondary Education and Research) on the WISERBridge program. WISERBridge is an educational enrichment program that provides rigorous external benchmarking to improve and monitor student progress at primary schools in Muhuru Bay to increase the passing rate of girls in the Kenyan National Exam (KCPE). The main goal of the project is to provide foundation to the future of the girls in Muhuru Bay through education.
Just being at my first school, I have learnt a lot about the community and the culture of people. I have had great discussions about religion, about poverty, hard work, and motivation. I feel that my story of how I managed to attend one of the best universities in the world despite being born in a poor family and having gone through various obstacles has provided them motivation to never give up. One of the students wrote to me, "You have sincerely made me know, believe and trust that I can be anything I would like to be. I have realized that success is neither final nor failure fatal. What matters is attitude and hard-work with a goal in mind". I think that motivating students like this to continue with their education is going to be my greatest contribution to Muhuru Bay community.
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A visit to Sian Ka'an is one of the oddest experiences that I've ever had. Who'd think that a day in the swamp is a day well spent? And yet the haze, the turquoise water and holes from which the lake bubbled were intriguing.
The Mayan ruin of Muyil is one of many Mayan treasures crumbling in the forest and sinking into this oddly scenic place. There is a very unique feeling to the landscape – nothing like the sterile desolation that the well traveled tourist ruins at Tulum have become. And in amongst the grass and crocodiles there is a rusting narrow gauge railway. There is also a channel that connects the lake in the middle of the swamp out to the Caribbean Sea, and a current of incredible strength flowing down this channel which was dug by slave long dead and sacrificed.
In the accompanying video on the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, we wandered amongst the pyramids and climbed to the top of one such crumbling edifice that Manuel called the castle. It was over fractured blocks that I clawed my way up to a platform way above the canopy. One misplaced handhold would have sent me bouncing back down the pyramid – a fall that I'd not survive.
I assume it was an alter that I found myself leaning on and behind me a grotto from whence I gazed across the swamp to a structure known as the Customs building. In the shadow I noticed a kneeling figure up against the wall, just a faint outline where the light caught the edges of raised plaster. It seems that the fresco must be decaying in the humidity, and the building is supposedly slowly settling into mud.
Check out this video on the Sian Ka'an – Mexican documentary, Exploring the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve